Oklahoma City, Okla. - The Oklahoma River served as the national stage for the United State's top pro wake athletes today, as Oklahoma City, Okla. hosted its fourth day of the 2009 Air Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships, presented by ROCKSTAR.
The Air Nautique Nationals is five-day-long event, featuring pro and amateur wakeboarders and wakeskaters, competing for U.S. national titles in 20 different divisions, separated by age and skill level.
The Pro Wakeskate division was first off the dock this morning for their semifinal round, with Florida native Reed Hansen posting the high score of the day with 75.00 points to lead his heat. Hansen, Brandon Thomas, Brian Grubb and defending national champ Stuart Shinn all advanced onto tomorrow's finals.
In the Pro Women's division, Dallas Friday of Orlando, Fla. made wakeboarding history today, becoming the first female rider ever to land an S-Bend in contest, while in route to lead her heat with a score 98.50. Friday, along with five other female riders, advanced onto tomorrow's Pro Women finals. Among the six female finalists is Amber Wing who scored a perfect 100-point run.
Defending U.S. national champion Phillip Soven of Longwood, Fla. and the 40+ other riders in the Pro Men's division hit the water today for their opening round of the contest. Riders battled it out on the water in ten heats during the quarterfinals, with only the top two riders in each heat advancing onto tomorrow's semifinals. Among the 20 semifinalists is Jim LaRiche of Boca Raton, Fla., who posted a perfect score of 100 points.
On the amateur level, the Boys division hit water for their semifinals, competing in two heats of four. The top two riders from each heat advanced, sending Noah Flegel, Jason Soven, Zach Brown Paulie Koch to tomorrow's finals.
In the Boys Beginner division, Braxton Feemster captured the national title today, after taking first place in the finals.
The Air Nautique Nationals concludes tomorrow, Sunday, July 12, running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In addition to all the action on the water, on land, spectators will enjoy great food and music; athlete autograph signings; chances to win freebies; and shopping at the most cutting-edge stores for water-sports equipment including boats, wakeboards, wakeskates, sunglasses and the latest in wakeboarding and surfing fashions.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate on event dates for $10 (general admission), $5 (ages 6-12) or free (ages 5 and under).
For daily schedules, results, standings, photos, videos, athlete bios and more, please visit www.AlliSports.com.
The Air Nautique Nationals is a World Wakeboard Association (WWA) sanctioned event. The World Wakeboard Association is a rider formed organization dedicated to growing and promoting wake sports worldwide. It is the leading source for riders, organizers, and competitive standards.
The Air Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships, presented by ROCKSTAR is organized by World Sports & Marketing of Orlando, Fla. The WWA Nationals have the support of the following sponsors: Correct Craft, Rockstar Energy Drink, Fox, the U.S. Air Force, Hyperlite, CWB, Ronix, Liquid Force, Gator Boards, Oakley, Ride the Wake, FUEL TV and Allisports.com.
The Air Nautique by Correct Craft is the exclusive tow boat of the WWA Nationals. Celebrating 84 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft Inc. is the producer of the Nautique line of boats. The manufacturer of Nautique is known for delivering superior quality product, cutting-edge technology and exceptional service experiences.
ROCKSTAR is the world's most powerful energy drink. Enhanced with the potent herbal blend of Guarana, Ginkgo, Ginseng and Milk Thistle, ROCKSTAR is formulated to provide an incredible energy boost for those who lead active and exhausting lifestyles - from athletes to rock stars. ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK is available in eleven amazing flavors: Original, Sugar Free, Zero Carb, Juiced Mango Orange Passion Fruit, Juiced Guava, Juiced Pomegranate, Tropical Punched, Punched Citrus, Roasted Mocha, Roasted Latte, and Roasted Light Vanilla. ROCKSTAR ENERGY SHOTS are available in Wild Berry and Tropical Punch flavors. ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK is available at convenience and grocery retail outlets across the United States, Canada, Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Spain, The Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, and throughout the United Kingdom.
Media Partners
To catch all the high-flying, rail-sliding, water-sports action of the King of Wake series, tune in to FUEL TV - the official television partner of the King of Wake. WakeBoarding, published by Bonnier Corp., is the official magazine of the King of Wake series. Read about all things wakeboarding, with expert coverage of professional instruction, gear, boats and news.
King of Wake
Viewed as the world's elite pro wakeboarding circuit, the King of Wake series has attracted the sport-s top athletes from throughout the globe. With more than $300,000 in prize money over the eight-event season, athletes compete during the course of the year to be named the "King of Wake" - an award based on points accumulated at each stop of the series. Events include the Wake Games, the WWA Wakeboard National Championships, the WWA Wakeboard World Championships and all five stops on the Pro Wakeboard Tour. The King of Wake is organized by World Sports & Marketing - the leading wake events producer since 1988.
Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports
Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports, is a global business that encompasses national and international action sports tours and events, multimedia production, and a consumer facing lifestyle brand. The Alliance includes: the Dew Tour, Winter Dew Tour, China Invitational, Maloof Money Cup, AMA Motocross Championship, King of Wake series, and the Free Flow Tour; Alli Productions, which creates original content, produces and presents content with partners, and distributes Alli content through a variety of channels. Alli is owned by NBC Sports and MTV Networks and represents a network of athletes, fans, brands and properties. Its mission is to facilitate the momentous growth of action sports, through competition and lifestyle, for a new generation of fans and athletes. The Alli properties are home to more than 550,000 spectators each year and broadcasts more than 150 hours of original content in 100 countries and 280 million homes worldwide. More information can be found at www.AlliSports.com.
