Orlando, Fla. - Fans packed shores of the Orlando Watersports Complex in Orlando, Fla. today for the final rounds of action at the 2009 ROCKSTAR WWA Wakeboard World Championships, presented by Supra.
In the Pro Women's division, Orlando's own Dallas Friday made a splash on her hometown waters today, winning her first world title since 2006 - her fourth of her career. England's Nicola Butler finished in second place, while Aussie Amber Wing took third.
Canada's Aaron Rathy edged out 15-year-old Australian rookie phenom Harley Clifford 87.50 and 85.00 in today's Pro Men's division finals to win his first world title. Clifford and former two-time world champ Andrew Adkison rounded out the contest podium, respectively.
The 2009 Worlds served as the final event in both the King of Wake and Queen of Wake series. With today's wins, both Aaron Rathy and Dallas Friday were launched to the top of the series overall point standings, earning Rathy his first King of Wake crown and Friday her first Queen of Wake crown. Both riders received a cash bonus and a year worth of bragging rights.
During today's contest, Shaun Murray claimed the ROCKSTAR Best Trick Award for his massive Heelside 540 of off the U.S. Air Force kicker. The Award is a $1,000 cash prize.
Defending world champ Reed Hansen of Groveland, Fla. faced off in a fierce five-man final today in the Pro Wakeskate division to win his third consecutive world title - the most any pro wakeskater has won in the history of the sport. Stuart Shinn and Brandon Thomas rounded out the podium.
In the Jr. Pro Men's division, riders battled it out in a six-man final for the world title. All six riders threw down some impressive runs, but Aussie Mitch Langfield topped the competition to win his first World Championship. Daniel Powers and Steel Lafferty rounded out the contest podium, respectively.
For results, standings, photos, videos, athlete bios and more, please visit www.AlliSports.com.
The Wakeboard World Championships is organized by World Sports & Marketing of Orlando, Fla. The Worlds has the support of the following sponsors: Rockstar Energy Drink, Supra boats, Mona Vie, the U.S. Air Force, Indmar, Billabong, Hyperlite, CWB, Ronix, Liquid Force, Gator Boards, Oakley, WWA, Ride the Wake, FUEL TV and Allisports.com.
The World Wakeboard Association (WWA) is a rider formed organization dedicated to promoting and growing wake sports worldwide. It is the leading source for riders, event organizers and competitive standards.
Supra is the official tow boat of the WWA Wakeboard World Championships. Celebrating 30 years of excellence in the marine industry, Supra pioneered rider-friendly boats that feature innovative hull designs, adjustable wakes and versatile seating with sleek and sexy styling.
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.
