Waco, TX (September 30, 2018) – The 2018 Nautique USA National Wakesurf Championships presented by GM Marine Engine Technology showcased rapid evolution paired with an inspiring spectacle of athletic ability in a family-friendly environment. It was a true Battle Royale out on the water with several athletes showcasing versatility combining both skim and surf style boards in their runs.
“I’d like to congratulate all of the wakesurfers going home with National Titles today,” said Nautique President Greg Meloon. “There were some incredible performances behind the G23 and we are proud to play a part in such a groundbreaking event for wakesurfing. We’re already looking forward to next year!”
The Jr. Women kicked off the final day with Ashley Inloes (FL) leading the pack with a clean shuv it and a 180 to 540 revert to take the division win with a score of 85.67. Zoey Montgomery (TX) took second scoring 82.67 with a B/S 360.
Beaux Wildman (IN) stole the show for the Jr. Men’s division final round, sealing off a weekend of progressive surfing with a National title win and a final score of 92.33. Tyler Stewart (MN) put down an 81.67 in second place with an Alley Oop to 1080, followed by Bo Holley (TX) placed third giving it everything he had for a final score of 79.00.
The Adaptive division had all eyes on the water with the Wake for Warriors finalists showing the crowd just what they had been working on all summer. Final standings included Carter Hess (FL) with an 85.00 and his first National Adaptive Standing title, followed by Nate Hamilton (NC) in second with a stand up second pass landing a score of 76.67. Stefan LeRoy (FL) went home to Florida with his first Adaptive Sitboarding title after throwing his signature Superman for a final score of 92.67.
The Master’s Women kept the competition going with Crystal Hale (AZ) taking the win incorporating her own yoga-surf style while representing Rockstar Energy to earn herself a 73.33, followed by Holly Allaire (TX) with 65.00. In the Master’s Men final round, Andy Finch (CA) took the heat win with a massive air for a score of 73.33, followed by Shane Hale (AZ) for a score of 68.33. Daniel Hensley (GA) took third to round out the podium with a final score of 63.33.
Scott Culp (FL) took the Veteran’s Men National title with a big spin to secure the top spot with a 78.00 score. Eric Grindland (MN) came in second with a 70.67, followed by Brent Dorey (CA) in third with 68.67 to round out the podium.
The Women’s division saw some epic riding with Gentry Slayden (TX) scoring a 75.67 to take the win with multiple ollies. The Men’s final saw more impressive passes with Shane Blanton (WI) becoming the division’s 2018 National Champion throwing down a 3 shuv for a final 90.67 score, followed by Austin Madry (TX) with a 70.33 score.
Roswell Marine athlete Ashley Kidd (TX) rose to the top of the Pro Women’s division, taking the National title scoring 91.00 and hacking an air reverse to F/S shuv in pass one and a shuv to B/S 180 to body varial in pass two. Team Nautique athlete Jodi Grassman (FL) joined the podium in second place, throwing a mute shuv for a score of 88.00, followed by Jordan Wolfe (GA) in third with a final score of 84.67.
“It feels really great to take the win today, the competition was extremely tough out there this weekend and all the girls put down some insane performances. I’d like to thank my sponsors for all of their support and I look forward to seeing everyone again next year!” commented Pro Women’s Champion Ashley Kidd.
Giving the Brazos River something to remember, Keenan Flegel (FL) came out on a top with an epic performance behind the Super Air Nautique G23 to earn his winning score of 90.67 in the Pro Men’s division. Flegel put down a super clean 3 shuv and a huge B/S air to secure the top spot, along with a switch F/S big spin to finish it off. In second, Parker Payne (FL) had an incredible run that included an Alley Oop 360 and a 540 shuv scoring 87.67. Jacob Caster (MA) rounded out the podium with a 540 B/S big spin for a third place finishing score of 79.33.
“It means a lot to me to take the National title out here in Waco this weekend. Every contest I compete in it seems as though the riding just continues to get crazier and crazier,” said Pro Men Champion Keenan Flegel. “I’ve never been more honored to be up on this podium alongside these riders who are constantly pushing and progressing our sport. I’d like to give a big thanks to my family and friends who came out to not only support me in the Nautique USA National Wakesurf Championships but celebrate my birthday as well this weekend!”
For a full list of results Click Here.
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About Nautique Boat Company: Celebrating 94 years of excellence in the marine industry, Nautique is a subsidiary of Correct Craft and has been on the waters of the world with a passion for innovation since 1925. Nautique is known to push the envelope of possibility on the water, and our owners have come to expect nothing but the absolute best. The Ski Nautique has been reinvented as the lightest ski boat on the market, the G-Series has won numerous awards for wakeboard boat and wakesurf boat of the year while unlocking new possibilities in wakeboarding and wakesurfing, and our GS Series has given families endless days on the water without compromise. Through our Nautique Cares initiatives we’re dedicated to not only making a difference on the water, but to people in need around the world. The world’s best ski boat, world’s best wake boat, and a company that cares. To learn more visit Nautique.com.
About The WWA: Developed for riders by riders, the World Wake Association stands as a global network of passionate representatives dedicated to the growth of towed boardsports. Since 1989 our mission and values remain true to the core of our community. Our position as the authority on competitive standards has been earned through consistent development; sanctioning and producing more than 6,000 worldwide events and counting. We are the only organization solely focused on the best interests of the sport, spearheading a collective movement on the journey to discover where wake takes you. The WWA owns and operates the WWA Wakeboard World Series, WWA Wake Park World Series, WWA Wakeboard National Championships, WWA Wake Park National Championships, WWA Wakeboard World Championships, WWA Wake Park World Championships, WWA Wake Park Triple Crown, WWA Pro Card and WWA Rider Experience. For more information on the World Wake Association, check out TheWWA.com.
