HARLEY CLIFFORD AND MEAGAN ETHELL WIN 2017 NAUTIQUE WWA WAKEBOARD NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS PRESENTED BY ROCKSTAR ENERGY
Acworth, GA (August 7, 2017) – Every event behind 4X Wakeboard and 3X Wakesurf boat of the year, the Super Air Nautique G23 brings out the very best in wakeboarding’s top athletes. The 2017 Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships presented by Rockstar Energy showcased riding that only years ago may have seemed impossible, but rapid progression has resulted in every final round becoming an inspiring spectacle of athletic ability.
With the weight of the world on his shoulders, Harley Clifford (AUS) had no choice but to go for broke after a first trick fumble. Knowing that Mike Dowdy (USA) had an almost flawless run, Harley put down three double flips to take him over the edge along with two 900’s and two mobe 540’s, for a winning score of 95.67. In second, Nautique athlete Mike Dowdy had two amazing stand-up passes that included a double half cab roll, corked late grab 720 and a tail grabbed KGB 540 scoring 92.67. Nautique’s own Noah Flegel (USA) placed third with 89.67 points after crushing his first pass landing a late grabbed Moby Dick 540. Flegel landed two 900’s in pass two separating him from the pack.
Nautique’s team rider Meagan Ethell (USA) returned to the top of the Pro Women’s division, taking her second National title scoring 94.67. She came out of the gate swinging, landing a whirlybird, and switch 540 in pass one with a KGB, Moby Dick, and a roll-to-blind in pass two to remove any doubt she’s 100% back in action. Nicola Butler (USA) took the podium in second place, throwing a Moby Dick and roll to blind for a score of 84.00 followed by Larisa Morales (MEX) in third who scored 79.00 after landing a big front to fakie and B/S 540.
“It feels amazing to be back on top of the podium. The girls were all ripping and the G23 wake was perfect. Thank you to Nautique for an awesome event and an awesome boat. I’m ready for Worlds!” said 2017 Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Champion Meagan Ethell.
The Jr. Pro Men have kept us guessing all season in a back and forth battle for the top spot. Tyler Higham (USA) put down a 90.00 score to take the National title with a wrapped indy 360 rewind, nose grabbed roll-to-blind and a perfect double half cab roll. Elliot Digney (AUS) placed second scoring 81.67 points landing a huge B/S 720 and a double half cab roll. In third, Lorenzo Soprani (ITA) gave it everything he had, cranking a cab 720 before topping it off with a perfect switch T/S 900.
“Yeah this event was all time and that G23 wake was sick! The flotilla was going off the whole time we were riding, amping the boys to charge. Thank you Acworth!” said 2017 Jr. Pro Men’s Nautique WWA National Champion Tyler Higham.
The Pro Wakeskate division went off with Reed Hansen (USA) leading the pack landing a huge W2W big spin to take the win with a score of 81.67. Austin Polterock (USA) took second scoring 70.00 with a big T/S indy shove, B/S 180, and switch H/S 360. Finishing off the podium in third, Brian Grubb (USA) scored 50.00 with a sick T/S late shove.
“I’d like to congratulate all the winners of this year’s Nautique WWA National Championships,” said Nautique President Greg Meloon. “I’d also like to thank all of the competitors, fans and the city of Acworth for hosting such an incredible event. The entire team here at Nautique is very proud that the G23 once again delivered perfect wakes for the best riders in our sport to capture National titles.”
Qualifying riders from each division will be invited to the 2017 Nautique WWA Wakeboard World Championships August 24-27 in Toronto, Canada at the Canadian National Exhibition.
CLICK HERE for a full list of results from day 4 of the Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships.
Dedicated to progressing the sport from the ground up, the Nautique Wake Series puts riders first, developing the stars of tomorrow and showcasing the top athletes of today with every major event held behind the Super Air Nautique G23. The Nautique Wake Series is the only event series that gives riders of all ages, gender and skill level the opportunity to compete at an elite level.
For more information on the Nautique Wake Series Click Here.
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About Nautique Boat Company: Celebrating 92 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 200 has changed waterskiing with 25 world records, 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 Sport 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 Rockstar: Rockstar Energy Drink is designed for those who lead active lifestyles – from Athletes to Rockstars. Available in over 25 flavors at convenience and grocery outlets in over 30 countries, Rockstar supports the Rockstar lifestyle across the globe through Action Sports, Motor Sports, and Live Music. For more information, visit: RockstarEnergy.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.
