ORLANDO, FL (June 22, 2020) – In an abundance of caution in response to the impacts of COVID-19 (coronavirus) the World Wake Association (WWA) and Malibu Boats have made the decision to run the Malibu Rider Experience South alongside Wakefest Tennessee on July 17th – 19th in Smithville, TN. All parties involved including host dealer TNT Watersports felt this was the safest decision for participants, families, and staff given newly mandated permitting restrictions in previously viable event locations.
Hosted on Center Hill Lake the Malibu Rider Experience South will have no impact to the long-standing divisions and history of Wakefest. Joining the two will simply be an enhancement to the legendary event. Competitors will be able to qualify for the WWA Wakeboard National Championships based on their age and gender based WWA divisions.
Wakefest Tennessee is a “Boat Access Only” floating event with no land access. Riders and families are encouraged to make the most of the event, plan a road trip with boats in tow, and get ready for a fun-filled, action-packed summer experience. There will be a shuttle service available for competitors during the event, however, there will be limited space so participants are encouraged to join together with friends and make the best of this exciting event!
In an effort to continue minimizing the spread of COVID-19 while in consideration for the health and safety of the riders, families, and staff, social distancing guidelines will be implemented at all WWA events. The WWA will ensure these procedures adhere to and operate in compliance with the most recent state and CDC guidelines.
Information and registration can be found by visiting TheWWA.com/RiderExperience. All athletes must compete in their respective WWA Regional Championship in order to be eligible for the 2020 WWA Wakeboard National Championships (boat only).
All riders must hold a current WWA Pro Card in order to register in the pro division at any WWA wakeboard event. The top 15 riders on the 2019 WWA Wakeboard World Rankings list will retain their Pro Card for the 2020 season. All other riders must obtain their Pro Card at one of six qualifying events. For a full list of rules visit TheWWA.com/ProCard.
2020 Malibu WWA Rider Experience Dates
Rider Experience Florida Qualifier
Host Location: Sun West Harbortowne
June 20th
Rider Experience Central
Host Dealer: Waterski America
June 27th – 28th
Rider Experience North
Host Dealer: Chessie Marine
July 11th – 12th
Rider Experience South
Host Dealer: TNT Watersports
July 17th – 19th
Rider Experience West
Host Dealer: Taylor’s Boats
July 31st – August 1st
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About Malibu Boats LLC
Malibu Boats, LLC. is the world’s largest manufacturer of watersports towboats, four of every ten performance sports boats worldwide. Malibu sells the Wakesetter, M240 and Response models — as well as the Axis Wake Research brand — through a global dealer network. With approximately 675 Malibu employees worldwide three manufacturing facilities in California, Tennessee, and Australia, Malibu builds boats to help you live a #lifewithoutlimits on the water. (NASDAQ: MBUU) | @malibuboats | #thetruthisonthewater
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 wakesports. 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 12,500 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 www.thewwa.com.
