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2024 World Wake Awards
Wakeboard and Wakesurf awards ceremony that brings the entire wake community together to celebrate at our World Championships each year.
Wakeboard & Wakesurf Awards
Awards ceremony that brings the entire wake community together
Criteria
Criteria – 20% fan vote, 40% rider vote, 40% industry vote
Trick of the Year Criteria:
- Innovation: The trick must demonstrate a significant degree of originality and creativity, pushing the boundaries of what is currently considered possible in wakeboarding. It should introduce new movements, combinations, or styles that haven’t been seen before.
- Progression: The trick should showcase a notable advancement in the sport’s technical difficulty and complexity. It may involve greater height, rotations, flips, or grabs than previously achieved tricks. It could also demonstrate a unique approach to an existing trick, making it more challenging or stylish.
- Never Been Done (NBD): The trick must be a world’s first, something that has never been successfully landed in a competitive or documented setting. It should be a feat that inspires awe and excitement among both wakeboarders and spectators.
- Execution: While innovation and progression are key, the trick must also be executed with a high degree of skill and control. It should be landed cleanly and smoothly, demonstrating the rider’s mastery over the sport.
- Style: The trick should be performed with flair and individuality, showcasing the rider’s personal style and expression. It should be aesthetically pleasing and captivating to watch.
- Impact: The trick should have a significant impact on the wakeboarding community, inspiring other riders to push their limits and attempt new things. It should contribute to the overall progression and evolution of the sport.
Additional considerations:
- Difficulty: The trick should be inherently difficult to perform, requiring a high level of skill, athleticism, and mental focus.
- Risk: The trick may involve an element of risk, showcasing the rider’s courage and willingness to push the boundaries of the sport. However, safety should always be a priority.
- Overall Impression: The trick should leave a lasting impression on the judges and the wakeboarding community as a whole. It should be a trick that people will remember and talk about for years to come.
By evaluating tricks based on these criteria, the Wakeboard Trick of the Year award will recognize the most innovative,progressive, and impactful tricks in the sport, celebrating the riders who are pushing the limits and shaping the future of wakeboarding.
WWA Rider of the Year Award Criteria:
- Contest Results:
- Consistent top finishes in major wakeboarding competitions throughout the year.
- Demonstrated ability to perform under pressure and deliver in high-stakes events.
- Versatility across different wakeboarding disciplines (park, boat, cable).
- A track record of pushing the boundaries of the sport with innovative tricks and styles.
- Social Media Presence:
- Active and engaging presence on social media platforms, sharing high-quality content related to wakeboarding.
- Consistent growth in followers and engagement metrics.
- Effective use of social media to promote the sport and inspire others.
- Authentic and relatable interaction with fans and followers.
- Fan Interaction:
- Dedication to connecting with fans through meet-and-greets, autograph sessions, and online interactions.
- Positive and respectful communication with fans, acting as a role model for the sport.
- Willingness to share knowledge and expertise with aspiring wakeboarders.
- Active participation in community events and initiatives.
- Growing the Sport:
- Advocacy for wakeboarding through interviews, media appearances, and public speaking engagements.
- Involvement in grassroots efforts to introduce new people to the sport.
- Collaboration with brands and organizations to expand wakeboarding’s reach.
- A demonstrated commitment to the future of wakeboarding and its continued growth.
Additional Considerations:
- Sportsmanship: The rider should exhibit exemplary sportsmanship on and off the water, embodying the values of fair play, respect, and integrity.
- Leadership: The rider should demonstrate leadership qualities within the wakeboarding community, inspiring and motivating others to achieve their goals.
- Innovation: The rider should be at the forefront of innovation in wakeboarding, constantly pushing the boundaries of the sport and setting new trends.
- Overall Impact: The rider should have a significant and positive impact on the wakeboarding community, both through their athletic achievements and their contributions to the sport’s growth and development.
By evaluating riders based on these comprehensive criteria, the World Wake Association Rider of the Year award will recognize the most well-rounded and influential athletes in the sport, those who not only excel in competition but also actively contribute to the growth and promotion of wakeboarding worldwide.
Wakeboard Video Part of the Year Criteria:
- Progression of Tricks and Riding:
- Technical Difficulty: The video part should showcase a variety of challenging and innovative tricks that push the boundaries of wakeboarding. This includes demonstrating mastery of various types of tricks, such as spins, flips,inverts, grabs, and combinations thereof.
- Technical Execution: Tricks should be executed with precision, control, and style, showcasing the rider’s technical expertise and athleticism. Landings should be clean and smooth, demonstrating a high level of skill and consistency.
- Diversity: The video part should feature a diverse range of riding styles and locations, including boat, cable, and park riding, to showcase the rider’s versatility and adaptability.
- Creativity: The rider should demonstrate creativity in their riding, showcasing unique lines, combinations, and approaches to tricks that haven’t been seen before.
- Editing and Production Quality:
- Cinematography: The video part should feature high-quality visuals, with crisp imagery, creative angles, and dynamic camera movements that capture the excitement and energy of wakeboarding.
- Editing: The editing should be creative and engaging, with smooth transitions, well-timed cuts, and a cohesive flow that tells a story or evokes a certain mood.
- Music: The soundtrack should be well-chosen and complement the visuals, enhancing the overall viewing experience and creating an emotional connection with the audience.
- Sound Design: The sound design should be clear and crisp, highlighting the sounds of the tricks and the environment, creating a more immersive experience for the viewer.
- Overall Impact:
- Inspiration: The video part should inspire other wakeboarders to push their limits and try new things, showcasing the possibilities of the sport and motivating others to improve their riding.
- Engagement: The video part should be engaging and captivating, keeping viewers entertained and wanting to watch it again and again.
- Originality: The video part should stand out from the crowd, offering a fresh and unique perspective on wakeboarding, either through its riding, editing, or overall concept.
- Cultural Relevance: The video part should resonate with the wakeboarding community and reflect the current trends and values of the sport, making it relevant and relatable to its target audience.
- Longevity: The video part should have a lasting impact, remaining memorable and influential even after its initial release.
By evaluating video parts based on these criteria, the Wakeboard Video Part of the Year award will recognize the most progressive, creative, and impactful videos in the sport, celebrating the riders, filmers, and editors who are shaping the future of wakeboarding media.
Wakeboard Video of the Year Criteria:
- Progression of Tricks and Riding:
- Technical Difficulty: The video part should showcase a variety of challenging and innovative tricks that push the boundaries of wakeboarding. This includes demonstrating mastery of various types of tricks, such as spins, flips,inverts, grabs, and combinations thereof.
- Technical Execution: Tricks should be executed with precision, control, and style, showcasing the rider’s technical expertise and athleticism. Landings should be clean and smooth, demonstrating a high level of skill and consistency.
- Diversity: The video part should feature a diverse range of riding styles and locations, including boat, cable, and park riding, to showcase the rider’s versatility and adaptability.
- Creativity: The rider should demonstrate creativity in their riding, showcasing unique lines, combinations, and approaches to tricks that haven’t been seen before.
- Editing and Production Quality:
- Cinematography: The video part should feature high-quality visuals, with crisp imagery, creative angles, and dynamic camera movements that capture the excitement and energy of wakeboarding.
- Editing: The editing should be creative and engaging, with smooth transitions, well-timed cuts, and a cohesive flow that tells a story or evokes a certain mood.
- Music: The soundtrack should be well-chosen and complement the visuals, enhancing the overall viewing experience and creating an emotional connection with the audience.
- Sound Design: The sound design should be clear and crisp, highlighting the sounds of the tricks and the environment, creating a more immersive experience for the viewer.
- Overall Impact:
- Inspiration: The video part should inspire other wakeboarders to push their limits and try new things, showcasing the possibilities of the sport and motivating others to improve their riding.
- Engagement: The video part should be engaging and captivating, keeping viewers entertained and wanting to watch it again and again.
- Originality: The video part should stand out from the crowd, offering a fresh and unique perspective on wakeboarding, either through its riding, editing, or overall concept.
- Cultural Relevance: The video part should resonate with the wakeboarding community and reflect the current trends and values of the sport, making it relevant and relatable to its target audience.
- Longevity: The video part should have a lasting impact, remaining memorable and influential even after its initial release.
By evaluating video parts based on these criteria, the Wakeboard Video Part of the Year award will recognize the most progressive, creative, and impactful videos in the sport, celebrating the riders, filmers, and editors who are shaping the future of wakeboarding media.
Wake Media Professional of the Year Criteria:
- Quality of Work:
- Technical Skill: Demonstrated mastery of their chosen medium (photography, videography, writing, or other forms of content creation) with a high level of technical proficiency and artistic vision.
- Visual/Narrative Impact: Production of visually stunning or narratively compelling content that captures the essence of wakesports and resonates with the audience on an emotional level.
- Originality and Creativity: A unique and innovative approach to showcasing wakesports, pushing the boundaries of the medium and setting new standards for creativity and expression.
- Consistency: A consistent track record of producing high-quality content throughout the year, demonstrating dedication to their craft and commitment to excellence.
- Reach and Influence:
- Audience Growth: Significant growth in audience reach and engagement across various platforms, including social media, online publications, and traditional media.
- Industry Recognition: Recognition from peers and industry professionals, with awards, nominations, or features in reputable publications.
- Cultural Impact: A demonstrable impact on the wakesports culture, inspiring others, shaping trends, and raising awareness of the sport.
- Commercial Success: Evidence of commercial success or influence, such as sponsored projects, brand partnerships, or successful monetization of content.
- Representation of Wakesports:
- Positive Portrayal: A positive and authentic representation of wakesports, showcasing the excitement, athleticism,and lifestyle associated with the sport.
- Diversity and Inclusivity: Representation of the diversity within the wakesports community, showcasing riders of different backgrounds, abilities, and disciplines.
- Storytelling: Effective storytelling that highlights the personal stories, challenges, and triumphs of wakesports athletes, creating a deeper connection with the audience.
- Educational Value: Content that educates and informs the audience about wakesports, promoting understanding and appreciation of the sport.
- Overall Contribution to Wakesports:
- Promoting the Sport: Actively promoting wakesports through their work, inspiring new participants and expanding the sport’s reach.
- Supporting Athletes: Providing a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and achievements, contributing to their professional development and success.
- Shaping the Culture: Playing a role in shaping the culture of wakesports through their creative vision and influence, leaving a lasting legacy on the sport.
By evaluating candidates based on these comprehensive criteria, the Wake Media Professional of the Year award will recognize the most talented, influential, and dedicated individuals who are making a significant contribution to the world of wakesports through their exceptional work.
Wakeboarding Industry Icon Award Criteria:
- Long-Term Dedication:
- Demonstrated a significant, long-term commitment (e.g., 15+ years) to the growth and development of wakeboarding.
- Consistent involvement in various aspects of the industry, such as events, media, product design, advocacy, or coaching.
- A proven track record of making a positive impact on the sport through their actions and contributions.
- Visionary Leadership:
- Shown exceptional leadership qualities by initiating and driving innovative projects, events, or products that have significantly advanced the sport.
- Inspired and motivated others in the industry to pursue excellence and push boundaries.
- Acted as a role model for aspiring wakeboarders and industry professionals alike.
- Community Impact:
- Made significant contributions to the wakeboarding community through initiatives that foster growth, inclusivity,and accessibility.
- Actively engaged with the community, building relationships, and supporting grassroots efforts to introduce new people to the sport.
- Championed causes related to environmental sustainability, safety, and ethical practices within the industry.
- Industry Growth:
- Played a key role in expanding the reach of wakeboarding, attracting new participants, and broadening its appeal to diverse audiences.
- Helped to create new opportunities for athletes, businesses, and organizations within the industry.
- Successfully advocated for the sport’s recognition and legitimacy within the broader sports landscape.
- Innovation and Creativity:
- Introduced groundbreaking ideas, products, or technologies that have revolutionized the sport and enhanced the overall experience for riders and spectators alike.
- Constantly sought out new ways to improve and evolve the sport, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
- Embraced a spirit of innovation and encouraged others to do the same.
Additional Considerations:
- Personal Integrity: Demonstrated high ethical standards, professionalism, and sportsmanship throughout their career.
- Passion and Enthusiasm: Exuded a genuine passion for wakeboarding, inspiring others with their enthusiasm and dedication.
- Legacy: Left a lasting legacy on the sport through their achievements, contributions, and the positive impact they have had on the lives of others.
By evaluating individuals based on these comprehensive criteria, the Wakeboarding Industry Icon Award will recognize those who have truly made a significant and enduring impact on the sport, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations of wakeboarders and industry professionals to build upon.
Committee Members
Park Bonifay
Amber Wing
Danny Harf
Park Bonifay
Amber Wing
Danny Harf
Park Bonifay
Amber Wing
Danny Harf
Park Bonifay
Amber Wing
Danny Harf
Park Bonifay
Amber Wing
Danny Harf