Antoine Auriol flew his kite in Madrid's Buen Retiro Park

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 17:54:41 +0000

It might not make sense, but Antoine Auriol went kitesurfing in the center of Madrid.

Despite being a landlocked city, the Spanish capital has plenty of bodies of water, including lakes, and the iconic Manzanares River that crosses Madrid from north to south.

But the city in which Emilio Butragueño, Penélope Cruz, and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada were born is also home to the famous Buen Retiro Park - in English, Park of the Pleasant Retreat.

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Kevin Langeree wins 2019 Red Bull King of the Air

Wed, 06 Feb 2019 15:43:07 +0000

Kevin Langeree claimed the 2019 Red Bull King of the Air, in Cape Town, South Africa.

The event showcased what big air kiteboarding is all about, surrounded by a football stadium atmosphere, and windy, wild and challenging ocean conditions.

The world's top riders did not disappoint and treated the 9,000-plus spectators to the highest level of big air kiteboarding.

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Are single-skin, single-line kites a lost cause?

Fri, 01 Feb 2019 12:58:25 +0000

In 2013, I began developing single-skin, single-line kites. They were reliable enough in a range of winds to be useful as pilot and show kites at kite events, but don't have sticks, inflated tubes or ram-air inflated spaces.

It hadn't been done yet, it was probably possible, and it was a project I thought myself well suited to by resources and experience - somewhat hubristically as it's turned out.

I've now put some thousands of hours into this, and it's time for an accounting as to where things are at. Not much progress.

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Olly Bridge performs a 650-foot jump over a sand spit in England

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 16:08:58 +0000

Olly Bridge has successfully jumped over a sand spit in Dawlish Warren, England.

The 21-year-old professional kitesurfer performed a 650-foot (200 meters) leap from a tidal pool located in the estuary of River Exe into the ocean.

Bridge believes it's the first time anyone has attempted it. And he only needed around eight or nine seconds to complete the aerial move.

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How to make a flying Origami kite

Fri, 18 Jan 2019 16:19:11 +0000

Origami is the ancient art of paper folding. Kites were probably invented in China around 500 BC. Let's blend both crafts and make a simple, high-flying Origami kite.

It's feasible, and it only takes less than 10 minutes to get a small and stylish paper kite flying up in the sky. It will definitely impress kids, but will also keep adults entertained for a long time.

Here's what you need to produce an eye-catching Origami kite:

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North Kiteboarding and Mystic team up

Wed, 09 Jan 2019 12:10:49 +0000

North Kiteboarding announced that it will join forces with Mystic. They call it a "strategic alliance."

Professionals from both companies will run the recently created watersports company, North Actionsports Group (NTG).

The financial terms of the deal have not been revealed, and it is not clear whether North Kiteboarding has bought Mystic, or if they just joined forces equally.

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"Twenty" marks Aaron Hadlow's 20th year in kiteboarding

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 12:09:23 +0000

Time goes by quickly. Can you believe Aaron Hadlow is riding his kite for 20 years?

2019 marks Hadlow's 20th year since he first flew a kite, and a feature-length movie will be released during summer.

"I took this milestone as a challenge to document the best action and the journey through my favorite disciplines in kiteboarding," explains Aaron Hadlow.

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GKA World Tour will unify wave and freestyle kiteboarding

Mon, 07 Jan 2019 14:35:55 +0000

Because changes in professional kiteboarding are a must, here's another one.

The Global Kitesports Association (GKA) will be the umbrella for the upcoming wave and strapless freestyle, and freestyle kiteboarding world tours.

According to GKA, the former World Kiteboarding Championships (WKC) will be dropped, and the home of the freestylers and wave kitesurfers will be one.

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Maarten Haeger pulls a 32-meter big air jump

Thu, 03 Jan 2019 16:46:43 +0000

Maarten Haeger became the first kiteboarder to record a 30-meter plus jump on a tracking sensor.

The rider from the Netherlands crushed the world record by flying 32 meters (104.9 feet) high in the skies of Misty Cliffs, in Cape Town, South Africa.

The wind was blowing in the 40-to-48-knot range, and the 17-year-old improved the previous record set at 29.6 meters (97.1 feet) by Gijs Wassenaar.

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Mindoro: a sheltered kite paradise lost in the Philippines

Mon, 31 Dec 2018 15:09:35 +0000

Beach, mountains, nature, waterfalls, wilderness and a mecca for kitesurfers. You can find it all on one island: the scenic Mindoro, in the Philippines.

After landing on Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport, we change terminal and fly for another 45 minutes from Manila to Mindoro's San Jose with Cebu Pacific, then get into the taxi and head full speed to Bulalacao.

It is not the final destination yet, but from that little harbor town, it is a pleasant drive through bamboo forests, banana and melon plantation, that gets us through rice fields and locals waving, and sharing big smiles at the roadside.

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Airton Cozzolino crowned 2018 GKA Kite-Surf World Tour champion

Mon, 17 Dec 2018 15:55:18 +0000

Airton Cozzolino and Jalou Langeree have been crowned 2018 GKA Kite-Surf World Tour champions.

The last event of the season got underway at Point Danger, in Torquay, Australia, with the finals being run in cross-off winds and shoulder-high waves.

Local star, Keahi de Aboitiz ended up taking a tasty home win after beating an in-form Sebastian Ribeiro in the final.

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Thomas De Wispelaere jumps over The Belgium Pier in Blankenberge

Wed, 12 Dec 2018 18:03:47 +0000

Ten years ago, Thomas De Wispelaere said: "One day, I'll jump over this pier."

On Saturday, December 8, 2018, the Belgium kitesurfer, 29, has finally accomplished his dream. De Wispelaere has successfully jumped over The Belgium Pier, in Blankenberge.

"This pier is special for Belgian kite surfers. I have been waiting for the right conditions for years. I needed eight-to-nine Beaufort westerly wind combined with a spring tide - and that is relatively uncommon," said De Wispelaere.

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Is Kiri Thode making a comeback?

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 11:28:02 +0000

It has been two years since Kiri last competed in the PWA World Tour.

There has been some ups and downs, some victories and some losses, but Kiri is hungrier than ever to get on the podium again.

With an impressive winning streak from 2007 until 2015, Thode managed to secure a spot on the podium each year.

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Niclas Nebelung wins Tow-In Contest at 2019 boot Düsseldorf

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 16:07:55 +0000

Niclas Nebelung has taken out the 2019 boot Düsseldorf Tow-In Contest, in Germany.

The German Freestyle Battles held an indoor tow-in competition at boot Düsseldorf, one of the world's largest and most influential boat and water sports trade show.

And who needs wind to sail a windsurf board? Pulled by a cable similar to those used in wake cable parks, five riders accelerated across the 65-meter pool and performed their best tricks and maneuvers.

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A historical wave sailing session at Jaws with Camille, Kai and Rudy

Tue, 22 Jan 2019 16:54:19 +0000

On November 26, 2018, the World Surf League (WSL) suspended the iconic Peahi Challenge, in Maui. Why? There was too much wind, and the conditions were too gnarly for big wave surfing.

Luckily, "too much wind" also means perfect conditions for... big wave windsurfing. With a 27-second period swell marching in, Camille Juban, Kai Katchadourian, and Rudy Castorina grabbed their gear and sailed toward the peak at Jaws.

They were out at 4 pm. And then suddenly, the liquid mountains began to rise above the horizon.

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The 2019 European Freestyle Pro Tour schedule

Wed, 16 Jan 2019 11:50:58 +0000

The 2019 European Freestyle Pro Tour (EFPT) calendar has been released.

This year, the organization secured a prize money of €108,000 and will hold events in eight different venues.

The season will kick off with a tow-in only competition in Austria. Then, after a stop in Spain's Catalonia, the best freestyle windsurfers of the Old Continent will head to Italy for a new challenge in Sicily.

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International Windsurfing Tour announces equal prize money for men and women

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 15:40:41 +0000

The International Windsurfing Tour (IWT) announced the introduction of equal prize money for male and female competitors.

The announcement takes full effect in the 2019 season and will award $50,000 overall to the eight best-ranked wave sailors.

The breakdown for both pro men and women goes as follows:

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"Meherio": the story of three talented Tahitian mermaids

Thu, 03 Jan 2019 15:38:51 +0000

French Polynesia is one of the most beautiful places in the world. But it also exports truly talented sportswomen.

"Meherio" is a documentary featuring professional windsurfer Mathilde Zampieri, as well as pro surfers Aelan Vaast and Vaimiti Teiefitu.

They are three of the most exciting young female watersports performers in French Polynesia. The 45-minute movie was shot by Colter Johnson.

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Class associations and windsurf manufacturers invited to submit equipment for Paris 2024

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 12:32:39 +0000

World Sailing Class has opened the applications process for the windsurfing equipment for Paris 2024.

The governing body for the sport of sailing is re-evaluating equipment selected for the Olympic Games at every eight years.

World Sailing wants to reduce the risk of monopolies, and force manufacturers to remain price-competitive and produce high-quality gear.

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Jason Polakow scores big time in Indonesia

Mon, 10 Dec 2018 11:32:56 +0000

The first windsurfer to ever take on Nazaré's Praia do Norte continues to impress.

Jason Polakow is probably the most well-rounded wave sailor on the planet, and it's quite clear why. This time, he got on a plane to what appears to be T-Land, in Indonesia.

"Indonesia has always been on my bucket list. I've been watching the Indian Ocean fire up every year, so I've been doing a lot of research and hearing a lot of ghost stories, so I thought it's time that I come out here and find something," explained the Australian.

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Sometimes we all need to travel "As Far As We Can"

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 11:29:13 +0000

Adam Sims, Alina Shalin, and Riccardo Marca went on a surf trip to Norway. And they say it's been worth it.

When everyone was heading south, the trio packed their gear and traveled north to the Arctic Circle, where the sun is low in the sky, and the water temperatures are not inviting.

The adventurers visited Gladstad, and Bodo, before exploring the sailing and wave riding potential of the Lofoten archipelago, a region where they found an active surfing community.

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10 national records broken at the 2018 Luderitz Speed Challenge

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 14:03:49 +0000

The 2018 Luderitz Speed Challenge is over, and ten new national records have been set.

Antoine Albeau and Alex Caizergues can relax for now. They are still the fastest windsurfer and kiteboarder on the planet, but there are several riders close on their heels.

In this year's edition, the Luderitz Speed Challenge debuted a live speed update system, which allowed fans to follow the action in real time.

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A dream wave sailing week in Tahiti

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 16:08:57 +0000

Charles Vandemeulebroucke is a passionate windsurfer, and rarely misses an opportunity to go wave sailing in Tahiti.

The sailor from Dunkerque, France, currently lives in Tahiti and is sometimes blessed with epic sessions in Polynesian waters.

The story behind these shots is pretty simple. They chronicle a dream windsurfing week in Tahiti.

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Does blending windsurfing and football really work?

Wed, 21 Nov 2018 12:09:48 +0000

Sam Esteve has been trying to figure out a way of blending windsurfing with football. It doesn't seem to work, but it can be fun.

Is it the offseason or the silly season? Whatever the answer is, French freestyle windsurfer is getting creative while prepping for the 2019 PWA World Tour.

Esteve finished eighth last year, so he should be quite pleased with his performance among the elite. But that doesn't mean he isn't actively training for a bigger and better season.

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How to position yourself on a bodyboard

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 12:09:48 +0000

Riding a bodyboard is relatively easy, but if you want to trim a wave to its full potential, you have to master the subtle, yet critical body positioning technique.

Have you ever noticed how a beginner or first-time bodyboarder catches and rides his first waves?

If you pay close attention, you'll see that the natural tendency is to grab the rails of the bodyboard evenly on both sides. In a way, the body instinctively tries to find a balance for all the turbulence.

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Brazilian Bodyboarding Circuit steps up the game

Thu, 31 Jan 2019 11:17:18 +0000

The Brazilian Bodyboarding Confederation (CBRASB) announced the schedule of events for the 2019 season.

The surprise is the addition of a fifth stage in the national circuit. After a triumphant return last year, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina, Espírito Santo, and Ceará will again welcome Brazil's best bodyboarders.

The new tour stop is a second event in the state of Espírito Santo. The 2019 Brazilian Bodyboarding Circuit will kick off in the second semester at the prestigious wave of Itacoatiara.

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How to perform a straight leg, monk seal 360

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 12:43:10 +0000

The straight leg, monk seal 360 is a bodyboarding trick invented by Jacob Romero.

The spin 360 is a classic bodyboarding trick that never goes out of fashion. It was one of the first moves tried on a boogie board since the sport established itself.

Nevertheless, you don't see it performed quite often and, in competition, it doesn't normally conquer the hearts of judges in competitions.

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The 2019 Mike Stewart Pipeline Invitational will be held in one day

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 11:47:51 +0000

The 2019 Mike Stewart Pipeline Invitational has been officially confirmed.

The Association of Professional Bodyboarders (APB) announced that the main event has a one-day permit and a waiting period that spans from February 24 through March 8.

The first contest of the APB World Tour season will be a 3-Star event on the Qualifying Event Series Tour (QEST), and will only feature male riders.

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Tom Morey's eyesight has improved by 20 percent

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 16:15:18 +0000

Tom Morey is recovering well from his eye surgeries. The father of modern bodyboarding has recovered part of his sight.

In the last five years, Morey nearly went blind. However, the GoFundMe campaign initiated by Mike Stewart and friends helped Tom pay for surgeries and other eye treatment.

Bodyboarding legend and founder of ebodyboarding.com, Jay Reale, had the opportunity to chat with Tom and Marchia Morey about the latest health improvements.

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Marcus Biju dies at Pipeline

Fri, 18 Jan 2019 11:38:51 +0000

Marcus Biju, an experienced bodyboarder and bodysurfer, lost his life at Banzai Pipeline, on the North Shore of Oahu, in Hawaii.

The body of the Brazilian "Barrel Hunter," as he was known for, was found unconscious, floating in the water at Pipeline on Thursday morning.

The accident took place at 7:30 am which meant lifeguards were still not on duty at Ehukai Beach Park. It's not known exactly what caused his death.

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The 2019 APB World Tour schedule

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 10:38:40 +0000

The Association of Professional Bodyboarders (APB) released the full calendar for the 2019 APB World Tour season.

The biggest surprise is the inclusion of the queen of all waves in the official list of events. Teahupoo and Surf Lakes have not been included in the calendar.

The Pipeline Pro Hawaii has a 13-day waiting period and kicks off on February 24, on the North Shore of Oahu.

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Portuguese bodyboard movie "Roots" returns in digital format

Wed, 09 Jan 2019 14:46:27 +0000

"Roots," the first-ever Portuguese bodyboarding movie, has been digitized and released on demand by Boa Onda Productions.

The movie was originally released on VHS tape in 2001 via Vert Magazine, and quickly became a hit among the Portuguese bodyboarding community.

"Roots" features three years of rides and was shot in Chile, Hawaii, Mexico, Mozambique, Portugal, and South Africa. You'll predominantly see prone riding, but there's still a few drop-knee and stand-up stunts.

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Pipe, Shark Island and Teahupoo: APB World Tour releases dreamy 2019 showreel

Mon, 07 Jan 2019 15:26:14 +0000

The 2019 Association of Professional Bodyboarders (APB) World Tour released its 2019 showreel.

The professional bodyboarding organization launched a promo video featuring footage from Pipeline, Teahupoo, Shark Island, Arica, Fronton, Nazaré, and Itacoatiara. But will these idyllic breaks be included in the 2019 schedule?

"The video is a showreel for the APB and not a World Tour launch video," Alex León, CEO of the APB, told SurferToday. Nonetheless, the World Tour will start in Pipeline, Hawaii, on February 24, 2019.

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The day Mike Stewart designed "The Bumblebee"

Mon, 07 Jan 2019 12:33:11 +0000

Shooting surf from where the waves are breaking has not always been as easy as it is today.

Until the early 2000s, there were no GoPro cameras in the market, making water photography and underwater videography a tough challenge even for media professionals.

Back in the day, Mike Stewart - who else - designed "The Bumblebee," a waterproof camera system that allowed him to capture point-of-view images inside the barrel.

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Professional bodyboarding events return to Pipeline

Wed, 02 Jan 2019 12:25:48 +0000

The professional bodyboarding circuit is returning to Banzai Pipeline, in Hawaii, after a one-year hiatus.

The City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation confirmed that the APB World Tour will be able to run an event at Pipeline at least until 2021.

The entity responsible for managing surf events on the North Shore of Oahu released the calendar of permitted competitions in the Hawaiian island for 2018-2021.

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Isabela Sousa lands huge air reverse

Wed, 02 Jan 2019 11:32:36 +0000

Who needs wings when you've got a bodyboard? Isabela Sousa has founded her signature airline company.

She is one of the most successful female bodyboarders of all time, but when the Brazilian is free surfing, shed gets highly creative and ambitious.

Four-time world bodyboarding champion Isabela Sousa landed a colossal air reverse at Poço da Draga, a rebound wave that breaks in Fortaleza, Brazil.

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The 2019 Skim USA Tour schedule

Thu, 31 Jan 2019 10:36:01 +0000

The official 2019 Skim USA Tour schedule has been released.

The amateur, youth-focused skimboarding circuit founded on the east coast of the United States will run five events in 2019.

The 2019 Skim USA Tour kicks off in March, in Florida, and wraps up in August, in Delaware.

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The photo book that captures the essence of skimboarding

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 12:28:19 +0000

Photographer Dwight Mudry announced the release of his self-published digital book "Skim: A Photographer's Journey."

As an amateur photographer, Mudry photographed waves for several years, but he felt his images were usually pretty uninteresting.

That all changed when he first saw a skimboarder on Aliso Beach, in Southern California, who was running down the beach into the surf, sliding far out to catch the almost vertical face of the oncoming wave, throwing a huge spray fan, and wrapping around to return to the sand.

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How to do the monkey crawl in skimboarding

Tue, 23 Oct 2018 16:54:24 +0000

The monkey crawl is one of the two techniques that allow skimboarders to get to the waves or any other dead water surface.

Ideally, you should learn how to do it by running to about thigh to waist-deep water next to small, weak waves, as they break next to you.

The goal is to carry all your momentum onto the skimboard in order to give you that extra boost, speed, and distance into deep water areas.

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Blair Conklin is your 2018 United Skim Tour champion

Wed, 17 Oct 2018 10:57:06 +0000

Blair Conklin and Sophia Nguyen claimed the 2018 United Skim Tour title.

The 2018 Exile Oktoberfest got underway at Newport Beach' Balboa Peninsula, in California. It was the final stop of the season for the professional skimboarding tour, and there was a lot at stake.

Sam Stinnett, who was not one of the world title race contenders, ended up winning the 14th edition of the iconic skim contest, which was blessed with a blend of a south swell and a building hurricane swell.

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Lucas Fink wins the Florida Skimboarding Pro/Am 2018

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 10:52:57 +0000

Lucas Fink has taken out the Florida Skimboarding Pro/Am 2018, at Vilano Beach.

The Florida Skimboarding Pro/Am, organized by Steve Pullara, is the third longest-running professional skimming event in the world.

It is also the only amateur contest on the planet allowing each rider two chances to advance before being eliminated.

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Dawid Pruski prevails at 2018 Red Bull Skim It

Tue, 28 Aug 2018 11:07:58 +0000

Dawid Pruski claimed the 2018 Red Bull Skim It, in Lodz, Poland.

Skimboarders from all over Poland invaded the Manufaktura arts center and shopping mall to participate in the seventh edition of the iconic flatland skimming contest.

Despite the adverse weather forecast and morning rainfall, the day turned out to be sunny and full of exciting experiences. The rides on the track and the surrounding atmosphere kept the vibes hot throughout the event.

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Red Bull Skim It returns with a skate-inspired format

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 14:13:38 +0000

The best Polish skimboarders will once again compete in the 2018 Red Bull Skim It, in Lodz.

Will the seventh edition of Red Bull Skim It competition be lucky for the participants? We will see that on August 25, when athletes converge on the artificial beach installed in front of the Manufaktura shopping center.

In previous editions, the best riders from all over Europe traveled to the heart of Poland, and the cool vibes transformed Lodz into something similar to Miami.

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Skimboarders get towed into the waves by lawn mower engine

Thu, 02 Aug 2018 09:20:05 +0000

A group of skimboarders used a lawn mower engine to get towed into the surf.

The trick is not new, but it has made many people happy. Once and again, water sports enthusiasts adopt motor power to supply extra speed to their glides and, therefore, access new areas of the wave faster.

Surfers and windsurfers get towed into waves by jet skis; wakeboarders are generally pulled by the famous wake winch, a tool that has proved to be far better than many boats, especially in tricky natural environments.

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Perry Pruitt wins the 2018 Outer Banks Skim Jam

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 09:31:56 +0000

Perry Pruitt claimed the 2018 Outer Banks Skim Jam, at Jeanette’s Pier in Nags Head, North Carolina.

The event had all sorts of weather, including onshore winds, small and medium-sized waves, and sunny skies. As a result, athletes had to adapt their rides to the existing conditions.

The OBX Skim Jam already is an institution by itself and is one of the key contests in the Skim USA Tour and United Skim Tour (UST) schedules.

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Austin Keen hits the Surf Ranch

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 10:31:45 +0000

Austin Keen put on an epic display of skimboarding at the Surf Ranch, in Lemoore, California.

The intrepid rider from Savannah, Georgia, visited the artificial wave pool designed by Kelly Slater and showed the world why his skimming is such a versatile sport.

Keen, who is also an accomplished wakesurfer, was able to slide out to the wave on his first try, as he often does in other scenarios like rivers, lakes, and beaches.

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Isaac Thomas will "Never Stop Skimming"

Wed, 20 Jun 2018 11:47:34 +0000

Isaac Thomas owns an interesting collection of rare skimboarding DVDs. They document the evolution of the sport since the turn of the millennium.

Times have changed, and the DVDs have been replaced by an impalpable medium: YouTube. However, the spirit remains the same - Thomas is riding his board for life.

"Never Stop Skimming" is a retrospective of his long skimboarding career. The edit includes Isaac's creative flatland glides and performances in a series of well-known spots including Chambers Creek, Cypress Creek, Dash Point, Galveston, Port of Tacoma, Rollins Lake, Sacramento, Spanish Banks, and White Rock.

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The 2018 Skim USA Tour schedule

Wed, 02 May 2018 11:32:26 +0000

The Skim USA Tour announced the full schedule for the 2018 season.

The largest competitive youth skimboarding organization in the world is setting up five events on the East Coast of the United States.

The 2018 Skim USA Tour kicks off on March 24, in Stuart Beach, Florida, and wraps up with the iconic Zap Pro/Am World Championships of Skimboarding in August.

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The 2019 Supra Boats Pro Wakeboard Tour schedule

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 16:13:54 +0000

The Supra Boats Pro Wakeboard Tour (PWT), the industry's longest-running professional wakeboarding competition circuit, will visit three new water sports venues in 2019 as well as returning to another venue, after a one-year hiatus to comprise a four-event schedule.

The 27th year of the Supra Boats Pro Wakeboard Tour will open in May and run through August, with the world's top-16 professional wakeboarders competing for the coveted championship.

The season will open for the Supra Boats Pro Wakeboard Tour with a debut event at August Lakes in Katy, Texas, (outside of Houston) May 17-18. The PWT then returns to the Mantua Reservoir in Utah (outside of Salt Lake City) on June 22, following a solid debut at the venue in 2017.

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31 spins in 60 seconds: Wakesurfer Stacia Bank sets new Guinness World Record

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 17:33:44 +0000

Stacia Bank has set a new Guinness World Record for the most 360 spins in 60 seconds on a wakesurfing wave.

The 41-year-old from Minnesota is about to make you dizzy. Bank performed 31 spins on a wave in only a minute.

"The Guinness World Records counted 35, but I went with the Competitive Wake Surf Association [CWSA] guidelines, so it's 31," told Stacia Bank.

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Brian Grubb goes drone wakeskating in Slovenia

Tue, 27 Nov 2018 11:41:37 +0000

Brian Grubb is always looking to innovate in wakeskating.

The American took the sport to new territory with his drone tow ride down the Sava Bohinjka River, in Slovenia.

Grubb is famous for stunning projects such as wakeskating on the Banaue Rice Terraces of the Philippines, along a volcanic valley in the Jordanian desert and at the historical Cleopatra Pool in Turkey.

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Guenther Oka and Julia Rick claim dual world titles at the 2018 WWA Wake Park World Championships

Mon, 05 Nov 2018 15:08:29 +0000

The Mayan Water Complex proved to be the absolute perfect destination for the 2018 Wake Park World Championships.

The final day of action showcased the use of every feature to its full potential, leaving no question that the Mexican wake venue remains host to some of the most amazing riding in the world.

Gorgeous weather of the tropics kept the action moving all day long as the world's best threw down in the most epic showdowns.

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Dominik Hernler transforms disused quarry into ultimate wakeboarder's playground

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 10:31:57 +0000

A steel filter, tonnes of rock, a digger and colossal track tires might not seem the ultimate plaything.

But three world-class wakeboarders turned such objects into the ultimate wakeboard experience inside a disused quarry in Carinthia, Austria.

"Falling Rocks" follows the new voyage of X Games medallists and wakeboarders Dominik Hernler, Felix Georgii, and Parks Bonifay.

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Nikita Martyanov rides the frozen giants of Greenland

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 16:46:24 +0000

Nikita Martyanov traveled to the north for unique wakeboarding ride in the heart of Greenland.

Greenland. The biggest island in the world is located in the Arctic Circle, northeast of North America, and is covered in permafrost.

Nearly all of its inhabitants live in a small community in the southwest of the island. One of the largest populated areas in the port city of Ilulissat, famous for its ice fjord.

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Riding a wakeboard everywhere in the Netherlands

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 10:39:56 +0000

"Better" is the new chapter on WaxThat's Winch Tour. And it's a different way of playing with a wakeboard.

Directed by Daan Rigter and shot by Lex Dekker, the short film documents two adrenaline-fuelled weeks of winch wakeboarding across the Netherlands.

Prepare for a different wake edit. In "Better," Antoine Allaux, Dirk van Esser, Lior Sofer, and Mik Nieuwenhoff put their bones to the test in urban and rural environments.

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The 2019 Nautique Wake Series schedule

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 10:28:48 +0000

The full calendar for the 2019 Nautique Wake Series has been released.

The circuit aims to be the only event series that gives wakeboarders of all ages, gender and skill level a chance to compete at an elite level while maintaining a family-friendly environment.

And this year, it will be no different. The World Wake Association (WWA) and Nautique and released a four-stop schedule that will once again attract both professional and amateur riders.

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Harley Clifford crowned 2018 WWA wakeboard world champion

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 11:40:10 +0000

Harley Clifford, Meagan Ethell, and Reed Hansen have taken out the pro divisions at the 2018 WWA Wakeboard World Championships, held at Lake Ikeda, in Miyoshi, Japan.

The event crowned multiple professional and amateur world champions who compete in the Nautique Wake Series and WWA Wakeboard World Series.

American wakeskater Reed Hansen confirmed his superiority with a high-class display of signature 360s and kept Brian Grubb and Tony Iacconi in the remaining podium places.

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Brian Grubb wakeskates through the Wadi Al-Hidan canyon

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 16:57:23 +0000

Brian Grubb traveled to Jordan to take on the mighty Wadi Al-Hidan canyon in the Valley of Hidan.

After tackling snow streams in Sarajevo and Filipino rice fields during his fantastic career on the water, the talented wakeskater visited a unique environment.

Wadi Al-Hidan is a breathtaking black basaltic canyon with narrow gorges, fresh pools, mesmerizing green vegetation and wildlife that feeds into the Dead Sea.

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Champions crowned at the 2018 Wake Park National Championships

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 15:05:33 +0000

The 2018 Nautique WWA Wake Park National Championships and Wake Park World Series (WPWS) celebrated its 10th anniversary in style at the new Quarry Cable Park.

Riders and teams came in from all over North America, bringing intense competition and the best wake park showdown ever experienced.

History was made at the Quarry, with Tom Fooshee - the "King of the Cable" - announcing a refocus from the series to some of the youngest competitors making contest firsts.

Everyone in attendance had the opportunity to witness a level of riding, unlike anything this event has seen before.

Groms

The Groms kicked off the final day with the top four riders making it through to the final round of action. Taking the win, Cameron Flinkingshelt threw a tantrum off the kicker for his winning score of 95.70.

Alejandro Adib-Samii came up in second going super technical on all the rails scoring 90.30, just ahead of Gavin Doody who showed total composition the entire heat to earn 82.00.

Boys Features

The Boys Features division showed just how far and quickly our amateurs are pushing the sport with two competitors throwing double flips.

Parker Swope laid down the first ever double cab roll in Boys wake park contest history, followed by Fynn Bullock as the youngest competitor to land a double cab roll in a WWA wake park contest.

The top two competitors of the Boys semifinal went into a stacked final round where Jadon Scures had multiple spins off the kickers, including a super stylish indy 3-2-1 a for the top spot scoring 89.50.

Liam Brearley executed super techy rail hits on both the transfer box and the pool, taking second with 87.30 points. Fynn Bullock showed his versatility off the kickers and on the rails scoring 86.20.

Pro Wakeskate

Collin Haas took the Pro Wakeskate title with solid rail hits, plus an impressive kick flip in the flats and officially completing the win with the wildcard H/S B/S 360 off the XL kicker.

Rockstar athlete, Nick Taylor took second with a 95.00 hitting a backside ollie 360 in the flats and a frontside flip out of the pool, followed by Sam Langley in third scoring 80.00 sticking a frontside shove off the kicker.

Two-time WWA Wake Park World Series champion, Guenther Oka continued to go absolutely huge with multiple air tricks, mobes, and spins using the transition curb as a kicker to seal the deal with his wildcard T/S B/S 180 to stalefish mobe scoring 93.00 taking the Pro Mens Traditional top spot.

The legend, Tom Fooshee rode through the entire event for a second place finish of 84.00, throwing a nose grab fat chance 540. Pedro Caldas had another solid run to score 82.00 rounding out the podium in third.

Open Women Features

In the Open Women Features final, the top two riders of each semifinal heat went on to compete in the final afternoon round.

In the final, Shannon Stuckey excelled on all the rails, going super technical on the pool to take the National title with a 91.50.

Rounding out the podium, Mattie Armer took second scoring 91.20 with a clean H/S F/S 540 off the XL kicker, followed by Piper Harris in third with 83.80.

Open Men Features

The Open Men Features semifinal saw the top two riders of each heat moving on to the four-man final.

Bruno Ulott owned the top spot absolutely destroying the pool with a switch back lip 270 transfer to score 90.20. Kyle Payne smashed the kickers, placing him in second with 87.80, followed by Drew Glickman with a score of 82.20.

Masters and Veterans

Taking first place in the Masters division, Scot Ferwerda put up a score of 96.80 with an H/S F/S 270 on to the ledge, to pretzel 450 out and a clean H/S mute roll to revert off the kicker.

Jorge Garizurieta placed second absolutely crushing the double elbow rail with a front lip to fakie for a score of 85.10. Gavin Fisk scored 82.20 to round out the podium in third.

Jason Stuckey took the Veterans Features win with a 94.20, landing an H/S F/S 540 with a late stalefish off the kicker.

Shannon Stuckey made a second podium appearance with her signature rail game, sticking a transfer to 50/50 to B/S 180 out for a score of 89.90, followed by Dayle Cartwright in third nailing a tantrum to blind off the kicker to score 85.90.

Junior Men

The Junior Men put up a good fight in the morning hour with only one rider from each semifinal heat making it on to the four-man battle for the National title.

Gavin Giglio came away with the National title annihilating the transfer box with an H/S F/S 360 to 50/50 to B/S 180 out, along with a T/S B/S 720 for 96.00.

Riley Hackworth landed a massive T/S F/S 900 off the kicker to earn the second place spot with 86.60, followed by Garrett Coleman who took third with an 82.10 landing a big H/S F/S 900.

Pro Women Features

The Pro Women's final proved that the ladies have been on fire this season, showcasing their insane level of riding throughout the entire round.

Taking the 2018 national title, Anna Nikstad couldn't be stopped with a massive B/S 450 transfer on the transfer box to seal the deal with a winning score of 92.80.

Courtney Angus took second with a transfer 270 to back lip popping it around the front board on the pool to score 88.70. Jamie Lopina took the podium in third landing a super clean H/S B/S 540 off the kicker for a score of 81.90.

Pro Men Features

With the top rider from each Pro Men's Features semifinal heat advancing to the final round, we witnessed a top of the line round of wake park competition with Busty Dunn sending it for the winning score of 87.60.

Dunn threw down a B/S T/S 1080 on the kicker and a 50/50 to gap B/S 540 to decline on the transfer box. Guenther Oka landed a T/S B/S 900 late stalefish off the kicker, going very stylish on all the rails for second with 87.20.

Taking the podium in third, John Dreiling scored 86.40 bringing a style of his own to all the rails with a super technical T/S B/S 540 transfer to 50/50 on the transfer box.

Teams

The Orlando Watersports Complex team won the 2018 Points Chase title in both Traditional and Features Only divisions.

Shark Wake Park took second place in the Features Only Division, followed by Roseland in third to round out the Features Only.

Shark Wake Park took another second place finish in Traditional with, with Wake Nation - Houston finishing closely behind them in third.

2018 Nautique WWA Wake Park National Championships | Champions

Pro Men Features: Busty Dunn
Pro Women Features: Anna Nikstad
Junior Men: Gavin Giglio
Masters Features: Scot Ferwerda
Veterans: Jason Stuckey
Open Men Features: Bruno Ulott
Open Women Features: Shannon Stuckey
Boys Features: Jadon Scures
Groms: Cameron Flinkingshelt
Pro Wakeskate: Colin Haas
Pro Traditional Cable: Guenther Oka

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Cory Teunissen crowned 2018 Pro Wakeboard Tour champion

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 11:12:43 +0000

The 2018 Supra Boats Pro Wakeboard Tour finals brought the world's top wakeboarders to Center Lake in Warsaw, Indiana.

There was a lot at stake. Knowing that, Nic Rapa competed with fractured fibula because he wanted to raise the coveted trophy.

Despite his injury, Rapa made it to to the finals, and earned the respect of fellow competitors and the crowd. The Australian-born rider finished the season runner-up, but has reasons to be proud of himself.

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