The World Wake Association (WWA) and Liquid Leisure are excited to announce 2022 WWA Wake Park World Championships presented by Nautique Boats is heading to one of the most iconic and progressive wake parks in the World, Liquid Leisure Windsor in the U.K. With Liquid Leisure and it’s Plastic Playgrounds event being widely respected by the athletes, this Wake Park World Championship event is no doubt set to be one of the most anticipated wake park events of the season.

“The WWA is looking forward to this partnership with Liquid Leisure,”  says WWA president Shannon Starling, “We are combining the coveted WWA Wake Park World Championships with the premier, sport-changing Plastic Playgrounds. We pride ourselves working with athletes and creative organizers that support a constantly evolving sport. This is what Liquid Leisure and Plastic Playgrounds brings to the table. This is a game changer.”
 
The 2022 WWA Wake Park World Championships presented by Nautique Boats will no doubt showcase the most progressive and impressive riding of the season as riders from around the globe make the journey to Liquid Leisure in hopes of bringing home a WWA World title and a piece of the $40,000 prize purse.

Stuart Marston, founder of Plastic Playground and Managing Director of Liquid Leisure stated, “This is a fantastic opportunity to work with the World Wake Association to put together the biggest event in cable wakeboarding since COVID-19. We have missed seeing all of the elite athletes together over the last two years and look forward to welcoming both them and the rest of the world back to London, England in July 2022”.

The WWA’s mission is to progress wake sports at both an individual and global level. We encourage parks from around the globe to bring their teams to Liquid Leisure for a chance to earn their parks’ 2022 World Title.  

The 2022 WWA Wake Park World Championships presented by Nautique Boats will also serve as a stop on the 2022 WWA Wake Park World Series (WPWS).

What:   
2022 WWA Wake Park World Championships Presented by Nautique Boats

When:    
July 14-17, 2022

Where:    
Liquid Leisure Windsor
Windsor, England

Registration:    
Registration coming soon!

All riders must have current WWA membership to be eligible to compete.

About Nautique Boat Company: Nautique is celebrating its 96th anniversary of delivering excellence in the marine industry. A subsidiary of Correct Craft, Nautique has been on the waters of the world with a passion for innovation since 1925. Delivering the very best waterski, wakeboard and wakesurf boats on the market, Nautique continues to drive progression with their award-winning technology and dedication to building the highest-quality boats imaginable. New technology, performance innovations and attention to detail are the cornerstones of what makes the Nautique brand the industry leader. Through the Nautique Cares initiative, employees and athletes dedicate themselves to not only making a difference on the water, but to extend their support 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 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 15,000 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 www.thewwa.com.

The post 2022 WWA Wake Park World Championships Presented by Nautique Boats appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

French artist Henri Matisse says “Another word for creativity is courage”. That rings true watching Michigan’s up and coming rider Hannah Mennega. From her own stylish looks to her incredible talent snowboarding, cable park riding or winching over rocks, her creative bravery got her on the podium at her very first contest this past summer. It’s an honor and a delight to watch her bloom into her own magic. Here’s a Q&A with Women’s Wakeboarding fastest rising star…

Where are you from?

Grand Rapids, Michigan although I’ve recently been living in North Carolina.

How old are you?

23

How did you get into wakeboarding?

I had started to get really into snowboarding the year before and I missed being on a board during summer. I heard about Action Wake Park near my house and it looked like it would be similar to snowboarding so I showed up, and was addicted pretty much right away.

How long have you been practicing?

This is my third season wakeboarding.

Best contest results?

Well, I’ve only ever ridden in one contest, but I got 2nd in features only at the WWA World’s at Valdosta last year.

Favorite trick?

Probably tail roll to blind or just anytime I don’t get smoked at a winch spot.

Favorite food?

Does orange juice count as a favorite food? Cause I love orange juice, and maybe baked potatoes.

Favorite animal?

Dumbo octopus

Who do you ride with?

The guys I rode most with this summer were Gibby Corcoran, Dylan Mead, Ethan Weaver, Jake Flynn, Spencer Littlefield, Wes Huber, and Clark Davis. We are sitting on a pretty solid stack of clips right now, so keep an eye out for those dropping here in the next few months!

Please tell us about your first time winching

My first winch spot was kind of a chaotic experience. I was in Virginia coaching snowboarding(well actually carpet boarding, because summer) and the plan was for me to fly back to MI, sleep one night at home, and then drive to Illinois to meet up with the rest of the ZMT crew and hit some spots to film for our movie “Tape.” During my layover in North Carolina, my flight home ended up getting delayed until 2am and then cancelled. The next available flight to MI was going to be a 36 hour wait so instead I took a 3 hour nap under an airport chair and flew straight to Chicago.

I had no wakeboard, no gear, no sleep, and the airline lost my snowboard bag with most of my clothes inside, but we pieced together a setup including Matt Gagnon’s (waaay too big) helmet, Hunter Thane’s board and West Rock Wakepark’s rental boots, and went anyway. The first spot I actually hit was just a couple rock ollies, which took me far too many tries to land, but I put at least part of that blame on American Airlines…

What has been your worst crash?

I’ve taken a couple good slams this year filming for our upcoming movie. Early this spring I learned that sliding concrete on your back at 20mph in a crop top is not very fun, but the worst one for sure was tearing my ACL on a drop in Tennessee this past October.

When you are about to try a new trick where do you find your courage and inspiration?

I wouldn’t have half the street clips I currently have without the people I ride with. They’re always giving me tips and hyping me up, and that feeling when you finally get the clip and you hear the yells from all the homies as you ride away is pretty great.

For the day to day cable laps though, the times I feel most creative are our after-hours sets at Elevated Wake Park. I put my music in, and get to ride with no one filming, no one really watching, just a few of us together wakeboarding for the fun of wakeboarding.

Who are your sponsors?

Slingshot and I Ride Sideways (for snowboarding)

Who inspires you in and out of the water?

Within wakeboarding, it hypes me up so much to see other girls winching. Riding street is some of the most fun I’ve ever had on a wakeboard and seeing women from all over the world start to push the sport in that direction is so sick! I also like to take inspiration from other boardsports, and turning on a snowboard movie like Colton Feldman’s “Bender” or one of The Dustbox projects always gets me fired up to ride.

The post Q&A With Hannah Mennega appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

How did you get into wakeskating? How old were you?

I began to wakeboard & wakeskate with my family in a boat on a lake when I was 6 years old. Afterwards I started to practice at OCP in the Olímpic Canal of Castelldefels.

What are your favorite cable parks?

OCP in Barcelona is one of my favorites cables park in the world. Close to me there is another amazing park, Delting Wake Park in Tarragona, it is perfect to wakesKate and there is a pull gap. Other cable parks close to me are Rancho Wakepark and Simple Wakepark (one hour from home) and now T-Toms. I have visited some countries and some cable parks and I really like to wakesKate at La Poule wakepark, Izon wakepark and TSCasrcassone (France) and in USA Valdosta compound (Georgia) and soon I will go to visit the Bricks in Germany.

In what countries have you practiced wakeskate and what do you think about them?

I have visited 13 or 14 countries and I have amazing memories from every place that I have been to. First, I traveled to Israel, I love this team, Milan people, Egypt love this place, Mexico is where I won my first world championship, I love Argentina’s people too! Every place was lovely and brought me new experiences.

What are your best contest results?

I have won some medals and probably the best results were the two World Championships U19 in Mexico and last year in Argentina. I also won medals in Italy, one gold medal in U19 and one in Open Category.

What big differences are there between wakeskate and wakeboard?

The biggest difference are the boots. In wakeskate your feet are free. It’s more similar to skateboarding. The tricks, the inspiration and the motivation, it is like there’s a skatepark on the water.

Are you working on specific tricks right now? Which tricks are your favorites?

I’m working on doing the kick flip better and some tricks of the same family. Kick flip body variations and soon backside kick flip. Probably this will be my favorite trick. I will tell you soon, I hope!

Do you like any other sports and who are your favorite Spanish athletes?

I love to play basketball; I play in a team. I like to play tennis, football, surfing and skate. In my country there are some amazing athletes like Rafa Nadal, Pau Gasol and Mireia Belmonte.

Read Next: Zuzana Vrablova’s Exclusive Interview

Who are your sponsors and coaches?

I want to say thanks to all my family and all the people who support me, like the Federations, La liga 4Sports, Liquid Force , ION, Munich, OCP, Vivida,DWS Cableparks, Arkosports (Nuno), Iñaki y Onoff Wellness, (Ivan).

The post Q&A With Spanish Wakeskate Phenom Telma Cester appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

By Argentinean Wake Park Rider Flor Medrano

At what age and when did you start wakeskating?

I started wakeskating I believe around 17 but I’m actually coming from waterskiing. The first time when I stood on waterskis was when I was 6 years old, and at eight, I joined the Waterski Club in my hometown Piestany. So I was waterskiing which is jump (for distance), trick skiing and slalom and then later on I added snowboarding-snowboardcross. So, I was I exchanging summer waterski season with winter snowboard season.

Did you ever try wakeboarding?

Around the age of 14 or 15 I tried wakeboarding but it really didn’t catch my attention just because there weren’t too many riders, no rails at all, I didn’t know what to do so I just kept on waterskiing ha-ha. But what happened later was that I suffered a knee injury in a snowboard competition. I had to undergo ACL surgery. After that I was really worried to do jump skiing in waterskiing.

Why wakeskate?

After my injury I used to go to the cable park and hang out with my friends and I tried wakeskating because there was already someone wakeskating I guess I was having too much fun! I was trying a few tricks and it was going pretty well to me, I am sure the waterskiing gave me some good skills so it was easier for me to learn. And I just I started really enjoying it. I was searching for more riders to ride with and I just tried to learn more tricks so somehow, I naturally came from waterskiing into wakeskating around the age of 17.

When did you start competing professionally?

I guess I started doing the competitions kind of quick after I started wakeskating. Not that I really that I wanted to do the contests so much, but it was a really nice opportunity to ride with some other girls and just more riders.

Which was your first international title?

My first big title was winning the WWA World Championships at the Hip-notics Park in Turkey in 2010.

You are three times world champion, am I correct?

I won two times the WWA World Championships. The one in Turkey that I just mentioned and later one in Abu Dhabi and I have won four times the IWWF World Championships.

How does it feel to be a female top rider?

I mean I never really think about it like you are asking me, but it’s a nice feeling to achieve some results (for example a good edit after you put your biggest effort into it, or landing a good run in the contest after you try your best to progress, capture some good shots, and get some appreciation for it too. I believe because of that I have some brands supporting me. And I try to take advantage of it. Not only for myself but I try to give forward in the community. I’ve organized Wakeskate Session for 5 years now and some other events.

What is your favorite trick?

I really enjoy doing Backside Backspin. I would say that is my favorite trick. Especially on the gap!

Which one was the hardest to learn and which is the one you are practicing nowadays?

I was really worried to ollie front board. I feel like I was always doing more flat tricks than the rails maybe in the beginning for sure. But the hardest, I guess the kickflip was taking me the longest, and I am still trying to get it clean so that is what I am doing nowadays other than shooting a project.

Do you have a routine before you get into the water?

I always stretch and warm up. First, I do warm up for like 5-10 minutes like some jogging, jumping or something to warm up my body and then I do dynamic stretching before every riding. Sometimes I use balance board or I skate before wakeskating as well.

Which riders inspire you most?

I am always inspired by anyone who I am riding with or whose edit I am looking at. Or seeing some sick photos. In the beginning I was always watching Aquafrolics edit so the first wakeskaters I was looking at were Andrew Pastura, Nick Taylor and Ben Horan. Now I really enjoy to watch Cole Kraiss, Maxime Giry and many others too. But really, I can get inspired by everyone who I am riding with or watching.

You travel around the world and you are a legendary wakeskater, which parks do you prefer most?

I really, really like to travel to CWC in the Philippines that is like the place I have been most often, I think they provide really good conditions in many ways like there is a pool gap, there is a big wake park with many rails, they have accommodation there and food. Everything is at one spot and you can just ride so much in good conditions that is amazing. And I’m always excited to see all of my friends there! Not only foreign but locals too! People are so nice and chill there.

I also like to go to the States where I think like the core of wakeskating is coming from. There is always someone to ride with. Either some good Sea-Doo session or 2.0 or cable park – Valdosta Wake Compound is my favorite there! But having opportunities to ride at Nick’s, Ben’s, Andrew’s or Reed’s pool gaps are just amazing experiences. Last mention, but probably the best place to go nowadays for wakeskating is Trey’s Black Water Junction. Can’t wait!

Tell us what’s a day in Zuzana’s life?

A day in my life? Ha-ha that is really hard to answer this question. It is never really the same. It all depends of where I am and what time of the year it is. If it is summer, I try to wake up super early for a good Sea Doo glassy morning session, that is my favorite! Or join some friends at the cable park. Other than wakeskating I always have some computer work. I organize events, work on projects and try to keep up with everything I should. And I love dogs! I spend a lot of time with my dog, or I go to to dog shelters to take dogs for a walk in my free time. I’m also a big fan of live music festivals.

Read Next: What’s in Zuzana Vrablova’s Bag?

What would you say to those girls that start wakeskating?

Don’t worry and have fun. I think it is always good to look for some good conditions and try to ride with other motivated riders and just all have fun together.

The post Zuzana Vrablova’s Exclusive Interview appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Maryh Rougier is making waves in France. We had the opportunity to get a few minutes with her to share some inspiration.

When did you start Wakeboarding?

I started wakeboarding about 8 years ago, when I was 20 years old.

Who got you into the sport?

I was working in an action park as a summer job. They had a cable park and we were allowed to use it on our free time. That’s how I first started. But I truly fell in love when the local crew built an obstacle!

Where do you train and where were you born?

I was born in Toulouse, France. Now I’m riding a lot at TNG Cable Park, which is one of the best cable parks in our country and only at 40 minutes from my place! We have so many cable parks in France, you have no idea! Within an hour from me there are six more! So, I am moving around a lot. Come and visit, I’ll show you!

What are your goals and what tricks are you working on?

My first and only goal is to have fun and enjoy my time on the water. Some days I’m just chilling out and having fun. Some days I’ll throw myself into new crazy missions. Whatever makes me happy at the moment.

Who are your sponsors?

Liquid Force, O’Neill, Unit Parktech, Totem Wake Park and Nane Art.

Check out more photos and videos of Maryh on her Instagram and Facebook pages.

The post There’s Something About Maryh appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Choosing the right place is key. While there are many great schools, a highly acclaimed one is Freedom Wake Park, located in the heart of Orlando, the Mecca of wakeboarding. The school offers personalized instruction by elite pro riders Tarah Mik and her husband, Wakeboarding Hall of Famer, Cobe Mikacich, whose riding and coaching skills warranties an experience that will impact you for a lifetime. We caught up with Tarah and Cobe to get the scoop.

“It’s a very unique experience! You stay alongside professional riders who’ve accomplished what most only dream of. Whether we’re shooting videos, telling stories, going to special events, or sharing unique information about the water-sports industry…you’re involved!” says Tarah, who trains with regular pros that ride at the school. like Japan’s Mizuki Takahashi and Tyler Worrall. You’re also likely to see other pros stop by, like Max Van Helvoort, Jake Hill, Bec Gange, Massi Piffaretti, Cory Teunissen, Carolina Goldenberg and more. That Mecca thing.

Freedom Wake Park includes airport pick up and drop off and their accommodations are bunk style with full and twin beds where rooms are split between parties or between genders.

The day begins with an 8:30 AM wakeup, followed by a simple breakfast with a variety of healthy options for the riders to choose from. Then, it’s on to the warm glassy waters of the private lake.

Read Next: Learn About Other Wakeboarding Schools

Most riders choose to take 2-3 sets each day. Each lesson lasts about 30 minutes. So depending on how many riders are in the rotation there’s time for 1-2 sets in the morning and the same in the afternoon.

“We love using video review! While the students are riding we film them on our iPhones. We do this so we have instant-replay videos and can break down what they are doing right/wrong then show the students the videos so they can visualize what they need to change as our coaches explain it to them” comments Tarah. Students often practice dry-land drills on the dock in between sets, “This helps them perfect their form, nail their handle passes and become more comfortable with concepts they’ll take back to the water.”

They ride behind a Malibu 25 LSV and an Axis A22 that have beautiful massive wakes that transition smoothly from Wakeboarding into Wakesurfing mode by clicking a couple buttons.

Lunch and Snacks are brought for the riders at the lake. They eat throughout the day and in between sets to stay fueled and on top of their game.

“We want you to get the most out of your time on the water. If you are close to landing a trick, let’s keep going. If you’re getting worn out, let’s stop, so you can ride the next day.” Mikacich’s expert opinion helps improve riding skills by avoiding burn-out.

It is recommended to bring your own gear. However, you can try an assortment of top of the line O’Brien Wakeboards, Wakesurf boards, life jackets and wetsuits.

“In the evening, we end the day back at the house where we cook dinner and eat family style. Sometimes we go for ice cream, stand up paddle board, jump in the hot tub, watch movies or play games, depending on how much energy everyone has left.”

One of the best things about Freedom Wake Park is their location, if you’re feeling adventurous, there are many restaurants, theme parks, hot spots, and unique activities you can explore.

“Our market is worldwide. It is easily accessible for anyone all over that world!” They keep a map marking all the countries where students have come from.

The going rates are $1,200 for the 3 day camp and $2,000 for the 5 day camp. Ask about custom packages and drop-in rates as well as discounts depending on time stayed at the camp and if you bring a friend.

“No matter what level you’re starting at, we have an option for you. Our expertise is in water sports and we want to share that knowledge with you in this great learning environment! Whether it’s just you, or you bring your whole crew, this will be your best experience on the water!”

For reservations go to www.freedomwakepark.com.

The post Profile: Freedom Wake Park appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Here is some more full-length wakeboard video goodness to help keep you entertained during these crazy times of social distancing, staying at home and quarantine. This time around it’s the British wake park epic “Ice Cream 1.5” from Pilchard Productions. Follow around some of the best park riders in the sport, including Liam and Ryan Peacock, Joe Battleday, Matty Muncey, Nick Davies and more as they hit up the most epic cable wake parks in the world.

But wait, there’s more. Pilchard Productions has opened up the vault to a bunch of content created over the past ten years. Head over to the Vimeo page and find some clips and movies that are sure to keep you entertained for a while!

From the producer: More than just a mashup of wakeboard action and never-been-done tricks captured with precision cinematography, be immersed in a journey through the world as seen in a rider’s eyes, from the lakes and countryside of England at it’s very finest, to Balinese paradise and tropical Philippine typhoons, the highs of adventure while spending winter on the road, to the lows of boredom and repetition, trapped at home by slow-healing injuries. Narrated by Midlands-born wordsmith Stephen Howells in his own particular way!

Featuring the fearless, flip-crazy Peacock brothers Liam and Ryan, understated style master Matty Muncey, precision expert Joe Battleday, local hero Mikey Bland and multiple World Champion Nick Davies. Join the crew at home at Liquid Leisure, London, and the world’s best wakeparks across Asia, including Thai Wakepark in Bangkok, Thailand, CWC in the Phillippines and Bali Wakepark, Indonesia, chasing warm weather, progression and good times.

The post Ice Cream 1.5 – Full Wakeboard Video appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Video: Andy Richardson & Bobby Sutherland

Want a quick look into what makes Courtney Angus not only one of the best park riders in the world, but just an all-around fun person? Look no further than her latest edit, filmed at Cables Wake Park, Penrith, her home for the past few years.

The post Courtney Angus X Cables Wake Park appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

“Cruisin'” might feature one of our favorite wake park combos in the game right now: Jonathan Silvershatz, AKA “Black Silk,” with his unique shredding, and Wesley Mark “The Most Interesting Wakeboarder in the World” Jacobsen with the creative filming and editing. In case you don’t know yet, Jonathan Silvershatz is a globe-trotting wake park rider whose style sets him apart from many other wakeboarders. “Cruisin'” showcases that creativity at the famed Thai Wake Park, outside Bangkok.

The post Cruisin’ – Laps at Thai Wake Park with Jonathan Silvershatz appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Over the winter he spent a lot of time at the aforementioned Lake Ronix, putting together unique setups and hitting them in ways only he can. Here are 60 seconds of highlights for your visual entertainment.

The post Dom Hernler – Winter Wakeboard Shredding appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.