Dylan Miler (@dylanmiller) has been riding professionally for 12 years.

In this video, this veteran pro rider shares his tips for learning to perform a Backside 180 while wakeboarding. Topics Miller covers include how to initiate the trick using the start-up roller of the wake, edging out, controlling your speed and where you should be looking while doing a Backside 180. Learn about the importance of your shoulders, where your weight is, timing the rotation, incorporating a grab,  and more. All footage shot using Dylan Miller’s Heyday Wake Boats H22.

Enjoy learning this trick.

Read Next: Get More Pro Tips

Watch Now: Check out the Heyday Wake Boats H22, the Boat Dylan Miller Rides Behind

The post How to Perform a Backside 180 Wakeboarding With Dylan Miller appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

The 2024 Red Bull Double or Nothing has been a staple of the wake industry and a place that the fans have come to expect something that has never been done before. The event’s brainchild and spokesperson Parks Bonifay has made a career off of doing just that; Creativity and athleticism sprinkled in with a bit of adrenalin and fearlessness has been the recipe for victory at previous events and with the progression leap that wakeboarding took at last year’s event with the first and only triple flip behind a boat, the shore of Lake Ivanhoe in Orlando FL was packed with those looking to witness history, again.

In another lane of progression, the women were invited to compete alongside the men for the first time in the event’s history. During 2023 women participated in an exhibition to showcase women’s wakeboarding on the main stage, but this year the women have been throwing down hard enough to earn spots in the running order and take a swing at the belt. 

“My whole career has been advocating for the women to be on the main stage and seeing it happen here is so rewarding,” said Meagan Ethell, Red Bull athlete and one of the most dominant competitive forces the sport has ever seen.

 “Seeing the next generation represented with Guila Castelli is so exciting to see what is next for the women,” continued Ethelll who speaks like a seasoned veteran of the sport but who is only 27 herself. Proof of Castelli’s impact can be easily confirmed with a quick scroll through her Instagram page highlighting one NBD (never-been-done trick) after another. 

Landing an NBD (Never Been Done) in a venue like the Double or Nothing is such a thread in the fabric of the event that Red Bull allotted a $5k NBD bounty for a contest-first over the top of the $10k for the winner take all 1st prize. So with $15k on the line, Thomas Herman was 3rd off the dock and landed a nose-grabbed double back roll, backside 360 with as much height as one could hope for with a perfectly clean landing to take the maximum prize purse. 

“I didn’t want to show up and try the triple flip again, I wanted to mix it up,” said the first even back to back champion. He came with his A-game, matching his hair color to his custom flame graphic on his board. 

While Tyler Higham had landed this trick and released it in a legendary section in the movie Scumline, the trick had not been put down in the contest setting. Thomas got the luck of the draw going off the dock before Higham and put the pressure on with a very clean make.

Noteworthy, standout performances and efforts:

• Thomas Herman: Attempting an extra 180 on the trick that took the victory
• Tyler Higham: Perfectly grabbed and equally popped replica of the trick that Thomas landed, but landed hard and injured his ribs. 
• Meagan Ethell: Going for a KGB 5 that she had just landed as an NBD for the women weeks previously. She had a rough fall during training that almost took her out of the event, but she still threw down.
• Guilia Castelli: Wrapped BS 7 attempt with a fall, but landed a BS 5
• Parks Bonifay: Nearly landing a double half-cab roll as the oldest competitor in the field.
• Luca Kidd: First wrapped BS 1080 in a contest with a legit nose grab taking 2nd place
• Sam Brown: Nearly landed a double back mobe 540, which would have taken first.
• Nic Rapa: Double indy tantrum to blind landed clean for 3rd place.
• Kai Ditsch: Double backroll to blind attempt
• Trent Stuckey: A rider who dominates the cable scene who has improved recently on the boat, landing a BS 900 and going for BS 1080’s.

There is no better advocate for pushing the limits than Parks Bonifay and with the continued support of his sponsors, the sport is lucky to have the venue to put the best feet forward. How could the riders possibly improve upon the seemingly unreachable level that they are at now? If history is any indication, they will find a way and continue to blow minds. 

The post Thomas Herman Repeats at 2024 Red Bull Double or Nothing Powered by MasterCraft appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

MasterCraft Boat Company, a MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc subsidiary and the world’s best-selling towboat brand, today unveiled impressive new upgrades and enhancements to its 2025 model year lineup. With the industry’s most expansive lineup, MasterCraft delivers unrivaled performance in driving waves and wakes, superior comfort, unmatched quality and reliability, and industry-leading technology across its diverse range of models.

For 2025, MasterCraft has taken the industry’s top towboat lineup to an entirely new level – further driving innovation and making the best even better. Boasting a new dash for XT and X models, MasterCraft delivers a superior driving experience through a redesigned helm. Additional upgrades and enhancements include the all-new MasterCraft MyDrive rotary encoder, NXT FasterFill ballast and standard underwater exhaust for the NXT lineup. Ilmor’s 5.3L GDI High Output Engine comes standard on the NXT and XT, delivering powerful performance and improved fuel efficiency.

“Our team is dedicated to creating high-quality, high-performance boats that become the heart of unforgettable moments with friends and family,” said Greg Miller, Vice President of Global Sales at MasterCraft. “The 2025 lineup offers the most extensive selection in the market, with each model showcasing our commitment to reliable craftsmanship, impeccable fit-and-finish, and delivering the unparalleled MasterCraft performance that our customers expect.”

Read Next: Learn About MasterCraft and Surf to Save Lives

Industry-Leading Technology

With industry-leading technology, MasterCraft continues to lead the way in innovation. For 2025, the helm area of the X and XT family has been completely redesigned with upgraded screens and software. The X lineup now comes standard with a dual screen configuration, with both screens being larger than the previous generation. This new setup features a sleek 15-inch panoramic center display and a massive 12-inch touchscreen off to the right side of the helm. Meanwhile, the XT lineup will feature the large 12-inch touchscreen (also on the right side of the helm) standard. A completely updated software interface powers these screens to make them more intuitive, immersive, and customizable.

Additionally, the all-new MasterCraft MyDrive will be standard on XT and X models. MyDrive is a rotary encoder that puts key controls at the driver’s fingertips, making on-the-fly changes easier. The hot keys and the rotary dial allow for effortless adjustments while keeping eyes focused on what’s ahead. Available on all 2025 MasterCraft models, standard telematics capabilities and the MasterCraft Connect App provide users with more connectivity with boat health diagnostics, tracking behind-the-boat activity, locating nearby fuel spots, and a remote battery switch.

Unrivaled Performance

All MasterCraft boats deliver unrivaled behind-the-boat performance. Available in all MasterCraft models except the ProStar, MasterCraft’s SurfStar system provides the best and most customizable waves for any rider at the touch of a button. Riders can quickly create the perfect wave to accommodate everyone’s riding style through the factory-tuned Rapid Surf interface. The Custom Surf interface offers complete control of speed, ballast, and surf device position for riders wanting even more customization.

For 2025, the NXT family continues to receive enhancements, delivering customers the best boat at an attainable price point. All NXT models will now come standard with NXT FasterFill Ballast. FasterFill comes with an extra ballast pump, resulting in fill times under 9 minutes, allowing for less waiting and more time riding. Also new for 2025, the NXT lineup now comes standard with underwater exhaust, substantially reducing noise in and behind the boat and improving air quality for riders by minimizing exhaust fumes.

Additionally, all NXT and XT models will now come with Ilmor’s all-new 5.3L GDI High Output engine, which utilizes the latest in automotive technology to deliver 380 HP, 407 lbs of torque, a 4-star emissions rating, improved efficiency, and approximately 15% less fuel consumption over the legacy 6.0L engine. For even more performance beyond the naturally aspirated 6.2L engine, the XT24 and XT25 have an optional upgrade to the 6.2L Supercharged Engine that produces 630HP and 665 ft-lb of torque, which has previously been available exclusively on the top-of-the-line X and XStar S models. Not only that, but all models will come with a new fresh-air intake, which means more power, better efficiency, and improved performance even on the hottest summer days. Finally, a new rudder position sensor has been added on all models except the NXT and ProStar for 2025, providing an enhanced driving experience. Also, stern thrusters are now optional on all XT models.

Superior Comfort, Quality and Reliability

Exemplifying superior design and build quality, MasterCraft designs all models to deliver a smooth, dry ride that surpasses industry standards for towboats by using the best materials to ensure an incredible, comfortable, on-water experience, even in rough conditions.

In addition to the dash and software upgrades to the helm, the captain’s seat on XT and X models has an all-new design for 2025 that offers unmatched ergonomics and comfort as well as beautiful, modernized aesthetics. A convenient storage cubby and phone holder have also been added behind the steering wheel. Along with improving aesthetics, this redesign allowed MasterCraft to maximize space between the top of the dashboard and the windshield header, providing a larger viewing window for the captain. In addition, NXT models receive an all-new transom walkover, as a non-slip Seadek across the back sunpad allows boaters to walk from the swimpad into the cockpit without stepping on upholstery.

For even more comfort onboard, optional CoolFeel upholstery stays up to 30% cooler than standard marine vinyl. This means there’s no reason to shy away from richer, dark colors complimenting each custom design. For 2025, new optional vinyl Bowmore replaces the current Odesssa and Genesis to provide a new look and texture. Additionally, new exciting gel coat options round out the MasterCraft palette and provide unmatched levels of customization for the consumer, including Stone, Sunset, Laguna Blue with a flake option, and Magnetic Blue with a flake option.

Every boat built directly reflects MasterCraft’s legacy, power, precision, and progression. MasterCraft aims to ensure that customers can rely on MasterCraft’s award-winning dealer network to deliver the best customer experience throughout the building, buying, and boating experience. Every MasterCraft comes standard with MasterCare, the industry’s best warranty on the water, featuring a 5-year, 500-hour comprehensive warranty with minimal exclusions. MasterCraft engines are backed with an unrivaled warranty—7 years or 1,000 hours.

Along with the boat, MasterCraft offers custom trailer options that are designed to fit the hull of the specific boat model to ensure the hull remains clean and secure in transit.

Having already begun shipping, the new features and enhancements for 2025 are now available at MasterCraft dealers around the U.S. For more information, visit MasterCraft.com and follow along on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.

About MasterCraft:

MasterCraft is a world-renowned innovator, designer, manufacturer, and marketer of premium performance sport boats. Founded in 1968, MasterCraft has cultivated its iconic brand image through a rich history of industry-leading innovation, and more than five decades after the original MasterCraft made its debut, the company’s goal remains the same – to continue building the world’s best ski, wakeboard, wakesurf, and luxury performance powerboats.

About MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc.:

Headquartered in Vonore, TN, MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MCFT) is a leading innovator, designer, manufacturer and marketer of premium recreational powerboats through its three wholly-owned brands, MasterCraft, Crest and Balise. Through these three brands, MasterCraft Boat Holdings has leading market share positions in two of the fastest-growing segments of the powerboat industry – performance sport boats and pontoon boats. For more information about MasterCraft Boat Holdings, please visit Investors.MasterCraft.com, MasterCraft.com, CrestPontoonBoats.com, and BalisePontoonBoats.com.

The post New Features and Enhancements for 2025 MasterCraft Boats appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Costa has long been a leader in sunglasses’ design and performance. One of their recent releases harkens back to vintage designs, while adding a slew of new high-tech capabilities. The Grand Catalina frames bring back a classic Costa design from the 80s, while adding the capabilities of polarized 580 G (glass) lenses and a whole lot more.

Aside from the retro aviator design, the calling card of the Grand Catalina frames has to be the removable side shields. The pieces are easy to pop in and out, and add a lot of protection from the periphery – a big plus for those spending long days on the water, in the sun, or both. The side shields integrate seamlessly with the arms, and the rounded form at the top offers protection from above, as well. So not only do the side shields look good, but they add serious functionality, making the Grand Catalinas an extremely versatile pair of sunglasses.

Of course, you can’t ignore the styling. The classic aviator look never gets old because, like a good pair of jeans or an Eames chair, it just works. The Grand Catalinas don’t just look good, though, they fit beautifully. The frames are lightweight, thanks to Costa’s advanced construction, and soft pads in the bridge prevent slippage and fatigue if you have to keep them on all day. The nose pads are also adjustable, for total customization. Spring hinges in the arms keep the Grand Catalinas locked to your head, while eliminating the stretched-out, loose feeling that can occur in sunglasses after lots of use.

I spent multiple days on the water in a variety of environments wearing a pair of Grand Catalinas equipped with 580 G “blue mirror” lenses. Simply put, they’re awesome, and work best in bright conditions. They are ultra-clear, while the polarization adds a little “boost” to the view, and makes looking into the water very easy. The design of Costa’s 580 G lenses is also scratch resistant – a big bonus for those of us prone to putting our glasses down where they can end up getting scuffed.

Read Next: More About Costa

The only downside for me with the Grand Catalinas has more to do with my giant head than the design or performance of the sunglasses themselves. Because my head is on the wider side (I wear a 7-5/8 size hat), the side shields press against my temples when installed. It’s not uncomfortable at all, but definitely noticeable. It hasn’t detracted from me using the Grand Catalinas on a regular basis, both out on the boat and around town, but I’m not installing the side shields every time I wear them.

Overall, with the Grand Catalinas, Costa has created another winner. As boaters, anglers and watermen of all types continue to seek out eyewear options that offer high-end performance and a great, classic look, many different brands have strived to bridge that gap. Costa’s Grand Catalina frames may just be the Golden Gate.

Costa Grand Catalina (as tested): $292, costadelmar.com

The post We Test: Costa Grand Catalina Sunglasses appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Gunnar Daft is a long-time professional rider with loads of experience and wisdom to share. In this video, Daft, describes some of the settings he uses to wring top performance from his Montara Boats Surf Boss 2.0, which our sister media outlet, Boating, named Boat of the Year for 2023.

In the vid, Daft describes the use of profiles, tab percentages, speed and more. Shot aboard Daft’s own Montara, you will also see him riding in this video. Enjoy and learn!

Read Next: How to Set Up Your Boat for Wakeboarding With Taylor McCullough

The post How to Set Up Your Boat for Wakeboarding and Wakesurfing With Gunnar Daft appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

In this video, world-renowned, multi-discipline athlete, Brian Grubb dishes about the evolution of watersports. Having been riding for team @malibuboats  for over 20 years, Grubb started waterskiing, transitioned to wakeskating, performs at top levels at wakeboarding and wakesurfing, and now may be best known for his exploits riding foils. Check out what Brian Grubb has to say, and enjoy some great footage of Grubb doing what he does best.

The post Brian Grubb on the Evolution of Watersports appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Read Next: Learn More About Thomas Herman’s Amazing Triple

More history will be made this year, as 7-time World Champion Meagan Ethell, who participated in exhibition runs last year, will officially compete. This will mark the first time a woman will be in the running for the $10,000, winner-take-all, grand prize. For Meagan, an Orlando local and major advocate for women’s equality in all sport, this means a great deal and she’s excited to get on the lake, and try to make history herself with some never-been-done tricks from behind a boat.

Parks Bonifay is the creator of Red Bull Double or Nothing and a certified legend. He’s recruited some of the best athletes in the sport to compete alongside Meagan on Saturday, September 7th. After last year’s showstopping Triple Flip, the athletes will be trying to go even bigger. 

Parks, an Orlando resident, has retired from competing for the most part, but makes the exception every year for this event. 

I came up with the concept for this event with Red Bull to push the sport of wakeboarding,” says Parks. “And the way last year went down with the first ever Triple Flip completed by Thoumas herman, riders are even more fired up. Anything can happen at Red Bull Double or Nothing and last year was proof.”

The event gets its name from the “double-up”, which is the moment when two wakes combine into one, growing more than three times the size of a usual wake. This allows the pros to get massive air, allowing for huge tricks, and risking huge crashes. 

Thomas Herman’s previously mentioned Triple Flip won last year’s event, earning him the winner-take-all $10,000 prize. Thomas will be returning this year, as will other former winners like Guenther Oka and Sam Brown. Judges include wake stars Brian Grubb, Jimmy LaRiche and Jamie Lopina.

This year’s competition also includes a Wild Card submission. From August 2 to August 25th, riders that are interested in competing can submit their best trick in an attempt to be selected for a spot in the contest. 

To see Meagan, Parks and nearly 20 of the best wakeboarders in the world in person, head to Gaston Edwards Park on Saturday, Sept. 7^th from 9am-5pm. The day will be complete with food trucks, family-friendly games, and an open area for some of the best views of the lake to witness the greatest show in all of wakeboarding.

Confirmed Red Bull Double or Nothing Athlete Roster 

• Sam Brown
• Guenther Oka
• Tyler Higham 
• Luca Kidd
• Kai Distch
• Ulf Distch
• Cory Teunnissan
• Fynn Bullock
• Thomas Herman
• Massi Piffaretti 
• Parks Bonifay
• Meagan Ethell 
• Wild Card

Follow redbull.com/us-en/events/double-or-nothing to stay updated about this year’s event! 

The post Meagan Ethell to Compete at 2024 Red Bull Double or Nothing appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Wakeboarding professionally is not easy. Having a long career adds its own set of challenges. But winning events and overall titles over a 10 year span where the field has become more and more elite makes this win for Cory Teunissen that much more special.

When asked about how many total victories this makes for him in his illustrious career, Teunissen joked, “My dad is such a geek about this stuff and just told me that this was my 38th pro win and my 13th PWT event win.” 

While one might expect so much longevity and success to manifest itself with ultimate confidence coming into the season, Teunissen’s outlook was not so self-assured. “With the surgeries at the beginning of the year, I felt so far away from top form and I couldn’t prepare the way I wanted to. Battling through the ankle pain on every set throughout the year has been tough and I didn’t expect much out of the season.”

Read Next: More PWT Action!

In a year with four, yes four,  separate winners on the PWT series, the sport has shown that the gap from the usual suspects and the rest of the field has closed dramatically. As a judge on the PWT in the late 20-teens it was more often the case that if Harley Clifford, Corey Teunissen or Nic Rapa didn’t end up on the top of the podium, something went awry in their respective runs. This year however, the phrase “the overall level of riding has gotten to such a crazy place” is more true than ever.

“The final was nuts, everyone landed a complete run with everything they wanted to do. I mean, Thomas (Herman) got last in the finals and he landed a double backroll to the flats, double toeside backroll and a KGB 720 off the double up!” shared Teunissen about his good friend and riding buddy. 

If Cory’s experience was ever going to serve him well, it was going into an event that he had to win if he wanted to take the overall PWT, but that didn’t stop him for pulling for his friends. “I wanted Shota to win almost as bad as I wanted it for myself.” His love of the sport and ability to battle through a rough set of physical challenges was rewarded with what he will file away as one of the most memorable wins of his career. “This one is one of the standouts for me. You always remember your first big wins, but having so much doubt and uncertainty throughout the year, this one means the most.”

Big congrats go to Camden Marsden who took the top spot at his first ever PWT event in the Jr. Pro division and Noah Bollard winning the overall title for the Jrs. Daniel Johnson earns the prestigious Rookie of the Year for the Pro division and will surely be one that will have the tour vets looking out for in the years to come.

The post PWT Stop 4: Teunissen Wins Fourth Overall PWT Title appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Cresting the mid-season hump and gearing up for an exciting end to the season, the 3rd stop of the Pro Wakeboard Tour returned to Groveland, in central Florida, a spot  many of the competitors call home. 

Would proximity play a factor in this year’s result? Without having to work through the disruption of a flight, hotel stay and transport to and from the site, would we see an advantage for those closest by? 

Yes and no. Last year, the same PWT stop with the same format, at the same venue, boat contest aficionado Supra Boats team rider Nic Rapa was able to sleep in his own bed, go through his normal morning routine and drive 6 miles down the road to Lake David in Groveland, FL. No clear advantage here as he was ousted in the first round in 2023. “I didn’t like the format last year, but this year I came into it with a different mindset and really enjoyed it.” 

Unique to this stop, riders have the chance to showcase their skills outside of the traditional quarters, semis, finals structure with 2-passes, 6 to 8 trick lines and sometimes a double-up in the finals. Here, riders are looking to win 2 out of the 3 categories of 3 trick line, single best trick off the wake (2 attempts), and a double-up. 

“You have to be very strategic going head to head and with this format, if you are first off the dock you are going out on a hunch of what the other guy might do,” said Rapa. Known for having a head for competitive situations over the long haul, he continued, “You need to have belief and bank on yourself and what you are capable of.” 

With a lot of tools in his kit, Rapa was able to get through the first two rounds with a three- trick line of HS FS 9, Switch Back mobe 5, and a double indy tantrum. For his best trick attempts he would boost an indy backside 7 into the flats as well as a mute double cab roll way past the second wake. 

Read Next: More 2024 PWT Action

Starting in the Semis against a rider that any rider would like to have on the other side of the bracket, Corey Teunissen has any boat contest in his grasp. But so does Rapa, as he switched up his run to incorporate the indy back 7 and double cab into his 3 trick line and drop the trick of the contest, a double indy tantrum to blind in both the semi and final rounds. He was the first one to land that trick off the wake in a contest run in 2022 and needed it to secure the victory.

The crew heads straight up to Lenoir City, TN minutes from the Supra Boats factory in Maryville. The race for the overall winner is very much in play for Guenther Oka, Nic Rapa, Corey Teunissen, and Tyler Higham with Shota Tezuka holding a narrow lead over the field. 

On the wakesurf front, Jett Lambert pulled off a perfect 3 for 3 in winning each of the Pro Wakesurf Tour stops as this served as the season finale. He is now a back-to-back overall champion and smart money has him as a favorite in 2025.

The post Rapa Takes 2024 PWT Stop 3 appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Leading up to the weekend-plus of WWA competition, there was hype surrounding Nautique waterman Noah Flegel and his quest to compete in a total of 6 different divisions. Hype might not be the right word as it sometimes carries connotations of overpromise or undeservedness. “Very real anticipation for what Flegel is capable of,” might be a better way to say it. Smart money had him taking at least one or two of the foil and/or surf divisions and making the finals in most, but how would he stay on his game over 4 days of competing?

• Pro Wakeskate: 2nd place
• Pro Men Wakeboard: 6th place (made finals)
• Pro Men Foil: 1st place
• Pro Men Foil (straps): 1st place
• Pro Men Surf: 1st place
• Pro Men Skim: 3rd place

That totals 14 rides, 6 finals, 5 podiums and 3 wins at one event. 

Read Next: Check Out Last Years Nationals

Arguably the most competitive division was his own worst placing of the weekend, but could be the most impressive. Pro Men Wakeboard has been reaching a level that even the 2024 champion, and very good friend of Flegel, Cory Teunissen states, “it has really gotten out of control. I did 2 doubles, a BS 9, no falls and got 3rd in the qualifying heat.” 

Teunissen knows a thing or about what it takes to succeed in this environment, stay healthy, recover from injuries, and maintain the mental aspect to be in the top echelon. “For years it used to be 2 or 3 guys you could really count on taking out an event but now it is really the majority of the field. It has really tightened up, especially over the last couple of years. We are seeing the most polished and most technical display of wakeboarding the sport has ever seen and it is only going to grow to be even better.”

On the Pro Women Wakeboard side, the pre-event favorites were Zahra Kell and Meagan Ethell, but a concussion before the event put Kell’s status in question. Being in the hospital four days before leaving for Seattle, she decided to travel to the event and tone down her passes to avoid back edge catches. A testament to how deep her bag of tricks is, Kell had enough to take the win. A large part of that drive comes down to falling back in love with the sport. Her father/coach and legend in the wakeboarding community Scotty Kell sentimentally shared, “I’m soooo stoked to see that she is loving it. I love when I’m pulling her and it’s windy or rolly but she is smiling.” Surely seeing her smile at the top of the podium and being able to recover from the head knock had to stoke him out even more.

Pro Skim slayer Jett Lambert continues to be unbeatable and staved off some heavy hitters to take the Eagle trophy. 

The post Storylines Abound at the 2024 WWA Nautique National Wakeboard and Wakesurf National Championships appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.