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.

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.

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.

Where else can you find die-hard wakeboarding fans, with a boat tie-up en masse, mere feet from the world’s best boat riders vying for the largest prize purse available? The TNT Watersports Wakefest TN has become synonymous with the event that offers it all. What defines the event are standout performances with a lot on the line. 

After 19 years running, the crew at TNT Watersports with the support of Malibu Boats pulled hundreds of riders over two days in a setting that puts pure wakeboarding in front of thousands of spectators.

 “There is almost a cult-like following for this event,” shared Malibu Boats’ Rob Corum who is no stranger to wake events over the last 2 decades. “Without reliable cell service, everyone was present and engaged rather than getting clips for their social media,” said Corum. “It was just about being there in the moment.”

More about TNT Watersports Wakefest TN

The moment could not have been more profitable for Argentinian Ulf Ditsch. He has made a name for himself with charging ballsy technical maneuvers and taking them to the flats, upping the difficulty, amplitude and risk while making tricks look stylish and unique. Take a little bit of Shapiro, sprinkle in some Dean Smith, and you have something resembling the intensity that Ditsch rides with. Layer in the style focused La Familia influence of Massi Piffaretti, Sam Brown, Tyler Higham, Luca Kidd and his brother Kai Ditsch and you have a rider who is extremely difficult to take down in a format like the winner-take-all shootout. If Ditsch’s $25k win at last year’s shootout wasn’t motivation enough, this year’s $50k prize for first place was surely going to reveal his a-game. 

“If you ain’t first, you’re last” joked Corum as he pointed out how impressive Ditsch’s performance was in the losers-take-none Shootout on Friday. “His stalefish front to blind was unreal”, Corum said as Ditsch dropped the largest tricks of the weekend back-to-back-to-back-to-back. His signature Tootsie Roll, followed by a Backside 540, into a Cab 720, then finishing with the finale trick had Ditsch stating, “that feeling of landing that fourth trick in the line is unbeatable.” 

Interesting choice of words because when he is on, there are few that can beat him.

The rest of the competition included a more traditional two run format with riders being ranked in their division by placing and paid accordingly. Meagan Ethell added yet another 1st place finish to her illustrious collection and repeated her performance from last year, taking home $7,500. Former World Champ Bec Gange made a nice comeback to the podium with a 2nd place spot and up and comer Aussie rider Charli Russell scored her first podium finish, snagging 3rd.

On the Men’s side, Sam Brown took down the top spot, giving the crowd a view of his unique take on the sport. Guenther Oka continued his streak in his comeback year after a rough injury securing 2nd and Kai Ditsch rounded out the 3rd spot. 

Notable tricks of the weekend were the aforementioned Stale front to blind by the Ulf, Sam’s Crow 7, Guenther’s switch and regular Pete 5’s and Thomas Herman’s double back roll into the flats, as teased in his recent social media posts.

How would they top this next year for the 20th annual? Could there be an even larger purse? Word is that they are already getting plans together to up the ante. In Ditsch’s words, “It is by far the best event of the year, and not just because of the prize money!” Stay tuned.

The post Ditsch and Ethell Repeat at Wakefest TN appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Pass The Handle week starts Monday, July 15 and runs through Sunday, July 21, 2024.

This week, Pass The Handle encourages watersports enthusiasts everywhere to introduce new people of all ages to the excitement of water sports. From wakeboarding, water skiing, and wakesurfing;  to kneeboarding and tubing; to barefooting, wakeskating, and other fun on the water, this is the week to grow participation in the water sports so many  know and love.

Follow Pass The Handle on Facebook and Instagram for real-time updates throughout the week of events happening across the country. If you are participating, be sure to tag @PassTheHandle and utilize the #PassTheHandle hashtag for a chance to be featured on our channels! We also created a social media guide with helpful tips, sample captions, and example posts to support your #PassTheHandle efforts during the week.

Check out the video from PTH, produced with Zane Schwenk, and Watersports Industry Association. It’s just one of the many ways you can help new people enjoy the sports you love. 

The post Pass The Handle Week is Here! appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

The highly-anticipated Finals Day at the 64^th Nautique Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard Tournament presented by GM Marine concluded with the world-record setting Ski Nautique and award-winning Super Air Nautique G23 pulling the world’s top water ski and wakeboard athletes to the coveted Masters Titles. The spectators of Robin Lake were treated to a display of unparalleled talent as their favorite athletes etched their names into waterski and wakeboard history. 

The Super Air Nautique G23 provided perfect passes for the Pro Women’s Wakeboard finalists. Meagan Ethell (USA) defended her Masters title and stood up her run with a flawless performance. This was Ethell’s 8th Master’s Title. Meagan was followed by Nautique team athlete Zahra Kell (AUS) and Eugenia de Armas (ARG), respectively. 

The Pro Men’s Wakeboard final showcased the creativity and innovation that define the sport at its highest level. The crowd went wild as the G23 pulled Massi Piffaretti (ITA) to his second consecutive Masters Title. Second place went to Nic Rapa (AUS), and the third spot on the podium went to Guenther Oka (USA). 

Read Next: Previous Nautique Masters by GM Results

Results for other towed watersports events can be found below.

The day began with Team Nautique athletes dominating all three spots on the Pro Women’s Trick podium. Anna Hunter (USA) claimed her 3^rd Masters title in the Pro Women’s Trick division, scoring 10,540 points. Neilly Ross (CAN) scored 10,300 points to take second, and Erika Lang (USA) took the final spot on the podium with 10,120 points. 

During the Pro Men’s Trick division, the Ski Nautique pulled Martin Labra (CHI) to his first Masters Title with a score of 11,810 points. Martin was followed by Matias Gonzalez (CHI) and Joel Poland (GBR), respectively. 

With more Masters Titles than any other woman in history, Nautique team athlete Regina Jaquess (USA) earned her 10^th Masters Title with 4 @ 11.25 M in the Pro Women’s Slalom division. “It’s an absolute honor to win my 10^th Masters Title behind the Ski Nautique as a Nautique athlete,” said Regina. “With 14 wins, Andy Mapple and Freddy Kreuger are tied with the most Masters Titles, so it’s an insane feeling to be so close to holding as many Masters Titles as these two legends.” Nautique team athlete Neilly Ross (CAN) secured second with Paige Rini (CAN) taking third. 

Pulled by the GM Marine powered Ski Nautique, Cole McCormick (CAN) was crowned champion of the Pro Men’s Slalom division running 5.5 @ 10.75 M. After Cole, it was Will Asher (GBR) skiing to second place, and Stephen Neveu (CAN) in third. 

During the Pro Women’s Jump final, Hanna Straltsova (USA) soared 52 M (171 ft) to victory. The Ski Nautique pulled Brittany Wharton (USA) to second and Aliaksandra Danisheuskaya (USA) to third.

This unforgettable day on the water got even better as the men hit the water for the Pro Men’s Jump division. Joel Poland (GBR) emerged victorious jumping and impressive 68.2 M (224 ft). Nautique team athlete Ryan Dodd (CAN) took the second spot on the podium, and Florian Parth (ITA) was third. 

Congratulations to all of the 64^th Nautique Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard competitors for their hard work and determination, and thank you to the fans, vendors, and sponsors for their unwavering support throughout the tournament. 

About Nautique Boat Company

Nautique is celebrating its 99^th 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 Correct Craft

Celebrating 99 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft is a Florida-based company with global operations. Focused on “Making Life Better,” the Correct Craft family includes Nautique, Centurion, Supreme, Bass Cat, Yar-Craft, SeaArk, Parker, and Ingenity boat companies, Pleasurecraft Engine Group, Indmar Marine Engines, Velvet Drive Transmissions, Mach Connections, Merritt Precision, Osmosis, Watershed Innovation, and Aktion Parks. For more information, please visit correctcraft.com.

The post 2024 Nautique Masters by GM appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

A former competitive wakeboarder, Alexa Score is one of the busiest people you’ll ever meet. From her work as a producer and on-camera talent for three outdoor shows as well as working for the Minnesota Vikings and appearing in Zac Brown Band videos, she is living her best life—especially when you consider she has been battling chronic myeloid leukemia since the age of 16. We caught up with her about her life on the water and her efforts to help other childhood cancer victims through the Surf to Save Lives event benefitting St. Jude’s Children’s Research hospital.

You grew up on Green Lake in Minnesota. How did you get involved in watersports and wakeboarding?

My family wasn’t really involved in watersports, but I got involved in the Little Crow Ski Team when I was nine. I was a swivel skier and even stood on the top of a 42-person pyramid. I have the bumps and bruises to prove it.

I got started wakeboarding when my older sister came home from college and started doing it on the lake with her friends. I started realizing I could be competitive when I won the women’s amateur national title at the WWA Nationals in 2011 when I’d really only competed a couple of times.

You were first diagnosed with leukemia at age 16. How did that change your life in general and your passion for wakeboarding?

There was a period of nine months where I struggled to get out of bed or do basic things like just walk down the stairs. Then when I turned 17, when I started feeling better, I graduated early from high school and said, “I’m moving to Orlando and nobody can stop me.” I found healing and passion in competitive wakeboarding and being on the water. I didn’t know how long I had to live and with my prognosis. I was literally riding the wave.

Are you now in remission?

I’m not in remission. I still take an oral chemo medication every day and see an oncologist every three months. I’m very fortunate—there are a lot of people under the same circumstances who can’t work and struggle on a daily basis.

What is your involvement with Surf to Save Lives?

I’ve been partnered with MasterCraft for three years now and this our second year doing the Surf to Save Lives event. From May 22 to October 1, all you have to do to participate is download the MasterCraft Connect app—it doesn’t matter what kind of boat you have. When you’re on the water participating in any kind of towed watersport—tubing, kneeboarding, waterskiing, wakeboarding, surfing—for every minute you log on the app, MasterCraft will donate $1 to St. Jude’s [up to $75,000.] All you have to do is log in while doing something you love.

I attribute a lot of my success to the first pediatric doctor I had. The drug I’ve been taking since I was 17 to stay alive was new back then. Now, thanks to research, there are five drugs to help people like me. St. Jude’s is on the cutting edge of care and research to help kids who have cancer.

You no longer compete, but do you still get out on the water?

Watersports was my first passion and still is my number one passion. When I’m home in Minnesota during the season, I spend every free minute on the water (I just got my new MasterCraft XT24 yesterday) taking friends and family wakeboarding and wakesurfing. I also still swivel ski and foil. It’s all about having fun on the water and creating memories.

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Electric watercraft have historically had poor range, lacked power, or been prohibitively expensive. By comparison, the Arc Sport’s battery design enables performance that blows gas boats out of the water — and does so at a competitive price. During the research and development (R&D) phase, engineers considered a variety of battery chemistries and configurations for the Arc Sport packs. The end result is a monstrous 226 kWh battery pack that’s intelligently integrated with the hull to deliver a ton of power without sacrificing range.

The Arc Sport’s motor has a rated output of 570 hp, enough to move a semi-truck — literally. Through propeller testing, integrated system testing, fault tolerance and longevity testing, Arc arrived at an integrated system delivering 500 hp to our riders. With snappy acceleration and thrilling holeshots, the Arc Sport’s performance is exciting for new and seasoned boaters alike.

Another key objective to balance was delivering an impressive wake — something that requires considerable power — without compromising range. Arc Boats is doing that in part with its choice of propeller size. At 18-19 inches, the propeller surpasses the industry standard of 13-16 inches. Opting for a larger propeller allows the Arc Sport to translate the motor’s power into the water more efficiently. That translates to a battery that provides enough range for a full day on the water.

Read Next: Arc Sport Electric Wake Boat Makes Debut

The Arc Sport’s large propeller also allows more of the electric motor’s instant torque to make its way into the water. The result? Acceleration gas boats can only ever dream of.

The Arc team approached R&D on the Arc Sport committed to creating a 100-percent electric-powered boat that delivers an unforgettable experience on the water. Arc is now exiting R&D and are physically revealing the full power of the Arc Sport to the world.

Get ready to experience the future of boating. 

Look for our test of Arc Boats coming soon!

You can learn more and reserve the Arc Sport now, or sign up to test drive an Arc Sport this summer.

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