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.

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.

Progression is arguably the most important aspect of wakeboarding. Progression can take the form of landing a new trick all together or adding a unique touch on an existing trick. Either path can open the door to an offshoot of ideas and development that builds over time. Then there are the more rare, giant leaps in progression that make the wakeboarding history books, a moment in time burned into the minds of wakeboarding enthusiasts. In a contest format set to raise the bar on what can be done on a wakeboard, a new chapter of wakeboarding was created at the Red Bull Double or Nothing on a lake in downtown Orlando. 

In the early days of wakeboarding, the double up was utilized to give the rider more airtime to complete an extra 180 degree spin or to put a grab on a trick that was otherwise rushed off of the small boat wakes of the time. Inboard competition boats were essentially slalom ski boats that were designed to create the smallest wake possible for skiing at 30+ mph, but at slower speeds like 18 to 20 mph, wakeboarders and trick skiers could get some lift out of the wake. When the original wakeboard pioneers realized that timing a roller created while turning around at the end of a pass to hit when it combines with the boat wake, the sport saw a deluge of new tricks. 

The boats continued to get bigger and heavier, the engines, transmissions and propellers continued to push more weight that would displace more water and the wakes persistently grew to a point where the double up was no longer a necessity for progression. In fact, many riders started to shy away from hitting double ups on a regular basis since the wakes were big enough to learn new tricks without it and the looming fear of injury. It is a safe bet that the most injuries to occur at the pro level over the last 3 decades have been during a double up attempt. 

While the wake straight from the boat provides a very predictable and consistent pop, the double is highly unpredictable and relies heavily on the driver to create a solid set-roller, then approach at an optimal angle. Even more unique about the double up is that every rider prefers a little something different. Some riders like the angle “T-ed up” or closer to a 90 degree approach, while other prefer a more “open” or easier pocket to get into. Even in perfect conditions, the double up is a volatile beast that produces a stunt-like kick that is very difficult to control.

Considered the GOAT, Parks Bonifay leveraged the double up to launch him into legendary status through his illustrious career. It only makes sense that this event was the brainchild of Parks and Red Bull, giving riders the motivation to return focus to the double up and test the edge of progression in a winner take all format. The first inaugural event was in 2004 and it was an instant success. The event took a few years off and while it has maintained the exclusivity of only including riders that Parks deems worthy, he has added the chance for riders to earn a wildcard.  This year that was Rookie Jamie Huser and snowboard cross-over athlete Fynn Bullock.

Read Next: Women to Ride as Red Bull Double or Nothing 2023 Comes Back to Orlando

For the first time ever, the women had a chance to push the double up progression with Meagan Ethell and Jamie Lopina earning invites. “It is just really cool to be a part of the 10th anniversary. The women haven’t really made double ups a part of their regular riding so getting to use this stage to help inspire the younger girls is exciting.” Both Ethell and Lopina approach the sport in a similar fashion with attention to detail, learning tricks switch and regular and focusing on linking smooth stylish tricks. The contest approach is where they start to depart. Ethell being one of the most decorated, consistent athletes in the sport has taken down every major title numerous times. Lopina on the other hand has had top podium finishes but chooses to set up her passes in ways that feel good for her, but might cost her higher finishes. If you watch each of them ride you might guess that they train together. “We ride together sometimes but not all the time, I love the way she rides and she really pushes it for the girls.” said Ethell of her fellow competitor.

The virality of the triple flip barrier being broken down will ensure that the most eyeballs ever will be on this year’s Double or Nothing. Speculation on what kinds of tricks will be attempted next year.

The post The Thomas Herman Effect appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Check out this video from Send It Official on YouTube to see Herman’s amazing feat.

The four-minute mile. The 100-mph fastball. The first tow-in big wave surfer. Sports of all types are rife with milestones.

Now comes Thomas Herman. With his triple back roll performed at the 2023 Red Bull Double or Nothing in Orlando, Florida this past weekend, Herman makes history as the first wakeboarder to complete a triple flip behind a boat.

Herman wrote the following on Instagram (@thomasherman):

HUGE thank you to @parxxx + event sponsors for the opportunity to make this happen on such a big stage. The crowd was unreal and I think that’s what I needed! Thank you to my friends, family, and companies that stand beside me. Couldn’t have done it without you??

Herman went on to post:

This thing was a BATTLE?? Guesstimate roughly 250 double ups and the 30th attempt we got her done?? It has always been a dream of mine to invent a trick. For that to be the Triple Backroll sounds insane haha!

A day I will always remember

Read Next: Women to Ride as Red Bull Double or Nothing 2023 Comes Back to Orlando

We will remember it, too, Thomas. Congratulations, and thank you for elevating the sport.

The post Thomas Herman Completes First Ever Wakeboard Triple Flip by Boat 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.

Felix Georgii has long been considered one of the most unique and creative riders on the planet. In the craziness of the summer that has been 2020, the German shredder proved his wake wizardry once again by putting together this edit that will not only leave you shaking your head in disbelief, but smiling the whole way through as well.

The post Felix Georgii is a Wakeboarding Wizard appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Check out the latest wakeboarding video from Red Bull – this time featuring Dominik Gührs as he winches his way in, on, and around Bangkok.

The post Wakeboarding in Bangkok with Dominik Gührs appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Brian Grubb headed to Slovenia for his latest wakeskating adventure with Red Bull, but this one was way different than any other he’d ever done. Rather than being pulled by a winch, cable, or boat, this time Grubb was pulled by a drone.

The drone, created by Infineon Technologies, was large enough to pull Grubb for 10 minutes at a time. To say that drone technologies are advancing would be an understatement. It’s pretty incredible for a rider of Grubb’s size to get pulled as easily as he does, while carving and doing tricks, that pull against the drone. Watch the full video above.

The post Drone Wakeskating With Brian Grubb appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

In this episode, Meagan Ethell takes pro gamer Mang0 wakeboarding and swimming with sharks. They’ll have to operate under pressure, face their fears and take the plunge into shark infested waters as a team. Both athletes learn the importance of getting out of their heads to be able to perform their best in competition.

The post Red Bull TV | Away from Keyboard ft. Meagan Ethell appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

The adventure started in the scenic waters of Castelo do Bode Dam where Cory took a glassy boat set and threw down the hammers that he’s known for.

From there, Cory headed to the quiet town of Tomar for a few winching sessions and drew a crowd of onlookers, all of whom surely had never seen anything like that before.

The third and last stop of the trip was to the Atlantic. There, Cory met up with Japanese surfer Hiroto Arai, who was in town for an international surfing competition. Together the two Red Bull athletes had a tow-in surf session on the Atlantic’s powerful waves.

“Portugal has great diversity to offer. Those few days were super intense in which we rode for hours and hours in a row, but it was so worth it. The biggest challenge was the wakeboarding in the ocean because that’s what got me out of my comfort zone. This was a trip of a lifetime, and I go back home with Portugal as one of my favourite destinations.”

– Cory Teunissen

The post Cory Teunissen | Out to Sea appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.