CLOSE
Sign up to get news on contests, pro events, new products and special offers.
WATERSKI Magazine
Right now, all of the best riders from around the globe are assembled in the “Wakeboard Capital of the World” – Orlando, Florida. This city is hosting the Vans WWA Wakeboard World Championships, and the entire city is vibrant. With more international competitors than any year, this is the premier contest. The competition takes place at the new Orlando Watersports Complex, which is the same site where the first Pro Tour event of the season took place.
This year's leading contenders on the men's side are a familiar bunch. Shaun Murray, Brannan Johnson, Darin Shapiro, Parks Bonifay and Zane Schwenk have been busy racking up points on tour all season and have shown no signs of letting off now. A tough battle should pan out between Pro Tour & Nationals winner Murray, World Cup winner Johnson and Mountain Dew Pro winner Rob Struharik. Worlds 1999 is also the playing field for men and women riders hoping to capture another title, the coveted Vans Triple Crown of Wakeboarding.
On the women's end, a World Cup winner will be decided as well as a World Champion. Tara Hamilton won both titles last year and wants to repeat, but rookie Emily Copeland has a very good chance as well. Other riders to look out for will be Maeghan Major, Marie Botved and Jamie Necrason who have all been performing well on tour this season.
Strong international competitors will be featured all weekend long. Mexico's Andrea Gaytan is fresh off a Gravity Games victory and will be hungry to win Worlds. Gaytan said this will be her last time competing in a major event. Australia has sent to Orlando a well-built posse including the talent of Daniel Watkins, Josh Sanders and Brett Eisenhauer as well as Leza Bugden, who has the ability to come up big at any contest. Canada's finest will be in attendance, including Jeremy Kovak back in action and the style of Chad Sharpe.
So, as the final wakeboarding contest of the century comes and goes, you'll want to stay tuned to www.prowakeboardtour.com for the day-to-day standings. Good luck to all contenders!
Categories:
News
