Mooresville, NC (June 19, 2017) – The Malibu WWA Rider Experience South saw the region’s wake community come together in full force for an incredible weekend on Lake Norman hosted by Malibu Boats of Charlotte. Malibu Pro athletes were on hand all weekend long to give riders all-access to the best of the best in instruction and competition behind world-class Malibu Wakesetter and MXZ series boats. Freeride Friday saw amazing weather with everyone from wakeboarding’s hottest up and comers to first-time riders hitting the water to push their skills to the next level. The WWA South Regional Championships went off on Saturday including the Malibu Pro Card Qualifier #3 and all WWA amateur, Jr. Pro, and wakesurf divisions. Surf Gate Sunday kept the stoke high with massive waves of perfection unlike anything else on the water.

“Thank you to Malibu Boats for another great event! We had an awesome turnout and it was great to have the riders and parents so engaged in everything both on and off the water. Our Judges Experience session was a huge success and the riding was all-time! We look forward to seeing everyone next weekend in the West Region,” said WWA Executive Director Corrie Wilson.

Saturday’s WWA Regional Championships was full of firsts and competitive returns with high fives, spills, thrills and double flips. Competing for their chance to represent the south this year at the WWA Wakeboard National Championships, cheers from family and friends on the shoreline had riders super-charged with amazing performances and smiles throughout the day.

In the Boy’s division, Fynn Bullock-Womble (NC) threw down a wrapped KGB and a T/S 720 taking first place with a score of 90.00. In second, Thomas Herman (IN) scored 81.67 followed by local Lake Norman ripper Daniel Johnson (NC) in third with 76.00.

The Masters division saw the competitive return of fan favorite Adam Fields (NC) with his signature style and massive tricks scoring 76.67 for the win. Brian O’Neal (NC) came in second with 50.33 followed by Taylor Jimenez (GA) in third scoring 50.00.

In recent years, progression in the Jr. Women’s division has been unreal with riders taking an aggressive approach to hitting an entirely new realm of tricks. The incredible wake behind the Malibu 23 LSV hosted stylish, technical runs from division stars. Shannon Sahinbas (FL) landed her signature wrapped T/S B/S 360 for a winning score of 63.33. The amazing, multi-talented Mary Morgan Howell (AL) came in second with a score of 53.33 followed by Kate Crews (NC) scoring 33.33 in third.

The Wakesurf competition cranked up the world-famous wave behind the Malibu 22MXZ with a great crew. Beaux Wildman (IN) showed some sick style cracking the lip for the win with a score of 70.00. Kiko Williams (NC) placed second scoring 56.67 and Francisco Cabezas (FL) placed third with 46.67. Ashleigh Nyborg (NC) killed it in the Women’s Wakesurf division throwing a 180 and riding switch for the win scoring 93.33.

The Jr. Pro South Regional Championships saw a crazy final round with Tyler Higham taking his second consecutive win of the season. Higham brought home a winning score of 87.33 going big and technical with his west coast style. Elliot Digney (AUS) put it all together with back-to-back double flips and a KGB 540 scoring 81.33 followed by Luca Kidd (GBR) in third with a score of 67.33.

Surf Gate Sunday had first-time riders shredding the endless Malibu wave, igniting the spark of passion for our life on the water. As the Malibu WWA Rider Experience continues across the nation, our community of wake continues to grow with this unique series dedicated to the progression of all things wake. To find a Rider Experience event near you visit https://www.thewwa.com/rider-experience-2017/