Forward Wakeboard Magazine Edition 5 | Page 32

The competition is based on rider ability, having four divisions - Rookie, Intermediate, Advanced and Open in both Boys and Girls and is a great competition for first time competitors to experience competition riding in a fun family day environment. An added element to this year was the introduction of a wild card buoy situated at the 3/4 mark of the second pass. This was where the rider could throw a trick they have been working on, but have yet to land. This was a real crowd pleaser as both Regan Carlyon and Jonny Weatherall landed their very first Scarecrow. Competitors and their families gathered from all around the North Island to enjoy one of the few fine days of this summer, and great water to boot. It was a full day of fun, tricks and crashes, all to the informative commentary of Brad Smeele on the mic, whose telepathic skills almost had him calling the tricks before they were actually attempted. While the action on the water was taking centre stage, the odd game of touch rugby, soccer, and even wheelbarrow races were taking place on the grass reserve. During the lunch break, as the judges and boat crews were having a well deserved break, the crowd was entertained by an incredible display of world class wakeboarding courtesy of Brad Smeele who looks to be back to his best after a couple of injury ridden years. At the other end of the riding scale, the day was finished off with the “Dodgy Dads” riding in an impromptu comp that attracted 6 riders keen to hit that Mastercraft wake. The organisers would like to thank all riders and their families, sponsors and volunteers who made the day what it was. Results: Mastercraft Boards n’BBQ’s Groms Wakeboard Competition 2012 Rookie Girls 1st Sophie Gallon 2nd Georgia Collard 3rd Taylor Kahu Rookie Boys 1st Ethan Kelland 2nd Nikolas Lowndes 3rd Callum Poole Intermediate Girls 1st Morgan Haakma 2nd Tessa Broadbent Intermediate Boys 1st Sam Kooznetoff 2nd Francesco Hazelwood 3rd Anton Weatherly Advanced Division 1st Taylor Rooney 2nd Jesse Cook Open Division 1st Regan Carlyon 2nd Jonny Weatherly 3rd Bradley Haakma Taniwha Award for best crash Jesse Cook Wild Card Trick Award Jonny Weatherly Ronix Most Promising Rider Taylor Kahu