This popular international event is set to attract 150 riders from 11 countries, including Portugal, Spain, Germany, Latvia, Denmark, Norway, Russia, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy and of course, South Africa. With thousands of international spectators expected, this event has everyone buzzing with excitement.
The last time South Africa hosted the E&A Wake Champs was in 2008, and the event was a resounding success. Will we be able to pull it off this year as well? With everything in place, everything looks to be very positive.
Florian Butty, president of the IWWF (International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation) said: “The site [Vaal River] is fabulous and will make an awesome venue for riders, friends and families who want to attend this international event. The setting is ideal with great spectator viewing of the course, and it’s taking place in a perfect climate and time of year for South Africa”.
A rider may compete in the 2011 Wakeboard/Wakeskate E&A Championships as either a team representative or individual. All member federations have to submit their “Intention to Enter” to the organizer, South African Wakeboard Association.
Some of the riders expected are really big names such as David O’Caoimh, the 17-year old Irish sensation who’s set to make an appearance. Locally, big names like Morgan Krause, Shaun Faccio, Clayton Krause, Dylan Mitchell and Ryan Durham will take on the rest of the world.
Training will be possible for all the federations and can only be booked once the entry fee has been received, on a first come first serve basis, with the use of the official wakeboard course, official boat and obstacles. Training will cost 30 Euro for six minutes and limited to one six-minute slot per rider.
The official tow-boat for the championships is the all-new 2012 Malibu Wakesetter 22 MXZ provided by Boating International. This is one awesome wakeboarding vessel with superior and world-class wake capabilities. Major facilities will include main office, first aid tent, food and drink points, starting dock, outdoor sanitary and calculator’s room. The event will also have a good international and national MC announcer. SAWBA chairman Darryn Ridgeway said: “We’re extremely excited about hosting the event. With so many riders and spectators expected, the championship is a big honour for us, and we’ll give it our best. This kind of competition does wonders for the development of the sport and thus, helping it grow in this country.”
The Championships fall within the season of 2011 and rules used will be those from 2011, while age categories will be applicable to them. Refer to the E&A Wakeboard website www.wakeboardcouncil.com or visit www.wakesa.co.za
