West Linn, OR (June 26, 2017) – Exploring the beauty of the Pacific Northwest in two locations, the Malibu WWA Rider Experience West was unforgettable. Hosted by Active Watersports, the community converged on Koppert Lake with cars, tents, and RV’s for Freeride Friday along with Malibu pro athletes to get ready for the WWA West Regional Championships. The stoke was at an all-time high on Saturday with riders in all divisions represented from contest veterans to those making their competitive debut on every board they could get their hands on. Surf Gate Sunday moved to West Linn, OR with a beautiful backdrop to match the perfection of Malibu’s endless surf waves.

“We had an amazing weekend at the first Pacific Northwest Malibu WWA Rider Experience and are excited about all the new faces we saw competing for their very first time! Thank you to Malibu once again and to Active Watersports for being such great hosts,” said WWA Executive Director Corrie Wilson.

The WWA West Regional Championships represented what wake is all about with riders experiencing competition for the first time, making the starting dock a party to meet new friends. Legendary Koppert Lake played the perfect host to the action, creating an amazing combination that felt like part wakeboard contest and part family reunion.

Jr. Pro Men’s rider Luca Kidd (GBR) took his first event win, digging deep after an early fall forcing him to pull out all of the stops against an international field for a score of 90.83. Just missing the top spot, Korea’s Sanhyun Yun scored 89.17 in second with some stylish and technical riding that included 540 mobes and a 900. Kevin Duffy (U.S.A.) rounded out the podium in third with 75.00 points sticking a H/S 720 and tantrum to blind and three mobes. 

In the Amateur Wakeskate division, Hunter Smith (CDN) threw down a big shuv and a body varial for the win scoring 70.00. Cole Osborn (WA) placed second with a score of 53.33 after an ollie 360 and shuv followed by Gunnar Henthorn (WA) in third with 45.00 points.

Hannah Treml (WA) and Avery Jo Wylie (WA) put on a show for the crowd in an intense battle for girls division gold.  Tremle took the win with some stylish grabs and a 180 to score 86.67. Avery showed some great board control and excitement along with big wake jumps to earn a second place score of 65.00

We had some first time competitors and experienced veterans coming together for a fun session during the Wakesurf competition. Brad Gearhart (FL) took the win demonstrating use of the entire wave along with an air and a 360 to score 80.00. Josh Russel (OR) carved and snapped his way through two stand up passed to place second with 63.33 points followed by Aiden Scott (OR) in third with a score of 53.33.

Surf Gate Sunday moved to the Willamette River in West Linn, OR for an amazing time shredding behind Malibu’s amazing line of boats. New surfers were hooked, getting first-class instruction from Malibu Pro riders along with some local shredders who dialed in some big tricks. The Malibu WWA Rider Experience heads North to Pleasant Prairie, WI July 14–16 for the next round of the world’s most popular rider development series. To find a Rider Experience event near you visit https://www.thewwa.com/rider-experience-2017/