Harley Clifford Wins the 2017 Nautique WWA Wakeboard World Championships Presented by Rockstar Energy

Toronto, Ontario, Canada (‪August 27, 2017) – 4X Wakeboard and 3X Wakesurf boat of the year, the Super Air Nautique G23 pulled greatness in the final day of competition at the 2017 Nautique WWA Wakeboard World Championships. Riders continue to find the extra edge they're looking for at every Nautique Wake Series event and today's competition was filled with amazing moments. With World titles and Nautique Wake Series overall titles on the line, everything came down to today.

Harley Clifford (AUS) was flawless this afternoon, proving that under pressure and in tough conditions, he has everything it takes and then some. Two stand-up passes that included two double flips, two 900’s, and a front mobe 540 captured Harley the 2017 World title with a score of 98.33. In second, Nic Rapa (AUS) pulled out all the stops, landing a double half cab roll, and a double T/S backroll to score 92.00. Nautique athlete Mike Dowdy (USA) placed third with 85.00 points after crushing his run, landing a moby dick, two double flips and a cab 900.

Harley Clifford also took home the 2017 Nautique Wake Series overall title with three first place and two second place finishes this season. 2017 has been the most competitive year in the history of our sport, with athletes performing at a level that made each event anyone’s game. Riders were forced to continue bringing new tricks to every event in an attempt to keep up with wakeboarding’s rapid progression.

“It’s been a crazy year with everyone pushing each other. You can’t let your guard down for a second with these guys throwing down every heat. I’m really grateful to take the World title and overall Nautique Wake Series win. All the boys killed it this year and the level of wakeboarding is insane right now at every contest. Thank you to everyone who worked hard all year to make these events happen,” said 2017 Nautique WWA Wakeboard World Champion Harley Clifford.

Guenther Oka (USA) put down an 84.33 to take the Jr. Pro Men’s World title with regular and switch Pete’s along with a wrapped B/S 720. Patricio Gonzalez (MEX) placed second scoring 79.33 points, landing a crow 540 and a H/S 720. In third, Luca Kidd (GBR) gave it everything he had through the chop, cranking a crow 540 and B/S 720 before topping it off with a T/S 900.

Guenther was the man to beat this season, also taking home the Nautique Wake Series overall Jr. Pro title, bringing a unique style mixed with technical perfection to the water at each event. Oka had back-to-back wins early in the season at the Nautique Moomba Masters and Nautique Wake Open before an uncharacteristic fall took him out of the Final at the Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships. This weekend, everything came together once again, keeping him on top of the standings.

“The Nautique Wake Series brings everyone together and the energy is just awesome. The wake behind the G23 is always perfect and I’m stoked to come out on top in 2017. I’ll see everyone next year in the Pro division!” said 2017 Nautique Wake Series Overall and World Champion Guenther Oka.

Reed Hansen (USA) kept it technical this weekend landing two shove variations and three different 360’s to take home his 7th Pro Wakeskate World title with a score of 87.33. Brian Grubb (USA) took second, scoring 79.33 with three stomped shove’s and a F/S 360. Finishing off the podium in third, Austin Polterock (USA) scored 73.33 with stylish 180’s and a B/S 360.

Also taking the Overall Nautique Wake Series Wakeskate title, Reed kept it on the podium all season long, taking a third at the Nautique Wake Open, a first at the Nautique WWA National Championships on his way to sealing the overall win with a World title.

“Grubb came out and took the win last year here at World’s and I knew with all of these guys riding hard I had to bring it for the title. I’m proud to also take the overall title this year, it’s been a great season! Thank you to everyone that made this happen and I’m looking forward to the next one!” – said Reed Hansen.

“We are incredibly proud to have such a great turnout of spectators and competitors here in Toronto for the Nautique WWA Wakeboard Worlds,” said Nautique President Greg Meloon “The G23 formed up perfect wakes and the best riders in the world didn’t disappoint. Congratulations to all the 2017 World Champions!”