How-To

Malibu Rider Experience Kicks Off

Junior Pro Women, Wakesurfing Parents, and more, added.

By Mark Heger

Updated: May 11, 2021

This past weekend kicked-off the first stop of the Malibu WWA Rider Experience Series in St. George, Utah.

Taking place at the scenic Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, wakeboarders and wakesurfers alike gathered at Quail Creek Reservoir for the West Regional Championships hosted by Taylor’s Boats. And while the Malibu Rider Experience events have been happening since 2013, this year marked the inaugural year for three divisions to be included on the tournament schedule.

Riders going out on the lake in St. George, Utah

The Malibu WWA Rider Experience Series kicked off to smiles…and new categories….in St. George, Utah. Mark Heger

From the wakesurfing-side of the sport, “Wakesurfing Moms” and “Wakesurfing Dads” each had their own brand new divisions that were filled with first-time competitors. Many parents who usually only show up to watch and support their children took the opportunity to get off the sidelines and into the action. “The WWA’s mission is to introduce people to the wake sports we love. We feel that this introduction can come in many forms and should be in a fun, safe, friendly environment. And let’s be honest, we all know that without the support of parents we would have no one on the water. So we wanted to create a few divisions for those parents that also love wake sports and have them compete against other parents. This has become my favorite division for the year It’s all about having fun right?” said Shannon Starling, president of the WWA.

Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, Utah put on a great tournament

The event took place at Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, Utah, where wakeboarders and wakesurfers alike gathered at Quail Creek Reservoir for the West Regional Championships hosted by Taylor’s Boats. Mark Heger

Also brand new for the 2021 season, Malibu has added the Jr. Pro Women to each event of the Jr. Pro Series. Both the Jr. Pro Men and the Jr. Pro women will be accumulating points throughout the 5 stops of the Malibu Jr. Pro Series to compete for $20,000 in travel scholarships that will be divided equally among the top overall series finishers. Overall winners will be announced and scholarship money will be awarded at the final stop of the Malibu Rider Experience Series, happening in conjunction with TN WakeFest in Smithville, TN on July 23-25.

Read Next: More Tournament News

The Jr. Pro standings after Stop #1:

Jr. Pro Women

1. Kira Lewis (FL) – 100pts
2. Payton Gross (NC) – 90pts
3. Alexie Patrick (TX) – 80pts
4. Ellie Patrick (TX) – 75pts
T5. Kitt Smith (MO) – 70pts
T5. Vivienne Davidson (TX) – 70pts

Jr. Pro Men

1. Jamie Hüser (SUI) – 100pts
2. Alex Albin (CA) – 90pts
3. Jaden Reichl (OK) – 80pts
4. Cody Hunnicutt (TN) – 75pts
T5. Parker Swope (TX) – 70pts
T5. Barrett Swope (TX) – 70pts
7. Brett Powell (KS) – 60pts

Quail Creek Reservoir is a beautiful place to ride

Quail Creek Reservoir proved a beautiful setting for this first leg of the Malibu WWA Rider Experience Series. Mark Heger

“The WWA’s mission is to introduce people to the wake sports we love. We feel that this introduction can come in many forms and should be in a fun, safe, friendly environment. And let’s be honest, we all know that without the support of parents we would have no one on the water. So we wanted to create a few divisions for those parents that also love wake sports and have them compete against other parents. This has become my favorite division for the year It’s all about having fun right?” said Shannon Starling, president of the WWA.