Unleashed # 77 International Edition

12 / N EW S I N N OVAT I O N / Spotyr ide 14 / N EW S P RO D UC T S 20 / N UT RI T I O N / Huel

Lauren Hilder-Darling text & photos by : Karen Button

Stance: Regular Local Park: Gold Coast Wake Park Sponsors: Slingshot Australia

22 / ART Y / J ordy Van D en Nieuwendijk X Fa tb oy 40

24 / N EW S I N D US T RY / Future Talks

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40 / 26 / H OW T O / Max im Van Helvoor t 28 / EV EN T / Malibu UK plastic playground

By Redbull Media

Plas tic Playground is wor ldwide this year with three s tops around the globe. Enjoy the photos from those fir s t two stops. The first one was at Thai Wakepark - Bangkok and the second one was at Liquid Leisure London. The third one will be held in Bali from October 24 to 27 and will be repor ted in the future issue of the magazine. Because pictures are wor th more than a thousand words, we give you this photo galler y of the event to enjoy.

34 / LO C AL H ERO / Telm a Ces ter

DA N I E L G R A N T T R A N S F E R I N DU B AC K T O WA L L PL A S T I C PL AYG RO U N D T H A I WA K E PA R K Titikorn Atichatpong

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36 / I N T ERV I EW P EO P LE / Ben Howell

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40 / I N T ERV I EW P RO GI RL / Lauren Hilder-Da r li n g 48 / GALLERY / Plas tic Playground 58 / S T O RY / Winching with J oel D eroche W HE N GR U B B A ND HIS C R E W F INA L LY R E AC HE D T HE IR ID E A L S E T T ING, T HE Y P O S IT IO NE D T HE M S E LV E S O N T O P O F O NE O F T HE P E A K S O F T HE VA L L E Y W HE R E T HE L O NG W IR E P U L L ING M AC HINE T HAT T HE 38-Y E A R- O L D AT HL E T E WO U L D HO L D O N T O WA S INS TA L L E D T O L A U NC H HIM AC RO S S T HE VO L C A NIC RO C K S .

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60 / W H AT MAT T ERS / Mar ilyn Pr uitt 62 / T RI P / Unesco 70 / N EW S P O T / Wakepar k Brom bachsee 72 / EX P ERI EN C E / Iceber gs

HOW WE MOVED

icebergs THE SIZE OF FOOTBALL FIELDS

By Helga Shoshina/ Photo : Serge Shakuto

13 time Rus s ian Na tional Champion, Champion of Europe (s f) and Bronze Medalis t a t the Wor ld Champions hips , Nikita Mar tyanov headed off to the lar g es t is land on the planet to s urf in icy wa ter s amids t iceber g s , on iceber g s and over iceber g s . In s hor t, there were a lot of iceber g s .

86 / EV EN T / IWWF J ordanie 72

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88 / N EW K I D O N T H E B LO C K / Jackson A xfo rd 92 / AGEN DA 4

EDGAR PETRENKO - FRONTSIDE LIPSLIDE | PHOTO - MAXX EVAN | VALDOSTA, GA - USA

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Rider:Marilyn Pruuit /© James Boogia Unleashed Wakeboard Magazine World Headquarters 2 rue Dorbesson 31100 TOULOUSE FRANCE Issue 77 – SEPT/OCT/NOV/DEC Cover: Nikita Martianov/© Sergey Shakuto for RedBull FOUNDER, CEO, EDITOR & DIRECTOR Philippe SIRECH PUBLISHER Philippe SIRECH +33(0)7 87 95 37 40 Europe +1(407)800-3567 USA/WORLD philippe@unleashedwakemag.com MARKETING MANAGER Jon Shrimpton info@unleashedwakemag.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Corinne Lasmezas ads@unleashedwakemag.com P.R (Press Release) Stephanie PROTET +33(0)6 11 11 25 32 sephanie@unleashedwakemag.com CSO, Marketing & Stats Sophie Sirech-combettes +1(407)800-3567 sophie@unleashedwakemag.com

Graphic Designer Elise Fougere +33 (0) 6 99 10 62 98 elise@unleashedwakemag.com World Reporter and Proofreading Vicki Hernandez Dill +1(832)338-8116 vicki@unleashedwakemag.com Senior Photographer Manager Hector Urzaiz Calpe +34 69 725 2381 Hector@unleashedwakemag.com Unleashed wake mag socials manager Edgar Petrenko edgar@unleashedwakemag.com +1(954)665-7579 Contributing Photographers: Red bull media pool, Sergey Sakuto, Airlington Lane, Andy Wooral, Jon Shrimpton, Phil Sirech, Benjamin Cans, Jeff Mathis, titikorn atichatpong, ben howell, James Boogia

COUNTRIES ……………….

UNLEASHED SPAIN Hector Urzais Calpe +34 69 725 2381 hector@unleashedwakemag.com UNLEASHED JAPAN Nagahisa Matsukawa +81 9 016 752 900 Matsu@unleashedwakemag.com UNLEASHED RUSSIA Katia Volkova +79169000679 kate@unleashedwakemag.com UNLEASHED CANADA Dominique Granger +1(514)267-1636 dom@unleashedwakemag.com

Contributing Writers: Philippe Sirech, Edgar Petrenko, Helga Shashina Joel De roche, Birian Grubb Jon Shripton, Airlington Lane, Julia Castro, Benjamin Cans

UNLEASHED USA/Canada/SOUTH AMERICA Philippe Sirech +1(407)800-3567 philippe@unleashedwakemag.com

TRANSLATION Vicki Dill

Print: EVOLUPRINT France and Sundance solutions Orlando USA Digital: ISSUU.COM

Unleashed Wakeboard Magazine is published six-times annually by Unleash Communication located at 2 rue d’orbesson 31100 Toulouse, France. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited. Unleashed Wakeboard Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited submissions including, but not limited to manuscripts, photographs and illustrations.

Disclaimer: The activities described and photographed herein are performed by trained athletes. Attempting anything contained within these pages could result in serious injury or death. Unleash Communication is not responsible for any injuries sustained by readers or the failure of any equipment shown herein. So wear a helmet and a life vest !!!!

UNLEASHED WAKEBOARD MAGAZINE 2018 Back To School Issue.

Year after Year, September comes with fall & all the highly anticipated new products here in FLORIDA which are highlighted during the SURF EXPO show. Everyone is eagerly awaiting this time of the year to find out what will be happening in the wakeboard industry during 2019.

All the brands are ready to display their 2019 innovations to the professionals and journalists, who come to Orlando to experience the mecca of wakeboarding, and to spend good times in the parks around the show .

One more time Surf Expo opened their doors to the most eclectic crowd composed of professionals, retailers, cable-park owners, miscellaneous riders, as well as the pro’s. Experts during the show presented their new signature guns to the retailers of the world. However, this year some big brands didn’t come to the show, and instead used the lakes around Orlando to show off their incredible new stuff for 2019. They invited the retailers to try their products in a real life setting.

Rider:Tyler Worral /© Andy Worral

It’s a real competition between the brands here, each of them wanting to have the best innovations and be the king of style. However, it’s a peaceful battle because ultimately wakeboarding is a huge family where sharing passion is the main objective.

This issue brings you the most incredible content and reports on the most impressive wakeboard events held in the world and especially in Europe during the first part of the season. With reporters located worldwide, Unleashed gives you the perfect mix of interviews, events, reports, innovations and all the news you should know if you want to stay connected with the heart of the sport.

Because of digital technology now, we can reach more people worldwide. Remaining one of the most read magazines is a goal for the whole team. Thanks to you, all of our readers, for your support. Because of you we can maintain our title as the “FIRST FREE WAKE MAG IN THE WORLD” we’re nothing without you all.

Philippe Sirech

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Nikita Martyanov : “ I N GR E E N L A N D TH E R E AR E INCREDIB LE R E LI E FS TO TH E I CE BE RG S , B U T W E COULD N ’ T R I D E E VE RY WH E R E .

ICEBERG S T UR N OVE R FA I R LY OFTE N , AN D O N THE F RESH O N E S TH AT H AVE J US T TU R N ED OVER YOU GE T TH I S S MOOTH I C E , IT’ S REALLY D I FFI C ULT A N D DA N GE RO U S , IT’ S ALMOS T I MPO S S I BL E T O TI LT ON T H EM .” ©Serge Shakuto

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SPOTYRIDE Manag e you r s po t , u pda t e yo u r we bsi t e , post on soc i a l m e di a , a n s we r yo u r ph o n e c al l s d a i l y...i t ’ s j u s t i n sa n e !

SPOT Y R I D E , t h e d i g i t a l i n n ova tive sol ut ion for b ook ing a nd communica t ion!

A ll th e r i d e r s i n yo u r vi c i n i t y as wel l a s wor l dwide, b ot h t h e b eg inner s a nd the e xp e r i e n c e d , c a n e a s i l y find your l oca t ion a nd ch eck t h e ser vices a nd a c t i v i t i e s yo u o ff er a nd a l so b ook sessions onl ine.

SPOTYRIDE is the first Digital Community MarketPlace through water sports helping people

to be more open and connected. Sports and leisure structures will have a global information, communication and booking tool. It is affordable, reliable, scaled and adapted to each structure’s needs. Perfect for promoting activities and also carrying out marketing initiatives.

Users will have access to complete information at the worldwide locations. They will find technical information, booking services, rental equipment, be able to monitor their performance, and at the same time get targeted communication from their favorite spots (blog, notification).

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HOW D O ES I T WO R K ?

1. If you’re a rider you going to be Geotaget and through the App you will find all the spots around you, from the closest to the farthest.

2. After you choose your spot you can find all the information about the spot

through the digital presentation. You can also get the directions with the map button, and you can book your session through the spot sheet.

3. If you want to make a booking you will need to create your account and access the APP management.

4. If you’re a spot owner you can be notified of all the APP users around you.

It will also manage all of your bookings, reserve the the correct rental items to the right people, and keep you updated about all the information of your spot through your special back office access.

WH E R E D O I S TART ?

The best way to be sure to get all the information and the upgrade quickly is by registering through the APP on Playstore or App store. If you’re a Spot owner you need to also get registered through the form specially designed for you to increase your income .

Spotyride means ”SPOT YOUR RIDE”. It is the real worldwide digital solution to maintain a connection, as fast as the speed of the light, between spot owners and practitioners.

The SPOTYRIDE company was founded in March 2018 in FRANCE by Sophie Combettes-Sirech and Philippe Sirech. This digital solution will be commercialized around December 12, 2018.

If you’re a spot go to SPOTYRIDE.COM to fill out the registration form to ensure you are in!

If you’re a rider be sure to go to the store IOS and Android to download the APP. 13

//// BI C S U P \\\\ 11’00 WING AIR The new partner for your days off. Take your BIC SUP with you. It is inflatable, easy to carry, with feature nose and tail carry handles. This board is suitable for all uses and all weather conditions. This makes them ideal for longer distance trips as well as recreational racing.

Includes an oversize backpack, a heavy duty 2-way pump with pressure gauge and a repair kit.

/ / / / R AW ELEMENTS \\\\ Body and face lotion in 100% recyclable and reusable packaging.

Enjoy the same serious full body sunscreen without the plastic. Made from certified all-natural ingredients, it provides UVAUVB true broad spectrum protection. As a performance driven sunscreen, it is very water resistant beyond 80 minutes, yet so gentle and moisturizing it is perfect for kids. Packed with biologically active antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and extracts, it continues protecting your skin long after environmental exposure.

https://www.bicsport.com

www.rawelementsusa.com

//// GRIP SOCKS® \\\\

/ / / / T H E T ROP ICS \\\\ Billions of plastic bottles go into landfills every year, but now we can do something about it. The Tropics clothes are made out of 11 plastic bottles, 92% Recycled Polyester, and 8% Spandex. “Can’t stop, Won’t stop - Because our trunks aren’t made just for sunny days and warm waves. Enjoy the Isle, even on a cloudy day.” www.thetropics.co

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BY VINCERE SPORTS With the Neoprene slippers and their Traction Grip Semelle, you can enjoy a feeling of security.

Protect your feet when crossing water hazards, slippery rocks or broken docks. The neoprene heel and toes protect against friction caused by fasteners. The light and breathable spandex top gives a barefoot feeling and dries quickly. www.sandsocks.net

The smart induction dual-coil structure of DOCK WIRELESS CHARGER creates multiple points of connection enabling you to charge your device flexibly in portrait or landscape orientation. A non-slip silicone pad keeps the device securely in place while allowing it to stay free standing for convenient use. DOCK has been thoughtfully crafted from premium woven fabric and precision-engineered stainless steel for a design that withstands time.

DOCK WIRELESS CHARGER is available in Slate and Rose colorways and comes with a 6.5 foot/2 metre USB-C to USB-A braided charging cable in a complementary tone. The accompanying cable features an integrated leather strap making it easy to adjust the length or wrap it up when not needed. nativeunion.com

//// NATIVE UNI ON

\\\\

DOCK WIRELESS CHARGER

Lifestyle brand of tech accessories NATIVE UNION expands its wireless charging range with the new DOCK WIRELESS CHARGER. The fast and versatile dual coil charging dock features built-in temperature control, which prevents overheating and ensures optimal charging speed.

Supporting fast charging for iPhone* and all Qi enabled devices, DOCK WIRELESS CHARGER will be available to purchase from nativeunion.com starting October 15, 2018.

//// NI XO N

\\\\

TAKE YOUR PLEASURE SERIOUSLY Hossegor, FR - California-based watch and accessories brand Nixon introduces a limited-edition collaboration with pro-skater Curren Caples. This very special edition of the Station Leather designed by Caples reflects his nod to effortless style. From Curren’s unmistakable presence on a skateboard to the lines of midcentury modern design that influences the details in his point of view on material, color and design. Available July 30, priced at 160,00 € / £140,00 with only 300 pieces distributed globally and online at Nixon.com The Curren Caples Station Leather features include: Custom face inspired by mid-century modern design with a date window at 4 o’clock.

A custom stainless steel case with domed hardened mineral crystal for a modern yet classic profile.

Horween leather band with a solid stainless steel buckle.

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8-16 DEC 2018 PARIS

#PLAISIR

E PRO S 1 BADG ON ER 3 SAL IT

POUR VIS

#PARTAGE #NAUTIC2018

TÉLÉCHARGEZ GRATUITEMENT L’APP

MON NAUTIC

WWW.SALONNAUTIQUEPARIS.COM

Découvrez tous les avantages du Passport Nautique sur www.passportnautique.com

NIX O N Nixon x C.R. Stecyk III,

A Limited Edition Collaboration

Encinitas, CA - California-based accessories brand Nixon, with legendary artist C.R. Stecyk III as an accomplice, is proud to announce a Limited Edition collaboration with C.R. Stecyk III. This capsule weaponizes street culture’s rebellious creativity, featuring a Special Edition Descender watch, and a camera bag stacked with tactical details and designed by Stecyk himself.

originated in the shadows.

Nixon and Stecyk are continual fans of one another’s brands.

Here, they have collaborated on efforts to develop a capsule that was truly inspired by the everyday needs and aesthetics of both.

ABOUT THE COLLECTION

THE C.R. STECYK III LIMITED EDITION DESCENDER: This tactical stainless steel timepiece is water-resistant to 30ATM and features a Cerakote graffiti splattered case and custom caseback. It is standard issue for midnight marauders armed with a skateboard or aerosol can. Available in market 25/09.

EU retail price: 400 €/ £320. With only 100 made worldwide, when they are gone, they are gone.

ABOUT THE COLLABORATION

C.R. Stecyk III exists in the shadows, and even when he does slide into the sunlight, it rarely adds clarity. A pioneer of the Dogtown skate ethos, Stecyk has helped shape modern skateboarding in more ways than imaginable: through videos, writing, art installations, and co-founded Juxtapoz Art magazine, among others. A widely-acknowledged street art progenitor, Stecyk’s contributions to the counterculture are so engrained in society that the Smithsonian permanently houses some of his work. He has glyphed the outside of MOMA (univitedly), only decades later asked to hand paint surfboards on exhibit. He also served up Olympic boards at the Obama White House. And then there’s that Rat & Crossbones glyph Stecyk territorially sprayed under a decaying bridge in Venice, which has arguably become one of the most infamous symbols in skateboarding precisely because, like Stecyk, it

LOGIC OPS CAMERA BAG: The C.R. Stecyk III Limited Edition Logic Ops Camera Bag accommodates a fully-kitted loadout for any sharpshooter with an SLR. A stealthy exterior is accented with Nixon and Stecyk logos, MOLLE webbing details, and tripod straps. Inside you’ll find a multi-compartment storage system, so your gear is always locked in when loaded. Available in market 25/09. EU retail price: 160 € / £140 and just like the watch only 100 camera bags were made globally.

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huel H u e l i s a nu t r i t i o n a l l y compl et e food t h a t cont a ins a l l t h e p ro t e i n s , c a r b s , a n d fa t s you need, pl us a t l ea s t 100% of t h e F DA’s « D a i l y Va l u e s » o f a l l 27 essent ia l vit a mins a nd minera l s .

You know you won’t be deficient in any essential nutrients. It’s been formulated by the renowned nutrition expert James Collier BSc (Hons), RNutr.

James has over 25 years of experience working in nutrition and dietetics, including seven years as a Clinical Dietitian in the NHS. He also has an Honors Degree in Nutrition with Dietetics.

W H AT IS H U EL M AD E F RO M ?

Huel contains a carefully chosen blend of Oats, Pea Protein, Flaxseed, Brown Rice Protein, MCTs from Coconut, Sunflower Oil, a bespoke Vitamin and Mineral Blend, Vanilla Flavor and a Sweetener.

Huel comes in two flavors, Vanilla (an oaty, light vanilla taste) and Unflavored & Unsweetened so you can add your own flavor and sweetener. We have also developed a range of Flavor Boosts - Chocolate, Strawberry, Banana, Cappuccino, Chocolate Mint.

Huel is 100% vegan (better for the environment and animals), super convenient, high in protein (148g per 2,000 calories) and fiber (35g), contains under 5 grams of sugar per 2,000 calories (no added sugar), requires minimal packaging and has a shelf-life of 12 months (zero food waste).

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SAVE TIME Make a complete meal in minutes. Simple prep, easy cleanup, fewer trips to the store, and no cooking.

100% COMPLETE Huel is carefully mixed to provide the perfectly balanced diet with every nutrient your body needs for optimal health. No more ‘nutrition anxiety.’

HUMANE (VEGAN) Huel contains no animal products.

B E NE FI TS OF H UEL SAVE MONEY Enjoy a complete, healthy, balanced and nutritious meal for $2 or less.

NO FOOD WASTE Huel has a shelf life of over 1 year, and contains carefullysourced and sustainable ingredients.

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SIMPLE No complicated recipes or calorie counting. Just mix and drink.

JORDY VAN DEN

NIEUWENDIJK

X FATBOY W h e n a r t m e e t s d esig n: l imit ed edit ion Fa t b oy it ems c re a t e d by D u t c h a r t is t Jordy va n den Nieuwendijk .

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Fatboy’s iconic bean bag, the Original, Fatboy has teamed up with Dutch artist Jordy van den Nieuwendijk.

Fatboy has always had a keen eye for design, art and creative applications. Functionality and usability play a key role in the development of new products, while colours and shapes are other strong points that have Fatboy’s full focus.

When looking at the works of Dutch artist Jordy van den Nieuwendijk (1985), colours and shapes immediately draw the attention. As a painter Jordy creates a chaotic blend of motion and freedom, delivered with knowing wit, humour and tradition. His style is known for primary colours and big, recognizable shapes, while playing with the white of the canvas.

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When art meets design: limited edition Fatboy items created by Dutch artist Jordy van den Nieuwendijk. During his career Jordy worked with renowned brands such as Hermes and Ace & Tate. His energetic and direct style illustrates his work as bold and surprising, exactly what makes Jordy and Fatboy perfect partners for a great collaboration.

To mark the 20th anniversary of the Original, the fresh team-up with Jordy pays tribute to Fatboy’s world famous, iconic bean bag. This special collaboration will lead to the unique decoration of a Fatboy Original and a specially designed carpet that will reveal some clever hidden messages.

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future

talks with louis floyds pict : Jon Shrimpton

Tell us a little about yourself?

Hey, I’m Louis Floyd, 26yrs old, born in the UK and currently living in Orlando, FL. I ride for Slingshot and Ride Engine.

Why? So the H5 wing is perfect for my style of foiling as I like to ride mine more like a wakeboard which I need faster speeds for and with a smaller surface area I have less drag when I want to do tricks like grabs, spins and flips. But then I can also just go cruise wake-surfing with it too at the slower speeds. Then the H2 wing which is a bigger version of the H5 allows you to ride the 2nd and even 3rd wave back behind the boat give you a sensation of being in the ocean. I can still use the H2 wing for everything I do behind the boat but I guess because I started on the 5 it just feels like home.

Why Orlando?

For me, the sun is always shining and I pretty much get to live in shorts for the whole year. Don’t get me wrong, I love England as it will always be home but there’s more things to do in the US. So people are talking and saying that you’ve given up wakeboarding. Is that true?

No I haven’t, I know it may look that way with my Social Media but I still strap in a few times a week. I’ve just got the bug for Foiling right now.

So you had the pleasure of Hosting Mantis Pro Media a few months back?

Yes, I did. I’ve known Jon and Sam a few years now and they are like family. They get on my nerves but we work really well together and they just get my way of looking at things.

They came over to Orlando for 10 days and the idea was to shoot and video every day and hopefully piece together a video of everything you can do on a foil and have a collection of images to go with. The boys did not disappoint even though there were some early mornings and long evenings we put the work in and came out the other end with what we set out to do.

Foiling! Tell us a little.

So I’m lucky enough to be riding for one of the Leading brands in the Foiling market right now, Slingshot Sports. Foiling consists of a wake surf style board that is attached to a Hydrofoil. A hydrofoil is made up of a front wing, back wing and shaft which glides through the water.

You seemed to pick it up fairly quick?

Yeah I guess. My dad, when I was younger, brought home an air chair which he spent a lot of time on with his buddies and when I was finished wakeboarding, I would strap in and cruise on the air chair. So going from a seated hydrofoil to a standing hydrofoil was pretty easy for me.

Where do you see foiling going?

It’s still early days yet and people have a lot of mixed views about it but I’ve found once they’ve given it ago their views soon change.

I’m excited to see where it’s going as the surf-foil scene is blowing up because you can finally surf the crappy waters at the beach and still have an epic ride. I’m going to keep pushing my wakeboard style side of it because I’m still a wakeboarder at the end of the day and a lot of my wakeboard tricks I can crossover and put on my foil.

How often do you get out and ride?

As much as I can! \When the family is in town I drag someone out every day and when it’s just me here I get out with Dylan Miller in Clermont a bit and ride cable as much as possible.

What setups are you riding?

Coalition 149 with Shredtown boots and the Hover Glide Foil Package which comes with an H5 wing but I like to change it sometimes for the H2.

Thanks for your time Louis. Any final words?

Anytime guys and yes, big shoutout to Slingshot Sports, Ride Engine, Mantis Pro Media, you guys at Unleashed and anyone that hasn’t ridden a foil yet should try and get out and give it ago. You won’t be disappointed!

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Rail to Roll

to Revert Indy Grab Maxim Van Helvoort

th i w

pict : Phil Sirech

1. Come in with a progressive edge.

2. Back board up the rail.

3. Push straight up in to a roll to revert.

4. Spot the grab, around the knee and in-between the bindings.

5. Pull the grab towards your back. (Japan grab) 6. Let go and spot the landing.

7. Absorb the impact and bend the knees.

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malibu uk Boat Wakeboard National Championships

By Matt Crowhurst / photos : Mantis Pro Media

National championship events are important. To some, largely where action sports are concer ned, there is a vibe that they are not the most credible or core of events and don’t represent what the sport is truly about. As someone who has been around in the sport for longer than I care to mention, has competed/worked at a huge variety of styles of events, seen riders come and go and been lucky enough to have experienced all that wakeboarding has to offer, I’m saying that, categorically, national championship events are important and they represent our sport just fine.

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This style of event that caters to the entire spectrum of the wakeboard community, from every age to ability level and experience in the sport is so necessary because of exactly this reason, it caters to all and therefore brings everyone together. The bringing of all corners of the sport together is just one of the many important reasons behind a National Championship. When we come together in a competitive and party spirit, it makes everyone present think, «we should do this more often» and «wow, they are riding good, I need to push harder» or «those guys look like they’re having fun on the water, I need to compete next time».

Aside from this, any governing body organized event like our UK Nationals, which is sanctioned by the IWWF, feeds riders into the wider world of competitive wakeboarding as a stepping stone on to more IWWF events or those standalone contests that a rider would otherwise not have the experience or confidence to take part in.

Here in the UK, we have had periods with a lot of grassroots boat events catering to all levels of riders but, unfortunately, aside from the ever strong and present northern Rider League and the Quays Wake Open, we are currently in a bit of a dry spell. So, when the 2018 Malibu Wakeboard Boat Nationals went down in the way it did I realized the need there is for such get togethers and how much fun we can all have when we make them happen in the way that this year’s boat nationals did.

2018 was the second year of Malibu getting behind the UK Nationals and only the second year of getting stuck into supporting any kind of big event here in the UK. Alongside Jobe as the supporting sponsor of the event they have given boat riding the opportunity to once again blossom as it did when we had the UK Tour, the Relentless UK Tour, the AOD and many other boat events. We need more events like this and I believe we are now in a place where the desire and knowhow is ready to push forward hard.

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What made this Nationals so amazing was a coming together of many things. The sponsor support of course, without which it would have been a very different affair. An amazing location in the form of Tattershall Lakes and the huge efforts of the local wakeboard community to lay on everything needed and more, creating an incredible atmosphere all weekend long. A blistering hot weekend always makes any event far better and that is what we had. Then there was the media coverage which wakeboarding in the UK has never seen. Mantis Pro Media captured and released multiple edits and photos to all social media platforms during the actual event with highlight edits of each day released at the end of play, each day. Add to this, TV style Facebook Live shows and just a general level of media production from the press promo day weeks before to the ongoing photo and video content still being released now by the Mantis boys and you have media content bar set very high indeed. From now on, anything less at any big event is just not going to cut the mustard.

came together just right can not be overlooked. As the backbone of all that goes down in UK boat riding their efforts are relentless year after year but this year all the variables fell into place just right, with no small amount of effort and man hours from the entire committee, led by the chairman, Jeremy Neville.

Then there is of course the riding without which there obviously wouldn’t be much of a wakeboard event. There were the usual highs and lows you get with every contest.

Stand outs included all the Groms with such a big number and mix of boys and girls, riders like Joseph Humphries (Boys), Katie Batchelor (Open Women) and the world dominating Luca Kidd (Open Men) retaining their titles for a second year in such fine style. The biggest Masters category to date made for quite the party on the dock when our turn was up and Jonty Green in there with us charging hard like always to take the title. Having a huge crew from the south west joining a National champs for the first time was awesome and one of said crew, Max Jones taking both the title in the Men’s Intermediates, as the most pumped man alive at the victory and just at being alive - a pleasure to watch such unadulterated enthusiasm for all that our sport is!

Finally, there are the people who make the up the glue of our sport and most definitely this event. Wakeboard UK’s efforts in making sure that all the different moving parts 31

To wrap up a summary of what is, in effect, your step by step tutorial on what an event should consist of (all-be-it in a snapshot form - please contact me for the full breakdown) there is the grand finale of the whole weekend. This was the best prize giving I have ever been hosted. Off the back of two days on the mic with Dan Williams, the both of us chatting wakeboarding and an awful lot of banter with the crowd, we basically had the biggest of podium parties. Mexican waves, non stop flossing (look it up adults), walk on music and tunes throughout, all officials involved with each podium shot and every one in the crowd getting fully behind the party on the deck. It was unreal!

Thank you Malibu and all sponsors, thank you Tattershall, thank you Wakeboard UK, thank you officials, boat drivers (Phillips brothers), all volunteers, Glen Tortolano (DJ), thank you Dan Williams (my MC’ing P.I.C.), thank you Mantis Pro Media and thank you all riders friends, family and anyone I have forgotten for making this the best National Championships we have ever had. ....Bigger and better people, bigger and better!

Check out Wakeboard UK on Facebook and @UKWake on Instagram to relive the good times or see what you missed.

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TELMA

CESTER Intw : Edgar Petrenko / Photo : Jeff Mathis

Age: 13 years old Hometown: Barcelona / Castelldefels Sponsors: ION , Liquid Force , OCP cable park , DWS system ,Munich, DoubleAgent USA Musical Genius: Pop, American Rap Movies: Zombies & Scary movies.

Hairdo: Long brown hair always.

Fave Food: Pasta, rice, meat & fish and always soup.

Superstition: Don’t eat two breakfasts, odd numbers of biscuits’ packs.

Overrated: Waking up early.

Dream Sponsor: Redbull, Nike, Adidas, GoPro. Travel or Home: Travel with my amazing Spain Team.

Bad habit: Going to sleep with headphones on while listening to music.

Wakeboarding or Wakeskating: both. Depends on the Cablepark and the obstacles.

Future: Continue with my studies and of course with my favorite sports.

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Ben Howells P I L C H ARD PRO DU CTI O N S By phil Sirech / Picts Ben Howells

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I’ve been involved with filmmaking and photography for over 15 years. I first starting playing with my Grandfather’s video cameras at a young age and my Dad’s old Pentax 35mm SLRs, then getting hold of my first MiniDV handy cam at the age of 16. I really don’t miss logging footage from all those tapes! Then it led to the modern world of mirrorless cameras, DSLRs, drones and so on.

Hi Ben. Introduce yourself in a few words: Idiot with a camera.

Tell us more how the idea came to create PILCHARD PRODUCTIONS? My Granddad on my Mum’s side of the family did a lot of filming, with all the different formats through the years; 8mm, VHS, MiniDV. He was into making short videos on all kinds of different subjects and sending us family films from visits and sometimes we would borrow his old video cameras too.

My Dad is also into photography and had a few Pentax 35mm cameras which I was always borrowing/breaking a lot. So using cameras, taking photos and making films was a pretty normal thing.

I had a paper round and worked in a few pubs washing dishes in my early teens, saved enough to eventually buy an old Pentax Super A from 1985 off eBay to start taking photos on 35mm, and a Sony TRV16 MiniDV handy cam for filming. I was about 16 or 17 at the time.

What art form do you like to put forward in a video? The trick, the colors or the landscape?

It depends. The simplest and smallest things can look amazing with the correct approach. Mostly I like to focus on creativity and style in the rider, not so much big tricks. Vibrant colors and a beautiful landscape are cool of course, but a cloudy day in an urban setting can be really fun too. It all depends on the context.

Also, not too much slow motion, or transitions. Both are amazing used correctly, but get overused way too much in my opinion, often just to hide lazy/bad camerawork and lack of

narrative or creativity in editing.

Is there a place in the world where you would like to shoot in particular?

Definitely Folgefonna Glacier in Norway, the summer midnight sunsets there create amazing colors and Emil Fossheim, the park manager, builds amazing jumps to shoot.

As for wakeboarding, early mornings and sunsets at Liquid Leisure are epic! Anywhere I can hang with friends, and being able to go surf or skate in between wakeboarding is a big plus – Bali is great for that.

Who do you usually shoot?

Friends mostly, that way everyone is more relaxed and it’s way lot more fun! Dominik Gührs, Lior Sofer, Nick Davies, Im San, William Klang, these guys always guarantee a fun trip!

Of course there’s so many more though.

What kind of camera do you use for video and photo?

The camera I use isn’t important, it’s how it’s used. Fancy lenses, drones and stabilizers help of course but creativity and imagination are more important.

Do you make videos of other sports?

Yes! Actually I really want to shoot more mountain biking and motocross at the moment. Also a little bit of surf, skate...other things I do beside wakeboarding. Sometimes it feels like I have too many hobbies.

It can be fun to film all kinds of different things, that I’d usually have no interest in, not just sports. Actually I’m getting bored

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of making and watching rider edits now, I like to do a few still each year but I’m trying to think of interesting concepts and subjects instead. I have a few friends who are actresses living and working in LA, it would be interesting to go check that scene out...although I don’t think I would fit in that well!

I know you wakeboard and snowboard too, Do you find it frustrating sometimes when you see other riders having fun while you’re taking pictures or video?

Haha yeah sometimes! I’ve definitely missed out on some fun sessions. If you’re already riding but know you have to go film, it can be difficult to stop, always saying, «one more lap». But then once I do get the camera out, I don’t want to stop filming.

Usually it doesn’t bother me anymore – if I go somewhere to film, I either don’t take my board with me, or leave it in the car, so I’m fully focused on filming. I think people who see me at events probably think I don’t wakeboard at all! But then if there is time at the end of the day to go ride after filming, it’s a nice bonus.

Tell us more how came the idea to create PILCHARD PRODUCTIONS? Well it’s taken a while to get to this point! For years I just filmed and took photos for fun, of myself and friends. I didn’t do anything with them, I didn’t care about putting them on YouTube or anything.

Then I started working in snowparks and wakeparks, and I received opportunities to film better riders. And things just kept growing. Eventually I didn’t need to work at wakeparks anymore! And now I can just travel, film and ride - I sometimes wonder when this lifestyle is going to end, it’s kind of too good to be true! So I try to make the most of it every day I can, and not take it for granted.

On the other hand, if I don’t have to film, I often like to ride as long as possible – for example whenever I’m in Laax I’ll ride until the lifts shut and then maybe hike some rails for an hour afterwards as well.

Finally, do you have some important tips to give to those who want to progress on 3W( Wakeboard,Wakeskate,Wakesurf) photography or videos?

Yes! So many things...but mostly, don’t stress about owning fancy equipment, don’t take yourself or your work too seriously, and remember enjoying yourself is most important – this applies to everyone I think actually, not just filmers/ photographers!

Can you tell us more in a few words about your latest Video Project - Ice Cream 1.5?

Yeah man! Ice Cream 1.5 is kind of a half-sequel to a UK wakeboard film I made in 2010, called Ice Cream (surprise!).

A lot of the UK riders, who are killing it now, were just groms when the original was made. They grew up watching it (or so they tell me) and were stoked on making a sequel. Somehow they convinced me it was a good idea, and we planned to make a 2-3 minute edit.

Do you have any special configurations?

Hmmm...does having a mojito in both hands while ‘at work’ and still filming count?

Then things just kept growing, Sungod, Liquid Leisure and Bro Clothing got onboard to support the film, which allowed us to keep adding more locations and ideas, and one year later we completed the project, a 17 minute film about wakeboarding and life and I don’t know what else, a few other things!

Thanks for your time Ben , if you want to say something else, go for it!

Thanks to everyone who supports me in what I do, big or small, it’s very much appreciated!

I’m stoked on how it’s turned out, looking forward to unleashing it online but we’ve had a few delays getting it out there unfortunately. The wait is finally nearly over though, it’s out on October 2 on almost all digital shops (iTunes, Amazon, Google, Vimeo etc).

Check out @icecreamfilm or icecreamfilm.co for dreamy Ice Cream 1.5 content and if you like what you see you can get the full film from October 2 on all major digital shops (iTunes, Amazon, Google, Vimeo etc).

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Lauren Hilder-Darling text & photos by : Karen Button

Stance: Regular Local Park: Gold Coast Wake Park Sponsors: Slingshot Australia

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For those who don’t know you, can you give us a bit of background info?

I grew up on the beach in South-East England and after leaving school, I gained my sailing and windsurfing instructors certificates and proceeded to work a number of seasonal contracts on the beach and in the mountains in Greece, France and Portugal. I moved to Australia in 2011 thinking I was going to spend a year down under before starting a “real job” and getting on with “real life responsibilities”. I ended up staying in Australia and it is now where I call home. It’s tough with the rest of my family and friends living on the other side of the world, but I do love it in Australia.

I learned how to surf and I got into the cable wakeboarding scene in 2012.

Most of my weekends have been spent at the cable parks or in the ocean ever since.

Why wakeboard?

My brother, Neal, used to kitesurf and traveled to some pretty epic locations

with it. For training, he and his mates would head to the cable parks in the UK and South Africa to learn and practice their tricks. That was the first time I’d really seen cable wakeboarding. Due to my seasonal contracts, I didn’t get into the sport until I moved to Australia.

I recently read a post from surfer, Leah Dawson, (aka @leahloves) where she explained that “surfing is a gift of a constant learning game, offering life lessons simultaneously”. I feel the same with wakeboarding. It is an alternative outlet for self-improvement.

You are constantly learning about yourself. When you figure out the right thought patterns, what makes you tick, the opportunities to improve your riding are endless.

I wakeboard because I love the neverending challenge of learning new tricks, making the tricks I already know better, and to keep feeling that new trick stoke.

I also wakeboard because it’s fun. At the end of the day, if you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, why do it?

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What makes a good session?

Mirror flat water and no cable sway! But definitely if I, someone I know, or a student I’m coaching lands something new, it’s always a good session.

What makes a bad session?

Sometimes frame of mind. Other times it’s the other riders on the lake (deliberately causing cable sway, riding down the middle of the lake, talking shit etc.). Luckily I have more good sessions then bad!

So you do some coaching?

Sure do. I started coaching sports from a young age. After finishing school, I went on to become a qualified sailing and windsurfing instructor which led me to numerous summer seasons on some beautiful European beaches. A couple of years after learning how to wakeboard myself, I began coaching at Bayside, then moved on to a couple of stints at Cables Wake Park coaching with Courtney (Angus). Now, most of my coaching is at Gold Coast Wake Park while I finish up my university degree. It’s definitely satisfying to see someone you are coaching gaining confidence, kicking goals and spreading the stoke.

How far through uni are you? What are your plans for afterwards?

I’ll be finished in October 2018 so I’m pumped. I have lots of travel plans post university and I am hoping to visit a few more surf spots and cable parks along the way. I’ve enjoyed what uni has taught me, but I am looking forward to being back in the real world and enjoying more time on the water.

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When you spend the day in the water, under the sun, it’s not easy to have well hydrated hair. John Masters Organics presents its three essentials for after a session. A repairing shampoo with honey and ibiscus, rich in nutrients to strengthen and protect your hair. A repairing mask with honey and ibiscus, keeps your hair hydrated for a long time and protects it from pollution and sun damage. In addition, throughout the day, you can use the rose and apricot protective milk to shine your hair, but especially to protect it from the sun and for beautiful curls. www.johnmasters.com 47

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plastic playground

By Redbull Media

Plas tic Playground is wor ldwide this year with three s tops around the globe. Enjoy the photos from those fir s t two stops. The first one was at Thai Wakepark - Bangkok and the second one was at Liquid Leisure London. The third one will be held in Bali from October 24 to 27 and will be repor ted in the future issue of the magazine. Because pictures are wor th more than a thousand words, we give you this photo galler y of the event to enjoy.

DA N IEL G R AN T TR AN S F ER IN DY B AC K T O WAL L PLA S T IC P L AYG RO U N D T H AI WAKEPAR K Titikorn Atichatpong

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P EDRO CALDAS TRANSF ER NOS E GR A B P LASTIC PLAYGRO UN D L O N D ON Julia Castro

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M ARY H ROUGI É B IG P O O L T R AN S F ER 5 0 5 0 P L AS T IC P L AYG RO U N D L O ND O N Julia Castro

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A NNA NIKSTAD TANTRUM INDY P LASTIC PLAYGRO UN D L O N D ON Julia Castro

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C L AU D IA PAG AN I N I F RO N T N O S E T O B L I N D P L AS T IC P L AYG RO U N D T H AI WAKEPA R K Titikorn Atichatpong

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G UNTHER OKA B ACKSIDE LIP S LI D E BOX PLASTIC PLAYGRO UN D TH A I WA K E PA R K Titikorn Atichatpong

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DOMINIK HERN LE R BACKMOB E INDY GLI D E P LASTIC PLAYGRO UN D L O N D ON Phil Sirech

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TAY L O R M C C U L L OUGH L IP SL I D E P L AS T IC P L AYG RO U N D L O ND O N Julia Castro

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Name: JOEL DE ROCHE Nicknames: None Birth Country: USA Birth Date: 02/16/82 Stance: Goofy Hometown: Tracy, Ca Spot Locator: I use my Maps app on my phone and google Earth to locate potential winch spots. Then I drive to the location to get a better understanding of what we are dealing with.

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WINCHING WITH

JOEL DEROCHE Pict : Kile Mass

It was a brisk morning in late February here in Northern California. I remember getting out of bed, around 6:30am, looking out my kitchen window and seeing a thin layer of fog in the air as I started making some coffee and packing up my cameras. Instantly, I knew we were in for a cold one. The crew that day included, Kyle Maas @cali_kyle, Mike Powell @miekpowell, and myself @joelderoche3. The cold was not going to kill the vibe though! All of us were hungry to get some clips.

We started early, the boys were in my drive way with the van waiting to be loaded up around 7:30 am.

Kyle came through in the clutch with the Ford Cargo Van. We loaded up the kicker, boards, winch, cameras, food, others supplies and we were out. It was going to be a short drive up Highway 5 North towards Stockton, CA.

As we pulled into a small marina in the Stockton Port area, all we could see were fire engines, police cars and search and rescue boats. Right then we thought maybe this spot was dead for the day. After asking a few observers who were watching search and rescue, we found out they were looking for a dead body somewhere in the water. Now the question was, do any of us want to get in the water if there is a dead body floating around?

Without hesitation we all said, “Hell yea! If that’s what it takes to get the shot!”

As soon as all the emergency vehicles left we set up the spot. We had a slide in start to a kicker with the drop into the water. Without hesitation we went for it!

Huge props to Kyle Maas for snapping this dope photo.

This one’s for Kyle... Kyle should be riding with us. Unfortunately, Kyle can’t be out there riding for health reasons. Surgeries may have been taking away Kyle’s riding time but it hasn’t taking away the passion and drive he has to be involved and help push the sport that he loves. Expect to see a lot more content from Kyle 59

and the crew the rest of the year. Huge props to Kyle and Mike Powell for the time, commitment, and the great pulls to get this rad shot! Cheers boys!

As soon as I saw this spot my heart strating racing!

The anxiety, adrenaline and commitment juices were flowing through me! I went riding on the Delta with my good friend Jim Aiken in Stockton, Ca. at a place called Whiskey Slough. I had passed these huge irrigation pipes many times but, they never had a small pond of water in the middle of them to make this spot possible to hit.

After riding that one day, the following week we were out there ready to gap up to these huge concrete pipes.

At first sight, one would think these pipes were a lot smoother than they actually are. We had no idea if we were going to get caught or not so we quickly set up the kicker in the water. The water was only 12 to 18 inches deep. We thought the kicker could sit in the water and still have enough height to get up to the pipes but that wasn’t going to happen. Thankfully, we found a tumble weed, put the kick in the tumble weed to give the kicker a little more height out of the water and some stability.

My boy Mike Powell @miekpowell was providing the pulls on the winch. The homies, Kyle Maas @cali_kyle and Jordan Jin @wakeaholicmic were snapping photos and grabbing clips. When everyone was finally in position, I went for it.

It was one of the more riskier spots I’ve ever hit but thankfully all went well and we were able to snag these photos. Be on the lookout for more photos and these video clips to be out later this year in my final edit for 2018 called, “The Main Course” Cheers, Joel DeRoche @joelderoche3

Marilyn Pr u i t t Photo : Antony Kennedy-

What makes a wake park session cool?

The atmosphere and people you ride with. Also if the park has a good feature set up.

What makes friends cool?

They always have a fun time on the water and are always down for random spontaneous adventures and road trips.

What makes a wakeboard trick look cool?

Properly grabbed and if you throw your own style into it.

What makes a boyfriend cool?

If they also wakeboard!

What makes a wakeboard boat session cool?

Good friends and lots of laughs

What makes a huge fall cool?

If it is caught on video!

What makes a winch session cool?

Teamwork and not getting kicked out.

What makes you finally land a huge new trick?

The time and dedication of practice that no one truly sees.

What makes a video edit cool?

How it is edited together and the music used.

Really cool edits can capture the vibe and tell a story when it was filmed. Steffen Vollert and Formats do a good job with that.

What makes a photo cool?

A cool photo not only shows the trick, but it also captures the little details like the path of how the rider got there. Also, the location is important and having a sick background.

What make music cool?

When it matches and lines up with the tricks in an edit. Also if it can get me pumped up to ride!

What makes a rider ( Man, or Woman) cool?

The creative lines and style they put into their riding. Also, they can’t be too cool for school, you know?

What makes a ride cool ?

Having fun and learning something new.

What’s the most important thing in order to progress?

Not having any fear to try something new. Having a good coach is also important. Ask around at the cable for help!

Any shout outs?

My sponsors of course for always helping me; Liquid Force, STZ, and Terminus Wake Park. Also, Callaway Ford for always being my riding buddy and going on road trips. Finally, I would like to shout out to everyone who has let me crash at their place; Courtney Angus, Deanna Hatten, Lauren Hilder-Darling, Conrad Macintosh, Amanda Sadowski...to name a few.

Many thanks!

What makes a board cool?

All wood and big with a sick graphic.

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Name: Marilyn Pruitt Birthdate : May 1, 1995 Hometown: Marietta, GA - USA Sponsors: Liquid Force, STZ Stance: Regular

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riding one of the 5

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

By Redbull Media

Wakeskater, Brian Grubb, has tackled snow streams in Sarajevo and Filipino rice fields during his amazing career on the water, however his latest adventure is the best yet after he traveled to Jordan to take on the mighty Wadi Al-Hidan canyon.

Here is all you need to know

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T H E AM ER IC AN N EED ED H E L P F RO M T H E L O C AL B EDO UI N P EO P L E T O T R AN S PO RT EQ U IP M EN T IN S M AL L BOAT S O R B Y P ER S O N OV ER T H E P ER IL O U S RO C KS W I T H EV EN IN G S C O N S IS T IN G O F T R AD IT IO N AL B ED O UI N C U IS IN E AN D MUSI C .

WAD I AL - H IDAN IS A B R EAT H TAKIN G B L AC K B AS ALT IC C AN YO N W IT H N AR ROW G O RG ES , F R ES H P O O L S , M ES M ER IZ IN G G R EEN V EG ETAT IO N AN D W IL DL IF E T H AT F EEDS IN T O T H E D EAD S EA.

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W H EN G R U B B AN D H IS C R EW F IN AL LY R EAC H ED T H EIR ID EAL S ET T IN G , T H EY P O S IT IO N ED T H EM S ELV ES O N T O P O F O N E O F T H E P EAKS O F T H E VAL L EY W H ER E T H E L O N G W IR E P U L L IN G M AC H IN E T H AT T H E 3 8 -Y EAR- O L D AT H L ET E WO U L D H O L D O N T O WAS IN S TAL L ED T O L AU N C H H IM AC RO S S T H E VO L C AN IC RO C KS .

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THE H A R D E S T PA RT WA S O N THE FI N A L DAY WH E N TH E NE W H A MPS H I R E N ATI VE NEED E D TO PA S S T H ROUGH A T I GH T CR ACK R A PI D LY, WHI CH H E ACC O MPLI S H E D BR I LL I A N T LY.

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WAKE

PARk BR O M BA C H S E E

G e r m a ny ’s fi r s t WA K E PA R X c a b l e i s c o m i n g t o @wakepar kbrombachsee Managing director Mat Bauer is looking forward to teaming up and cooperating with Wakeparx: “It was a tough decision which manufacturer to choose. One of the main reasons for Wakeparx was that Moritz and Hans (the owners of Wakeparx) are highly motivated. With their innovations like the new deflection unit they will make wakeboarding much easier for our guests. I am sure our young companies will match perfectly!”

Check WAKEPARK BROMBACHSEE on Instagram @wakeparkbrombachsee to be updated and to follow the construction step by step live in their stories!

More info at www.wakepark-brombachsee.de or www.wakeparx.com #brombachsee #wakeparkbrombachsee #wakeparx #wakepark #wakeparks #futureofwakeboarding #welovetoride #wakeboarding #fullsizecable #fullsizecable2019 #cablewakeboarding #cable #buildmorewakeparks #cablepark #wpx #wakeboard #wake #buildbetterwakeparks

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HOW WE MOVED

icebergs THE SIZE OF FOOTBALL FIELDS

By Helga Shoshina/ Photo : Serge Shakuto

1 3 t i m e R u s s i a n N a t iona l Ch a mpion, Ch a mpion o f E u ro p e ( s f ) a n d Bronze M eda l is t a t t h e Wor l d Ch a m p i o n s h i p s , N ik it a M a r t ya nov h ea ded off t o t h e l a r g e s t i s l a nd on t h e pl a net t o surf in icy wa t e r s a m i d s t i c e ber g s , on iceb er g s a nd over i c e b e r g s . I n s h o r t , t h ere were a l ot of iceb er g s .

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Boards are now the most popular way to get around in the world, and new technologies are allowing us to access new locations and expand the geography of surfing.

My new project, like my previous ones, pursues one and the same idea: to again go beyond the boundaries of the sport, to re-conceive wake-park riding and to give the discipline a new level of development.

lives and are always in motion. Every approach to a stunt was unique. At first glance everything looks wonderful, but while I was doing a circle, an ice needle would float up, or the iceberg would turn over in a bad way, or the wind would blow up. Basically, there wasn’t much of a chance to do practice approaches, so you either had to do the stunt on the first attempt or at the most on the second. You had to weigh everything up very quickly, there was simply no time left to really plan something, but I still wanted to squeeze the maximum out of it and do something stylish and cool.

As soon as the slightest opportunity to organize a trip like this appeared, we started planning it, and within a couple of months the tickets had already been bought.

We went without a location check and we didn’t know what the consistency of the icebergs would be. We didn’t even know whether it would be possible to ride on them at all or how mobile the icebergs were. Basically, we set off with a huge number of questions.

I rode on my pro-model Liquid Force Drop. It’s not been prepared especially for riding on ice, it’s just a great, indestructible park board.

In Greenland the white nights are totally different from our white nights in St. Petersburg. They’re not white

So, if you imagine a park where the features live their

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nights, they’re polar days. We were chasing after a certain light, we went out twice a day – early in the morning for an hour and a half to three hours and then for an hour or two at night, when the sun dipped below the horizon and there was this unbelievably beautiful «sunset» light over the perfectly flat water. We would come back from the night session at 5 in the morning. That regime of having no border between day and night completely confused your organism as to the time of day or as to what was going on.

I worried about the pilot of the tow-boat most. Imagine a 50-horsepower rubber Zodiac boat with an outboard propeller (!) and a driver who’d never towed another person.

Originally, the pilot was going to be the captain of the yacht, as he’s also a wakeboard rider. But as the yacht «dropped out», along with its captain, I was simply «issued» with our new crew’s doctor. And yes, of course, he was also a sailor for the first time, but ... well, you get the point. Praise where praise is due, though – he quickly realized how to carry me properly, and everything worked out fine.

We had more than our fair share of problems. For example, originally we planned to live on a yacht, and to travel on it to the locations. But right before we flew out our yacht broke. In just two days we had to reorganize the entire project, hoping that it wouldn’t have any impact on the surfing and the final photo-video product.

Yes, the motorboat – it wasn’t perfect for creating pull.

We welded a metal tower for it especially, and right up until we launched it on the water we couldn’t tell if this whole do-it-yourself idea was going to work or not. Now I can say it – the project was done in full freestyle, in an incredibly tight time-frame, and what we achieved even went beyond our expectations.

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The water was zero degrees Celsius, and at certain points even lower. Due to the high salt content, it has a high density, it’s as if it’s sticky. Riding on that water is rough, it «clings on» in a totally different way. I was in the warmest, full surfing wetsuit 6/5/4 mm from Quiksilver for water temperatures of +8 Celsius and over. The suit was simply amazing, the water flowed off it quickly, the humidity in Greenland, luckily, was moderate, and it dried out quickly. It worked out that we could really compare the differences in technologies. There were free divers with us, who went through incredible torture before each dive when they were putting their complicated suits on, using hot water and all those cunning techniques. I looked at them and thought, «Wow, guys, what are you doing back in the last century?!» I got changed in 5 minutes, was in the water for over two and a half hours, never risked my health, and even when I fell in or got washed over I came out almost dry. Quiksilver also has this shirt under the wetsuit with a heating element, and I never even had to use it. I got changed in the hold, washed the salt water off my face, put on my warm socks, and that was it!

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What my super-wetsuit didn’t save me from was brutal falls. From heights of 2 to 3 meters it was really painful.

There’s a lot of needle ice floating around the icebergs – that’s masses of pieces of ice, a bit like a smoothie in consistency. A couple of times we had this situation where I saw a clear spot for landing, I lined up to do the trick, and as I was taking off it turned out that I was flying straight towards a block of ice. Falls at full speed – that’s no fun at all!

There was another problem: a thick wetsuit, gloves, plus all those surprises in the terrain, those cursed ice needles, and all the other spanners in the works made the process of surfing itself considerably more difficult. Anything that you can do in a warm country in a cozy park – you can safely knock 60% off all your skills, and that will be the level you’re left with when you ride in the conditions in Greenland!

mple. Over all, the basic idea for the tricks came down to showing some beautiful wake in difficult conditions.

The cold also massively cuts down on the amount of time riding, so the cameraman and the photographer had to shoot at the same time.

The photos and the videos were all shot on Sony, the equipment was really compact and «fast» in use while working, so we shot over 7 hours of video, I’m really satisfied with the result, and a huge thank you to all the guys for the contribution, their work and their patience.

The shots from the water, unfortunately, didn’t work out. The water on all the days, as luck would have it, was murky, and for all our dreaming about split-shots, or catching the surfing of a whale in the shot or something really extraordinary like that, nothing worked out. The free divers, however, showed us photos shot in a different year where the visibility under water was up to three to four meters.

In projects like this it’s always difficult to predict your stunts. I really wanted to do a somersault, I wanted stylish flights, a backside 180 with a good grab, for exa-

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In Greenland there are incredible reliefs to the icebergs, but we couldn’t ride everywhere. Icebergs turn over fairly often, and on the fresh ones that have just turned over you get this smooth ice, it’s really difficult and dangerous, it’s almost impossible to tilt on them. So I tried to choose walls with a thick crust of ice over the snow.

to use the existing reliefs for your riding. This time the role of the park features was carried out by icebergs – it looks unexpected and it’s totally captivating in terms of the sensations it gives you.

The unique essence of Disco Bay lies in the most productive glacier in the northern hemisphere, Sermeq Kujalleq. As a result of its «work», thousands of icebergs are continually drifting in the gulf. Thanks to the videos and photos from projects like this, somebody will really understand and sense what wakeboarding really is.

Others will only be discovering that this type of sport exists at all.

There were some interesting situations, where we would find a fantastic iceberg and think, «There it is! We want to do this and that on it!» but we realized that the approach to it and the way back from it were blocked by other icebergs. We’d get upset. But our captain, who’d been sailing on that launch his whole life, would simply «thrust» into the iceberg, give it the full throttle, and shift a block of ice the size of a football field to the needed spot!

In fact, that’s why I love wake. It allows you to do these fascinating projects, to find unique sites with interesting reliefs, and great expanses for new, even more insane ideas always remain.

Any project that we’d done before that, Highland Wake in Kazakhstan or Way Out on Russian dams, works like this: You dive into the natural environment and begin

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IWWF

CABLE WAKEBOARD WORLD CUP JORDAN 2018 photos by : Julia Castro

It was the first time that the IWWF and the world of wakeboarding were touching ground in Jordan, the country of Indiana Jones and Star Wars.

Riders arrived to this mysterious country a few days before the competition to get some training done at Ayla Oasis, the mini city inside the city where the cable park was and is located. We were in the city of Aqaba, the only coastal city of the country. It has a population of about 148,000 people and the temperatures at this time of the year can go from 21° to 35°C. This city is known for tourism due to its proximity to the city of Petra and the desert of Wadi Rum. The main religion is Islam but there can also be found some Christian families and, apart of palm trees, not much green to be seen.

The region is also known for the quality of the diving.

Flying to Aqaba was not difficult. It included a flight from Istanbul and then another one to Aqaba was the extent of flying for most riders.

T h e a i r p o r t w a s j u s t a c o u p l e o f m i n u t e s a w a y f ro m t h e h o t e l s o t h a t long day of traveling called everyone to bed.

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COMPETITION DAY 1

finals while legend, Maxine Sapulette, held onto that second spot. Even though Courtney Angus had an outstanding performance, she had to conform with a third spot that made her go to LCQ’s.

The first day of competition in Ayla Wakepark happened on Friday 11. We had an early start because the forecast was predicting some wind and we wanted to have the very best conditions to compete. Qualifications for Open Men and Ladies took place: the ladies had two groups of seven ladies and another group of eight ladies. Only two ladies out of each group would make it directly to finals. The rest would have to battle it out in the LCQ’s.

Last heat for the ladies saw Julia Rick crashing on her first round doing a toe side raley to blind while another Russian talent, Alena Rogacheva, showed that Russia has a lot of potential in this sport. Chinese, Zhen Kun, followed closely but in the end it was Germany and Russia who made it to finals.

Group A, which happened to be the first group on the water saw veteran UK rider, Steph Caller and Japanese, Reina Kurata going through.

Men Qualifiers was a long and exciting one; 35 riders divided into 6 groups in which only two riders of each group would go to semis. The rest, like the girls to LCQ.

The second group of ladies saw quite an interesting fight. A lot of good riders in the same heat made the public not miss a single trick. Estonian, Mariliis Siimon, landed an impressive S bend to blind that gave her the win and direct pass to the

We saw some new names making it to IWWF competition like the Brazilians: Pedro Caldas and Daniel Araujo. Some long 84

time IWWF competitors like Philipp Turba, Ricardo de Tollis, Louis Mistaudy, Sam de Haan were also included.

Iranian Hamid Khodsiani had the heat of his life and made it directly to semis, the smile on his face made everyone feel awesomely happy for him. Liam Peacock, who had just come from winning an event in USA, also made it through with some impressive tricks while Sebastian Dunn and his easy going style made it through as well. This heat also saw Colombian, Diego Barragan, landing an awesome heart attack which definitely got everyone who was watching shaking! But it was not enough to make it through. Last heat of the day we would see youngster, Oliver Orban, having an outstanding heat and also making it through.

serves of inspiration and example to the country. We also saw a bunch of TV crews coming to cover the event while the prince of Jordan and his 1.3 million followers on Instagram honored us with his presence.

The forecast for this day was also predicting some wind that, luckily, never came. The sun was shining, the weather was hot and everyone was excited to go out there to compete.

First in the water were the Open Men Semis. The first heat of the day was not an easy one. It was an incredible one to start the day. Huge trick after huge trick saw Germany, Brazil, The Netherlands and Australia going through. Could you guess the names? (Miles Toller, Pedro Caldas, Sam de Haan and Busty Dunn).

COMPETITION DAY 2 - THE FINALS

Competition Day 2 saw the public increasing slightly.

This event is a big thing for the country since it is the first wakeboarding event that was taking place in Jordan and, it

Open Men semifinal number 2 made the final of the IWWF World Cup Jordan look like this:

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THE LADIES FINALS

The ladies finals was one of the hardest finals to judge from all times and with the highest level ever. You can tell it was a difficult one from the results: In between the 4th and the 7th place there was just 1.06 point difference. And in between the 7th place and the 3rd place on the podium, just 5 points. Ladies fought fearlessly for each position and, it could have really been anyone on that 3rd spot.

Like always, Wakeboarding Queen and untouchable rider, Julia Rick, took the win landing a huge backmobe 5 on her final run.

Courtney Angus surprised everyone taking that 2nd spot. It was a long time since anyone had seen Angus do airtricks. She also came all the way to the finals from the LCQ to finally make it to Vice World Cup Champion! She showed consistency and rhythm landing several technical tricks.

Legend, Maxine Sapulette, had to conform with a 3rd position.

THE MEN FINALS

The Open Men finals also saw a very tight final with only three point difference in between the 3rd and the 6th position.

Sam de Haan had a beautiful and technical composition while Sebastian Dunn landed some bangers that were not enough to secure that 3rd spot on the podium that Frenchman, Louis Mistaudy, happily won. Old IWWF competitor Dominik Guhrs took the second spot while, also from Germany, Ariano Blanik got proclaimed the new IWWF World Cup Champion. He had an awesome and intense run. Ariano also became the first rider ever to land a double flip off the flats in a competition run.

The event finished with a lovely prize ceremony and a small, yet awesome party at Ayla Oasis.

The next day the whole crew of competitors, judges and organizers went to the city of Petra and the Wadirum desert. It was an unforgettable trip and, we definitely recommend everyone to visit this country. You won’t regret it.

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Name : Jackson Axford Nationality : Australian Age: April 2, 2005 Stance : Goofy Home Spot : Naga Cable Park Sponsors : Mum & Dad but would love to have others.

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JACKSON

AXFORD Photo : Benjamin Cans

Where do you ride? My home park is Bali Wake Park but I have ridden at other cables in Australia and Thailand.

What’s your favorite food? I like most food but my favorite would probably be Thai food.

How did you get started wakeboarding?

I got started by hearing about a friend of mine going to Bali Wake Park and really liking it so I really wanted to go, I ended up going a week or two later and loving it and I have been riding ever since.

Do you do any other sports? I like to trampoline and skate a bit, but I mostly wakeboard.

What do you like the most about wakeboarding?

For me, the best thing about wakeboarding is learning new tricks with my friends and having a really good time.

What do you dislike? I really don’t like front and back edges.

Who is the best rider? I think the best rider at the moment is Daniel Grant.

2nd and 3rd? 2nd would probably Aaron Gunn and 3rd would be Busty Dunn.

Your favorite rider? My favorite rider is Guenther Oka because I love his style on kickers and rails.

Name a trick you would like to do one day?

A trick I would like to do one day is a double half cab roll.

Which do you prefer, Rails or kickers? I probably prefer kicker because I really like doing flips on a wakeboard and on a trampoline, I also like being in the air and going high.

Tell us a bit about your home spot? Bali Wake Park is a nice place to wakeboard because it is good weather all year round 89

(apart from sometimes in wet season) the crew there is really nice and I love riding there. Its going to be even better in a few months when the new Unit features arrive.

Do you ride alone or with friends?: I sometimes ride alone but I prefer riding with friends because we always push each other to try new tricks and have a lot of fun.

Do you like competing against each other?

We don’t really compete against each other a lot but when we do it is usually when we are trying to land a trick first before the others or if we are in an actual competition.

Favorite tricks? I’m not quite sure of my favorite but I really like doing really big tantrums and I like transfers.

What are your best competition results?: In 2017 I got 1st in the gravity wake open at Phuket Wake Park, 2nd in the nationals division and 4th in the international division at the King of Benoa at Bali Wake Park. In 2016 I got 4th in the nationals at Bali Wake Park.

What board are you riding? I’m riding Lior Solfer’s 2018 Dup Atlas with 2018 Dup Costa bindings. I really like the board and meeting Lior at Thai Wake Park during the first stop of the 2018 plastic playgrounds.

What is your plan for future competitions? I will be competing in London for the 2nd stop of plastic playgrounds in July, I will also be competing at my home park, Bali Wake Park, for the 3rd stop of Plastic Playgrounds.

Life outside of wakeboarding? School, skate a bit, trampoline & friends.

Thanks to anyone? Thank you to my Mum and Dad for letting me travel to different cables and getting me into wakeboarding, and of course, thank you to Unleashed and Benji for the chance to be interviewed for this mag.

R ENDEZ

VOUS

2019

JUNE 30 - JULY 2

JULY 12-14

FACTO RY P RO (W BW S)

P L A S T IC P L AY G R O U N D # 2

Lo u don , TN Malibu M235

JULY 15-30

London England Liquid Leisure

AUGUST 2-5

Worces t er, MA Malibu M235

JULY 21-22

Cr ys tal Lake, IL The Quarry

AUGUST 16-19

WAKE F E ST TENNESSEE

E u ro p e a n Cha m p io ns hip s

Smit hville, TN Malibu M235

JULY 25-28

Milano, Italy Wakeparadise OCTOBE R 25-27

NATIO NAL S (W BW S)

P L A S T IC P L AY G R O U N D # 3

Mon roe, WA Nau tiqu e G23

AUG UST 4

NOVE MBE R 2-4

N a t io na l C ha m p io ns hip s ( W P W S )

WO O TOW N WAK EFEST

War saw, IN Su pra SA550

AUG UST 30 - SEPT EMBER 2

WO RL D S (W BW S) Miyoshi City, Ja pan Nau tiqu e G23

CAB LE

B OAT

PRO WAK E TOU R #4

Bali, Indonesia Bali Wake Park

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Wa k e P a rk Wo rlds ( W P W S ) Cancun, Mex ico Mayan Water Complex NOVE MBE R 23-25

T W P K o ra t P ro ( W P W S ) Kora t, Thailand TWP Korat

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Brian Grubb : “ R IDD IN G T H IS P LAC E W IT H T H E R EDB U L L C R EW WA S A B L AS T , I JU S T C AN ’T IM AGI N E M AKE T H IS H AP P EN ED , T H IS IS A D R EAM C O M E T R U E F O R A R ID ER L IKE M E T H IS R IV ER I S JU S T IN S AN E.” © Redbull Media

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