Pine Mountain, GA (May 28, 2022) – The best waterskiers and wakeboarders in the world took to the water today at Robin lake at the 62nd Nautique Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament presented by GM Marine. The award-winning Ski Nautique and Super Air Nautique G23 took to perfect conditions at Callaway Gardens.
During the Pro Women’s Tricks semifinal there was a stacked heat with eight women vying for four spots in the final round taking place tomorrow. After some incredible performances, it was Nautique Team athlete Neilly Ross (CAN) winning the heat with a score of 10,210. “I’m feeling very excited and looking forward to tomorrows finals with the top seed position,” said Neilly Ross “The feeling of skiing here at the Nautique Masters is like no other!”
Neilly was followed by fellow Nautique athletes Erika Lang (USA) and Anna Gay (USA) in second and third place respectfully with Giannina Bonnemann (GER) capturing 4th place.
Team Nautique athlete Pato Font (MEX) set another course record during the Men’s Trick division after achieving a score of 12,250. Also making their way into the Finals were Joel Poland (GBR), Louis Duplan-Fribourg (FRA) and Dorian Llewellyn (CAN). “I am super excited about my new personal best and course record here at Robin Lake,” said Pato Font. “I can’t wait for the finals tomorrow!”
During the Pro Women’s Slalom discipline Team Nautique athlete Whitney McClintock-Rini (CAN) earned her spot in the finals after taking first place in the semi finals running 4@10.75M. Whitney will be meeting Vennesa Vieke (AUS), Regina Jaquess (USA) and Allie Nicholson (USA) in the Final round tomorrow.
The world record-setting Ski Nautique pulled the Men’s Slalom semi finals as fans witnessed Will Asher (GBR) and Nate Smith (USA) tie for first place. Following Will and Nate were Dane Mechler (USA) and Team Nautique skier Jon Travers (USA) who also punched their tickets into the Finals.
The Super Air Nautique G23 took to the waters of Robin Lake with the wakeboard divisions starting with two heats of the Pro Women. Team Nautique rider Mary Morgan Howell (USA) had the crowds on their feet as she and Mackenzie McCarthy (AUS) both won their semifinal heats. Joining them in tomorrow’s Final round will be Meagan Ethell (USA) and Carro Djupsjö (SWE) who also put together two passes earning them a spot in Sunday’s main event.
When it was time for the Pro Men wakeboarders to hit the water, it was Nautique Team rider Cory Teunissen (AUS) who rode smooth behind the Super Air Nautique G23 and grabbed the win in the first heat. Fellow Nautique athlete Tony Iacconi took second place and earned his place in the Finals tomorrow. Tyler Higham (USA) rode stellar and won the second heat, followed by Luca Kidd (GBR) who also earned his spot in the Finals on Sunday as well.
Lauren Morgan took the win as the semifinal during the Pro Women’s Jump division with a jump of 170 feet (51.7m) behind the GM Marine powered Ski Nautique. She was followed by Brittany Greenwood (USA), Agustina Varas (CHL), Hanna Straltsova (IWWF) who all earned their place in tomorrow’s final round.
The Men’s Jump semifinals rounded out the day with Team Nautique skier Ryan Dodd (CAN) earning the top spot behind the Ski Nautique with a jump of 216 feet (65.9 M). Freddy Krueger (USA) also advanced with a 215 foot (65.5 M) jump and a second place finish, as well as Joel Poland (GBR) and Taylor Garcia (USA) also advancing into the final round after jumping 210 feet (64.1 m) and 209 feet (63.7 m) respectively.
Congratulations to Junior Masters Slalom Champion Cristhiana De Osma (PER), who competed in the junior head-to-head exhibition which earned her a scholarship courtesy of O’Brien.
The Opening Ceremonies of the 62nd Nautique Masters will begin tomorrow at 10:00AM with the Parade of Champions followed by the final rounds of competition. To watch live and for complete up-to-date scores of the 62nd Nautique Masters presented by GM Marine, please visit masterswaterski.com
An invitation to compete in the Masters is universally considered an acknowledgement of achievement for reaching the pinnacle in a given watersports discipline – only the world’s most elite athletes compete at the Masters. This tournament is sanctioned by IWWF/USA Water Ski and WWA.