 The 2009 WWA Europe Wake Park Series (EWPS) Sets Higher Standards For Competitive Wake Sports In The Region!8-10-2009
The 2009 WWA Europe Wake Park Series (EWPS) Sets Higher Standards For Competitive Wake Sports In The Region!
Freddy Von Osten, Tor Young & Andy Kolb Claim Overall Pro Series Titles!
Three well established events set the stage and brought the wake world together this season for some action packed wakeboarding and wakeskating. Large cash prizes, overall bonuses and the chance to earn prestigious titles enticed riders from all over the region to participate in the 2009 WWA Europe Wake Park Series (EWPS). With over $70,000 in total cash prizes on the line, a progressive one lap format and widespread support from the wake community, the 2009 EWPS proved a huge success in setting higher standards for competitive wake sports in the region!
The Ukrainian Wake Park Open at X-Traction Park in Kiev kicked off the series on August 21st, followed by the Foster’s Cup at Cable-Island in Magdeburg, Germany and concluding at Princes Club near London at the King of Cable. WWA Europe is proud to have partnered with the some of the finest Wake Parks for this series, creating ideal competition venues for riders, fans, media and for sponsors to showcase their products and also scout out “the next best thing” in riding and overall trends in the sport.
Europe is home to a diverse and growing field of talented wake riders and the EWPS is
a great platform from which to expose not only existing, but new and emerging talent coming onto the scene. “The WWA Europe Series put a lot of energy into the sport,” said Freddy Von Osten of Germany, winner of the overall title for Pro Men. The same can also be said of 16 year old Freddy who has earned that top spot with his explosive riding and impressive technical skills on the water.
Both Von Osten and Pro Women’s winner, 17 year old Tor Young of England are definitely getting noticed and making some serious marks on the Pro competition circuit. "I'm really happy to win this overall series and traveling to different events has been a great experience” said Tor. Andy Kolb of Germany also demonstrated why he is one of the best wakeskaters in Europe, securing the overall series win in that division. Known to many as a fun-loving guy, Andy had this to say when asked about his overall thoughts on the series: "The WWA Europe Series is a great way to meet new friends, visit new places and to wakeskate, of course. I really enjoyed being at all the stops and can't wait for another tour in 2010.” Big thumbs up to Freddy, Tor and Andy for their wins!
On the amateur side, top honors go to JR. Men’s rider Nick Lewis and Master’s Men rider Stephan Flamm, both of Germany. The top 3 competitors from both amateur divisions will be rewarded with all-inclusive packages to Hip-Notics Wake Park in Antalya, Turkey. Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding performances and well deserved titles!
Overall WWA Europe Rankings:
| PRO MEN: |
|
|
1.
|
GER |
Frederic Von Osten |
251 |
| 2. |
GER |
Felix Georgii |
211 |
| 3. |
GER |
Peter-Pascal Schmidt |
191 |
| 3. |
GER |
Tom Richter |
191 |
| 5. |
GER |
Nico Von Lerchenfeld |
160 |
| PRO WOMEN: |
|
|
1.
|
ENG |
Tor Young |
280 |
| 2. |
ENG |
Alexandria Gardiner |
205 |
| 3. |
NETH |
Maxine Sapulette |
190 |
| PRO WAKESKATE: |
|
|
1.
|
GER |
Andy Kolb |
270 |
| 2. |
AUT |
Kevin Cobb |
235 |
| 3. |
USA |
Bret Little |
190 |
| JR.MEN: |
|
|
1.
|
GER |
Nick Lewis |
160 |
| 2. |
UKR |
Dima Smichok |
100 |
| 2. |
GER |
Felix Schneider |
100 |
| 2. |
HUN |
Szebazstian Szolath |
100 |
| MASTERS MEN: |
|
|
1.
|
GER |
Stephan Flamm |
235 |
| 2. |
GER |
Andreas Voss |
160 |
| 3. |
NETH |
Jan Kerkhoven |
100 |
For full event results and overall rankings, please visit www.wwa-europe.com
WWA Europe is a rider’s association aimed at creating equal standards that all riders can enjoy and fostering growth on many different levels. One of the biggest accomplishments to date has been the active involvement of riders in the association and in guiding the sport. Whether it be judging, event organizing, filming, photography or media coverage, more and more riders are taking advantage of these opportunities, developing new skills and coming together to support the sport and the lifestyle that defines it. This falls directly in line with WWA Europe’s vision and we are pleased about this growing collective effort and the international network being formed.
 |
"I'm stoked to be involved in WWA Europe’s professional wake park series. Not only has it increased the level of riding seen in competition and added legitimacy to the sport, but it will help to gain more industry respect for riders and eventually lead to better support from companies within the wakeboard community. In all the years I have been competing throughout Europe, I have never been more proud to be a part of this," said US pro rider and tour judge Donald Shelbrick. Needless to say, the initial feedback has all been extremely positive and everyone is looking forward to next year’s series and another round of outstanding riding in 2010.
The 2009 WWA EWPS was brought to you by X-Traction Kiev, Cable-Island Magdeburg, Princes Club London and WWA Europe. Prize packages provided by Hip-Notics, Antalya and media support for the series is provided by Unleashed Wakeboarding Magazine, Alliance Wake Magazine UK, Boardforce.net, Cablewakeboard.com, Sooruz and Wakeboarder Europe Magazine.
WWA Europe (WWA-E) is an independent regional affiliate created by riders for riders to further develop and meet the demands of the sport. The WWA Europe Wake Park Series (EWPS) aims to create higher standards for competitive wakeboarding behind the cable by encouraging professionalism at all levels and raising the bar to foster overall growth and progression for all wake sports in Europe.
For questions and inquiries about the 2009 WWA EWPS or to actively get involved, please contact WWA Europe at info@wwa-europe.com |