The US Wakeski Open is the final event of the Stereo Open Series, and takes place at Orlando Watersport Complex on October 22nd. The event will consist of a boat event and a cable event, and we will crown a winner for each discipline.
OWC is one of very few locations in the US where we are able to run a boat and cable competition side-by-side, making it an ideal spot for this event, says Stereo Wakeski Co. CEO and owner, Jens-Martin Johnsrud.
The very first wakeski competition in the US took place on OWC in September 2009 where Chad Buechler (USA) took home both titles. As defending champion, Chad is expected on the starting dock when the event kicks off. We also expect Stereo US Wakeski Jam winner Ryan Jones (USA) to give it everything he’s got to take his second title of the year. In the cable event, they need to watch out for Sebastien Coll (FRA), two times European Wakeski Open Champion and Chris Böttcher (GER) the 2011 Stereo EU Cable Jam winner, who are both expected to participate.
The level of riding has improved a lot since 2009, and riders are expected to master technical moves on both rails and kickers, as well as several air tricks, to take home the cable title, says Stereo Wakeski Co owner and sales- and marketing manager, Kristian Hvaara. In the boat event, riders need to show the judges’ new tricks performed with height, technical difficulty and style. Stereo is still offering a $1000 reward for the first 720 behind the boat, so this event would be the perfect place to do that.
Preliminary Schedule:
08.00 AM – 12.00 AM Cable Competition
01.00 PM – 04.00 PM Boat Competition
Followed by Price Giving Ceremony
Prizes:
Cable
1st place: $300
2nd place: $200
3rd place: $100
Boat
1st place: $300
2nd place: $200
3rd place: $100
Entry fee: $30
Sign up: info@stereoskis.com
Contact:
Sponsorship, Press contact
Stereo Wakeski Co. – Jens-Martin Johnsrud
Phone: +47 95 15 84 26
E-mail: jm@stereoskis.com
Competition site< Orlando Watersport Complex – Sophie Teitelbaum
The second annual Stereo European Open took place this Saturday and what an event it turned out to be. The battle took place at Turncable, and with 28 degrees and sun, and a shoreline packed with people, the riders had absolute perfect conditions.
The European Open was the third stop of the Stereo Open Series, and is the biggest wakeski event of the season. The athletes have been traning harder than ever for this opportunity to walk away with the European Open trophy and the prize money. We have seen a steady progression from event to event, but I don’t think anyone would have anticipated the level of riding we saw at this event.
13-year-old Vincent Veilie (GER) delivered solid runs all afternoon to earn him a spot in the finale. One of his most impressive moves of was a massive Switch-up transfer over the Optimus obstacle, the biggest one of the day. With a 6th place, he showed everyone that he is one of the future stars of the sport.
Stylish 3s off the kickers and gapping out of the roof top rail with some sweet grabs and solid switch landings were some of the ingredients earning Turncable local, Flo Berger, the 5th place.
The fight for 2nd, 3rd and 4th place was a really close call. With style and perfect execution, Lukas Gütling’s 2nd final run earned him 3rd spot, just a hears width behind Nico Meitinger (GER), who skied away from a huge blind judge and a sw flat 5 off the kicker to take 2nd place. The 2011 Stereo Cable Jam // EU champion, Chris Böttcher (GER), ended up just outside the podium, but with his skills to utilize all three elements in the park, he showed the crowds that he can be back on the top at the next competition.
Defending champion, Sebastien Coll (FRA) was never really threatened for 1st place. He stepped up his game big time and delivered the most complete and spectacular run ever seen in the history of wakeskiing. Here it goes, a big misty 5 of the right kicker, an effortless blind judge on the first corner, a big transfer over the optimus, a DOUBLE S-BEND off the second corner, a shifty over the transfer box, a glide off the left big kicker, backroll off the third corner and rounding it off with a sw 5 off the last right kicker.
Last September the inaugural Wakeski Open was held at OWC and ever since the athletes have been anxiously awaiting their next shot at glory. More than glory, most of the riders have just been looking forward to gathering with fellow Wakeskiers for a fun event where they can showcase their talents on the water.
Set your Calendars for September 4th and be at OWC to compete with or watch the best Wakeskiers in the world! Since the inaugural event, we’ve already learned that new tricks will be on display at this season’s Wakeski Open.
Double Gainers are now in the mix for Justin Pruse. Defending Champion Chad Buechler has been oversees quite a bit and in the Midwest, rumor is he’s been training underground to defend his title. We can only assume that Ryan Jones will be going bigger this year and we’re excited to see what he’s bringing to the wake and the cable. Dave Vogt suffered a knee injury earlier in the season, slalom skiing we heard, but we’ll hope he and his stylish backside 180s are in the mix.
The Wakeski Open is brought to you by HO Wakeskis and Stereo Wakeskis! Help us spread the word and let’s make the Second Annual Wakeski Open a great event. For sponsorship opportunities or to enter the event please email, Greg Nelson @ nelson@hosports.com!
Get ready to compete behind the boat or on the cable. Stay tuned for more details on entry guidelines, entry fees and the cash purse. Spread the word Wakeskiers and make this season’s Open bigger and better than last years’!
What made you start wakeskiing?
In Sommer 2009 I met Jens at my homespot WildWakeSki on promotion. I tryed the Stereoskis and fell in love …
What do you like about Stereo Skis?
Everything! They are super light, the boot is very comfortable and the grindbase is perfekt! I have a lot of fun with shredding obstacles, riding kicker, rails and of course inverts. Free and independet riding … that’s great!
Are you working on any new tricks?
Everytime on the water I try to do something new. In the next time I wanna save up my Blind Judge and try some new Kicker-Tricks.
What do you do in the off season?
In the off season I go twintip skiing and hang out with my friends.
