2013 Red Bull Wake Open Media Recap by Jack Heilig

Table of contents Media Coverage Recap

Media Value Analysis

Media Kit Print and Online Media Tampa Bay Times Things to do in Tampa Bay for the week of July 1 Things to do in Tampa Bay for July 2 Things to do in Tampa Bay for July 4 Plan Your Weekend July 4-7 Wakeboard Event to Draw Crowd to Downtown Tampa Red Bull Wake Open comes to Tampa Tampa Bay Photos of the Week, June 29 to July 5 Tampa Bay Times Online Featured Video Red Bull Big Air Competition in Tampa Video The Tampa Tribune Pro wakeboarders warm to SunWest proposal Red Bull competitors ready to make waves in downtown Tampa Weather delays wakeboard competition Tampa Events, Red Bull Wake Open Orlando Sentinel Locals hope to impress at the Red Bull Wake Open this Weekend Red Bull Wake Open The Lakeland Ledger Pro Wakeboarders Hope to Ride Waves to Success Event Provides Wake Boarders Really Big High Red Bull Wake Open 2012 Recap Video Winter Haven News Chief Pro Wakeboarders Hope to Ride Waves to Success Event Provides Wake Boarders Really Big High 2 Polk Competitors Ride Wave of Emotion Sun Sentinel Wakeboarder making his mark in the pro ranks Top-ranking wakeboarder needs to be in top shape Creative Loafing Artists’ board meeting at Red Bull Wake Open 2013 Red Bull Wake Open Red Bull grabs air at McCormick’s Cable Park Accent On Tampa Bay Local Focus Alliance Wake.com Red Bull Wake Open 2013 – July 5-6 Red Bull Wake Open to Air Live on NBC at 4 PM ET/1PM PT On July 6 Red Bull Wake Open: Day 1 Red Bull Wake Open: Day 1.5 Red Bull Wake Open: Day 2 AOL Wakeboarders Compete in Red Bull Wake Open Before It’s News Wakeboarders show off Tricks at Red Bull Wake Open Tampa Bay Business Journal Red Bull Wakeboard event returns to downtown Tampa Bradenton Herald Fireworks and more mark Independence Day in Bradenton

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Table of contents Crave Online Red Bull Signature Series: One-On-One with Phil Soven Eventful Red Bull Wake Open in Tampa Florida Sports Florida Sports News Florida Today Recreation briefs: golf classes, kickball league, basketball camp slated The Guardian World’s best wakeboarders compete in Florida - video Hybrid Wake.com Red Bull Wake Open Independent.ie World’s best Wakeboarders compete in Red Bull Wake Open ITN World’s best Wakeboarders compete in Red Bull Wake Open Kansas City Sports Sports On the Air – July 5 Malibu Boats 2013 Red Bull Wake Open: Schedule & Details Mike & Michelle Red Bull Wake Open 2013 in Downtown Tampa Mommy Guru Red Bull Wake Open Tampa July 5th- 6th 2013 Never Have I Ever Red Bull Wake Open Red Bull Wake Open Recap Northeast Riders Red Bull Wake Open 2013 Visit Tampa Bay Red Bull Wake Open Returns to Tampa! Tampa Downtown Partnership Monday Morning Memo Time Out Got Plans? A Calendar of Events In and Around Polk for the Month of July The Kids Who Rub Their Eyes Red Bull Wake Open Transworld Wakeboarding World’s Best 36 Wakeboarders Set to Compete at 2013 Red Bull Wake Open South Tampa - Hyde Park Patch Red Bull Wake Open Sub Up! Red Bull Wake Open at Tampa Convention Center Suncoast Blogger Red Bull – #Wake Open Red Bull Wake Open 2013 Wake World Raphael Derome continues his Wake Open Domination Red Bull Wake Open – Park & Overall Red Bull Wake Open – Boat Highlights, Vimeo Yelp.com Red Bull Wake Open 2013 813Area.com Red Bull Wake Open Returns to Downtown Tampa, July 5-6 Red Bull Wake Open Returns to Downtown Tampa This Weekend 2013 Red Bull Wake Open Most Recent Albums

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Table of contents Television and Radio Broadcast Segments Bay News 9 WFLA / NBC CH 8 WFTS / ABC CH 28 WTSP / CBS CH 10 WTVT / FOX CH 13 TBO Telemundo 740 The Game (Orlando) 987 The Fan (Tampa Bay)

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Television and Radio Online Stories

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ABC Action News My Fox Tampa Bay WFLA.com Tampa Bay Sports Commission 10 News WTSP CBS ABC Action News 5 Things You Need to Know Happening in Florida on Tuesday, July 2 5 Things You Need to Know Happening in Florida on Friday, July 5 Bay News 9 Red Bull Wake Open Brings Boarders to the Bay area 10 News WTSP CBS Events: Red Bull Wake Open 98.7 the Fan Babe Does Wakeboarding Power 953.com Save the Date Kevin Sutton Show/740 The Game Red Bull Wake Open Was a Blast Check Out Ronix Rider Mr. Ruck Getting his Grab on!!

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Red Bull Wake Open Media Day

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Media Day Attendees

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Red Bull Wake Open Credential List

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Press Releases

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Save The Date Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best 36 Wakeboarders Set to Compete at 2013 Red Bull Wake Open Los 36 Mejores Atletas de Wakeboarding Del Mundo se Preparan para Competir en el 2013 Red Bull Wake Open Red Bull Wake Open to Air Live on NBC at 4 PM ET/1 PM PT on July 6 Artists Compete to Create Wakeboard Art to be Awarded as Trophies for Red Bull Wake Open Raphael Derome Wins Boat Portion of 2013 Red Bull Wake Open Bob Soven Wins Big Air Portion of 2013 Red Bull Wake Open 2013 Red Bull Wake Open Crowns New Champion 2013 Red Bull Wake Open Updated Content Now Available

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Wake Art

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Media Coverage Recap Trifecta Team is proud to present our Media Recap for the 2013 Red Bull Wake Open. Our publicity campaign for the 2013 event commenced in May with the Red Bull Wake Open media advisory to announce the event date and concluded with event recaps through mid-July. Print and online media coverage surpassed 20MM impressions. This included feature stories, event previews and event recaps and event listings. There were more than a combined 40 TV packages, live TV remotes and radio interviews. Interviews were conducted with: Parks Bonifay, Shane Bonifay, Raph Derome, Mike Dowdy, Dallas Friday, Austin Hair, Jim Henning (Tampa Bay Sports Commission), Rob Higgins (Tampa Bay Sports Commission), Steel Lafferty, Mike McCormick (McCormickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wakeboard Park), Mark Rossiter, Eric Ruck, Shota Tezuka, and JD Webb. There were numerous additional television packages on Tampa Bay newscasts and the City of Tampa television network. The 2013 Media Day event at McCormickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wakeboard and Cable Park attracted 20 media outlets and more than 30 media members. Media day began at 6:00 a.m. with the first of six live remote segments with Good Day Tampa Bay (Fox 13). The Red Bull Wake Open event attracted more than 70 media who were credentialed.

Jack Heilig

Partner, Trifecta Team Jack@TrifectaTeam.com 954.634.2299

Jeffrey Kamis

Partner, Trifecta Team Jeff@TrifectaTeam.com 813.784.3642

Media Value Analysis Media Outcome Per Format

Media Outcome In Numbers

Top Athletes (Re Contacts)

Media Kit The 2013 Red Bull Wake Open Media Kits were delivered to more than 70 media in the following markets: Tampa Bay, Central Florida, South Florida and Southwest Florida

Media Day June 19, 2013

Print and Online Media

Calender Listing

Read more: http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/events/things-to-do-in-tampa-bay-for-the-week-ofjuly-1/2129316

1 of 1 July 1, 2013 By: Katie Manfred

Things to do in Tampa Bay for July 2

Things to do today The Lone Ranger Premiere Event Ye Loyal Krewe of Samuel Bellamy invites fans of the new Lone Ranger movie, starring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer, to join them for a premiere party featuring face painting, goody bags, a cash bar and a viewing of the film. It starts at 8 p.m. at Centro Ybor 20, 1600 E Eighth Ave., Tampa. $20. (813) 242-0664. Target Tuesday The Glazer Children’s Museum and Target join together for this event offering free admission to everyone from 2 to 7 p.m. It’s at 110 W Gasparilla Plaza in Tampa. (813) 443-3861. Jonny Reno’s Yappy Hour Bring your pooch for a dog-friendly happy hour featuring drink specials and a Canine Cafe menu including water, Bruiser Brews, raw bones and peanut butter desserts. Costumes are encouraged. It starts at 6 p.m. at the Kitchen, 226 First Ave. N, St. Petersburg. Free. (727) 565-0540. Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market Wander along Beach Boulevard and browse fresh produce, baked goods, plants and crafts. Stalls open at 9 a.m. along Beach Boulevard in Gulfport. Free. (727) 278-4285. Coming up Fourth of July If you’re kicking off a long weekend Thursday, start with a blast. The two main fireworks displays will be along St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront and in Tampa’s Channel District. The Tampa Bay History Center in Tampa has free admission and extended hours, and you can watch fireworks from nearby Cotanchobee Park. At the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, there’s a party with live jazz, a barbecue buffet and a prime seat for the fireworks ($45, reservations required, (727) 896-2667). Lots of communities have free celebrations and fireworks, including Tarpon Springs, Madeira Beach and Gulfport, which has an all-day event with a kids fishing derby and sand-sculpting contest before fireworks. For more Fourth of July events, go to tampabay.com/things-to-do. Red Bull Wake Open Representing nine countries, 36 of the world’s top wakeboarders will splash, fly and flip from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday near the Convention Center in Tampa. Free. Gucci Mane Hey, y’all, one of the stars of Spring Breakers is back in town for a concert Saturday at Onyx Premium Night Club in St. Petersburg. Doors open at 10 p.m. $40; $80 for VIP passes. (727) 258-4813. Bark at the Ballpark Fetch tickets for you and Rover to see the Clearwater Threshers take on the Lakeland Flying Tigers at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Bright House Field in Clearwater. Enter a pet-owner look-a-like contest, meet the team mascots and run the bases. $7-$9.50 humans, $5 dogs. (727) 467-4457. — Katie Manfred kmanfred@tampabay.com Things to do in Tampa Bay for July 2 07/01/13 [Last modified: Monday, July 1, 2013 5:28pm] Read more: http://www.tampabay.com/incoming/things-to-do-in-tampa-bay-for-july-2/2129401

Calender Listing

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1 of 2 July 3, 2013 By: Sharon Wynne

Plan Your Weekend July 4-7

July 4 weekend While today is the big day, most places are stretching out the long weekend, including the Clearwater Threshers. After the game against the Dunedin Blue Jays on Friday, the Threshers will shoot off one of their largest fireworks shows this season. $5-$9.50. Bright House Field, 601 N Old Coachman Road, Clearwater. (727) 467-4467. 6:30 p.m. Friday. Hogan’s Beach, the new restaurant helmed by Hulk Hogan, has an odd pairing of musical acts for July 4 weekend with ‘90s grunge-rockers Soul Asylum on Friday and an old-school party with Young MC on Saturday. It’s a $10 cover both days at Hogan’s Beach, 7700 Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa. Wakeboarders Red Bull Wake Open Representing nine countries, 36 of the world’s top wakeboarders will splash, fly and flip from 3 to 8 p.m. For the first time ever in U.S. competition, a ramp-to-ramp obstacle will be introduced to push the limits of big-air competition. On Friday, visitors can end their night with a fireworks display over the Hillsborough River. The competition will be aired live on NBC starting at 4 p.m. Saturday. It is free to attend with excellent viewing locations around the channel, including the Tampa Convention Center and Knights Point at Harbour Island. It runs 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, noon to 6 p.m. Saturday around the Convention Center in Tampa, 333 S Franklin St., Tampa. Free. Toon and talk Jay and Silent Bob The cult-comedy duo of Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes bring their new animated film, Jay and Silent Bob’s Super Groovy Cartoon Movie, to the Palladium Theater in St. Petersburg at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. A Q&A with Smith and Mewes follows the movie. $25-$59. (727) 822-3590. Concerts Alabama, Gucci Mane It’s old- and new-school entertainment this weekend. The last time Alabama came to town, it was 2003 and the country group was in the middle of its “Farewell Tour.” So much for that. The band will bring its 40th anniversary “Back to the Bowery Tour” to Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater at 8 p.m. Saturday. $69-$125. (727) 791-7400. One of the stars of Spring Breakers, Gucci Mane, is back in town for a concert Saturday at Onyx Premium Night Club in St. Petersburg. Doors open at 10 p.m. $40; $80 for VIP passes. (727) 258-4813. Fitness Run Thru Hell That’s right, tell it like it is. It’s July in Florida, and this 5K race sends you through the mud and bushes of Al Lopez Park. At least you get to cool down afterward with a party that includes soda, juice, water, hot dogs, chicken and snacks (apparently, something stronger will have to wait). So why do it? To support the fight against breast cancer. Race starts at 8 a.m. Sunday at 4810 N Himes Ave., Tampa. $25 advance, $30 race day. (813) 274-8184.

2 of 2 July 3, 2013 By: Sharon Wynne

Baseball Turn Back the Clock Night In its 11th installment of the Rays’ Turn Back the Clock game, the team will once again don the groovy throwback jerseys they made up last year — a look inspired by the 1979 Padres, with bubbly lowercase letters, a pinwheel sunburst and a 1979 city of St. Petersburg seal on the sleeve. The giveaway will be a bobblehead of Evan Longoria (born in 1985) wearing that retro uniform. Since the team wasn’t born until 1998, coming up with throwback jerseys has been difficult, so in 2012 they just made it up. The Chicago White Sox will be wearing their 1974 uniforms. Fans are encouraged to get into the ‘70s vibe and break out the bell-bottoms. The game is at 7:15 p.m. Saturday. Plan your weekend July 4-7 07/03/13 [Last modified: Wednesday, July 3, 2013 6:12pm] Read more: http://www.tampabay.com/incoming/plan-your-weekend-july-4-7/2129887

1 of 2 July 3, 2013 By: Terry Tomailn

Wakeboard event to draw crowd to downtown Tampa

TAMPA — JD Webb tries to block everything out of his mind when he approaches the wakeboard ramp. The 26-year-old Auburndale resident holds the record for the longest ramp-to-ramp jump — 70 feet over the fountain at Lake Eola in Orlando — performed during a taping of the Discovery Channel show Stunt Junkies. But Webb may have a hard time concentrating this weekend at the Red Bull Wake Open in Tampa. “My girlfriend and I just had a baby,” the new dad said. “I’ve been off the water for three weeks.” Training in a gym, Webb used the downtime from his board to heal his battered body. “Being on the road and riding all the time really takes a toll,” he said. “But I went to the gym, did a lot of yoga and feel better than ever. The time off really helped.” Webb said when he lines up on the ramp, he will be thinking about Ehvie, his 3-week-old girl, but he should still have an edge over the competition. Because for the first time at a U.S. wakeboard competition, this weekend’s big air contest will feature a ramp-to-ramp jump. “They are still working out the details,” said Jack Heilig, who handles marketing for the event. “I think they are going see how it works in practice before settling the actual distance for the competition.” The Red Bull Wake Open, in its second year, will feature more than 30 of the world’s top wakeboarders in big air, wake park and boat competitions near the Tampa Convention Center. In big air, a cable system drags competitors across the water at more than 30 mph. When riders hit a single ramp, they have a few seconds to wow the crowd with their best aerial maneuvers. In wake park, wakeboarders again use the cable system, this time to navigate a series of obstacles, similar to what you might see at a skateboard park. In the boat competition, contestants perform a variety of tricks as they are towed behind a traditional ski boat.

2 of 2 July 3, 2013 By: Terry Tomailn Webb, who grew up wakeboarding on Central Florida’s lakes, said the format of events such as the Red Bull Open has changed the sport of wakeboarding. “We have brought the sport to the streets of the big cities,” Webb said. “I think that is now going to be more accessible to the people.” Raphael Derome, the overall winner of last year’s event, agreed. “The cable parks have really made a big difference,” the 21-year-old Canadian said. “The sport is growing and in the right direction. You don’t need a boat anymore to wakeboard.” Derome, who spends much of the year in the Orlando area, said the top wakeboarders are getting younger and better. “(Cable) parks like McCormick’s in Tampa are great because ultimately, they are better for the environment than boats,” he said. “Every year the sport gets bigger and cooler.” Webb and Derome will have their fans out in force Friday and Saturday. “They all want to be pro wakeboarders,” Derome said. “This is a great job — traveling all over the world — but it didn’t happen overnight. It takes a lot of work to get to where I am.” Fast facts Red Bull Wake Open Admission: Free Watch from: Tampa Convention Center and Knights Point at Harbour Island Stars: Defending champion Raphael Derome, Quebec; Aaron Rathy, Winter Garden (second last year); Harley Clifford, Orlando (first in boat last year, third overall) Fan favorite: Daniel Grant, 15, from Thailand, had high scores in wake park and big air in the event last year. On the Web: See wakeboarding videos at redbull.com

Read more: http://www.tampabay.com/sports/outdoors/wakeboard-event-to-draw-crowd-to-downtowntampa/2129867

1 of 1 July 5, 2013 By: Times Staff

Red Bull Wake Open comes to Tampa

How can this not be flippin’ amazing? Representing up to nine countries, 36 of the world’s top wakeboarders will splash, fly and flip in downtown Tampa at the Red Bull Wake Open this weekend. For the first time ever in U.S. competition, a ramp-to-ramp obstacle will be introduced, “allowing riders to push the limits of big air competition,” a news release says. In other words, they fly high. Cool. On Friday visitors can end their night with a fireworks display over the Hillsborough River. It is free to attend with excellent viewing locations around the channel including the Tampa Convention Center and Knights Point at Harbour Island. It runs 3 to 8 p.m. Friday and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday. The competition will be aired live on NBC starting at 4 p.m. Saturday. Red Bull Wake Open comes to Tampa 07/05/13 [Last modified: Friday, July 5, 2013 11:14am] Read more: http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/events/red-bull-wake-open-comes-to-tampa/2130048

1 of 1 July 6, 2013 By: Times Staff

Tampa Bay Photos of the Week, June 29 to July 5

The week in photos. Wakeboarders come to downtown Tampa, Melâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hot Dogs turns 40, scenes from the Fourth of July and more. Read more: http://www.tampabay.com/photo-gallery/tb-photos-of-week-070513/2130246

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1 of 2 July 4, 2013 By: Laura Kinsler

Pro wakeboarders warm to SunWest proposal

ARIPEKA - They travel around the world and have nicknames like “Bone Crusher,” “Metal” and “JDizzle.” And to a one, the professional wakeboarders who competed Wednesday in the first phase of the Red Bull Wake Open said the SunWest venue is second to none. “SunWest is insane,” said Steel Lafferty, a Florida native and 2011 rookie of the year. “The water’s so blue you can’t get better conditions than this.” And the kicker: “A wake park here would be epic.” Some riders, like J.D. Webb, are familiar with SunWest. “I’ve come out here quite a bit,” he said. “I’ve shot movies out here, so I’m comfortable with this location.” But even he didn’t know about Pasco County’s plans to build a cable park here. “That’s great,” he said. “Wake parks are growing all over the U.S. More people are riding than ever before because it’s feasible to go to a cable park. You can ride all day for $30 or $40; it’s less expensive than taking out a boat and having to fill it with gas.” The Wake Open, which continues Friday and Saturday at the Tampa Convention Center, isn’t a part of the

2 of 2 July 4, 2013 By: Laura Kinsler official pro tour, but it’s the only event that combines all three wakeboarding disciplines: boat, cable park and big air. For the first time this year, Red Bull will crown an overall champion. “This is a huge event for wakeboarding,” said Danny Harf, a four-time X Games champion and considered the most innovative rider of all time. “It’s cool to be invited to be on the roster.” More than 30 of the best wakeboarders in the world are competing in the three-day event. Highlights from the boat competition will air during the national broadcast of the finals Saturday at 4 p.m. on NBC. There’s no competition today, but spectators can watch the riders train for the cable park and big air competition all day in downtown Tampa. “This year it’s bigger and better,” Lafferty said. “The Tampa course is sick. It’s an awesome place for fans to come.” Lafferty said fans will get an even more spectacular show this year because Red Bull is introducing a “ramp to ramp” jump for the first time in U.S. competition. Some riders have never even attempted a ramp-to-ramp trick before. “I’m excited to hit it, but also a little scared,” he said. Riders say the second ramp allows them to go twice as far as they would if they landed in the water. Harf compares it to snowboarding in the water. “You’re going to get maximum hang time,” he said. Webb holds the record for the biggest ramp-toramp jump at 70 feet. lkinsler@tampatrib.com (813) 371-1852 Twitter @LKinslerTBO

Read more: http://tbo.com/pasco-county/pros-warm-to-sunwest-a-wake-park-here-would-be-epic-onewakeboarder-says-of-the-proposal-for-a-venue-at-mine-site-20130704/

1 of 3 July 4, 2013 By: Michael Manganello

Red Bull competitors ready to make waves in downtown Tampa

TAMPA - Whatever you do, just don’t break the fountain. Soaring high over the fountain in the middle of Lake Eola in downtown Orlando, professional wakeboarder JD Webb wanted to succeed in his first-of-its-kind stunt shot for Discovery Channel’s “Stunt Junkies” in 2006. Failure wouldn’t have been too bad, as long as he didn’t break that expensive fountain. “I was a little nervous because nothing as big as I was doing had been done at that time,” Webb said. “Also, having the Lake Eola fountain in my gap added another factor to it. Don’t come up short. They told us if we touch the fountain or break the fountain, it’s pretty much irreplaceable and we’d get fined for that. “There was a lot of pressure.” Webb delivered. For his feat, Webb was awarded a key to Orlando and it is celebrated on Sept. 30 - JD Webb Day.

2 of 3 July 4, 2013 By: Michael Manganello Webb, a 2005 graduate of Auburndale High, will be joined by the rest of the world’s elite wakeboarders in downtown Tampa this weekend as they compete in the 2013 Red Bull Wake Open, the paramount event on the professional wakeboarding calendar. “The Wake Open is the biggest event that we have in wakeboarding today,” Webb said. “At the end of the weekend, we’ll know who the best wakeboarder in the world is.” The Red Bull Wake Open consists of three events. Two of them - Big Air and Wake Park - are centered in downtown Tampa between the Convention Center and Harbour Island on Friday and Saturday. The boat portion was contested Wednesday at a limestone mine in western Pasco County. This year, the event will include ramp-to-ramp jumping - like Webb’s stunt on Lake Eola - for the first time in competition. With more possibilities for bigger tricks, Webb expects the competition to break some boundaries of the sport. “Everyone I’ve talked to said it’s the funnest setup they’ve ever hit,” Webb said of tests run in Germany last week. “It’s good for us, because spectators actually see us get big air. It’s more like snowboarding.” Webb finished fourth in last year’s event, a disappointment heightened his motivation to be ready for this weekend. There was, however, a major disturbance to his preparation schedule. Webb became a father on June 18, when his girlfriend gave birth to a healthy daughter, Ehvie, in Colorado, pulling Webb away from his training.

2 of 3 July 4, 2013 By: Michael Manganello “We couldn’t be happier,” Webb said. “Three weeks off doesn’t really help you out coming into the biggest event of the year, but it’s just part of it. It made me come home and really get to work. I’m in a good spot with my riding, so hopefully it all works out this weekend.” This will mark the second year the Red Bull Wake Open calls Tampa home. Tampa Bay Sports Commission executive director Rob Higgins said 50,000 spectators attended the event over the two days last year and he expects a larger crowd this year. “The event sets up really well right there between the Convention Center and Harbour Island. It almost makes an amphitheater of sorts for the wakeboarders.” The event also makes a large impact on the local economy. “Last year, it did 1,500 hotel reserved room nights, which translates into nearly $1 million in direct visitor spending,” Higgins said. “Certainly, those are substantial numbers, but the key part is that it happens at a time when our hospitality industry needs it the most.” Webb’s primary focus is on growing the next generation of wakeboarders through his interaction with young fans. “I’ve put in a lot of hard work to get to where I am today and it doesn’t stop now,” Webb said. “Wakeboarding is still a small sport compared to the other action sports out there. “We definitely don’t make the money skateboarders do, but for me to be able to do this as my job, I couldn’t be happier.” Read more: http://tbo.com/sports/bucs/red-bull-competitors-happy-to-be-making-waves-20130704/

1 of 2 July 5, 2013 By: Scott Purks

Weather delays wakeboard competition

TAMPA - After an almost three-hour delay for torrential rains, wind and lightning that sent hundreds of folks scrambling indoors - yes, after all that - Kaesen Suyderhoud leaped 20 feet high on his wakeboard over the waters near downtown Tampa. Finally, the 2013 Red Bull Wake Open was under way - albeit under cloudy skies. What followed were 35 of the world’s best wakeboarders participating in the “Big Air” portion of the two-day competition, an event that involves whipping around a cablesystem loop of 100 yards, flying over a ramp and landing on another gigantic ramp about 15 feet away. In mid-air there were plenty of twists, flips and wipeouts, along with a persistent unknown: the ramp-to-ramp setup was the first of its kind for the Wake Open. Some of the athletes, in fact, had never before competed on such a setup. Fans seemed to love it, though few likely were wakeboarding authorities. The bottom line was that the degree of difficulty was readily apparent, especially when viewed on the giant video screen near the Tampa Convention Center. “It’s amazing how skilled these guys are,” said Tampa’s Abby Pekkala, 22, who visited

2 of 2 July 5, 2013 By: Scott Purks the free event Friday. “I didn’t know much about (wakeboarding), but I have to say I’m impressed after seeing it.” For Louisiana’s Marc Roger, 49, the Wake Open was a pleasant surprise to his day. Roger, who lived in Tampa 15 years ago while serving in the Army at MacDill Air Force Base, happened upon the event while reminiscing at sites in Tampa. “This is awesome,” said Roger, in town to visit friends. “What a great thing to have in the city. I’m amazed at all the development around here. Tampa looks great.” Competition continues today in the “Wake Park” portion, which begins at noon and involves riding on the cable system over several twists and jumps, much like flying around at a skate park. A winner will be determined after all three phases, with the “boat” competition completed earlier in the week. Defending champion Raphael Derome of Quebec led after the first round and appeared solid on Friday. Who wins, however, isn’t so important to Valrico’s Terry Gammill, 46. For Gammill, it is more about the atmosphere. “This makes me want to come to Flugtag,” Gammill said of the boat-flying event based more on showmanship and craft ingenuity than skill. Just one problem: Red Bull’s Flugtag, which was held in Tampa in previous years, is not scheduled for a bay-area stop in 2013. But the wakeboarders will be back today. Read more: http://tbo.com/sports/weather-delays-wakeboardcompetition-aerial-action-had-to-wait-for-severe-storm-topass-20130706/

Calender Listing

Read more: http://events.tboextra.com/tampa_fl/ events/show/336501203-red-bull-wake-open

1 of 2 July 4, 2013 By: Shannon J. Owenst

Locals hope to impress at the Red Bull Wake Open this weekend

When Adam Errington headed to the Orlando Watersports Complex for a fun summer day 11 years ago, he had no idea he’d stumbled into a new passion and found the mecca of professional wakeboarding. His parents didn’t own a boat and neither had backgrounds as competitive wakeboarders. But something about the adventure of creating jumps intrigued him. “That whole year that I spent at the cable park, I got to know the sport better and quickly learned a lot and realized that’s where a lot of the pros went and that’s where I wanted to surround myself,” Errington said. A little exposure was all he needed to spark his interest. Errington quickly dropped hockey and soccer to immerse himself in the sport and by the time he graduated from Boone High School, he fashioned himself into one of the best professional wakeboarders in the area. Photos: World’s most photogenic athletes

2 of 2 July 4, 2013 By: Shannon J. Owenst Now, the 25-year-old competitor is hoping he can be recognized as one of the best wakeboarders in the world when he participates in the Red Bull Wake Open Friday and Saturday in downtown Tampa. NBC will broadcast the finals live on Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. Although the event is just in its second year of existence, wakeboarders consider this the Super Bowl of their sport. For starters, it is an invite-only competition for the top 36 male riders across the world and its one of the few events that incorporates the three disciplines of wakeboarding: Park, big air and boat. The July 4 holiday weekend combined with the high level of talent compelled an estimated 50,000 observers to watch the free event in front of the Tampa Convention Center last year and resulted in a million-dollar economic impact for the city, according to Tampa Bay Sports Commission executive director Rob Higgins. At least 75 percent of the invited competitors are either from or reside in Central Florida. Raphael Derome, the winner of the inaugural Red Bull Wake Open in 2012, is from Canada but spends the majority of his time training in Orlando. Erik Ruck, who is among the oldest competitors in the event, estimates there are at least 100 professional wakeboarders in Central Florida and 95 percent of the top riders live and train in the Orlando area. Ruck grew up in Wisconsin and moved to Orlando in 1999 for greater training opportunities. He has seen the sport radically grow in the past 15 years. “That’s where the original magazines are based out of and there’s just so many freshwater lakes,” said Ruck, 32. “Wakeboarding isn’t really out in the ocean. A lot of the original really, really good riders that progressed the sport were from Orlando, so it kind of became the mecca.” Parks Bonifay, a Polk County resident, can attest to Orlando’s melting pot of wakeboarders. Like Ruck, Bonifay grew up in Wisconsin and took the industry by storm shortly after turning pro in 1994. He became the youngest junior to win the X Games at age 14. “Wakeboarding has grown so much in the past 15 to 20 years to where there’s so many different avenues of wakeboarding,” said Bonifay, who will serve as a commentator for the NBC broadcast of the Red Bull Wake Open. “It’s a way to get them all on the same stage and really find out who the best wakeboarder in the world really is.” If you have community sporting events of interest that you’d like featured in the Weekend Insider, please contact Shannon J. Owens at sjowens@tribune.com Read more: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/os-wakeboarding-weekendevent-0704-20130704,0,6845587.story Story also linked on: http://www.i4u.com/2013/07/open-weekend-locals-impress-hope-red-wake-bull

1 of 1 July 4, 2013

Red Bull Wake Open

Read more: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/os-adam-errington-performs-at-red-bull-wake-open-intampa-in-july-2012-20130704,0,1277139.photo

1 of 1 July 2, 2013

Pro Wakeboarders Hope to Ride Waves to Success

Link is no longer available: http://www.theledger.com/article/20130702/NEWS/307025029/1001/BUSINESS?Title=Pro-WakeboardersHope-To-Ride-Waves-to-Success

1 of 1 July 5, 2013 By: Brady Fredericksen

Event Provides Wake Boarders Really Big High

TAMPA | The rain came down in sheets early Friday at the Tampa Convention Center, but once the weather cleared up, something a little more entertaining could be seen flying through the air. Thirty of the world’s top wake boarders — including Polk County natives JD Webb and Shane Bonifay — flipped and flew through the air during the 2013 Red Bull Wake Open’s Big Air competition. There were thrills, and there were spills — but it all was worth the wait. “The pressure, we only get two (runs), we were supposed to have four hits,” said Webb, an Auburndale native. “With the rain delays and what-not, it made it a lot harder. Everyone was killing it, so you had to have something solid, and I’m glad my second one came through.” An elder statesman of the competition at the age of 26, Webb advanced all the way to the semifinals, while his Polk County counterpart, Bonifay, finished in the semifinals as well. Bob Soven took the overall Big Air title with a score of 86.83. The course is set up for competitors to be towed on a cable line at around 25 mph away from the two ramps, and then they loop back around toward the first of two ramps where they attempt to clear a 30-foot gap. “You can compare it to jumping off of a bridge,” said Bonifay, a Lake Alfred native. “You’re always scared about it your first time, but once you actually do it, you realize it’s a lot of fun and you want to keep going at it.” Oh, and they are also graded on their midair spinning and grabbing trick combination. “You’ve got to do something cool, too,” Bonifay said. “There’s enough good riders out here that we can all just make the landing, but we’re all trying to show each other up.” Webb finished fourth in Thursday’s boat competition at SunWest Park in Aripeka, while Bonifay finished tied for 25th. The Big Air run was the second of three competitions at the weekend’s event, which wraps up today at noon with the wake park of the competition at the convention center. “This is amazing and this is jaw-dropping because it’s Big Air and you’re launching over (the gap), but (today) it’s more slam-packed,” said Bonifay, who specializes in the wake park competition. “There’s going to be a lot more tricks and a lot of other different stuff happening and we’re going to use all the obstacles instead of just one of them.” Read more: http://www.theledger.com/article/20130705/NEWS/130709696/1254?p=2&tc=pg

1 of 1 July 2, 2013

Red Bull Wake Open Tampa 2012 Recap Video

Read more: http://video.theledger.com/video/2522773307001

1 of 2 July 3, 2013 By: Bill Kemp

Pro Wakeboarders Hope To Ride Waves to Success

TAMPA | Save some of those Fourth of July fireworks “oohs” and “aahs” for Friday and Saturday. That’s when the wildest wakeboarders in the world light up the air over Tampa Bay. The second Red Bull Wake Open zooms into Garrison Channel in front of the Tampa Bay Convention Center this week featuring 36 athletes from nine different countries — including local daredevils J.D. Webb and Shane Bonifay. For those who prefer watching extreme sports in high definition, the Wake Open will be televised live on NBC at 4 p.m. Saturday as part of the Red Bull Signature Series with former Auburndale High School student and wakeboard star Parks Bonifay handling the color commentary. “When I started wakeboarding I couldn’t possibly imagine that the sport would be where it is today,” said Parks, who is Shane’s older brother. “This is what makes the Red Bull Wake Open event so amazing. It’s kind of like the Super Bowl of wakeboarding. The Red Bull Wake Open shows every aspect of wakeboarding at the most progressive (levels) we have ever seen to date. The event has the world’s best riders on the most amazing setups.” Organizers were so thrilled with the success of last year’s inaugural turnout the 2013 Wake Open was scheduled 10 days earlier to create an even bigger extreme-sports splash. “We’re excited about the fact the event is going to be moved up a week on the calendar, so now it really takes place on July 4 weekend,” said Ron Higgins, executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Convention. “We’re going to see a great buzz in terms of the visitors who are coming in. It will do between a 1,000 and 1,500 hotel room visitor nights with an economic impact of

2 of 2 July 3, 2013 By: Bill Kemp nearly $1 million.” The three-phase event began Tuesday with the boat competition at SunWest Park in Hudson and moves to the Convention Center for the big air competition Friday and the water park division Saturday. This year a ramp-to-ramp segment has been added to the big air competition, which should energize Webb, who set a world record covering the “biggest gap on a wakeboard” when he soared 71 feet ramp-to-ramp over Lake Eola Fountain in downtown Orlando for the Discovery Channel’s “Stunt Junkies” show in 2006. “The ramp-to-ramp is awesome. In the past we were landing in the water, but this allows us to go bigger and it allows us to land softer,” said Webb, who became a father to a new baby girl, Ehbie, on June 18. “The Wake Open is by far the best contest wakeboarding has. You’re able to find out who is the best wakeboarder in our industry.” While most of the riders train in freshwater, Garrison Channel offers saltwater and tide-changing challenges. “In saltwater everything rides more buoyant, which means your board rides higher out of the water and it doesn’t react the same way as we are used to in freshwater. It just takes a day or two to get used to it,” said Shane, who also attended Auburndale High School. “Every year we ride in saltwater all over the world. It’s a noticeable difference but it doesn’t really affect you. “The currents don’t really affect us as long as they make sure the obstacles are set and strong. If the currents or the tide is affecting the obstacles by making them twist or turn that will be bad, but I’m sure Red Bull will have that all figured out.” The Bonifay brothers are the children of Pete and Betty Bonifay, who were fixtures in the Cypress Gardens water-ski shows during the 1970s. “They met and worked at Disney World and then went to Cypress Gardens and both did the show there together,” Shane said. “So we water skied our whole life.” Webb, who trains on Lake Arianna daily, said he’s aware of some wakeboard cable park construction talk surfacing for Polk County — which, if it comes to fruition, could translate to future events, short- and longterm economic growth and a new generation of avid world-class wakeboarders developing in local waters. “In the wakeboarding industry there are guys who want to build here in a year to year-and-a-half from now. Every cable park wants to design a park for competition. I know there are talks,” Webb said. “There are some plans to have a cable park in the future and that will definitely bring some bigger events to our area. “We’re hopefully going to see something here in our community. Cable parks make it more accessible to get into the sport and you can buy a day pass for $25 to $30 and ride all day. If you want to pursue this as a career you have to ride all the time.” Shane said Polk County is pristine landscape for people eager to give wakeboarding a whirl. “They need to get out on a boat, try it and have fun. In Florida and Polk County you have everything you need to become pro. There are three of us from Polk that are doing it,” Shane said. Read more: http://www.newschief.com/article/20130702/NEWS/130709887/1524?p=3&tc=pg

1 of 1 July 5, 2013 By: Brady Fredericksen

Event Provides Wake Boarders Really Big High

1 of 1 July 7, 2013 By: Brady Fredericksen

2 Polk Competitors Ride Wave of Emotion

TAMPA | Polk County wakeboarders JD Webb and Shane Bonifay knew what to expect going into the final day of competition at the Red Bull Wake Open outside the Tampa Convention Center on Saturday. Bonifay was staring squarely at his signature event — the wake park — while Webb entered the day in fourth place, well within striking distance of the top spot. The NBC national TV cameras were ready, and after coming away with a third-place finish in the park event and overall, it was lights, camera and action for Webb. “I’m really stoked on how it turned out,” said a champagne and Red Bull-soaked Webb. “To get third in park and then third overall, I mean, my day, my year’s made. It’s unreal.” The wake park presents riders, who were being towed throughout a multiramp course in Garrison Channel, with a oval-shaped run around the skate park-like course Unlike Saturday’s Big Air event, riders looked to put together trick combinations with air tricks and board slides, topped off by a big-air trick off a launch ramp Webb finished with a score of 77.3, just a tenth of a point back of second place Aaron Rathy, in the park competition. Last year’s champ Raph Derome won the park event with a score of 79. “I just wanted to make sure I didn’t fall,” Webb said. “When you have a bobble, you can’t let that haunt you. You’ve got to think about what’s coming next and you’ve got to take it and you’ve got to go.” There was one instance in the finals where Webb overshot the course’s back-corner quarter pipe, but the Auburndale native finished his round strong enough to push into third place overall with a score of 215. “This is insane,” said Webb, who finished behind Derome and overall champ Aaron Rathy. “To be live on NBC, to have the crowds here — you can’t ask for anything better.” While Webb finished on the podium, his Polk County counterpart, Bonifay, failed to advance out of the qualifying round, finishing in 27th. With the big crowds and national television audience, the pressure can be daunting, something Bonifay noted as potential reason for his early exit. “We don’t get this opportunity much,” said Bonifay, whose brother Parks did the color commentary on the NBC broadcast. “ You’re out there to try to put on a show for every body, but you want to make it on the box at the end of the weekend,” Webb said. “This is insane — you can’t ask for anything better.” Read more: http://www.newschief.com/article/20130706/NEWS/130709619?p=2&tc=pg

1 of 2 August 19, 2013 By: Emmett Hall

Wakeboarder making his mark in the pro ranks

It wasn’t too long ago that Fort Lauderdale resident Steel Lafferty was taking the wakeboarding world by storm as a junior competitor. Not only did he win just about every competition he entered, but he also continually thrilled his followers by establishing new tricks along the way. The young star, who just turned 21, is now competing against the top professionals in the world. Despite recent surgery to correct an ear drum problem, Lafferty couldn’t pass up the opportunity to compete in the recent Red Bull Wake Open in Tampa. It proved to be a good decision as he finished seventh in the Big Air and seventh in the Wake competitions. Those efforts helped land him an overall placement in the top 10. There were 35 professionals competing from nine countries. Like Lafferty, they have an eye on the wakeboarding world championship event in Milwaukee later this month. “This is the best competition you can ever get, and even though I was not at my best, this was a lot of fun,” Lafferty said. “We were all stoked for the Big Air phase of the competition.” Lafferty has established a few firsts in the sport. He is the first wakeboarder to land a wake to wake 1080 and a toeside backside 900 off a double up that earned him the Wakeboard Trick of the Year designation. As a former student-athlete at Westminster Academy, Lafferty played baseball, football, basketball and soccer before his father introduced him to a wakeboard at age 10. By the time Lafferty turned 13, his focus was solely on wakeboarding as he continued to hone his cable skills at Ski Rixen in Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach and on the family boat. “I love competing and I’m always going for the gold, but it’s not all about contests,” Lafferty said. “It is also about the progression of the sport and where you want to take it. I’m living the dream.” Lauderdale restaurateur cooks up a big-time golf shot Rick Mijares recently realized the ultimate goal of every golfer at the Chambers Bay Golf Course in University Place, Wash.

2 of 2 August 19, 2013 By: Emmett Hall

Staring down the fairway 128 yards from the tee at the 15th hole, nicknamed “Lone Fir,” Mijares pulled out his wedge iron and sent his ball within a couple feet of the cup. He then looked on in amazement as it rolled in for a hole-in-one. Within minutes, staff members of Chambers Bay were informed of the feat, and it was duly recorded into the record books. Chambers Bay Golf Course professional Ryan Young said holes-in-one are rare on a course that will serve as the site for the 2015 U.S. Open. “A hole-in-one is very difficult, and Rick did this on our signature hole, which is amazing,” Young said. “Only a handful of people have done this in the six years we have been open, so this is a super big deal.” Mijares had made the trip to Washington to participate in the Make-A-Wish Foundation Jeff Puetz Golf Tournament put on by his future father-in-law. “This is the top of the mountain for any golfer,” said the 32-year-old, who owns a restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. Mijares has been playing golf for only five years, but his dedication to the sport has already made him a 1012 handicap. For his effort, Mijares received a commemorative hole-in-one ball mark coin. CrossFit enthusiasts display their skills in Raid Games 4 The CrossFit exercise craze is sweeping the nation, and 500 devoted athletes recently gathered at the Indoor Sports Complex in Deerfield Beach for the Raid Games 4. Participants from as far away as California, Canada and South America showcased their talents in four individual divisions and in team competitions for men and women. Road to Games is the highest skill level division, followed by the Rx division. Robinson Burkey, of Plantation, was a top local finisher as he took first place in the men’s Rx division. “CrossFit is a high-intensity functional training program that’s always changing,” said Jim Sayih, who lives in Pembroke Pines and is the creator of Raid Games. “We have over 140 gyms competing, and we put together different events with agility, cardio and strength challenges.” Katherine Noland, of Deerfield Beach, was an Elite division participant. She swam for Louisiana State University for four years and has been CrossFit training for the past year. The 26-year-old teacher at Somerset Academy is also a part-time lifeguard and is accustomed to intense workouts. “I’ve always been super competitive. (CrossFit) is terrific for athletes and even non-athletes because you get to work at your own level. Workouts vary and it’s all about timing with everyone having a clock. The workouts are exciting, and I’m getting more out of this than I expected.” For complete results, visit Raid4.cfscoring.com. Emmett Hall can be reached at futurevest@aol.com. Read more: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fort-lauderdale/fl-cnsp-digestbr-081820130819,0,1041505,full.story

1 of 2 July 19, 2013 By: David Raterman

Top-ranking wakeboarder needs to be in top shape

Fort Lauderdale native Steel Lafferty, one of the world’s top wakeboarders, came in 10th overall at the Red Bull Wake Open July 5-6 in Tampa. The event, which was broadcast on NBC, brought together 35 athletes. He finished 12th last year, when he competed with a severe biceps injury. A graduate of Westminster Academy, Lafferty has practiced throughout South Florida: at Crystal Lake in Pompano Beach, Mills Pond Park in Fort Lauderdale, Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach and Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach. He’s now training in the Orlando area, a wakeboarding mecca due to its many lakes, but returns regularly to visit family and attend Miami Heat and Dolphins games. Q: Besides your sport, are there other reasons you keep fit? A: Yeah, life is a lot better healthy. I live an active lifestyle all-around, playing basketball and skateboarding besides wakeboarding professionally. Q: What’s your workout routine? A: I do a lot of gym stuff. More core [exercises] than anything else, because with wakeboarding I’m already doing a lot of pounding on my knees, so I’m not running a lot. And lifting weights is not important because I don’t want to get big. I want to stay lean. I’ll sit on one of those big balls and stretch all parts of my body for 20 minutes. Then do 100 crunches. Then leg raises. Then I’ll bring the pull-down bar down so my right elbow touches my left knee and then my left elbow touches my right knee. I’ll twist with the medicine ball and hang from the chin-up bar while doing leg raises. Exercises like that. I don’t keep track of my numbers, just keep going till I get burned out. Between each of those exercises, I’ll bike for five minutes to get my heart rate up. I do all that three or four times a week in the off-season. During the season, I do this workout only once or twice a week.

2 of 2 July 19, 2013 By: David Raterman I love playing basketball for my cardio as well. I would love to play basketball every day, but [do it] two times a week usually. Q: How tough is wakeboarding? A: You’re using legs, arms, everything. You’ve got to use your legs when you hit the waves for explosiveness, and core to keep you in balance. Use arms and upper body holding the handle. There’s not one part of your body you don’t use. Q: How did injury affect you in last year’s Red Bull Wake Open? A: In the world, I was fourth last year overall. At Wake Open, I was injured, had torn my short tendon in my left biceps. Tore that pretty bad. But this year, 100 percent healthy. Although I just got over ear surgery. Blew out an eardrum wakeboarding and had to get surgery. Q: Does your family keep fit? A: My dad loves biking. He’s a huge road biker. At 6 a.m., he’ll go on a 40-mile bike ride with his crew. My mom loves to play tennis and go on runs. My older brother, he’s pretty athletic. He likes to wake surf. My little brother is streamlined, perfect for running and biking. He bikes with my dad and has run cross-country. Q: Do you smoke or have any other health vices? A: I don’t smoke. I’ll have a cigar on special occasions. I’ll have a few beers now and then with the guys. I try to not get too hammered because it takes me out of the game. If I get drunk, it’s two steps back. Q: What’s your typical daily diet? A: Definitely varies. I’m always on the road [competing] so it’s hard to stay on a certain diet. I drink a lot of water. I don’t drink a lot of soda. Red Bull if I need a pick-me-up or to focus on working out. Foodwise, I stick with fruits and vegetables — apples, bananas, easy stuff like that. If my body’s craving something, I don’t hold out because I know I’m working it off. Q: Take any vitamins or sports-nutrition products? A: Not really. Just drink a lot of water after working out and get carbs and protein. Steel Lafferty Age: 21 Residence: Fort Lauderdale, Orlando Height/weight: 5 feet, 7 inches; 160 pounds Occupation: Professional wakeboarder Read more: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/health/fl-fitness-profile-steel-lafferty-072113-20130719,0,2091179. story?dssReturn

1 of 2 July 5, 2013 By: Chris Girandola

Artists’ board meeting at Red Bull Wake Open

On Tuesday, some of the best artists with bay area ties gathered together at Knights Point on Harbour Island for the Wake Art Project. Inspired by the Red Bullbranded question, “What Gives You Wings?”, painters, photographers and sculptors mingled with wakeboarders in preparation for the Red Bull Wake Open to showcase their uniquely designed wakeboards — boards shaped like Pez dispensers, painted with the Marlboro Man, sculpted in Dali fashion. The project is one of the many projects created locally by Kick Start My Art and gives artists the platform to present their art in a different way. In teaming up with Red Bull, these artists will benefit from the national exposure created by the NBC-televised Signature Series event. “The idea of what gives you wings made me think of my new-born son and at this point, with the stresses of life, having a family brings you happiness and gives you a whole new idea of what life is about,” said Dan Lasata, a resident of St. Petersburg who first gained local notoriety for his work on skateboards. Lasata’s work depicts a man and a woman close together with images of wings surrounding them. Over the next two days, the Wake Art Project, which includes 19 works of art, will be on display outside the Tampa Convention Center for the public to view and place their vote for most creative during the Red Bull Wake Open. “It gives the art community a chance to attract different people who wouldn’t normally view art,” said Chad Cardoza, who is the founder of Kick Start My Art along with his wife, Susie, as well as curators of the event. “Then, you have a group of people from the art community come out to a sporting event that might not normally come out to a wakeboard event. So, it’s cross contamination in a positive way.” The four winning boards as voted on by the public will serve as trophy prizes to the top wake athletes competing in the Wake Open. Today, the Wake Open enters its second day of competition with the big air portion. The big air competition introduces a ramp-to-ramp feature this year in which the wakeboarders test their limits of insanity. On Saturday, the final portion of the event — the water

2 of 2 July 5, 2013 By: Chris Girandola park competition â&#x20AC;&#x201D; will be televised live on NBC. For more information, visit www.redbullsignatureseries. com. The schedule is as listed: Fri. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. practice 3 p.m. Big Air competition 7-7:30 p.m. - Big Air Finals Sat. Noon - 3 p.m. Water Park Competition 3-3:30 p.m. - Autograph Session @ Tampa Convention Center/Vendor Village area 4 p.m. - Water Park semis 5-5:30 p.m. - Wake Park Finals 5:45 p.m. - Awards Presentation @ start area / Knights Point The following is a list of the artists who are competing in the Wake Art Project: Wake Art Project Artists Chad Cardoza - Riverview Cristian Cintora - Tampa Theresa Crout - Riverview Chris Deacon - Lake Magdalene Jacqueline Ann Frierman - Carrollwood Ken Hancock - New Tampa Marlon Huynh - Tampa Nicole Kibert - Seminole Heights, Tampa Dan Lasata - St. Petersburg Sabdiasep Mercado-Adorno - Beal AFB, Calif. P$YNNER & Terry Pipitone - Tampa Chris Reason - Orlando Christian Ricca & Jennifer Tran - Clearwater Chris Rosenbaum - Nashville, Tenn. RJ Runas - South Tampa Michelle Sawyer & Tony Krol - Tampa Angus Shafer - South Tampa Wade Slater - Tampa Krysteena Wakefield - South Tampa Read more: http://cltampa.com/dailyloaf/archives/2013/07/05/artists-board-meeting-at-red-bull-wake-open#. UeIiv79qfy9

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2013 Red Bull Wake Open

When: Fri., July 5, 3- 8 p.m. and Sat., July 6, noon-6 p.m. Price: Free admission. Thirty-six of the world’s best wakeboarders will compete for this year’s championship. The athletes from nine countries, ranging in age from 15 to 32, will take to the water in Downtown Tampa, vying in all three wake disciplines of boat, wake park, and big air. The inaugural 2012 Red Bull Wake Open at the Tampa Convention Center attracted a horde of fans on land and water, plus thousands across the U.S. who tuned in to watch the live broadcast on NBC. This year’s competition will also be broadcast with viewing locations around the channel including the Tampa Convention Center and Knights Point at Harbour Island.

Tampa Convention Center 333 S. Franklin St. 813-274-8511 Read More: http://cltampa.com/tampa/2013-red-bull-wake-open/ Event?oid=3783778

1 of 2 June 20, 2013 By: Chris Girandola

Red Bull grabs air at McCormick’s Cable Park (Photos by Nicole Abbett) Three of the wakeboarders performed a practice demo in preparation for the big event July 5-6. They’re baaaaaack! Aerial athletes aptly known as wakeboarders will once again take over the harbor in Downtown Tampa for the 2013 Red Bull Wake Open. At the event on July 5-6 , 36 of the world’s best athletes will compete as a part of the NBC Signature Series. Ranging in age from 15 to 32 and having backgrounds from nine countries, the athletes will be challenged in three wake disciplines, including boat, wake park and big air. On Wednesday, two former Rookie of the Year winners along with one of the favorites to win the award this season were at the Red Bull media event at McCormick’s Cable Park in Seffner to show off their skills — 2011 winner Steel Lafferty, 2012 winner Shota Tezuka and recent pro Mike Dowdy. Lafferty, who is from Fort Lauderdale and now lives in Orlando, competed in just one event last year due to an injury, which means he’s amped to get in the water for the event this year. “The Red bull Wake Open is like the Super Bowl of wakeboarding,” Lafferty said. “It’s the biggest event. If you win overall, you’re pretty much crowned king for the whole year. It’s awesome having it in Tampa because it showcases Florida, which I think is the home for wakeboarding because there’s so many lakes and the weather is great all the time. Plus, for me, you get home fans, family. It’s like you have a home crowd rooting you on.”

2 of 2 June 20, 2013 By: Chris Girandola The inaugural 2012 event drew thousands of fans to the waterfront near the Tampa Convention Center with hundreds more camped out in boats lining the competition ring. With this year’s event moved to the Fourth of July weekend, Tampa Bay Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission Rob Higgins expects an even larger turnout and greater impact on the region. “In the first year, over a thousand hotel visitor room nights translated into nearly into a million dollars in visiting spending in the community,” Higgins said. “The great thing this year is it’s moved up a week. It’s at a time when our hospitality community really needs the impact. We’re looking forward to it. We’re continuing to hear a lot of positive buzz. I think the second year is going to be even better than the first.” In addition, the city of Tampa benefits from TBSC’s partnership with a global brand like Red Bull and the

opportunity to be featured internationally on NBC. “The partnership we have with Red Bull has been outstanding from Flugtag to now the Wake Open. Just the fact they trust our community to help pull these events off is awesome. To be live on NBC to the entire country, the promotional postcard can lead to a lof of great things, whether people want to vacation here or people want to relocate a business here. It has a promotional value that really has no ceiling.” Over the next few weeks leading up to the event, look out for profiles on athletes on the Daily Loaf. Read more: http://cltampa.com/dailyloaf/archives/2013/06/20/red-bull-grabs-air-at-mccormicks-cable-parkphotos-by-nicole-abbett#.UecaeL9qfy9

1 of 1 July 21, 2013

Read more: http://www.accentontampabay.com

1 of 1 June 14, 2013

Red Bull Wake Open 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; July 5-6

Wakeboardingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier event returns to push the pros to their limits. For the second time, thirty-six riders representing seven countries will be competing on July 5-6 at theTampa Convention Center in Boat, Big Air and Park disciplines. Red Bull Wake Open will be televised LIVE on Saturday, July 6 at 4:00 p.m. ET on NBC as part of the Red Bull Signature Series. Follow Red Bull Signature Series and Red Bull on Twitter for more news and info. Read More: http://www.alliancewake.com/wake/red-bull-wake-open-2013-july-5-6/

1 of 1 June 28, 2013 By: Sarah Brown-Cohen

RED BULL WAKE OPEN TO AIR LIVE ON NBC AT 4 PM ET/1PM PT ON JULY 6 TAMPA, Fla. (June 28, 2013) - Red Bull Wake Open, wakeboarding’s premier pro competition, will air live at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT on July 6 on NBC as part of the Red Bull Signature Series. Presented by Casio G’zOne Commando and brought to you in partnership with Dodge Dart, GoPro and Malibu Boats, the two-hour broadcast live from Tampa, Fla., brings together 35 of the world’s best wakeboard athletes from nine countries, ranging in age from 15 to 32 years old. Check out this preview clip for a glimpse of what’s to come on NBC:http://www.redbull.com/us/en/ stories/1331593498647/red-bull-wake-open-2013 Red Bull Wake Open challenges athletes in wakeboarding’s three disciplines of boat, wake park and big air. Headlining the list of competitors is defending champion Raphael Derome (Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec, Canada). Expected to challenge Derome are Aaron Rathy (Winter Garden, Fla.) and Harley Clifford(Orlando, Fla.). For the first time ever in U.S. competition, a ramp-to-ramp park feature will be introduced, allowing riders to push the limits of big air competition. Hosted by Sal Masekela and wakeboard legend Parks Bonifay, Red Bull Wake Open is part of the Red Bull Signature Series, which features the most progressive and innovative snowboarding, mountain biking, freestyle motocross, surfing, skiing, wake boarding and BMX events. For Web videos, photo galleries and more action, visit www.redbullsignatureseries.com. Follow the series at @RBSigSeries and Facebook.com/RedBullSignatureSeries. Read more: http://www.alliancewake.com/wake/bt/red-bull-wake-open-to-air-live-on-nbc-at-4-pm-et1pm-pton-july-6/

1 of 2 July 4, 2013 By: billmccaffray

Red Bull Wake Open: Day 1

Raph Derome working to keep his Wake Open title. Photo: Chris Garrison / Red Bull Content Pool The infamous “Blue Lake” outside of downtown Tampa was a perfect site for the second Red Bull Wake Open kick off day. That is until Mother Nature got involved. But between the rain squalls the lake calmed down for epic conditions for the Malibu to offer perfect ramps for the boys to make the most of. From today, Bob Soven and Aaron Rathy were big standouts, but everyone making it through to finals completely ripped. The crew making it though to the finals for tomorrow created the Uber Final – Bob Soven, Raph Derome, Aaron Rathy, JD Webb, Jimmy Lariche and Rusty Malinoski. Look for the hammers to fall form the sky tomorrow morning as this crew fights for the top position going into the Big Air event on Thursday.

Making it happen despite a lack of cooperation from Mother Nature Content Pool

Photo: Chris Garrison / Red Bull

2 of 2 July 4, 2013 By: billmccaffray

Rain, rain, go awayâ&#x20AC;Ś Photo: Chris Garrison / Red Bull Content Pool

Dowdy, ready to ride Photo: Chris Garrison / Red Bull Content Pool Read more: http://www.alliancewake.com/wake/red-bull-wake-open-day-1/

1 of 1 July 4, 2013 By: billmccaffray

Red Bull Wake Open: Day 1.5 Mother Nature must have felt a bit guilty for all of the rain and wind yesterday and decided to compensate by making the morning of the 4th of July a good one in Tampa. The conditions were perfect for Bob, Aaron, Rusty, Raph, JD and Jimmy to put down incredibly solid rides in celebration of America’s independence day. Too bad that no one from the good ol’ U.S. of A ended up on the podium though. Once again Raphael Derome separated himself from the pack with a very smooth and stylish run and landed on the top of the stairs, followed by fellow Canadians, Aaron Rathy and Rusty Maloniski. Nothing like a few Canadians to crash a Fourth of July party, right? Congrats to all the guys for making the final and killing it. It was a Canadian sweep at the boat event for Red Bull Wake Open… 1st: Raph Derome; 2nd: Aaron Rathy; 3rd: Rusty Malinoski Photo: Bill McCaffray

Be sure to tune into the full event on Saturday at 4PM ET and 1 PM PT to see the final runs behind the Malibu as well as the big air and park event. Read more: http://www. alliancewake.com/wake/red-bullwake-open-day-1-5/

Rusty Malinoski on his way to 3rd place in the boat portion of Red Bull Wake Open Photo: Chris Garrison / Red Bull Content Pool

1 of 2 July 6, 2013 By: alliance

Red Bull Wake Open: Day 2

Bob Soven on his way to the Big Air title at the Red Bull Wake Open in Tampa. Bull Content Pool

Photo: Chris Garrison / Red

For not competing on the Pro Tour this year, Bob Soven just made a name for himself as a competitor. Everybody’s favorite ginger took the top spot on the second day of the Red Bull Wake Open in the Big Air contest. The Big Air contest this year stepped it up big time from last year’s event. Incorporating a giant kicker and landing ramp similar to the setup seen at the Red Bull Rising High contest in Germany a couple weeks ago, the riders were able to take their riding to the next level and throw down some crazy maneuvers. Behind Bob on the podium were Aaron Rathy in second and Daniel Grant in third. Rathy’s second-place finish puts him firmly in the lead for the Wake Open crown, having also taken second in the boat contest. Red Bull Wake Open is broadcasting right now on NBC. Tune in and check it out!

Jeff Langley. This is high. Welcome to wakeboarding in 2013. Pool

Photo: Christian Pondella / Red Bull Content

2 of 2 July 6, 2013 By: alliance

1st: Bob Soven; 2nd: Aaron Rathy; 3rd: Daniel Grant

Photo: Chris Garrison / Red Bull Content Pool

1 of 1 July 6, 2013

Read more: http://www.aol.com/video/wakeboarders-compete-in-red-bull-wake-open/517846685/

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Read more: http://beforeitsnews.com/media/2013/07/wakeboarders-show-off-tricks-at-red-bull-wakeopen-2467802.html

1 of 1 June 18, 2013 By: Marin Guta

Red Bull wakeboard event returns to downtown Tampa

Downtown Tampa is looking to catch some big air and possibly big money from the 2013 Red Bull Wake Open on July 5-6. This is the Tampa Convention Center’s second year of hosting the wakeboarding event, which gathers 36 of the best wakeboard athletes from around the world to compete in three disciplines: boat, wake park and big air. Red Bull expects 25,000 to 30,000 spectators and an estimated $5 million dollars in economic impact, said Eric Blanc, director of sales, marketing and convention services. “With an event like Red Bull Wake Open, the vast majority of the folks are locals to the Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and surrounding counties, so economic impact is difficult to gauge,” Blanc said. However, downtown Tampa will be busier during the holiday weekend compared to previous years, he said. The event is a “positive uptick” which helps the local hotels stay busy during the slower summer months, said Rob Higgins, executive director of Tampa Bay Sports Commission. The Red Bull wakeboarding obstacle course spans from Knights Point to the convention center. Most of the construction is in the water with the exception of an erected tower on the Knights Point end of the course. The 2013 Red Wake Open will be broadcast live for two hours on NBC. Read More: http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/blog/morning-edition/2013/06/red-bull-wakeboard-eventtampa.html

Calender Listing

Read more: http://www.bradenton.com/2013/07/01/4591529/fireworks-and-more-mark-independence.html

1 of 3 June 28, 2013 By: Ed Miller

Red Bull Signature Series: One-On-One with Phil Soven

The three-time World Wakeboard Champion discusses the Wake Open and his reality TV career.

Professional wakeboarder Phil Soven is a busy man these days. When he’s not competing in the Pro Wakeboard Tour or King of the Wake, the 24-year-old Florida native is helping bring the sport to millions of MTV viewers thanks to his reality show WakeBrothers. With the help of his brother Bob, the Soven’s have been two of the biggest pioneers in getting the sport more mainstream. Having grown up in Florida, Soven’s home is just outside of Tampa and he resides there almost year-round, which might explain why the three-time King of the Wake champion enjoys competing in the Red Bull Wake Open. Wake Open, which is part of Red Bull’s Signature Series, is once again returning to the Tampa Convention Center and Knights Point at Harbour Island and will feature 36 riders – representing seven countries – competing in Cable, Big Air, and Park disciplines. Last year, Soven was unable to claim any of the top spots but this year he hopes to change all of that. Here are some of the highlights from the inaugural Wake Open last July:

2 of 3 June 28, 2013 By: Ed Miller We recently had the chance to speak with Soven about the upcoming event, what it’s like to perform so close to home and how he’s enjoying being a reality star. Wake Open will take place Friday, July 5 from 3:00-8:00 p.m. ET and Saturday, July 6 from 12:00-6:00 p.m. ET. And be sure to catch all of the action live Saturday, July 6 at 4:00 p.m. ET on NBC. CraveOnline: Could you explain the upcoming Red Bull Wake Open Event? Phil Soven: Wake Open is a contest that brings multiple aspects of wakeboarding together in three criteria. There will be a boat event, a rail park event, and a big air kicker event. The boat event will take place behind a Malibu MXZ 22 and promises to see some of the best riding to date. The rail park event will feature a setup of different rail pulls on a System 2 cable. The big air event will feature a new addition with a ramp-to-ramp obstacle. At the end of the contest an overall champion will be awarded to the rider who places the highest in all three combined criteria. Crave: What brought you back again this year? Soven: Last year I had a little bit of an upset, not placing well. I am excited to come back this year and throw down. Riding behind the Malibu MXZ for the boat event is a great addition. Without a doubt, that boat makes the best wake in the business! Crave: Having grown up just outside of Tampa, what’s it like to compete basically in front of your hometown? Soven: It’s always nice to have an event close to home, but I try not to let that change my mental state. I go into the event taking it like any other city. That being said, the extra boost of having a hometown setting is always a huge plus, especially when the local fans, friends and family come out to show their support. Crave: You’ve pretty much done it all over the course of your career. Is there a specific event that stands out as your favorite? Soven: I can’t pick just one event as the one above all. Every time you finish the weekend standing on top of the podium, it’s a new favorite. Crave: What conditions do you find are the best for you to compete at your highest level? Soven: Anytime we have flat water, no wind, warm weather and a good wake like the Malibu MXZ, it’s ideal. I try to compete at my highest level regardless of the conditions. I think that’s what separates the exceptional from the average – the ability to perform in any condition. To me, I always have my best performance when my back is against the wall and the odds are against me. I love those moments when it’s do-or-die. I feel like it brings out that extra something in me. Crave: Where are some of your favorite places to practice? Soven: Nothing beats the comfort of my own backyard! Crave: You’ve help put Wakeboarding on the map with your MTV reality show WakeBrothers. What’s that experience been like? Soven: That was a double edged sword. It was great to be able to bring more fans into the sport and I’m happy I did that, although with the show itself, I felt, portrayed me as somebody I’m not and I wasn’t very happy with that. I guess that’s just the way it goes. At the end of the day it helped grow the sport and that’s what matters.

3 of 3 June 28, 2013 By: Ed Miller Crave: With the cameras constantly following you around, was it cool to get all your practice tricks filmed? Soven: I try to film as much as I can and put out videos online but there are definitely days that I feel like I just want to put my head down and do my thing. Sometimes it’s great having cameras around all the time – sometimes you just want a little break. There’s really not much to complain about either way. Crave: Will there be another season? Soven: We will not be doing another season of the TV show. Maybe some time in the future we could do a new show with a different network and change up the plot, but for now I’m focusing on what really matters to me – wakeboarding. Ed is an MMA/Extreme Sports contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @ PhillyEdMiller, and subscribe at Facebook.com/CraveOnlineSports. Photo via YouTube Read more: http://m.craveonline.com/sports/articles/528265-red-bull-signature-series-one-on-one-with-philsoven

Calender Listing

Read More: http://eventful.com/tampa_fl/events/red-bull-wake-open-/E0-001-057578778-5

Calender Listing

http://eventful.com/tampa_fl/events/red-bull-wake-open-/E0-001-057578758-1

1 of 1 July 5, 2013

Florida Sports News

Florida Sports Monthly Partner Update - July, 2013 City of Jacksonville and Jaguars agree on $63 million renovation of EverBank Field International Speedway Corporation Board of Directors approves plan to redevelopment Speedway frontstretch World’s best 36 wakeboarders set to compete at 2013 Red Bull Wake Open What to Watch For This Week in Florida Sports - June 17-23, 2013 FWC recognizes young freshwater fishing stars Sunshine State Games Archer and Artistic Roller-skater selected as 2012 Athletes of the Year Tickets to 56th Annual Daytona 500 now on sale Governor Rick Scott announces Spring Training Funding Initiative Give the gift of a Pro Sports License Plate World’s best 36 wakeboarders set to compete at 2013 Red Bull Wake Open ~2012 overall champion Raphael Derome returns to defend championship~ The roster is set for the 2013 Red Bull Wake Open, and 36 of the world’s best wakeboard athletes are confirmed to compete for this year’s championship. Athletes from nine countries, ranging in age from 15 to 32 years old, will take to the water in Downtown Tampa on July 5-6 to compete for the coveted championship title. Red Bull Wake Open challenges athletes’ ability to dominate in all three wake disciplines of boat, wake park and big air. Malibu Boats will pull competitors in the boat competition, and the Sesitec 2.0 cable system will be used for the wake park and big air competitions. A combined best score will determine an overall winner. Headlining the list of competitors is defending champion Raphael Derome (Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec, Canada). Derome, who resides most of the year in Orlando, dominated last year finishing first in park and big air and third in boat. Expected to challenge Derome are Aaron Rathy (Winter Garden, Fla.) and Harley Clifford (Orlando, Fla.). Rathy, nicknamed “The Dominator,” finished second overall last year while Clifford took home first in the boat contest and was third overall. Red Bull Wake Open will award medals in all three disciplines - wake park, big air and boat - before crowning an overall champion at the conclusion of the competition. Additionally, for the first time ever in U.S. competition, a ramp-to-ramp park feature will be introduced, allowing riders to push the limits of big air competition. This announcement adds an exciting challenge to the contest as competitor JD Webb (Auburndale, Fla.) currently holds the record for the biggest ramp-to-ramp jump, a feat he accomplished in Orlando’s Lake Eola Park. The successful inaugural 2012 Red Bull Wake Open at the Tampa Convention Center attracted thousands of fans on land and water, plus many more across the U.S. who tuned in to watch the live broadcast on NBC. This year’s competition has moved to the Fourth of July weekend and once again is free to attend with excellent viewing locations around the channel including the Tampa Convention Center and Knights Point at Harbour Island. For more information, please visit www.redbullsignatureseries.com. Read more: http://www.flasports.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=120&Itemid=206#red bull

1 of 2 July 3, 2013

Recreation briefs: Golf classes, kickball league, basketball camp slated

Beginning golf class at Spessard Holland Beginning group golf classes will be held at the Spessard Holland Golf Course in Melbourne Beach on Saturdays beginning July 27. The series of five, one-hour GetGolfReady classes will be held at 10 a.m. and cost $99 per player. Class size is limited, so sign up early. Call 321-952-4529 for more information. Lively hits an ace at Aquarina’s 16th Tom Lively had a hole-in-one on the 16th hole at Aquarina. Lively was playing with his family on Father’s Day, and his son witnessed the shot. The 16th was playing at 162 yards. Co-ed kickball league starting A Monday night co-ed kickball league is beginning July 15 in Cape Canaveral. The league is currently holding registration for the league. Cost to join is $275 per team. For more information or to sign up, contact the Leisure Services Department at 321-868-1226 or go to cityofcapecanaveral.org. Melbourne’s Scott on third-place team Steve Scott of Melbourne teamed with one other player to finish in a third-place tie in the Michelin two-man scramble in the Treasure Coast Senior Tour at Jupiter Country Club. Scott teamed with Stuart’s Jerry Tucker to shoot 30-32, finishing one stroke behind the two winning teams. Jerry Impellittiere (Palm City) and Mike Jonges (West Palm Beach) tied with the team of Ed Humenik (North Palm Beach) and Danny St. Louis (West Palm Beach). Both teams shot 61. Baytree schedules junior golf camps Baytree National Golf links will be offering two-day and three-day junior golf camps, with three hours of instruction each day covering the full swing, short game, golf rules and etiquette. The cost of the camp is $150 for three days, $100 for two days. Lunch is included on the final day of camp. Dates are: July 16-17-18 (ages 11-17); and July 23-24 (ages 6-10). Camps are limited to six students. For details, call 5 37-4304 or email stvundrll@aol.com. Sherwood hosts summer golf camp Sherwood Golf Club is hosting a junior golf camp in July. The camp dates are July 15-17. The camp is three hours per day plus lunch. It is open to golfers 6 to 13, and they must wear a collared shirt and no jeans. The cost is $100. For information, contact Christa Teno at 321-749-5619 or tenolpgacoach@gmail.com. Basketball camp set for end of month

2 of 2 July 3, 2013

Eastern Florida State College’s men’s basketball program is holding its second summer camp from July 29Aug. 1 at the Melbourne campus gym. The cost for the half-day camp that will run from 9 a.m. to noon is $100 per camper for boys and girls ages 9-14. The camp will include individual skill development, 5-on-5 games and drill competitions with instruction provided by Eastern Florida Titans coaches. Eastern Florida players will assist at the camp. Each camper will receive individual evaluation and a certificate, plus a camp T-shirt. For more information, contact Eastern Florida assistant men’s coach Chris Ronan at cronan321@gmail.com. Melbourne High hosts hoops camp The Bulldogs will host a basketball camp July 8 to 11 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the school’s gymnasium. The camp is intended for boys and girls in grades 2 through 9, and registration will cost $110. For information or to register, contact head coach Michael Soliven at 321-952-5880 ext. 3805 or email soliven.michael@brevardschools.org. Roy Hobbs league looking for players The Roy Hobbs 35-plus wood bat baseball league is having registration for the inaugural summer season beginning in July. The registration fee is $85 per player and games will be on weeknights and Sundays. For more information or to sign up, contact Troy Cox at 321-255-4400. Wakeboard art competition in Tampa The Wake Art Project returns for a second year during the Red Bull Wake Open, featuring artists from Florida, Tennessee and California who were invited to create unique pieces of art using wakeboards as their canvas. Their creations will be inspired by the question, “What Gives You Wings?” The art will be on display outside the Tampa Convention Center throughout the Red Bull Wake Open competition July 5-6 for the general public to text to vote on their favorite pieces. The four winning boards will be trophies for the top wake athletes competing in Red Bull Wake Open. Read more: http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20130704/SPORTS05/307040027/Recreation-briefs-Golfclasses-kickball-league-basketball-camp-slated

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Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/video/2013/jul/07/worlds-best-wakeboarders-compete-floridavideo

1 of 1 February 12, 2013

For the second time, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most progressive wakeboarding competition descends upon downtown Tampa with a mission to crown the best wakeboarder in the world. Featuring the likes of Raphael Derome, Adam Errington, Dominik Guhrs, Steel Lafferty and JD Webb, Red Bull Wake Open challenges all entrants to overcome a host of huge obstacles on a real one-of-a-kind course. July 2013 10:00 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6 July 2013 10:00 PM, Tampa, Florida Read More: http://hybridwake.com/ai1ec_event/red-bull-wake-open/?instance_id=

Read more: http://www.independent.ie/videos/sport/worlds-best-wakeboarders-compete-in-red-bull-wakeopen-29402844.html

1 of 1 July 7, 2013 By: Laurie Blake

Read more: http://www.itn.co.uk/And%20Finally/80071/worlds-best-wakeboarders-compete-in-red-bull-wakeopen Video also found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_wjlXFB9mE

1 of 3 July 4, 2013

Sports On the Air – July 5

Friday’s TV | radio BOXING • Light heavyweights, Allan Green vs. Eleider Alvarez, 8 p.m., ESPN2 CYCLING • Tour de France, stage 7, Montpellier to Albi, France, 7 a.m., NBCSN GOLF • European PGA Tour, Open de France, second round, 8 a.m., GOLF • PGA Tour, The Greenbrier Classic, second round, 2 p.m., GOLF MAJOR-LEAGUE BASEBALL • Pittsburgh at Chicago Cubs, 3 p.m., MLB • Baltimore at N.Y. Yankees, 6 p.m., MLB • Oakland at Royals, 7 p.m., FSKC, KCSP (610 AM) MINOR-LEAGUE BASEBALL • American Association, Sioux Falls at T-Bones, 7 p.m., KUDL-AM (1660 AM) MOTOR SPORTS • Nationwide Series, pole qualifying for Firecracker 250, 1 p.m., ESPN2 • Sprint Cup, pole qualifying for Coke Zero 400, 3 p.m., SPEED • Formula One, practice for Grand Prix of Germany, 3:30 p.m., NBCSN (same-day tape) • Nationwide Series, Firecracker 250, 6:30 p.m., ESPN SOCCER • Men’s exhibition, United States vs. Guatemala, 10 p.m., NBCSN TENNIS • Wimbledon, men’s semifinals, 7 a.m., ESPN Saturday’s TV | radio ARENA FOOTBALL

2 of 3 July 4, 2013

• AFL, Arizona at Orlando, 6:30 p.m., CBSSN CYCLING • Tour de France, stage 8, Castres to Ax-les-Thermes, France, 7 a.m., NBC 27, 41 EXTREME SPORTS • Wakeboarding, Red Bull Wake Open, 3 p.m., NBC 27, 41 GOLF • European PGA Tour, Open de France, third round, 7 a.m., GOLF • PGA Tour, The Greenbrier Classic, third round, noon, GOLF; 2 p.m., CBS 5, 13 LACROSSE • Major League Lacrosse, Charlotte at Boston, 7 p.m., ESPN2 MAJOR-LEAGUE BASEBALL • Baltimore at N.Y. Yankees, noon, MLB • Oakland at Royals, 1 p.m., FSKC, KCSP (610 AM) • Pittsburgh at Chicago Cubs, 3 p.m., WGN • All-Star Game Selection Show, at Secaucus, N.J., 5:30 p.m., FOX 4 • Chicago White Sox at Tampa Bay, 6 p.m., FOX 4 • Colorado at Arizona, 9 p.m., MLB MINOR-LEAGUE BASEBALL • American Association, T-Bones at St. Paul, 7 p.m., KUDL-AM (1660 AM) MIXED MARTIAL ARTS • UFC 162, preliminary bouts, 7 p.m., FX MOTOR SPORTS • Formula One, qualifying for Grand Prix of Germany, 7 a.m., NBCSN • American Le Mans Series, Northeast Grand Prix, 2 p.m., ESPN2 • AMA, RedBud National, 2 p.m., NBC 27, 41; 3 p.m., NBCSN • NHRA, qualifying for Summit Racing Equipment Nationals, 5 p.m., ESPN2 • Sprint Cup, Coke Zero 400, 6:30 p.m., TNT, KCMO-FM (102.5 FM)

3 of 3 July 4, 2013

SOCCER • FIFA, Under-20 World Cup, quarterfinals, 9:45 a.m., 12:45 p.m., ESPNU • Exhibition, Messi & Friends team vs. Rest of the World team, at Chicago, 5:55 p.m., ESPN • MLS, Seattle at Vancouver, 10 p.m., NBCSN TENNIS • Wimbledon, women’s championship, 8 a.m., ESPN WNBA • San Antonio at Los Angeles, 4 p.m., NBA • Connecticut at Indiana, 6 p.m., NBA KEY: FSKC - Ch. 59 and 309 on Time Warner, Ch. 48 on Comcast in Missouri, Ch. 73 on Comcast in Kansas, Ch. 30 on Surewest; Ch. 128 on FairPoint in Kearney; Ch. 750 on AT&T U-Verse; Ch. 441 (today) and Ch. 442 (Saturday) on Dish Network, Ch. 672 on DirecTV; SPEED - Ch. 317 on Time Warner, Ch. 32 on Comcast in Kansas, Ch. 43 on Comcast in Missouri, Ch. 34 on Surewest, Ch. 652 on AT&T U-Verse; NBCSN – NBC Sports Network is Ch. 55, 323, and Ch. 1323 (HD) on Time Warner, Ch. 46 on Comcast in Missouri, Ch. 27 on Comcast in Kansas, Ch. 35 on Surewest, Ch. 640 on AT&T U-Verse, Ch. 220 on DirecTV, Ch. 151 on Dish Network; ESPNU - Ch. 303 on Time Warner Cable, Ch. 269 on Comcast, Ch. 446 on Surewest, Ch. 605 on AT&T U-Verse; Ch. 208 on DirecTV, Ch. 148 on Dish Network; CBSSN – CBS Sports Network is Ch. 274 on Comcast, Ch. 322 on Time Warner, Ch. 491 on Surewest, Ch. 643 on AT&T U-Verse, Ch. 613 on DirecTV, Ch. 152 on Dish Network; FX – Ch. 62 on Time Warner, Ch, 42 on Comcast in Missouri, Ch. 72 on Comcast in Kansas, Ch. 53 on Surewest, Ch. 128 on AT&T U-Verse, Ch. 248 on DirecTV, and Ch. 136 on Dish Network; NBA – NBATV is Ch. 325 on Time Warner, Ch. 273 on Comcast, Ch. 632 on AT&T U-Verse, Ch. 216 on DirecTV, and Ch. 402 on Dish Network ; MLB – Ch. 326 on Time Warner, Ch. 272 on Comcast, Ch. 440 on Surewest, Ch. 634 on AT&T U-Verse, Ch. 213 on DirecTV. Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2013/07/04/4330199/sports-on-the-air-july-5.html#storylink=cpy

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2013 Red Bull Wake Open: Schedule & Details

http://www.redbull.com/us/en/events/1331590497573/red-bull-wake-open Read More: http://www.malibuboats.com/news/redbullwakeopen/

Calender Listing

Read more: http://www.mikeandmichelleteam.com/red-bull-wake-open-2013/

1 of 1 July 5, 2013 By: Akemi Sue

Red Bull Wake Open Tampa July 5th- 6th 2013

36 of the best wake boarders in the world will be in town this weekend for The Red Bull Wake Open in Downtown Tampa. The event takes place July 5th and 6th in the waters between the Tampa Convention Center and Harbour Island. The finals air live on NBC Saturday, from 4-6pm. After meeting some of the competitors at the Red Bull Wake Open media day, I am rooting for 20 year-old Florida native Steel Lafferty.

Head downtown Tampa for this familyMore info and details HERE!

friendly FREE event!

Read more: http://www.mommyguru.com/red-bull-wake-open-tampa-july-5th-6th-2013/

1 of 2 July 3, 2013 By: Allison

Red Bull Wake Open Seems our timing is perfect (as it often times isn’t) to follow-up our WAVZ post with this sure to be loved post about this weekend’s Red Bull Wake Open.

2012 Red Bull Wake Open Champions As I’m sure most of you know, and if you don’t-where have you been? -this 4th of July weekend Tampa will be hosting one of the hottest events to hit the water. Athletes will soar, flip and sometimes flop over obstacles, ramps and whatever else they can grind on for their chance to become a champion. I’m going to let you in on a little secret: I can see the area where it’s going to be taking place from my office, and while this would be an amazing view with air conditioning and the comfort of my cushy office chair, I want to be in the action. Last year the Red Bull Wake Open caused around 25,000 people to swarm areas like Bayshore Blvd., Jackson’s Bistro, Sail Pavilion, Tampa Convention Center, Knight’s Point at Harbour Island and wherever else they could fit for a chance to check out these athletes. The event takes place on Friday and Saturday so pick a day and make the trip to downtown (we suggest both days, but that’s just us) Parking might be a bit of a hassle so here is our list of alternative modes of transportation: walking, boating, biking, rollerblading, segway-ing?, swimming, kayaking, skateboarding, base jumping, (this is a Red Bull event after all) any way you can get there, get there!

Photo Cred: WFLA And bring the family! This is a fun and FREE event. Who can argue with free? With the weather being so iffy

2 of 2 July 3, 2013 By: Allison

lately, save the trip to the beach and swing downtown for a chance to checkout the scene. Can’t make it downtown or want to just be a miserable hermit and stay inside even though you live in Tampa and you might be better suited for Idaho? That’s fine (we guess) You can watch it on TV you little couch potato you! Feel free to crack open a brew in the comfort of your own home by yourself or with a few buddies, then tune into NBC on Saturday, July 6 at 4pm. If you’re thinking, nah I went last year- what’s the point?… the point is- they’ve added a new feature to the competition: a ramp to ramp park. This will provide an even more exciting aspect to the big air portion of the competition. Red Bull athlete, JD Webb (current record holder for biggest ramp to ramp jump) will compete against 15 year old (ya we said 15) Daniel Grant and others for top ranking.

JD Webb The competitors will receive awards in 3 categories: wake park, big air & boat. And these aint no regular awards. During the competition wake boards designed by artists as part of the Wake Art Project, a collaboration between Red Bull and Kick Start My Art will be on display. Spectators are encouraged to vote on their favorite wake boards, and the top 4 (one for overall champion) will be awarded to the winners as their trophies. So much better than some cheesy plastic trophy with a wakeboarder on top that will definitely break off in 3 to 5 weeks. To check them out, click here!

My Favorite! No matter if you stay the whole day or just swing by to see what all the hoopla is about make sure you check it out. The Red Bull Wake Open is just another reason why we love living in Tampa, and if you don’t participate, neither will the events. So if you love living in Tampa as much as we think you do… join in! Click here for more information

See ya out there! – Allison

Read more: http://neverhaveievertampa.com/2013/07/03/red-bull-wake-open/

1 of 2 July 16, 2013 By: Allison

Red Bull Wake Open Recap A few weeks ago we told you about the Red Bull Wake Open taking place during the 4th of July weekend. Well now that the fireworks are gone, the grills have cooled off and you’ve put away your American flag pants until next year… let’s recap. While most hardworking Americans were off on Friday July 5th… I, unfortunately was not. However the weather must have been on my side and decided to delay the start of the Big Air competition. Ryan, Nick and I headed down to the Convention Center to check out the scene with a sprinkle of rain remaining. We grabbed a drink at the Sail Pavilion and headed back into the rain for some exploration. We headed past the McCormicks Waterski Wakeboard and Cable Park, the Bass Egg, some food trucks, and the wakeboards

that were designed for the Wake Art Project. While checking out the boards we had a chance to meet Chad Cardoza from Kick Start my Art, who combined with Red Bull, created the Wake Art Project. He showed us his board which was essentially a life-size Pez dispenser, complete with a head that lifting to reveal real packs of Pez. Very cool- no wonder he went on to be one of the winners. Once the competition began, we cruised across the bridge to Jackson’s to get a better view. After winding through all the people dining at Jackson’s we made our way down to the edge of the water. Here we were able to stand right behind the area all the athletes were located. Some of them were even walking around

amongst the spectators and you’d never know they were there if their long crazy hair didn’t give them away. After taking in a few more rounds of the competition it was time to call it a day. Day 2 began at noon and lucky for us there was no weather delay. In fact, it was gorgeous out. Gorgeous and HOT, and crowded. We made our way through the crowd towards the Red Bull DJ Truck to check it out.

2 of 2 July 16, 2013 By: Allison

Since it had been raining the day before they had the truck all closed up but this was seriously cool. Not only did it have a DJ booth in the truck, but also TVs and you could play video games off the back of the truck. Very cool. We grabbed some water and Red Bulls from the Media room (ya, we know people) and headed back out towards the dock to get a better view of the wake park competition.

We were especially excited about the fact that the event was so social media friendly. Being the social media enthusiasts that we are, we took full advantage. They would show Instagram photos that included the hashtag #wakeopen on a giant screen, then you could print those photos out right at the event. Finally, you were able to grab your friends, take a photo in their on site photo booth and upload it right to your social

media accounts. #wedonthateit At the end of the competition, it was Aaron Rathy who took the overall competition, but truthfullyâ&#x20AC;Ś I think it was the city of Tampa who won. - Allison http://neverhaveievertampa.com/2013/07/16/red-bull-wake-open-recap/

1 of 1 May 16, 2013

Red Bull Wake Open 2013

Red Bull Wake Open 2013 returns to Tampa Bay, Florida, for the Second Year. The 2013 event will feature 36 pro riders competing for the wakeboarding crown in three divisions: Boat, Big Air, and Park. The event will air LIVE on NBC on Saturday, July 6 at 4 PM EST. Read More: http://www.northeastriders.com/red-bull-wake-open-2013/#sthash.7q6bWzHg.dpuf

1 of 1 July 1, 2013 By: Bay Bloggers

Red Bull Wake Open Returns to Tampa! The best wake boarders in the world are coming to the Tampa Convention Center for the second annual Red Bull Wake Open this weekend, July 5-6. Thirty-six riders from seven countries will compete in Boat, Big Air and Park disciplines. Watch the event live from viewing locations around the Channel including the Tampa Convention Center and Knights Point at Harbour Island. The onsite spectator event times are Friday from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from noon – 6:00 p.m. Don’t forget to stick around for fireworks on Friday evening in the channel! For those that can’t make it, the Red Bull Wake Open will also be televised live on Saturday, July 6 at 4:00 p.m. ET on NBC as part of the Red Bull Signature Series. Read More: http://www.visittampabay.com/blog/bay-blogger/red-bull-wake-open-returns-totampa?utm_medium=compendium&utm_campaign=Red+Bull+Wake+Open+Returns+to+Tampa!&utm_ content=admin&utm_source=twitter

1 of 1 July 1, 2013

Monday Morning Memo

In this Issue...

The Partnership Presents Development and Transportation Summertime Events Urbanism on Tap Grant Programs Downtown Visioning Bus Toll Lanes Your Downtown Calendar Red Bull Wake Open Member Corner Eat at Joe’s Bollywood, Conventions & More Brews and Bites Lightning Call to Artists Added Dates for Garcia Girls Nat’l Vet Wheelchair Games Around Town Technology Forum Awards Doing Business in Downtown Downtown Entrepreneur in the News New Dog in Town Lightning Signs Valtteri Filppula Marketing Tampa ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Your Downtown Calendar

Red Bull Wake Open If you were not one of the 30,000 spectators of this extreme wakeboarding sport this past weekend, here’s a recap of what you missed. The evebt site was the Garrison Channel at the Tampa Convention Center, and it aired on NBC. 35 of the world’s top wakeboarders competed in this 2nd annual open. The three-day event showcased talent from nine countries in boat, big air and park. The camaraderie of the competitors brought out the best in flips, tricks and jam-packed action. In the end, a podium of riders would round off the world’s best in wake. Winners Raphael Derome (boat), Bob Soven (big air) and Raphael Derome (park) took home top prizes and bragging rights, with Aaron Rathy sweeping the competition by claiming the overall title. Derome and JD Webb earned second and third place overall, respectively. Day three rounded out the competition with the park segment, and the crowning of the winners and overall champion of the 2013 Red Bull Wake Open, Aaron Rathy. Red Bull Wake Open’s innovative format of competition pushed the world’s best wake pros to their limits and provided a platform, yet again, to advance the sport as a whole. See Red Bull Signature Series for highlights from Red Bull Wake Open. Share your favorite moments on Twitter using the hashtag #WakeOpen and @ RedBullTPA.

1 of 1 July 1, 2013

Eat at Joe’s Friday, July 12, 11am to 2pm Joe Chillura Square, Pierce and Madison streets Enjoy your Friday lunch hour with live R&B music fills the air for this monthly food truck event brought to you by Hillsborough County. For more information, visit Eat at Joe’s. Brews & Bites Friday, July 12 Sail Pavilion on the Riverwalk This popular food truck rally brings you live music, craft beers and a picturesque waterfront setting at sunset. For more information, visit Facebook/Sail Pavilion. Added Dates for Garcia Girls Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13 Stageworks Theatre at Grand Central on Kennedy By popular demand, Stageworks Theatre has added two performance dates for their production of How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents. Don’t delay to make your reservations now for this popular community theater performance. For more information, visit Stageworks Theatre. Nat’l Vet Wheelchair Games Saturday, July13 to Thursday, July 18 The National Veteran Wheelchair Games are coming to Tampa this week, as this annual competition hosts 700+ wheelchair bound athletes. The competitions will be primarily held at Tampa Bay Times Forum and Tampa Convention Center. Most of the athletes will be staying at the Embassy Suites – Tampa Downtown Convention Center and the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina. Please help us welcome these athletes and their guests to our city. Downtown Guides are distributing welcome posters created by Visit Tampa Bay to our ground floor businesses to show our guests our Tampa love. The competitions include archery, basketball, bowling, nine ball, power soccer, quad rugby, softball and swimming. For more information, visit Nat’l Vet Wheelchair Games. Also, to coincide with the Wheelchair Games, Tampa Museum of Art will hold its first Military Appreciation Day, on Sunday, July 14, 11am to 5pm. On these special event days, the Museum will offer free admission to all military, veterans, and their families. Families will enjoy special children’s programming, live entertainment, free gelato tastings, and access to the Museum’s exhibitions which are currently, Faded Elegance: Photographs of Havana by Michael Eastman; Miradas: Ancient Roots in Modern and Contemporary Art, Works from the Bank of America Collection, and Utility and Aesthetics in Ancient Art. Read more: http://www.tampasdowntown.com/learn/monday-morning-memo.aspx

Calender Listing

Got Plans? A Calendar of Events In and Around Polk for the Month of July Published: Sunday, June 30, 2013 at 9:00 p.m. Last Modified: Sunday, June 30, 2013 at 9:00 p.m. Page 3 of 7 The movie offers a soul-aching portrait of the break-up of two self-absorbed adults and the very young child trapped — helpless — between them. Starring Julianne Moore, Steve Coogan, Onata Aprile. Rated R; for some language. WHEN: 7:30 p.m. July 5, 6; 2 p.m. July 7. TICKETS: $7 adults, $5 students/seniors, $4 children. LOCATION: Polk Theatre. 682-7553. FIRST FRIDAY Lakeland Celebrating Lakeland’s Heritage. WHEN: 6-9 p.m. TICKETS: Free. LOCATION: Downtown area. RED BULL WAKE OPEN Tampa WHEN: 3 p.m. July 5; noon July 6. TICKETS: TBA. LOCATION: Tampa Convention Center. www.redbull. com/wakeopen. LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS Lakeland Versus Tampa. WHEN: 7:11 p.m. TICKETS: $6 box seats, $5 reserved seats. Seniors age 55 and older, children younger than age 14 and active military personnel get $1 off. LOCATION: Joker Marchant Stadium. 686-8075. SATURDAY, 6 FAMILY FUN WORKSHOP Lakeland Theme is “Mosaic.” WHEN: 10:30 a.m. TICKETS: Free. LOCATION: Polk Museum of Art. 688-7743. SPORTSCARD AND MEMORABILIA SHOW Lakeland Thirty tables. WHEN: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. TICKETS: Free. LOCATION: Quality Inn, 4645 N. Socrum Loop Road. 534-3254. ALABAMA Clearwater WHEN: 8 p.m. TICKETS: $69-$499. LOCATION: Ruth Eckerd Hall. 727-791-7400. ART EXHIBIT OPENS | Lakeland WHEN: 10 a.m. July 6 through Aug. 31: “Exhibition of Polk County Arts Teachers’ Work.” Reception 11 a.m. Aug. 3. TICKETS: Free with museum admission. LOCATION: Polk Museum of Art. 688-7743. SUNDAY, 7 IMPERIAL HAIR SHOW Lakeland A Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Polk County event. WHEN: 1-7 p.m. TICKETS: TBA. LOCATION: The Lakeland Center. 834-8111. Read more: http://www.theledger.com/article/20130630/ENT/306305016?p=3&tc=pg

1 of 1 July 9, 2013 By: Conner Kempe

Red Bull Wake Open

The Red Bull Wake Open was this past weekend in downtown Tampa. Literally everyone whose anyone was there and it was awesome seeing everyone ride. I would have loved to see the boat portion of the comp, but i cant complain. Friday was super overcast so i dont have many picture from the HUGE 30 ft. gap everyone was hitting. The weather cooperated a little more on Saturday for the park portion, so most of these pics are from that. But overall, the weekend was filled with a ton of red bull, awesome riding, amazing fans, and of course your fair share of bikinis. Enjoy! Sorry about the differences in lightness, blogger kinda blows!! The Final Results were as follows: (Boat 1st place) Rath Derome (Big Air 1st Place) Bob Soven (Park 1st Place) Rath Derome (Overall) 1st- Aaron Rathy 2nd- Rath Derome 3rd- JD Webb Read more: http://thekidswhorubtheireyes.blogspot.com/2013/07/red-bull-wake-open.html

1 of 2 June 5, 2013 By: Rebecca

WORLD’S BEST 36 WAKEBOARDERS SET TO COMPETE AT 2013 RED BULL WAKE OPEN

2012 OVERALL CHAMPION RAPHAEL DEROME RETURNS TO DEFEND HIS CHAMPIONSHIP Competition to air live on NBC Saturday, July 6, at 4:00 pm ET / 1:00 pm PT as part of the Red Bull Signature Series The roster is set for the 2013 Red Bull Wake Open, and 36 of the world’s best wakeboard athletes are confirmed to compete for this year’s championship. Athletes from nine countries, ranging in age from 15 to 32 years old, will take to the water in Downtown Tampa on July 5-6 to compete for the coveted championship title. Red Bull Wake Open challenges athletes’ ability to dominate in all three wake disciplines of boat, wake park, and big air. Malibu Boats will pull competitors in the boat competition, and the Sesitec 2.0 cable system will be used for the wake park and big air competitions. A combined best score will determine an overall winner. Headlining the list of competitors is defending champion Raphael Derome (Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec, Canada). Derome, who resides most of the year in Orlando, dominated last year finishing first in park and big air and third in boat. Expected to challenge Derome are Aaron Rathy (Winter Garden, Fla.) and Harley Clifford (Orlando, Fla.). Rathy, nicknamed “The Dominator,” finished second overall last year while Clifford took home first in the boat contest and was third overall. The past two Rookie of the Year winners along with the favorite for this year’s award are on the roster. Steel Lafferty (Clermont, Fla.), a Ft. Lauderdale native who earned rookie honors in 2011, competed with an injury last year, but returns healthy this year. Shota Tezuka (Japan), the 2012 Rookie of the Year, is the first Japanese wakeboarder to make an impact in the sport. Mike Dowdy (Orlando, Fla.), originally from Pinckney, Mich., turned pro this year and arrives with high expectations. Earlier this year, Dowdy became the first rider to land a double flip in competition. Crowd favorite Daniel Grant (Bangkok, Thailand), the 15-year-old sensation who electrified the audience last year with his innovative tricks, is touted to challenge for the top scores in both wake park and big air.

2 of 2 June 5, 2013 By: Rebecca

Red Bull Wake Open will award medals in all three disciplines – wake park, big air and boat – before crowning an overall champion at the conclusion of the competition. Additionally, for the first time ever in U.S. competition, a ramp-to-ramp park feature will be introduced, allowing riders to push the limits of big air competition. This announcement adds an exciting challenge to the contest as competitor JD Webb (Auburndale, Fla.) currently holds the record for the biggest ramp-to-ramp jump, a feat he accomplished in Orlando’s Lake Eola Park. The successful inaugural 2012 Red Bull Wake Open at the Tampa Convention Center attracted thousands of fans on land and water, plus many more across the U.S. who tuned in to watch the live broadcast on NBC. This year’s competition has moved to the Fourth of July weekend and once again is free to attend with excellent viewing locations around the channel including the Tampa Convention Center and Knights Point at Harbour Island. Lineup Shane Bonifay Dylan Miller Harley Clifford Chris O’shea Olivier Derome Nate Perry Raphael Derome Daniel Powers Mike Dowdy Brenton Priestly Adam Errington Aaron Rathy Tom Fooshee Marc Rossiter Daniel Grant Eric Ruck Austin Hair Chad Sharpe Danny Harf Dean Smith Kevin Henshaw Bob Soven Dominik Hernler Phil Soven Cody Johnson Kasen Suyderhoud Steel Lafferty Shota Tezuka Mitch Langfield Nico Von Lerchenfeld Jeff Langley Shawn Watson Jimmy LaRiche JD Webb Rusty Malinoski James Windsor *Event lineup is subject to change 2013 Red Bull Wake Open Tampa Convention Center – Tampa, FL Friday, July 5, 3 pm – 8 pm Saturday, July 6, 12 pm – 6 pm LIVE! ON NBC Saturday, July 6, at 4:00 pm ET / 1:00 pm PT

RED BULL SIGNATURE SERIES Fans who can’t attend in person can tune in to NBC on Saturday, July 6, at 4:00 pm ET / 1:00 pm PT to catch the live broadcast of 2013 Red Bull Wake Open. Presented by Casio G’zOne Commando and brought to you in partnership with Dodge Dart, GoPro, and Malibu Boats, the show airs as part of the Red Bull Signature Series, the most progressive action sports property in the world, featuring some of Red Bull’s top events, including the Vans US Open of Surfing, Joyride, Dreamline and Rampage. For more information, please visit: www.redbullsignatureseries.com. Be sure to follow the Red Bull Signature Series on Facebook and Twitter for updates. Follow @redbullTPA and #wakeopen for the latest info. Watch this and get hyped for Red Bull Wake Open! Read More: http://wakeboardingmag.com/features/2013/06/05/worlds-best-36-wakeboarders-set-tocompete-at-2013-red-bull-wake-open/

Calender Listing

Read more: http://southtampa.patch.com/groups/events/p/red-bull-wake-open

Calender Listing

For the second time, the best riders on the planet will come together to compete in Red Bull Wake Open on July 4 through July 6 at the Tampa Convention Center. Thirty-six riders representing seven countries will compete in Boat, Big Air and Park disciplines. Spectators can see the event live as viewing locations are available around the Channel including the Tampa Convention Center and Knights Point at Harbour Island. Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make it to Tampa? Red Bull Wake Open will be televised LIVE on Saturday July 6 at 4:00 p.m. ET on NBC as part of the Red Bull Signature Series.

Read more: http://www. suburbanapologist.com/ ai1ec_event/red-bull-wakeopen-at-tampa-conventioncenter/

1 of 2 June 19, 2013 By: Jennifer

Red Bull â&#x20AC;&#x201C; #WakeOpen Today the boys and I headed to the Media Event for the Red Bull Wake Open. There were a lot of athletes there and we got to see some of them practicing. I can not wait for the live event and am hoping to get tickets to attend to see everything they do. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event was about the media having a chance to get photos and interview the athletes. It would have been a lot of fun to get to ask all my questions, but being that I was given permission to bring my kids, I was not able to speak to the athletes. My youngest is so shy that he would not have been comfortable around the other media and athletes so we just took pictures so we did not disturb anyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interviews. We had a great time, my oldest son again took the camera for part of the event so he could practice. He is getting more and more interested in photography and loves events like these.

2 of 2 June 19, 2013 By: Jennifer

These are the days when being considered media is awesome! We had such a great time watching the athletes perform, I can only imagine what the actual event would be like. There will be 36 Wakeboarders set to compete at the 2013 Red Bull Wake Open. This event will be held at the Tampa Convention Center – Friday July 5th from 3 – 8 pm and then Saturday July 6th from 12 – 6 pm. If you are unable to attend the event, you are able to catch it Live on NBC Saturday July 6th at 4 pm EST (1 pm PT) Read more: http://suncoastblogger.com/red-bull-wake-open/

1 of 1 July 10, 2013 By: Jennifer

Red Bull Wake Open 2013

My oldest son and I attend the 2013 Red Bull Wake Open this past weekend, I am hoping several of you were able to make it out there. There were so many talented wake boarders participating, it was definitely crowded, I was happy to see so many people attending this event. I loved that there were people everywhere including people in their boats and kayaks on the water. I love that this event was free to attend, it is nice to get to go out to do things like this but most of the time there is a cost associated with it. We were able to pack a cooker and snacks and just sit back and enjoy.

While there were several that seemed to have no difficulties, there were quite a few like the ones pictured above where things did not go quite right. I was telling my son that they make it look so easy and yet I would not even be able to do the ones that did not turn out. A big congratulations to Aaron Rathy who won the overall 1st place for this event. I also want to thank all the athletes, Red Bull and any of the other sponsors for this great event. It was nice to see so many families come out to enjoy this. My only regret is I never made it back to the stand to get one of the tank tops, they were really cute! Next year I will have that on the top of my to-do list! For more of my photos from this event, please visit the Google + Album. You can check out more from this event as well as other events that they have by heading to the Red Bull website. They are also on Facebook and Twitter. I did not receive anything in exchange for this post or for attending this event. I wanted to share a fun event with my readers and hope that some made it out or caught it on television. Read more: http://suncoastblogger.com/red-bull-wake-open-2013/

1 of 1 July 4, 2013 By: Red Bull Press Release

Raphael Derome continues his Wake Open domination

Yesterday were the qualifying rounds of the boat event for the Red Bull Wake Open where top pros were pulled behind the big wakes of the Malibu 22 MXZ to see who would make it through to today’s final, which was rain delayed. The weather was spotty, but that didn’t stop JD Webb, Bob Soven, Raph Derome, Rusty Malinoski, Aaron Rathy and Jimmy Lariche from rising to the top and grabbing a spot in today’s final round. Today’s final resulted in an all-Canadian podium with Red Bull Wake Open defending champ, Raphael Derome, standing in the #1 position followed by Aaron Rathy and Rusty Malinoski respectively. The Red Bull Wake Open continues with the Big Air and Park events before the overall champion is crowned. Spectators can watch the Big Air and Park events at the Tampa Convention Center on Friday, July 5 from 3:00-8:00 p.m. and Saturday, July 6 from 12:00-6:00 p.m. Red Bull Wake Open will be televised LIVE on Saturday July 6 at 4:00 p.m. ET on NBC as part of the Red Bull Signature Series. Results 1. Raphael Derome (CAN) - 94.6 2. Aaron Rathy (CAN) - 90.0 3. Rusty Malinoski (CAN) - 89.0 4. JD Webb (USA) - 83.3 5. Jimmy LaRiche (USA) - 80.3 6. Bob Soven (USA) - 78.6 Read more: http://www.wakeworld.com/news/ feature/red-bull-wake-open---boat.html

1 of 2 July 6, 2013 By: David Williams

Red Bull Wake Open – Park & Overall

It comes down to the wire between Aaron Rathy and Raph Derome for the overall title Today was the final of three events at the Red Bull Wake Open; Park. This is where the pros hit a variety of obstacles including rails, kickers, quarterpipe and a new “stall wall” while being pulled by the System 2.0 two-tower cable system. Today’s final ended with defending champion Raphael Derome taking top honors in the Park event with Aaron Rathy and JD Webb taking second and third respectively. That means the overall 2013 Red Bull Wake Open title goes to Aaron Rathy. Rathy finished second in the Boat and Big Air events, so when he grabbed yet another second for the Park event, his consistency all but ensured that he would walk away with the overall trophy. Although Rathy himself said he was “the ultimate bridesmaid” after getting second place in the first two events, he’s a bridesmaid no more. He now holds the title of best overall wakeboarder in the world. “I just took it one at a time, and tried to do my best in each event,” said Rathy. The Red Bull Wake Open took place at the Tampa Convention Center and was televised LIVE on NBC as part of the Red Bull Signature Series. In addition to the photos and video for the Park event below, don’t forget to check out the photos and video from the Boat and Big Air events as well. Results Park Final 1. Raph Derome - 79.0 2. Aaron Rathy - 77.4 3. JD Webb - 77.3 4. Dominik Hernler - 76.5 5. Jimmy LaRiche - 71.3 6. Tom Foosee - 67.0 Overall Red Bull Wake Open Championship 1. Aaron Rathy 2. Raph Derome 3. JD Webb Read more: http://www.wakeworld.com/news/feature/ red-bull-wake-open---park--overall.html

2 of 2 July 6, 2013 By: David Williams

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