2012 Red Bull Wake Open Media Coverage Recap

Tampa, Florida 2012

Media Recap Presented by

Media Recap Trifecta Team is proud to present our Media Recap for the 2012 Red Bull Wake Open.

Our media coverage begins with the May 10 Press Conference and runs through the conclusion of the event in mid-July.

Print and online media coverage surpassed 50 unique impressions. This included feature stories, event previews and event listings.

There were more than 20 Live TV Appearances and Live TV Remotes.

Interviews were conducted with: Parks Bonifay, Adam Errington, Dallas Friday, Cody Johnson, Steel Lafferty, Sal Masekela, Shota Tezuka, JD Webb, Jason Aughey (Tampa Bay Sports Commission), Rob Higgins (Tampa Bay Sports Commission). There were numerous additional television packages on Tampa Bay newscasts and the City of Tampa television network.

Eleven (11) live radio interviews were conducted. Parks Bonifay, Adam Errington, Steel Lafferty, Sal Masekela, JD Webb and Rob Higgins (Tampa Bay Sports Commission) were utilized for these interviews.

The Red Bull Wake Open event attracted more than 100 media who were credentialed.

Jack Heilig

Jeffrey Kamis

Media Coverage

Media Coverage

Print / Online Coverage

May 10, 2012

Red Bull wakeboarding competition zooms into Tampa Tampa Bay Business Journal by Margaret Cashill, Staff Writer Date: Thursday, May 10, 2012, 2:57pm EDT The Red Bull Wake Open, an international wakeboarding competition, is coming to Tampa July 13-14.

The wakeboarding competition will determine the world’s best riders in the categories of cable, big air and boatwater.

The event will be free and open to the public and will take place outside the Tampa Convention Center at the same site as the Red Bull Flugtag events in 2008 and 2011.

Part of the Red Bull Signature Series, the event will be featured live on NBC with a two-hour special on July 14 from 1-3 p.m.

The event is expected to generate 1,400 hotel room nights and roughly $1 million in visitor spending.

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Tampa Bay Sports Commission Executive Director Rob Higgins and Hillsborough County Commission Chairman Ken Hagan shared details about the event Thursday afternoon.

Red Bull athletes followed the announcement with a wakeboarding demonstration on the water.

“If we have anything like the weather today it will make a great postcard for our community,” Higgins said.

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May 10, 2012

5 things you need to know happening in Florida on Thursday, May 10 Posted: 05/10/2012 By: Sean O’Reilly

TAMPA - Here are five things you need to know happening in Florida on Thursday, May 10.

(5) Red Bull Wake Open announcement Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Tampa Bay Sports Commission Executive Director Rob Higgins will announce on Thursday the Red Bull Wake Open is coming to the city.

The international wakeboard competition to determine the world’s best riders in cable, big air, and boat comes to the Tampa Convention Center from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. on July 13 and from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on July 14.

Red Bull athletes will attend the 1:30 p.m. announcement to put on a live wakeboard demonstration.

The competition will be broadcast live on NBC-TV on July 14 beginning at 1:00 p.m.

For more information, visit www.redbullsignatureseries.com .

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May 10, 2012

Press Conference Announcement Report

http://65.49.32.148/Presentation/TampaCity/199dd21c-efb4-4b8f-be598f6728458478/PC_5_10_12_Red_Bull_Wake/presentation_file/mgpresenter.html?GUID=199dd21c-efb4-4b8f-be59-8f6728458478

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May 11, 2012

Red Bull wakeboarding competition will come to Tampa in July

By Marissa Lang, Times Staff Writer In Print: Friday, May 11, 2012

TAMPA With the rev of an engine and the lurch of a boat, Shane Bonifay comes alive.

The Polk County native glides across the water on a fiberglass board until the boat’s wake grows to just the right height.

Then he flies.

Grasping a neon green line tied to the accelerating boat, Bonifay uses the waves to launch himself skyward, performing twists, turns, spirals and flips.

This is wakeboarding.

Bonifay will be among the hundreds of wakeboarders who will descend on Tampa in July for the Red Bull Wake Open, a twoday international competition that officials project will bring 14,000 people and a projected $1 million to the Tampa Bay area.

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Some participants will attempt only one. Others, like Bonifay, plan to tackle all three.

“This is huge,” said wakeboard champion Raphael Derome, 20. “It forces you to train in all three. It really pushes you.”

The sport has gained traction since its advent in the 1990s.

But competitions like this one are still relatively new and underexposed, wakeboarders said.

Participants compete in tricks and height as well as precision and control.

If an athlete wipes out or loses control, injuries can be unavoidable.

The water breaks a boarder’s fall about as well as concrete.

“It’s a give and take,” said Bonifay, 28. “If this is what I get to do for my job, well then, I’ll sit on the couch for a few months every now and then when I hurt myself.”

Bonifay, who boards with a brace on his right knee, has torn up his knee three times.

His older brother, legendary wakeboard champion Parks Bonifay, won’t participate in the July contest due to injury.

But he’ll do what professional wakeboarders always do: rest, recuperate and get back on the water. Bonifay said he doesn’t know how to do it any other way.

“I’ve been waterskiing since we could barely walk,” Shane Bonifay said.

“Sure, it’s an adrenaline thing. But it’s also way more than that.”

In a news conference Thursday on the bank of the Hillsborough River, Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Hillsborough County Commission Chairman Ken Hagan and Tampa Bay Sports Commission Executive Director Rob Higgins proclaimed their support for the contest.

“This is a tremendous social and economic event for us,” Higgins said. “And it comes right in our time of need, right when we could use the tourism the most.”

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Holding a perspiring can of Red Bull energy drink in one hand, Buckhorn lauded the company’s success in hosting its annual Flugtag flying machine contest on the same waterway.

Organizers hope this event might also turn into an annual attraction.

“We could not be more excited,” Hagan said. “If we build this from the ground up, we can turn it into a showcase.”

Marissa Lang can be reached at mlang@tampabay.com or (813) 310-9133.

[Last modified: May 11, 2012 12:22 PM]

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May 11, 2012

Red Bull to bring pro wakeboarding to Tampa

Professional wakeboarders will be hitting Garrison Channel in Tampa on July 13-14 for the Red Bull Wake Open http://www2.tboextra.com/entertainment/2012/may/11/1/red-bull-to-bring-pro-wakeboarding-to-ta43766-vi-27788/

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May 11, 2012

Red Bull Wakeboarding Competition Coming to Tampa in July

By: Andrew Silverstein Published: May 11, 2012 This may be no Flugtag, but Red Bull is returning to the Tampa Bay area for two days of summertime wakeboarding fun for the Red Bull Wake Open, an international wakeboarding competition going down on Friday and Saturday, July 13-14 in Downtown Tampa.

The two day competition will bring in hundreds of wakeboarders, an expected 14,000 attendees, and an estimated $1 million into the local economy.

The Red Bull Wake Open is divided into three categories – cable, big air and boatwater – that many riders, including Polk County’s own Shane Bonifay, will compete in for the grand prize of $50,000.

The course for the Wake Open will be located right outside of the Tampa Convention Center on Garrison Channel. This is the same location where Redbull held their famous Flugtag competition back in 2008 and 2011.

The Red Bull Wake Open is open to the public and completely free to attend. Although wakeboarding competitions haven’t accomplished massive popularity, NBC is vying to change this when they air a live, two-hour special from the Wake Open on Saturday, July 14.

This is all part of Red Bull’s Signature Series, a series of “progressive and innovative wakeboarding, surfing, mountain biking, freestyle motocross and snowboarding events showcased on custom courses from the inspiration of the athletes themselves.”

So, if you’re looking for some fun and free good times this summer in Tampa, mark it down on your calendar and check out the Red Bull Wake Open on Friday and Saturday, July 13-14.

May 11, 2012

2012 Red Bull Wake Open Jul 13, 2012 | 12:00 PM | Friday Location Tampa Convention Center 333 S. Franklin Street Tampa, FL 33602 813-274-8511 Downtown Tampa Description: An international wakeboarding competition on the Garrison Channel presented by Redbull. Expect high-flying action, crazy tricks, and more.

The Red Bull Wake Open is an international wakeboarding competition going down right outside of the Tampa Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday, July 13 and 14.

The Wake Open will bring hundreds of professional wakeboarders from around the globe together for a huge competition with three different categories and a $50,000 grand prize.

The Redbull Wake Open is divided into three categories - cable, big air and boatwater - that many riders, including Polk County’s own Shane Bonifay, will compete in for the grand prize.

The Redbull Wake Open is family-friendly, open to the public, and completely FREE to attend.

For more information, visit the event website listed above.

July 13, 2012: BIG AIR 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.: Qualifying 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.: Semis 7:00 - 7:30 p.m.: Finals July 14, 2012: PARK 12:00 p.m.: Doors open to public 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.: Semis 2:00 - 2:30 p.m.: Finals

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June 23, 2012

Red Bull Wake Open Get ready. Red Bull is bringing yet another high-energy, adrenaline-pumping event to the shores of Tampa.

The Red Bull Wake Open invitational competition is coming to Downtown Tampa’s Garrison Channel July 13-14.

Wakeboarders will compete in three divisions – cable, boatwater and big air during the competition that will feature the best wakeboarders from around the world.

Date and Time: July 12, 2012: BOAT 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.: Qualifying 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Semis 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.: Finals 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.: Cable practice July 13, 2012: BIG AIR 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Cable practice 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.: Big Air practice 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Qualifying 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.: Semis 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.: Finals July 14, 2012: PARK 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Qualifying 12:00 p.m.: Doors open to public 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.: Semis 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.: Finals Admission to both days of the event is free and the event epicenter will be the Tampa Convention Center.

More than 100,000 people gathered in downtown for the Red Bull Flugtag event, so official says they are hoping for a similar turnout. Get there early to get a good viewing spot.

For all of those who don’t want to brave the crowd, NBC will carry the event as part of the Red Bull Signature Series on July 14 from 1-3 PM. 1 of 1

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Red Bull Wake Open Saturday, Jul 14, 2012 10:00a to 3:00p Tampa Convention Center Tampa, FL The world’s best riders compete in this international wakeboarding contest

location & nearby info Tampa Convention Center 333 S. Franklin St. Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 274-8511

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July 2, 2012

Video

Red Bull Wake Open in Tampa July 13 The Red Bull Wake Open will be in Tampa July 13-14. Dallas Friday shows off the sport she loves. (July 2, 2012) [Maurice Rivenbark | tampabay.com] http://www.tampabay.com/components/video/?bcpid=75097334001&bckey=AQ~~,AAAAAFif1zs~,HOg5vNGW0TKvzBiSlufTeaOipMdF933g&bclid=2652468001&bctid=1717186978001

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july 2, 2012

Red Bull takes over local wakeboard cable park

A preview of the “world’s best wakeboarders” competing July 13-14 for the first Red Bull Wake Open in Tampa.

Posted by CHRIS GIRANDOLA on Mon, Jul 2, 2012 at 9:21 PM SKIMCCORMICK.COM SEFFNER — In less than two weeks, the world’s best wakeboarders will take over the harbor in front of the Tampa Convention Center in the Red Bull Wake Open. Even better for the Tampa Bay area, the battle in the boat, park and big air competitions will be featured all weekend on the NBC Sports Network with the Saturday event live on NBC. On Monday, the team from Red Bull Tampa took over the McCormick’s Waterski Wakeboard and Cable Park in Seffner to kick off the hype leading up to the epic weekend. Several professional riders, including Orlando-resident Dallas Friday, participated in the exhibition for sponsors and local businesses associated with the event.

“It’s a big deal for the wakeboarding community, especially around the Tampa Bay area,” said Friday, who has been riding for Red Bull for seven years. “It’s only right for Tampa to host an event this big because Florida is like the mecca of wakeboarding. NBC is showing it and it is going to feature the best riders in the world from boat to cable to hitting kickers. It will show the danger side, and extreme side of what wakeboarding is all about. There’ll be some great tricks out there, doubles and some gnarly falls.”

The Wake Open will incorporate all three disciplines, far different from a typical event that features either boat or cable or big air. Places like McCormick’s have infused a new following, both young and old.

“Cable has helped tremendously because some people can’t afford a boat so it makes things a lot easier to come out here to places like this where it’s easy to learn fundamentals, meet people in the wakeboarding community, create a network of friends,” Friday said.

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On Monday, I became one of those new people.

Enticed by the Red Bull team and energized by the booming music emanating from the sound system of the Red Bull MXT vehicle, I first signed the liability waiver form (papers upon papers of legal jargon to ensure I didn’t hold Red Bull and McCormick’s responsible for my impending embarrassment, I guess).

A member of Red Bull then affixed me with a company bracelet (pretty cool, if you ask me — I might just pimp this out over the next few weeks).

Then I made my way down to the beginner’s lake, or should I say a small cove of sorts. Known as the Lil Bro, this cable system is the best “place to learn how to ride on a cable if you’ve never been before.”

Steven Moss, an Australian chap with the authentic Aussie accent that makes you feel all warm and cozy, made me feel, well, like I would conquer Lil Bro with ease.

“A’right mate, you ever done something like this before,” Moss asked.

“Um, sure, I’ve done some surfing before … and some waterskiing behind a boat,” I offered.

Moss followed up with an “A’right, then, you’ll have no problem here then.”

I don’t know if it was his simplistic approach with me or just the way an Aussie accent makes everything seem copacetic – kind of like a Jack Johnson or Bob Marley song, but I suddenly felt like I should be starting out on the main cable with the plethora of ramps and rails instead of a system nicknamed the Lil Bro. Nevertheless, after strapping on the helmet and Coast Guard approved lifejacket, I wiggled my feet into the footies of the wakeboard. After further instruction

by Aussie Moss, I slithered off the dock into the water and grabbed a hold of the bar.

After even more advice and instruction from Aussie Moss – “lean back when you start so you don’t face-plant, turn your board this way, no, that way, no back this way, wait until the cable starts to pull” – I readied myself for the cable to tug me along. (For the uninitiated, this whole cable system is essentially like taking a ski lift off a mountain, transporting it to a lake, getting rid of the chairs and replacing them with ropes one would normally use off the back of a boat.)

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Whirrr, the cable began.

Ugggh, my insides went. Here I go, I’m gonna face-plant.

To my surprise, I actually started to pull myself up. Unfortunately, the wakeboard that was supposed to move smoothly along through the water in a way that I had envisioned after seeing Dallas Friday do so effortlessly moments earlier didn’t do what I had hoped for.

Thus, instead of a face-plant, a somewhat odd-looking back-plant occurred.

Suddenly, the picture perfect day under the sparkling sunshine and the puffy white clouds disappeared and a gargle of water took its place.

“What’s wrong?” I beckoned back to the Aussie.

“Just turn the board sideways and have the cable between your legs,” he replied.

I instantly remembered how it was off the back of a boat.

Turn board, let it glide, elevate, then let it ride.

Yes! I was moving through the water with ease.

Unfortunately, the Lil Bro system only lets you ride a good 50 yards before you have to slow down and return to home base.

After a few times back and forth on Lil Bro, I decided I was ready for Big Bro – they don’t actually have a nickname for it, but today it was Big Bro. I thanked Aussie Moss and headed over to the other dock, passing by the Red Bull MXT truck. Bounding along full of excitement, Kid Cudi’s song, “Pursuit of Happiness” made my confidence even tighter.

The other dock – filled with a plethora of people, some amateurs, some experts – quickly diminished that shade of cockiness. Before at Lil Bro, it was just Aussie Moss exhorting me to conquer the glassy liquid. Here it was a whole slew of people watching.

And what they were watching were riders cruising around on an enormous lake with an immense cable system that swirled itself around a man-made island. Oh yeah, and there were a whole bunch of ramps and rails in the water like a skateboard park had been dropped from a UFO

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Where was Aussie Moss when I needed him?

Not to be deterred, I once again strapped on my essential gear and shuffled my way into place among six other would-be riders, two before me and four after me. I watched as the two in front of me easily plopped themselves into the water and on their way.

I then waited for the cable to sling by to pick me up. Instead of the Lil Bro system, where there is just one rope and you start in the water like you do from behind a boat, the main system has several ropes and you are one of several riders on the system.

In addition, you sit on a bench on the end of the dock and explode off of it (the experts stand and launch themselves effortlessly into the water as if they were Spiderman slinging a web from the top of a building).

This time, a sun-bleached blonde staffer named Jon Dickey instructed me how to maneuver my way from the dock into an eventual gliding position.

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“Lean back, pull the bar close to you, when you feel it tug, make sure you don’t lean forward or you’ll face-plant.”

Uggh, that damn “face-plant” word again.

I don’t know if it was the lack of an Aussie accent or just the fact I was extremely nervous knowing a whole shit-load of people would be watching this effort, but despite the expert instructions by Dickey, the dial on the eagerness meter was near empty.

Nevertheless, I whispered inside my head, “YOLO” or something to that effect (more like, suck it up, pussy).

And then, as the cable whirred towards my direction, I leaned back, lifted the board a bit in the water and began my journey in the water.

With the “face-plant” firmly planted inside my brain, I made sure not to lean forward.

The trouble is it forced me into a lean-back position — much, much too far.

In addition, the power of this Big Bro system tested my P-90X strength.

While I definitely was not planting my face in the water, I suddenly found myself sitting on the water as if I was Jesus taking it easy in a La-Z-Boy. “Um, Chris,” I said to myself, “Are you ever going to stand up?”

Maybe if I open my eyes.

Amidst the splashes of water that filled them, I quickly recognized a blur of something.

“Oh shit! A ramp.”

That liability waiver flashed through the cable system inside my brain and I somehow released the bar, just about three feet from where I would have launched myself into a “gnarly fall.”

With other riders easily sailing past me, I managed to make my way back to the shore. The walk of shame wasn’t so bad when I saw another potential rider face-plant into the water.

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Although I wanted to give Big Bro another go of it – the exhilaration is pretty intense, I had to hustle back to the Creative Loafing offices to discuss the epic weekend about to occur in Tampa in less than two weeks.

Dejected a bit by my horrible escapade on the main system, I made my way back to my Ford Explorer. On the walk back to the parking lot, I happened to run into Aussie Moss.

“Hey mate, how’d it go?”

“Um, well, I didn’t face-plant, but I almost had a nasty spill on a ramp.”

Aussie Moss chuckled, then said, “Aw, it’s a’right, mate, you did better than most on their first time out. Most can’t stand for that long. Hey, at least you didn’t face-plant.”

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July 6, 2012

Catching some major wake

Dallas Friday, a world class wakeboard competitor, was at McCormick’s Waterski Wakeboard and Cable Park in Seffner on Monday to promote the upcoming Red Bull Wake Open at the Tampa Convention Center from July 13 to 14.

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July 6, 2012

2012 Red Bull Wake Open - Spotlight Tampa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdia0Kc6CNw&list=UUx4-4RHo_bhTMQJNh6Du0AA&index=4&feature=plcp Published on Jul 6, 2012 by CityofTampa

This is a segment from the July, 2012 episode of the program “Spotlight Tampa” on City of Tampa Television (CTTV) about the 2012 Red Bull Wake Open in Tampa, Florida.

Spotlight Tampa is CTTV’s monthly magazine show. It highlights the latest city services, projects and happenings in Tampa. This segment was produced by Frank Crum.

July 6, 2012

World’s best wake boarders to compete in Red Bull Wake Open Submitted by Taylor Katz, Web Producer, 10 News In Your Neighborhood Friday, July 6th, 2012, 10:21am

Tampa, Florida-- Some of the “world’s best” wake boarders will compete in the Red Bull Wake Open on July 13 and 14 in front of the Convention Center in Downtown Tampa.

According to a recent release, wake boarders from eight different countries will join Florida born athletes in the competition, where they will be pulled through the water by a new, Eco-friendly “Sesitec System 2.0.”

During the “Park” and “Big Air” portions of the race, riders will launch off of a 50-foot ramp at speeds nearing 40 mph to perform their best stunts for judges.

The Red Bull Wake Open Schedule is as follows: Friday, July 13 (4 p.m. - 8 p.m.)

Saturday, July 14 (12 p.m. - 3 p.m.)

The Convention Center is located at 333 South Franklin Street Tampa, FL 33602.

Get your kicks watching the flips next weekend. Viewing areas will be located around the Channel at the Tampa Convention Center, Harbour Island and from Bayshore Boulevard.

Admission is free.

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July 7, 2012

Wakeboarding competition comes to Tampa Posted: May 10, 2012 11:09 PM EDT Updated: Jun 07, 2012 11:10 PM EDT By: Chris Field, FOX 13 Sports - bio

TAMPA (FOX 13) Red Bull has enjoyed so much success with their Flug Tag event in Tampa, they’re bringing another event to town this summer.

The Red Bull Wake Open takes flight on Garrison Chanel July 13th and 14th.

Athletes from around the world will wakeboard and spin and flip, competing for a $50,000 prize.

Professional wakeboarder Raphael Derome hopes this event creates more fans.

“I think it’s going to be great for the sport of wakeboarding because it’s such a new sport. It’s not that big yet,” Derome said. “Doing events like this in Tampa where there’s going to be a lot of people watching wakeboarding, it’s really going to be fun to watch and for people to learn what wakeboarding’s about.”

Tampa city officials and event organizers expect a solid crowd at the Convention Center water front in mid-July. The event should bring at least $1 million to Tampa Bay during the tourism off season.

That had plenty of people pretty excited about The Red Bull Wake Open -- even if they’re not quite sure what a “Backside 720” is yet.

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July 7, 2012

Red Bull Wake Open comes to Tampa July 13-14 Posted: 07/07/2012 By: Jennifer Moore

TAMPA - Next weekend, the Red Bull Wake Open will draw the best wakeboarders in the world to the Tampa Bay area.

They’ll be competing in three categories: Park, Boat, and Big Air - athletes will be judged on overall impression and a score-based system with single elimination qualifiers in this three-day event.

Residents and visitors are welcome to watch the event live at the Tampa Convention Center as part of the Red Bull Signature Series.

The Tampa Bay Sports Commission is a charitable corporation that works hard to bring events like this one to the area, to promote tourism and boost the local economy.

Executive Director, Rob Higgins, tells ABC Action News the Tampa Bay Sports Commission acts as the agency that bids on major events like the NCAA tournament, national title playoff for college football, and Super Bowl games.

Look out next Saturday, July 14 - when ABC Action News contributor Sean Daly reports live from the event!

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July 9, 2012

Things to do in Tampa Bay for the week of July 9

By Kelly Smith, Times Staff Writer In Print: Monday, July 9, 2012 Red Bull Wake Open: Some of the best wakeboarders on the planet will compete Friday and Saturday at the Tampa Convention Center. Think of it like water skiing on a small surfboard, but with ramps, twists and lots of big air. It also will be shown live Saturday on NBC. Free to watch.

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Red Bull Wake Open and Wake Art When: July 13-14 2012 Price: Free admission. redbullsignatureseries.com The Red Bull Wake Open rides into Downtown Tampa this weekend, Friday, July 13 and Saturday, July 14, outside the Tampa Convention Center (what, you thought they would be inside?). The event brings the best wakeboarders in the world to compete. The competition includes a park course with cable system and Big Air, where riders launch off a 50-foot ramp to wow the crowd and the judges with their best tricks. The event is a first for Tampa and the sport, with NBC and other national coverage. Spectators can see the event live at viewing locations located around the Channel including the convention center and Knights Point at Harbour Island. In addition, Wake Art, paintings and mixed media made from wakeboards, will be on display at the Convention Center. It’s a project in conjunction with Kick Start My Art (the curators of all those cool art shows at the Bricks). The top three pieces will be selected by Judges and awarded to the top wakeboard athletes in the international wakeboarding competition. Chad Cardoza, Kick Start’s man in charge, RJ Runas, Lauren Rasch (pictured), Michelle Sawyer, Adam Graham and others vie for the honors. For more, read Chris Girandola’s feature in the July 12 issue of CL. (­ Text by Kevin Tall ­­and Julie Garisto.)

Tampa Convention Center 333 S. Franklin St. 813-274-8511

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July 10, 2012

Wakeboard Championships come to downtown Tampa this weekend Submitted by Mike Deeson, Reporter Tuesday, July 10th, 2012, 10:24am

Tampa, Florida -- If you are looking for something unique to do this weekend Red Bull is sponsoring the Wake Open to crown the best wakeboard riders in the country.

The wakeboard looks like a surfboard, but the athletes ride the wake of waves rather than the surf.

Wakeboarders will compete in three categories: Park, Boat and Big Air. According to Red Bull, the competitors will be judged on “overall impression and a score-based system with single-elimination qualifiers for the three day event.

Tampa residents can watch the event take place live from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 13 and 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 14 at the Tampa Convention Center in downtown Tampa.

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July 11, 2012

World-class wakeboarders compete in Red Bull Open

Wakeboarding star Adam Errington is one of 30-plus professional athletes competing Friday and Saturday in the Red Bull Wake Open at Garrison Channel in downtown Tampa.

By JOE BELCASTRO | Special correspondent Published: July 12, 2012 Updated: July 12, 2012 - 8:03 AM For those interested in getting an adrenaline rush, without having to put themselves in harm’s way, Red Bull is answering the call in Tampa this weekend.

The Red Bull Wake Open whips into downtown Tampa on Friday. It will be towing along 30-plus professional wakeboarders from all over the globe, who are competing to be called the very best in the sport.

What can ideally be described as a marriage of water skiing and snowboarding will be showcased in Garrison Channel adjacent to the Tampa Convention Center.

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Spectators will be able to view the two-day competition from multiple vantage points consisting of the Riverwalk along the channel at the convention center and Knight’s Point on Harbour Island. If you can’t make it to one of those prime spots, footage from Friday, along with live competition coverage, will be airing on NBC from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

These fearless water-riders will be participating in two featured events, Big Air and Park.

Big Air (Friday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.) involves riders being towed toward a 50-foot ramp where they will attempt to pull off elaborate tricks while airborne.

Park (Saturday 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.), will continuously weave riders through an obstacle course and they will be judged on the assortment of tricks/jumps they can execute.

While traditional wakeboarding is usually done with the assistance of a boat, this competition will use the portable Sesitec System 2.0 cable towers, which enables riders to maintain speeds and perform a variety of fast-paced and charismatic stunts.

City officials are expecting about 100,000 people — similar to the turnout for Red Bull’s Flugtag — to line the shore for the event and a $1 million economic impact to the Tampa area.

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RED BULL WAKE OPEN When: 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and noon to 3 p.m. Saturday Where: Along Garrison Channel at the Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin Tampa Tickets: Free

July 11, 2012

Auburndale’s Webb to Compete in Tampa Event This Weekend

By BILL KEMP Ledger Media Group

Published: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 11:55 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 11:55 p.m.

TAMPA | J.D. Webb doesn’t care if there’s a gap on his résumé, he’s the proud owner of the biggest one.

According to the wakeboarding community, the 2005 Auburndale High School graduate set

a world record covering the “biggest gap on a wakeboard” when he soared 71 feet, rampto-ramp, over Lake Eola Fountain in downtown Orlando for the Discovery Channel’s “Stunt Junkies” in 2006.

For his thrill-seeking effort, the 5-foot-8, 180-pound daredevil promptly received the key to the city and a proclamation from Mayor Buddy Dyer decreeing Sept. 30 as J.D. Webb Day in Orlando.

This week, Webb joins elite wakeboarders from eight countries converging on Garrison Channel in front of the Tampa Bay Convention Center to compete in the Red Bull Wake Open, televised live on NBC at 1 p.m. Saturday as part of the 25-event, year-round Red Bull Signature Series.

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Facts If You Go What: Red Bull Wake Open Where: Tampa Convention Center 333 South Franklin Street, Tampa Viewing Locations: All Around Garrison Channel, including the Tampa Convention Center and Knights Point at Harbour Island.

When: Friday 4 to 8 p.m.

Saturday noon to 3 p.m.

Admission: Free

“It will be different than we are used to having with the salt water,” Webb said. “It’s downtown, which is pretty cool because they’ve always had the other events but never a wakeboard. Red Bull is completely new.”

The three-phase event begins Thursday with the boat division held at Sun West, which is not open to the public. However, the Tampa competition is open to everyone with free admission beginning 4 p.m. Friday with the Big Air competition and concluding with the Cable Finals at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Tampa Bay Sports Commission Executive Director Rob Higgins said that two-day attendance could top six figures.

“The Red Bull folks think we can do upwards of 50,000 a day,” said Higgins. “I can see it definitely reaching that level. … It will bring out the folks that are familiar with this event and the folks that are intrigued in general. Maybe they’ll come back on Saturday after getting a chance to see it on Friday.

“We’re expecting a great atmosphere for the Open. It will also be a great promotional postcard of sorts because it is live on NBC for two hours. It makes for a wonderful event for the Tampa Bay community.”

Red Bull will award winners for all three divisions and then will crown an overall champion at the conclusion. Webb thinks the secret to winning the overall title is being a “well-rounded rider.”

“There are a lot of tricks out there that are super-hard, but if you don’t grab them or hug them and they don’t look the best, they’re not going to score as well as something easier,” said Webb. “If you can get into the top three or five (in each division), then you have a chance to win the overall.”

Other Florida-born athletes competing at the Red Bull Open include Steel Lafferty, Shane Bonifay, Nate Perry, Phil Soven, and Shawn Watson.

“All three of the events are just going to be insane,” said 20-year-old Lafferty, who has wakeboarding since he was 10.

“There’s a little bit of fear but you push through.”

Webb, who heads to England next week to compete in the Red Bull ­Harbour Reach held in the fishing village of Lyne Regis, is holding down eighth place in the 2012 King of Wake standings out of a field of 57 riders. He finished 14th last year while rehabbing from a 2010 knee injury.

The King of Wake competition, aired on the NBC Sports Network, is an eight-event series separate from the Red Bull Signature Series. Webb finished fifth last week in Seattle, the fourth stop on the King of Wake tour, which runs from April through September.

Webb’s résumé includes the 2008 wakeboarder of the year, 2x rail rider of the year, 2004 Kelowna Pro Wakeboard Tour champion and rookie of the year.

Webb turned professional during his junior year at Auburndale, when he chose to dedicate his full attention to wakeboarding over his second-favorite sport.

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The King of Wake competition, aired on the NBC Sports Network, is an eight-event series separate from the Red Bull Signature Series. Webb finished fifth last week in Seattle, the fourth stop on the King of Wake tour, which runs from April through September.

Webb’s résumé includes the 2008 wakeboarder of the year, 2x rail rider of the year, 2004 Kelowna Pro Wakeboard Tour champion and rookie of the year.

Webb turned professional during his junior year at Auburndale, when he chose to dedicate his full attention to wakeboarding over his second-favorite sport.

“It was either continue playing soccer or take wakeboarding more seriously. So I chose wakeboarding,” Webb said. “I had won every event that I could win on the junior tour, so there was nowhere else I could go.”

Webb’s family decided to move to Auburndale from Anna Maria Island when he was 13 years old, granting a reprieve from his audacious ocean-practice environment.

“My dad sold everything so I could move over here and move onto a lake and train all the time. So I knew the sacrifice my parents made so I could wakeboard,” Webb said. “I’m very blessed with a great family.

“On Anna Maria Island, I started picking up sponsors and they knew it was something that I wanted to pursue.

My dad had a big landscaping business in Sarasota and he went back and forth for a while and then he eventually started his own business up here. He made it happen.”

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July 11, 2012

Red Bull Wake comes to Tampa

http://www2.tbo.com/news/2012/jul/11/2/red-bull-wake-comes-to-tampa-29154-vi-28580/

The company that brought the “Flugtag� to Tampa now brings the Red Bull Wake Open. Bob Hansen hits the water with two pro wakeboarders to learn what the sport is all about.

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July 11, 2012 Ripple F/X: The Red Bull Wake Open comes to Tampa this weekend

Top-ranked wakeboarders descend on Tampa — a first for Tampa Bay and in the sport’s history.

by Chris Girandola

Get ready Tampa for “the biggest event in wakeboarding history.”

This weekend, 36 of the top-ranked wakeboarders in the world will descend on Tampa to compete in the Red Bull Wake Open in the waterfront at the Tampa Convention Center. Performing tricks like the Double Backroll Mobe, the Half Cab Double Backroll, the Pete Rose and the Tweety Bird, the Red Bull athletes will showcase their bravado in three different types of events, a first in the sport’s history.

“I definitely would say this is one of the most important events for the wakeboarding community in the Tampa Bay and Orlando regions,” said Auburndale-resident J.D. Webb, who has been riding professionally for Red Bull for the past nine years. “There have been world championships in Orlando, but this is the first time a major event like this will be held in Tampa. Having Red Bull come in there, always trying to branch out and grow a variety of industries, including wakeboarding, is special for the Tampa Bay area. They definitely hit the nail on the head with this one because people are going to see riders pushing it to the next level.”

The Wake Open is one of 25 events featured on the Red Bull Signature Series televised by the NBC Sports Network throughout the year. The series features creatively enhanced competitions in wakeboarding, surfing, mountain biking, freestyle motocross and snowboarding.

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On Saturday, the internationally televised event on NBC will showcase the most exciting portion of the competition when riders will use the Sesitec System 2.0 to perform tricks and jumps on a water terrain park similar to a skateboard park. The semifinals last from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and the finals begin shortly after the completion of the semis.

After experiencing a downturn in popularity due to the economy, the cable system has allowed the sport to thrive over the past few years.

“It’s a huge step forward for the new age in wakeboarding and the revival of the sport,” said Matt Sexton, who started the Keys Cable and Adventure Park in Islamorada after graduating from Eckerd College. “From 2008 to 2010, wakeboarding died out because you basically needed an unlimited credit card to either buy a boat or rent one out to perfect your craft. As wakeboarding became more accessible because of cable parks, it’s developed an urban following and it’s grown the customer base and the popularity of the sport. Cable parks have been largely responsible for the rebirth of wakeboarding.”

McCormick’s Waterski Wakeboard and Cable Park, located in Seffner, just outside of Tampa, prospered during the recent economic downturn because of the financial accessibility created by the lower cost.

As far as the pros go, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission Executive Director Rob Higgins said the Wake Open comes at a good time for the tourism industry.

“After coming off some record numbers over the past year for tourism, the summer months are when things slow down for us in terms of visitors so this is a great chance to bring people into the area and also create a postcard on television for people watching around the country and the world,” Higgins said. “It’s another chance for Tampa to showcase itself as one of the premier locations for every type of sporting event. The exposure for the community and the sport of wakeboarding will be positively impacted and sports in the Tampa Bay area as a whole will benefit.”

During the event, there will be many sponsors at booths showcasing their gear and apparel. In addition, local DJ, Brandon Thomas (DJ Drop Top), will be performing throughout the weekend.

The national anthem will be sung by Shannon Magrane of Tampa, who finished eleventh on the eleventh season of American Idol.

Here is a list of athletes and other pertinent information about the event: WHO: Wakeboarders from eight countries will head to Tampa on the most innovative playing field to date for the sport of wakeboarding. Of local interest, Florida born athletes are bolded below. As well, based on the facilities and opportunities the local area provides for wakeboarding, athletes have migrated to live in Florida for their sport (underlined).

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ATHLETE ROSTER Shane Bonifay Harley Clifford Nick Davies Raphael Derome Olivier Derome Adam Errington Clay Fletcher Tom Fooshee Dominik Guehrs Danny Harf Randall Harris Collin Harrington

Kevin Henshaw Dominik Hernler Cody Johnson Steel Lafferty Jimmy LaRiche Keith Lidberg Rusty Malinoski Shaun Murray Chris O’shea Nate Perry Brenton Priestly Aaron Rathy

Brian Reeder Marc Rossiter Erik Ruck Chad Sharpe Dean Smith Phil Soven Bob Soven Kaesen Suyderhoud Shota Tezuka Nico Von Lerchenfeld Shawn Watson JD Webb

WHAT TO EXPECT: Three categories of competition (Boat, Big Air and Park) will determine the best overall wakeboarder to be crowned Red Bull Wake Open Champion. The Boat segment will be towed by the 22-foot Malibu Wakesetter MXZ, and showcase an innovative, rider-influenced format. For the next two days, downtown Tampa will house the Big Air and Park competition as fans will watch riders launch off a 50-foot ramp to see who can pull the best trick. The new Sesitec System 2.0 will tow riders at precise speeds (up to 38 m.p.h.) through a rail park within short distances. This environmentally friendly cableway along with the boat will provide the ultimate pull to encourage riders to perform tricks never seen before in competition.

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July 11, 2012

JULY 11 & 13: Red Bull Wake Open Riders

On Wednesday, July 11, and on Friday, July 13, the Kevin Sutton Show brings you a double-header of sorts as we spend both shows talking with the competitors from the Red Bull Wake Open, taking place July 13 and 14 at the Tampa Convention Center.

“Wakeboarders from eight countries will head to Tampa on the most innovative playing field to date for the sport of wakeboarding,” says the press release. And a quick peek of the line-up says “absolutely.”

The list includes: Shane Bonifay, Harley Clifford, Nick Davies, Raphael Derome, Olivier Derome, Adam Errington, Clay Fletcher , Tom Fooshee, Dominik Guehrs, Danny Harf, Randall Harris, Kevin Henshaw, Dominik Hernler, Cody Johnson, Steel Lafferty, Jimmy LaRiche, Keith Lidberg, Rusty Malinoski, Shaun Murray, Chris O’shea, Nate Perry, Brenton Priestly, Aaron Rathy, Brian Reeder, Marc Rossiter, Erik Ruck, Chad Sharpe, Dean Smith, Phil Soven, Bob Soven, Kaesen Suyderhoud, Shota Tezuka, Nico Von Lerchenfeld, Shawn Watson and JD Webb.

“Riders will use the new Sesitec System 2.0 to be pulled through a water terrain park in front of the convention center for the Park and Big Air portion of the competition, say the organizers. “Launching off a single 50-Foot ramp, riders will pull the best tricks they can in the air.”

They claim that the “environmentally friendly system” will allow competitors to hit speeds up to 38mph in short distances. That should raise the stakes a bit, no?

Can’t make it to Tampa? Peep the Red Bull Wake Open Live on Saturday, July 14, at 1 p.m. on NBC as part of the “Red Bull Signature Series,” the most progressive and innovative wakeboarding, surfing, mountain biking, freestyle motocross and snowboarding events, showcased on custom courses from the inspiration of the athletes themselves.

For more information, visit www.redbullusa.com/wakeopen or www.redbullsignatureseries.com.

We can’t wait to get into it with these soaked sensations.

- Marky Mark

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July 12, 2012

Wakeboarder jumps, gnarly falls in the water

Steel Lafferty has been wakeboarding since he was 9.

By MARTIN FENNELLY | mfennelly@tampatrib.com Published: July 12, 2012 TAMPA -It’s barely 20 years old. It won’t be a sport at the upcoming London Olympics. It wasn’t featured in the recent ESPN X Games, where it was once an extreme up and comer, filled with big air, fashion air, 960s, 1080s, backside doubles, whirlybirds, tantrum to blinds — until it was apparently eliminated in a budget slash.

Your typical wakeboarder would be bummed over this, only your typical wakeboarder never truly gets bummed. They’re busy having fun.

Take my new friend, Steel Lafferty. That’s his real name. His brothers are Bob and Daniel. “I got the cool name,” Steel said.

He’s also barely 20 and a professional wakeboarder. Here’s a typical Steel day on the lake behind his house near Orlando: 1 of 3

“I wake up and I look out my window. If it’s nice out I go ride. If not, I’ll play Xbox until it gets nice and then I go ride,” Lafferty said. “This is the life.”

If you want a slice of that, come to the waters near the Tampa Convention Center this Friday and Saturday for the Red Bull Wake Open, where the world’s top wakeboarders, Steel Lafferty among them, will compete in three events, pulled by cables or boats, flying off waves, wakes, ramps, hurtling every which way, hanging it out over the hedge. NBC will broadcast live for two hours Saturday afternoon.

“You’re going to see wakeboarding like you’ve never seen it before or, if you’ve never seen it, well, you’re going to see wakeboarding,” Lafferty said with a laugh. “Double flips, 1260s in front of crowds. Faces 15 feet away.”

Sometimes the edge wins. At a recent wakeboarding exhibition, I met Steel, currently in third place on the pro tour, rookie of the year last season, one of the best — and his left arm was in a sling. He caught it in his line handle at an event in Seattle. He says he’ll be back this weekend.

“I broke my back when I was 14,” Steel said. “… All I remember is waking up on the dock, not able to move, I got movement back after about 30 minutes. The doctor said it was just muscular. I said, ‘Cool.’ “ Cool.

Steel added, “Look at Dallas’ knees when you get a chance.”

Dallas would be Orlando’s Dallas Friday, 25, the top female wakeboarder going, a four-time X Games gold medalist, an ESPY winner, a veritable pin-up for the sport.

And, yes, Dallas Friday is her real name.

Five ye. She fractured her left femur in eight places, her lungs collapsed in surgery and she was in a coma for two weeks. Two years ago, she tore her right ACL, MCL, PCL and all the other L’s you can rip. Oh, those Dallas knee scars.

“But I never thought of not doing the sport,” she said. “Our sport is about pushing our level and our limits.”

One more thing: “Hell, yeah, I’d love for it to be an Olympic sport.”

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“An Olympic podium would be sick,” Steel said.

He was asked about his signature moves.

“I’ve invented, or landed first, three different tricks. The first one, when I was 15 or 16, was a wake to wake 1080. I was the first one to land a backside 1080 off the double up and I did a toe side, back side 900.”

Forget it, he’s rolling …

“I’m mostly known for throwing it all on the line,” Dallas Friday said. “Even if I’ve got an easy heat, I’m going to throw down that finals run. It doesn’t change in my head.”

Steel Lafferty grew up in Fort Lauderdale. When he was 9, his dad bought him a wakeboard and it was on.

“Right now, it’s super young, it’s a young sport,” Lafferty said. “The guys who invented it are still alive. It’s just growing right now, getting more legit, now it’s getting more recognized as one of the top extreme sports.”

Dallas Friday attended Boone High School, where she pole vaulted. Central Florida, by the way, with all its lakes, “It’s like the Mecca of wakeboarding,” Friday said. She’s one of the legends, up there with wakeboarding great and Polk County resident Parks Bonifay (Where do they get these names?). Top boarders can earn six figures annually, but there’s no pecking order on the world tour.

“Everybody is just chill,” Steel Lafferty said. “How can you not be this chill when this is your life?”

He shares a lake house in Clermont with two other pro boarders, and overflow boarders.

“Any given day, they’re strewn all over the house,” Steel said. “I woke up this morning and there was a dude on the couch, another dude on another couch, a dude on another bed, a dude in one of the folding couches and two more upstairs.”

They dream of the sport back at X Games — or in the Olympics. Meanwhile, they’ll play Tampa this weekend.

“I can promise entertainment, gnarly falls, and double flips,” Dallas Friday said.

Note: Gnarly Falls is not a wakeboard competitor’s name. Not yet, anyway.

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July 12, 2012

Auburndale High graduate JD Webb closes the gap by setting world record

By Bill Kemp News Chief

Published: Thursday, July 12, 2012 at 7:13 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, July 12, 2012 at 7:13 a.m.

TAMPA - JD Webb doesn’t care if there’s a gap on his resume, he’s actually the proud owner of the biggest one.

According to the wakeboarding community, the 2005 Auburndale High School graduate set a world record covering “biggest gap on a wakeboard” when he soared 71 feet, rampto-ramp, over Lake Eola Fountain in downtown Orlando for the Discovery Channel’s “Stunt Junkies” show in 2006.

For his thrill-seeking effort, the 5-foot-8, 180-pound daredevil promptly received the key to the city and proclamation from Mayor Buddy Dyer decreeing Sept. 30 as JD Webb Day in Orlando.

This week Webb joins elite wakeboarders from eight countries converging on Garrison Channel in front of the Tampa Bay Convention Center to compete in the Red Bull Wake Open, televised live on NBC at 1 p.m. Saturday as part of the 25-event, year-round Red Bull Signature Series.

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Facts Red Bull Wake Open Where: Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin Street Best Viewing: Garrison Channel; the Convention Center and Knights Point at Harbour Island When: Friday 4-8 Saturday noon - 3 Admission: Free

“It will be different than we are used to having with the saltwater,” said Webb. “It’s downtown, which is pretty cool because they’ve always had the other events but never a wakeboard. Red Bull is a completely new (sponsor).”

The three-phase event begins today with the boat division held at Sun West, which is not open to the public. However, the Tampa competition is open to everyone with free admission beginning 4 p.m. Friday with the Big Air competition and concluding with the Cable Finals at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Tampa Bay Sports Commission Executive Director Rob Higgins said the Tampa two-day attendance totals could top six figures.

“The Red Bull folks think we can do upwards of 50,000 a day,” said Higgins. “I can see it definitely reaching that level. … It will bring out the folks that are familiar with this event and the folks that are intrigued in general. Maybe they’ll come back on Saturday after getting a chance to see it on Friday.

“We’re expecting a great atmosphere for the Open. It will also be a great promotional postcard of sorts because it is live on NBC for two hours. It makes for a wonderful event for the Tampa Bay community.”

Red Bull will award winners for all three divisions and then crown an overall champion at the conclusion. Webb feels the secret to winning the overall title is being “well-rounded rider.”

“There are a lot of tricks out there that are super hard, but if you don’t grab them or hug them and they don’t look the best, they’re not going to score as well as something easier,” said Webb. “If you can get into the top three or five (in each division) then you have a chance to win the overall.”

Other Florida-born athletes competing at the Red Bull Open include: Steel Lafferty, Shane Bonifay, Nate Perry, Phil Soven, and Shawn Watson.

“All three of the events are just going to be insane,” said the 20-year-old Lafferty, who has been wakeboarding since he was 10. “There’s a little bit of fear but you push through.”

Webb, who heads to England next week to compete in the Red Bull Harbour Reach held in the fishing village of Lyne Regis, is holding down eighth place in the 2012 King of Wake standings out of a field of 57 riders. He finished in 14th place last year while rehabbing from a 2010 knee injury.

The King of Wake competition, aired on the NBC Sports Network, is an eight-event series separate from the Red Bull Signature Series. Webb finished fifth last week in Seattle, the fourth stop on the King of Wake tour which runs from April through September.

Webb’s resume includes the 2008 Wakeboarder of the Year, 2x Rail Rider of the Year, 2004 Kelowna Pro Wakeboard Tour Champion and Rookie of the Year.

Webb turned professional during his junior year at Auburndale, when he chose to dedicate his full attention to wakeboarding over his second-favorite sport.

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Webb’s family decided to move to Auburndale from Anna Maria Island when he was 13-years-old, granting a reprieve from his audacious ocean-practice environment.

“My dad sold everything so I could move over here and move onto a lake and train all the time. So I knew the sacrifice my parents made so I could wakeboard,” said Webb.

“I’m very blessed with a great family.

“On Anna Maria Island I started picking up sponsors and they knew it was something that I wanted to pursue. My dad had a big landscaping business in Sarasota and he went back and forth for a while and then he eventually started his own business up here. He made it happen.” bill.kemp@newschief.com

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July 12, 2012

Plan your weekend

By Sharon Kennedy Wynne, Times Staff Writer In Print: Thursday, July 12, 2012 Plan your weekend Gnarly waves Red Bull Wake Open Hundreds of the best wakeboarders in the world will descend on Tampa starting at 5 p.m.

Friday for the two-day Red Bull Wake Open, a new international competition with three different wakeboarding events to crown the best overall wakeboarder. Using the skills of waterskiing, snowboarding and surfing, competitors try to avoid a gnarly fall behind a boat and launch off a 50-foot ramp to see who can pull the best trick.

It’s free for spectators to watch at the Tampa Convention Center, 333 S Franklin St., from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. — Sharon Kennedy Wynne wynne@tampabay.com

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July 12, 2012

Free and cheap things to do with the kids this week

Hundreds of the best wakeboarders in the world will descend on Tampa for the Red Bull Wake Open starting at 4 p.m. Friday for the two-day Red Bull Wake Open, a new international competition with three different wakeboarding events to crown the best overall wakeboarder. Using the skills of waterskiing, snowboarding and surfing, competitors try to avoid a gnarly fall behind a boat and launch off a 50-foot ramp to see who can pull the best trick. It’s free for spectators to watch at the Tampa Convention Center, 333 S Franklin St., from 4 to 8 p.m.

Friday and noon to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Posted by Sharon Wynne at 6:12:00 am on July 12, 2012

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July 12, 2012

Two do this week: July 12-18

FRIDAY-SATURDAY Red Bull Wake Open: Hundreds of wakeboarders will descend on Tampa for this two-day international competition with three different wakeboarding events. It’s free for spectators to watch from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Tampa Convention Center, 333 S Franklin St., Tampa.

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July 12, 2012

Red Bull’s Wake Hits Tampa

The Garrison Channel in downtown Tampa will host the 2012 Red Bull Wake Open this weekend.

By David Rice I July 12, 2012

Thirty professional wake boarders will take to the waters of the Garrison Channel in downtown Tampa this weekend in a premiere event staged by energy drink giant Red Bull.

Wakeboarding, a popular surface water sport that combines elements of snowboarding, water skiing and surfing to create a high speed blend of tricks and maneuvers, traditionally using the wake of a boat as its apparatus, although boats are no longer needed (see below).

The Red Bull Wake Open crowns the best professional wakeboarder in a two day competition that includes a big air competition, similar to what you might see in a snow boarding competition, where the wakeboarder is towed at high speed toward a 50-foot ramp before pulling off an elaborate airborne trick. This part of the competition will take place tomorrow beginning at 4 p.m.

On Saturday, the “cable” competition will consist of riders maneuvering their way through a skate park on the water and being judged based on the tricks they can pull off. This contest is done without the assistance of a boat, instead using a tow rope linked to a cable that stretches between portable towers. This event will take place from noon-3 p.m. and promises to include a multitude of high speed, high flying tricks.

Red Bull seems to enjoy Tampa as a venue for its major events, staging the wakeboarding open less than a year after its marquee “flugtag” event last rocked Tampa’s waters. That event has attracted more than 100,000 people each of the two times it has come to Tampa and this event is expected to do the same.

Can’t make it? Turn on the television: The event will be broadcast on NBC on Saturday from 1-3 p.m. Coverage will include footage from Friday as well as live coverage of Saturday’s competition.

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July 12, 2012

What’s Happening This Weekend: Tampa Bay

Still don’t have plans for this weekend? Check out some local events that are taking place in the Tampa area!

Friday July 13, 2012

Red Bull Wake Open

- More than 30 wakeboarders from all over the world will flock to Tampa for this competition - 4:00- 8:00 pm - Garrison Channel (next to Tampa Convention Center) - Free event

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July 13, 2012

Elevated cable system has revolutionized sport of wakeboarding

Parks Bonifay

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors/Fitness Editor In Print: Friday, July 13, 2012 TAMPA — Parks Bonifay calls it a skate park on water.

“You’ve never seen anything like it,” said the 30-year-old Clermont resident. “It has really revolutionized the sport of wakeboarding.”

He’s talking about the new Sesitec System 2.0, an elevated cable that will pull competitors through a water terrain park in front of spectators and judges today and Saturday at the Tampa Convention Center.

“You don’t need a boat anymore,” said Bonifay, who, despite his age, is considered a wakeboard pioneer. “You can set up a wakeboard park just about anywhere.”

The Red Bull Wake Open will feature more than 30 of the world’s top wakeboarders in Big Air, Park and Boat competitions in a fan-friendly environment.

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In the first discipline, the cable system drags competitors across the water at a top speed of 38 mph. When riders hit the single 50-foot ramp, they have a few seconds to wow the crowd with their best aerial maneuvers.

In the second discipline, wakeboarders again use the cable, this time to navigate a serious of obstacles, similar to what you might see at your local skateboard park.

And finally, in the Boat competition, the contestants perform a variety of tricks as they are towed behind a traditional ski boat.

Bonifay, one of more than two dozen pro wakeboarders who make their homes in Florida, grew up with the sport.

His parents were both show skiers at Cypress Gardens, and he gained international fame when at 6 months old he became the youngest in the world to water ski.

Widely considered the world’s best freerider, Bonifay won the X Games when he was 14. He went on to become a dominant force on the pro tour, where he added five Gravity Games titles.

The sport, he says, is nothing like it was 20 years ago.

“The boards have changed, the boots have changed, the boats are so much better,” he said. “And now these new cable systems have taken everything to a new level.”

While Bonifay said he is stoked to be competing in front of what he considers a hometown crowd in a controlled environment, he has recently made a name for himself pushing the envelope in the open ocean.

In recent years, Bonifay has wakeboarded in the Arctic, dodged icebergs in Canada and ventured to the South Pacific, where he dropped into one of the world’s most notorious surf breaks at Teahupoo, Tahiti.

Keeping those adventures in perspective, Bonifay remains focused on the task at hand: winning the Red Bull Wake Open.

“I think people are going to be really blown away,” he said. “The fans will be able to get right up close to the action. It is going to be nonstop action, full-out waking.”

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Fast Facts Red Bull Wake Open What: More than 30 top wakeboarders compete for Park, Boat and/or Big Air titles.

When: 4-8 p.m. today; noon-3 p.m. Saturday Admission: Free Where: Tampa Convention Center (333 S Franklin St.). Viewing locations are available around the channel, including at the convention center, Harbour Island and Bayshore Boulevard.

TV: 1-3 p.m. Saturday; Ch. 8 Locals: Natives — Steel Lafferty, Nate Perry, Phil Soven, Bob Soven, Shawn Watson and JD Webb; Transplants — Harley Clifford, Adam Errington, Clay Fletcher, Danny Harf, Kevin Henshaw, Keith Lidberg, Rusty Malinoski, Brenton Priestley, Aaron Rathy, Marc Rossiter, Erik Ruck, Chad Sharpe and Dean Smith.

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July 13, 2012

Mayhem Festival: The annual rock fest’s lineup includes heavy metal veterans Slipknot, Slayer, Anthrax and Motorhead, along with Whitechapel, the Devil Wears Prada, As I Lay Dying, Asking Alexandria, High On Fire and more. It starts at 1 p.m. at 1-800-Ask-Gary Amphitheatre in Tampa. $25.50–$64.50. (813) 7402446.

Red Bull Wake Open: Hundreds of wakeboarders will descend on Tampa for this two-day international competition with three different wakeboarding events. It’s free for spectators to watch from 4 to 8 p.m.

Friday and noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Tampa Convention Center, 333 S Franklin St., Tampa.

Summer Jazz Series: The Hot Sun Quartet performs at this edition of the museum music series featuring some of the Tampa Bay area’s best jazz musicians. Music takes place in the glass conservatory, and the MFA Cafe will be open, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg. $10, $5 members, includes museum admission. (727) 896-2667.

Capitol Cult Film Series: Friday the 13th: It’s the perfect night to watch this classic horror movie that marks the beginning of Jason Voorhees’ reign of terror. See it at 8 p.m. at Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. $5. (727) 791-7400.

Kids and family Friday Flicks in the Park: The night begins at 7 p.m. with food vendors and children’s activities, then settle onto the lawn for the movie Big Miracle, about a reporter who recruits his ex-girlfriend to save trapped whales. Movie is at 9 p.m. at Treasure Island Community Park, One Park Place & 106th Ave, Treasure Island. Free.

To watch Season finale; The Ricky Gervais Show, 9 p.m., HBO: Karl spends the bulk of the episode talking about the most memorable part of his year, which was apparently watching a bug eat part of his biscuit.

More to explore Find out how to share your concert pics with us at tampabay.com/things-to-do.

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July 13, 2012

Wakeboarder Steel Lafferty achieves dream of becoming pro athlete

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/recreation/fl-wakeboard-open-lafferty-0712-20120713,0,3067371.story

Westminster Academy graduate is one of the top 40 wakeboarders in the world July 13, 2012 | By Steve Waters, Sun Sentinel When Steel Lafferty was a boy growing up in Fort Lauderdale, his goal was to become a professional athlete.

He wasn’t sure if his sport would be football, basketball, tennis or soccer.

Then his father came home with a wakeboard.

“He said, ‘Try this,’ and I loved it,” Lafferty said.

“Once I hopped on a wakeboard, I was like, ‘This is it.’ I jumped on it and it just clicked. I wanted to go pro in it. I didn’t even know if you could go pro.”

Turns out you can go pro. Lafferty, 20, is one of the top 40 wakeboarders in the world and he competes on the professional wakeboarding tour.

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Friday and Saturday is one of the sport’s biggest events, the inaugural Red Bull Wake Open in downtown Tampa.

The competition will be televised live on NBC at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Wakeboarding is a combination of water-skiing and snowboarding. Riders are pulled on their boards behind a boat or on a cable system and they use the wakes they create to do tricks — spins, jumps and flips — for which they receive points.

Lafferty’s family used to go boating in Lake Placid on the many lakes in the area. That’s where Lafferty was introduced to wakeboarding when he was 10.

“I just remember I went for it. I had no fear,” said Lafferty of the early days. “I’d jump the wake and just crash. I never wanted to get off the board. I’d be out there for hours until my dad reeled me in.”

Back then, Lafferty, who was busy playing other sports, would ride maybe 10 times a year.

“I was always on a team,” he said. “When I turned 12, I loved wakeboarding more than all the other sports.

“I started watching all the wakeboarding videos and saw all the pros doing these crazy things. I said, ‘I want to do that.’ “ With the support of his parents, Chip and Mary Jean, Lafferty gave up other sports and focused on wakeboarding.

He would practice at Crystal Lake in Pompano Beach, Mills Pond Park in Fort Lauderdale, the Ski Rixen at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach and Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach.

Before long he was competing in tour events. After graduating from Westminster Academy, Lafferty became a fulltime wakeboarding pro. Last year, he was the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour rookie of the year. His sponsors include Red Bull and MasterCraft boats.

Lafferty now lives with several other wakeboarders on a lake in Clermont, not far from Orlando, which Lafferty said is “like the Mecca of wakeboarding” because there are so many lakes in the area, which attracts many of the world’s top wakeboarders.

Most days Lafferty is wakeboarding, although an injury to his arm when it got caught in the tow rope kept him off the water until this past Monday.

“This is definitely something you have to practice at every day,” said Lafferty, who constantly works on his tricks and tries to improve them.

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He’s even invented three tricks: a wake-to-wake 1080 (that’s three complete 360-degree spins between two wakes), a backside 1080 and a toeside backside 1080.

“I’m going to try to be a pro for as long as I can and promote the sport,” Lafferty said. “When I’m 40 and not competitive anymore, I’ll work on my golf game and try to make the PGA senior tour. I love golf.” swaters@tribune.com or 954-356-4648.

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July 13, 2012

Red Bull Wake Art Project | Art…on Wakeboards!

By: Andrew Silverstein Published: Jul 13, 2012 The Red Bull Wake Open is going down this Friday and Saturday outside the Tampa Convention Center in Downtown Tampa. While many will come to be wowed by high flying stunts and crazy skills at the hands of professional wakeboarders from around the world zooming across the Hillsborough River, there’s a great art exhibit inside the Convention Center you won’t want to miss.

It’s the Red Bull Wake Art Project and it features the work of local artists from around the Florida area, all of whom were asked utilize a wakeboard as their canvas. The unifying theme of each creation is the question, “What gives you wings?”

Presented by Red Bull and Tampa art collective Kick Start My Art, the Wake Art Project features the unique works of 17 different Florida artists, each with a signature style that, together, makes for an awesome collection of art-inspired wakeboards.

Once the Wake Open reaches its conclusion, the top three wakeboards will be selected by a special panel of judges and awarded to the top three wakeboarders in this international wakeboarding competition.

There will also be a people’s choice winner where you can text a code on display next to your favorite wakeboard to an official Red Bull number to cast your vote.

The Wake Art Project is located inside the Tampa Convention Center and will stay open from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 13 and 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 14th. By: Andrew Silverstein Published: Jul 13, 2012

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July 13, 2012

Wakeboarders take over Tampa Submitted by Heather Van Nest, Anchor Friday, July 13th, 2012, 4:19pm

Tampa, Florida-- Reminder: Something you don’t see everyday is taking place in South Tampa this weekend--The Red Bull Wake Open!

As we told you last week, the top wakeboarders will be competing on Garrison Channel in the Red Bull Wake Open.

The categories of competition include: Park, Boat, and Big Air. You can watch the wakeboarding action at the Tampa Convention Center today and Saturday.

Date and Time: July 13, 2012: BIG AIR 4 - 6 p.m.: Qualifying

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July 13, 2012

Watch out for those high-flying wakeboarders Posted: Jul 13, 2012 11:41 AM EDT Updated: Jul 13, 2012 11:03 PM EDT By: Alcides Segui, FOX 13 News

TAMPA (FOX 13) As you watch the “pros” do their thing at the Red Bull Wake Open in Garrison Channel in downtown Tampa, you realize pretty early this isn’t your average every day of wake boarding on the water—this is serious.

“The tricks in the air are obviously the best part,” said Kelly Sivyer.

The tricks are likely to take your breath away, and for good reason—you’re watching the best in the biz.

“We’ve got the top 20 wake boarders in the world coming to compete in Tampa,” said Jason Aughey of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission.

This is the first event of its kind, and it’s making it’s debut in Tampa. Organizers expect large crowds. They say more than 100,000 people came out for the Flugtag, Red Bull’s signature event, when it was in Tampa earlier this year.

They say that’s one of the reasons the Wake Open is in Tampa.

“We were able to build a relationship with everyone and make this happen,” said Aughey.

It’s something the fans appreciate, and that appreciation pays off big time.

“We’re projecting a little over a million dollars in direct spending throughout Tampa, and over a thousand room nights throughout the downtown Tampa area,” said Aughey.

But the Wake Open is about more than just cash to fans, it’s about watching amazing feats in the water and in the air.

“You can jump big, high, tall and you fall in water,” said Keven Tinsley of Tampa.

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TELEVISION July 13, 2012

Red Bull event to draw thousands

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrQc3PF3lB0&list=UUK0UUsCjtMRNtS3BPh1Yc4w&index=2&feature=plcp

This weekend is all about the big air, crazy tricks, and probably some unfortunate splashes in the Hillsborough River in Tampa.

july 13, 2012 Red Bull Wake Open expected to draw thousands excited to see big air and fancy tricks First time Red Bull hosted new event in Tampa Posted: 07/13/2012 By: Ryan Raiche

TAMPA, Fla. - This weekend is all about the big air, crazy tricks, and probably some unfortunate splashes in the Hillsborough River in Tampa.

For the first time, Red Bull brought its new wake boarding contest to town, called the Wake Open. More than 30 of the world’s top riders are competing in the event.

It’s a homecoming of sorts for wake boarder, JD Webb of Auburndale.

“To have this event come to pretty much our home town, all of our friends and family can come watch us and all the people from Tampa,” he said. “So it’s definitely exciting that Red Bull brought it here.

Webb competes around the world and calls this one of the best he’s seen.

While the city is looking for some big air, it’s more focused on what it hopes are some big crowds.

“The economic impact that’s derived from hosting this event is going to be something special,” said Jason Aughey with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission -- a non-profit that recruits events into town.

He says they worked hard to bring this one here, especially due to the city’s successful history with Red Bull.

The company’s other signature event, Flutag, brought more than 100-thousand people to downtown Tampa.

The Florida Department of Revenue reports bars and restaurants in Hillsborough had sales spike more than a million dollars in both months that event was in town.

“In terms of direct spending, we’re looking again over a million dollars with this event,” Aughey said.

It’s the kind of spending that Suzanne Galarmeau is doing.

“It’s what brought us here for the weekend,” she said.

She and her friends found the perfect perch at Jackson’s Bistro and Bar that overlooks the action.

The restaurant doesn’t quite know what to expect. They admit Red Bull’s last event caught them off guard.

“We were surprised a few years ago when they first came,” said Kelley Flynn, Director of Marking and Sales at Jackson’s. “We didn’t anticipate as many people that did show up, so we’re expecting somewhere in the vicinity of 15-thousand people.”

SCHEDULE Friday: 4-6pm Big Air Qualifying 5-7pm Big Air Semis 7-7:30pm Big Air Final Round Saturday: 9am-Noon Wake Park Qualifying 1-2pm Wake Park Semis 2-2:30pm Wake Park Finals 2:45pm Awards Presentation 1 of 1

July 13, 2012

5 things you need to know happening in Florida on Friday, July 13 (3) Red Bull Wake Open The best wakeboarders in the world will be in Tampa on Friday for the start of the Red Bull Wake Open. The event will take place on the water behind the Tampa Convention Center.

The international competition has riders competing in three categories: Park, Boat and Big Air. Athletes will be judged on overall impression and a score-based system with single-elimination qualifiers.

The Red Bull Wake Open is free to spectators.

Big Air qualifying begins at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. The semi-finals begin at 6:00 p.m. with the finals at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday’s Park event will be broadcast live on NBC from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

For more information, visit www.redbullusa.com

JULY 14, 2012

EXTREME ENVY

JASON BENKEN/Staff

Nick Davies eyes his landing during practice Thursday for the Red Bull Wake Open, set for Friday and Saturday at the Tampa Convention Center. The event is projected to have a $1 million economic impact in the Tampa area.

By LAURA KINSLER | The Tampa Tribune Published: July 14, 2012 TAMPA --Thousands of spectators and a national television audience will get to see a premiere wakeboarding competition today as the Red Bull Wake Open takes over Garrison Channel at the Tampa Convention Center.

It is exactly the type of event Patrick Panakos wants to bring to Pasco County’s Sunwest mine — if the county gets a federal permit for the water park in Aripeka.

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“If they give us that permit and go-ahead, we’ll be able to host events like this up at Sunwest,” he said.

Panakos, a Clearwater native and owner of the Wake Park Project, has a deal with Pasco County to build a wakeboard park at Sunwest. His company has designed and built wake parks across the world. That’s why Red Bull partners with Panakos, a former pro wakeboarder, to install cable systems and obstacles for its pro events.

“I’ve worked with him for years,” said Sean Dishman, Red Bull’s competition director. “He’s the best in the sport.”

They worked together last year on a Red Bull event in Orlando. Panakos said more than 20,000 spectators watched the competition. “Red Bull brings the biggest and best competitions, and to be able to bring it to your hometown is really cool,” he said.

At his suggestion, Dishman moved the boat portion of the Red Bull Wake Open to Sunwest. “We can’t really use boats at the convention center because of the seawalls,” Panakos said. “The water would get too choppy.”

Dishman said the lake at Sunwest offered “the best conditions and best water” the riders have had all year. The finals of the boat competition, which were taped Thursday at Sunwest, will air this afternoon on NBC. “It was awesome,” he said. “The setting of that place is like a crossover between the Bahamas and some remote Caribbean Island. It has crystal blue water and palm trees. The conditions out there are perfect for riding in a boat.

I watched some of the footage last night, and it looks unbelievable.”

Dishman said he would “definitely consider” holding a major event, such as the Wake Open, at Sunwest if the park gets built. Some county officials have questioned whether the lake’s remote location would draw spectators for special events.

Dishman said he doesn’t consider access a problem. “I’ve got huge plans for that site,” he said. And with Panakos’ cable system installed, Sunwest would be able to host all three portions of the competition: Big Air, Park and Boat.

Tampa officials are expecting about 100,000 people — similar to the turnout for Red Bull’s Flugtag — downtown for the two-day event estimated to have a $1 million economic impact in the Tampa area.

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JULY 14, 2012

Wakeboarders get a little air as Red Bull competition begins

Steel Lafferty competes in the Red Bull Wake Open big air competition Friday.

CHRIS URSO/Staff

By JOSÉ PATIÑO GIRONA | The Tampa Tribune Published: July 14, 2012 TAMPA --Wakeboarding came to Tampa on Friday, and as expected, the Red Bull-sponsored extreme-sport competition drew a throng of teens and twentysomethings to the Channel District.

Along with Bill Wagner and his girlfriend, Nese Levy.

“It’s a good thing for Tampa to have these kinds of things,” said Wagner, 79, sitting on the deck of Jackson’s Bistro as he overlooked Garrison Channel and sipped on white wine.

“It’s good for the community,” said Wagner, of Harbour Island. “This builds the concept of a fun place to be.”

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Hundreds of people turned out Friday afternoon for the Red Bull Wake Open, where top wakeboarders competed in three events.

Though the wakeboarders skim along the water at high speeds, the real action takes place in the air. Fans soaked up the rays and oohed and aahed at the wakeboarders’ acrobatics as they flipped, jumped and turned well above the water.

Levy, a former professional gymnast, appreciated the strength, coordination, agility and timing of the competitors.

“You need a lot of muscle to do that and a lot of training,” said Levy, 48, of Tampa.

Lynsey Huck came with her 2-year-old son, Gregory Stopnytsky, after her friends invited her. She loved the view, the athletes and the engaged yet not intense crowd.

“It’s a nice way to get people out of the house and excited,” Huck said. “It’s something exciting, interesting.” I like the energy out here: very positive.”

Steel Lafferty, one of the top contenders in the world in wakeboarding, said the crowd’s energy was infectious.

“All the fans are super into it,” said Lafferty, 20, of Orlando. “When the fans are into it, you definitely are more motivated,” he said.

Lafferty will also compete this afternoon; the eventswill be on NBC. Lafferty said he’s thrilled with the exposure his sport is getting.

“It’s insane,” he said. “Wakeboarding is such a young sport. It’s progressing so fast and so quick.”

Kayden Shively was typical of many of the younger members of the crowd. The 12-year-old Mann Middle School student likes alternative sports because “seeing the same thing every day is kind of boring.”

“Seeing variety is something nice,” Shively said. “I think it would be kind of fun trying to get the hang of it.”

If you go Red Bull Wake Open Schedule: 1-3 p.m. today

Location: Garrison Channel, downtown Tampa. Wakeboarders will compete in three events.

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July 14, 2012

Sunwest site gets a tryout

By LAURA KINSLER | The Tampa Tribune Published: July 14, 2012

Thousands of spectators and a national television audience will get to see a premiere wakeboarding competition today as the Red Bull Wake Open takes over the Garrison Channel at the Tampa Convention Center.

It is exactly the type of event Patrick Panakos wants to bring to Pasco County’s Sunwest mine — if the county gets a federal permit for the water park in Aripeka.

“If they give us that permit and go-ahead, we’ll be able to host events like this up at Sunwest,” he said.

Panakos, a Clearwater native and owner of the Wake Park Project, has a deal with Pasco County to build a wakeboard park at Sunwest.

His company has designed and built wake parks all over the world. That’s why Red Bull partners with Panakos, a former pro wakeboarder, to install cable systems and obstacles for its pro events.

“I’ve worked with him for years,” said Sean Dishman, Red Bull’s competition director. “He’s the best in the sport.”

They worked together last year on a Red Bull event in Orlando. Panakos said more than 20,000 spectators watched the competition.

“Red Bull brings the biggest and best competitions, and to be able to bring it to your hometown is really cool,” he said.

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At his suggestion, Dishman moved the boat portion of the Red Bull Wake Open to Sunwest. “We can’t really use boats at the convention center because of the seawalls,” Panakos said. “The water would get too choppy.”

Dishman said the Sunwest lake offered “the best conditions and best water” the riders have had all year. The finals of the boat competition, which were taped Thursday at Sunwest, will air this afternoon on NBC. “It was awesome,” he said. “The setting of that place is like a crossover between the Bahamas and some remote Caribbean Island. It has crystal blue water and palm trees. The conditions out there are perfect for riding in a boat. I watched some of the footage last night, and it looks unbelievable.”

Dishman said he would “definitely consider” holding a major event, such as the Wake Open, at Sunwest if a park gets built. Some county officials have questioned whether the lake’s remote location would draw spectators for special events.

Dishman said he doesn’t consider access a problem. “I’ve got huge plans for that site,” he said. And with Panakos’ cable system installed, Sunwest would be able to host all three portions of the competition: Big Air, Park and Boat.

Tampa officials are expecting about 100,000 people — similar to the turnout for Red Bull’s Flugtag — downtown for the two-day event, which is estimated to have a $1 million economic impact on the Tampa area.

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July 14, 2012

Wakeboarders Tear Up the Bay as Wake Open Kicks Off

The 2012 Red Bull Wake Open got underway on Friday with the first day of competition in Garrison Channel.

By David Rice I July 14, 2012

The much anticipated Red Bull Wake Open avoided Friday’s spots of bad weather, attracting a healthy crowd to downtown for day one’s Big Air competition.

The setup for the competition has been ongoing throughout the week and saw wakeboarders take to the water on Thursday for the first time. As the contest heated up on Friday, the crowd continued to grow as the sun set.

On Saturday, the skatepark on water will see day two of action with the riders taking to the obstacle course to show off their skills as they vye for more than $30,000 in prize money. Australia’s Harley Clifford came away with the honors in day one.

For standings, results and more event info, visit www.redbullusa.com.

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July 14, 2012

Wakeboarders strut their stuff in Tampa Posted: Jul 14, 2012 8:12 PM EDT Updated: Jul 14, 2012 8:17 PM EDT By: Ken Suarez, FOX 13 Polk Bureau Reporter

TAMPA (FOX 13) They flipped, twisted and landed with a splash as thousands of spectators watched in awe Saturday in Tampa.

Some of the top wakeboarders from all over the world showed off showed off their best tricks in the final day of the Red Bull Wake Open on the waters behind the Tampa Convention Center.

Eric Gerhardt brought his family out to watch the event.

“Just amazing,” he said, following the morning session.

Despite and scorching sun and steamy temperatures those who attended had a blast. The atmosphere was festive as hundreds of wake-boarding enthusiasts line the shore and hung over balconies surrounding Garrison Channel.

“These guys are nuts,” Thane Covert said of the competitors.

Covert watched the action from his kayak. It cost him 20 minutes of paddling to reach the event from Davis Islands but it was well worth the trek.

Approximately $50,000 in prize money was up for grabs on Saturday. The City of Tampa may stand to gain much, much more in economic impact.

http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/story/19026917/wake-boarders-strut-their-stuff-in-tampa

Officials say the event generated over $1 million dollars in revenue. The Red Bull Wake Open and the enthusiastic reception it received may also strengthen the relationship between the city and event organizers.

“Our fellowship and our partnership with Red Bull has been absolutely insane,” said Bill Geisking, Chairman of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. “We’re hoping they come back with other kinds of Red Bull events.”

In 2008 and again last October Tampa hosted the Red Bull Flugtag event in the same location.

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July 14, 2012

Wakeboarders compete for crown

http://video.tbo.com/v/59339396/wakeboarders-compete-for-crown.htm?q=Red+Bull+Wake+Open

Thousands gathered along the river to watch the Red Bull Wake Open finals.

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July 14, 2012

Wakeboard event draws thousands to Bay Area

http://www2.tbo.com/news/2012/jul/14/wakeboard-event-draws-thousands-to-bay-a-07839-vi-28612/

The Red Bull Wake Open will take place in the waters near Downtown Tampa this weekend.

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July 14, 2012

July 14 Live Video shots -4x Morning Show segments with Sean Daly Red Bull Wake Open Sal Masakela

Parks Bonifay

http://news.yahoo.com/video/red-bull-wake-open-sal-122019709.html

JD Webb

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh71yG1bP0g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2fdBxj_E8s

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July 14, 2012

Red Bull Wake Open draws professional athletes to Tampa Bay area Posted: 07/14/2012 By: Jennifer Moore

TAMPA - The Red Bull Wake Open draws the best wakeboarders in the world to the Tampa Bay area.

They are competing in three categories: Park, Boat, and Big Air - athletes will be judged on overall impression and a score-based system with single elimination qualifiers in this three-day event.

Residents and visitors are welcome to watch the event live at the Tampa Convention Center as part of the Red Bull Signature Series.

Schedule for Saturday, July 14: 12 p.m. - Doors open to public 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. - Semis 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Finals Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_tampa/red-bull-wake-open-drawsprofessional-athletes-to-tampa-bay-area

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July 15, 2012

Webb finishes 4th at Red Bull Open

By Bill Kemp News Chief

Published: Sunday, July 15, 2012 at 8:36 a.m.

Last Modified: Sunday, July 15, 2012 at 8:36 a.m.

TAMPA - J. D. Webb didn’t win any of the three divisions at the Red Bull Wake Open this week, but he racked up enough points to finish in fourth place overall on Saturday, capping three days of competition.

Webb, an Auburndale High School graduate, scored 156 points competing against 40 riders, including fifth place in the Big Air competition Friday at Garrison Channel in downtown Tampa. The Open, televised live on NBC, is part of the year-round, 25-event Red Bull Signature Series.

“You always want to do good for your hometown,” said Webb. “We’re just trying to put on the best show and Red Bull always gives us that platform to do it.”

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Raphael Derome, of Canada, won the competition with 280 points after winning the Park Division Saturday.

Aaron Rathy, also of Canada, finished second overall and Harley Clifford, of Australia, who won Thursday’s Boat competition, was third.

“I didn’t do my best riding,” said Webb. “It just shows if you hold your own in all three events you can do well overall. If I would have just made it through a round today I probably would have been up on that podium. So that was kind of a bummer for me, but to get fourth is pretty good.”

Webb, who set a world record covering biggest gap on a wake board 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, leaves for London Tuesday to compete in the Series’ Red Bull Harbour Reach competition. sports@newschief.com

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July 15, 2012

Tampa plays host to world-class wakeboarding

http://www2.tbo.com/news/breaking-news/2012/jul/15/memeto3-world-class-wakeboarding-ar-431980/

Published: July 15, 2012 Wake Open, an extreme-sport event near the Tampa Convention Center.

Top wakeboarders skimmed along Garrison Channel at high speeds and performed acrobatics in the air.

Wakeboarders competed in three events during the two-day international competition, which ended Saturday.

Wave-riding skills were scored based on maneuvers and overall impression.

The competition aired on NBC. From staff reports

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July 15, 2012

Canadian dominates wakeboarding event by: Steve Waters

July 15th, 2012 | 10:09 PM Raphael Derome of Canada won the Big Air and Park competitions and finished third in the Boat division at the inaugural Red Bull Wake Open in Tampa. Fort Lauderdale native Steel Lafferty did not place.

July 16, 2012

Red Bull Wake Open gives Tampa wings An estimated 25,000 onlookers lined the area around the Tampa Convention Center last Friday and Saturday.

Posted by CHRIS GIRANDOLA on Mon, Jul 16, 2012 at 2:14 AM

Before the Red Bull Wake Open consumed Garrison Channel at the Tampa Convention Center, Tampa Bay Sports Commission Executive Rob Higgins said it was a postcard opportunity for the city and the wakeboarding community.

To say it was a success would be an understatement.

After being drenched by rain seemingly everyday since the arrival and departure of Tropical Storm Debby a couple of weeks ago, sunny Florida somehow migrated back to Tampa just in time for the Signature Series event.

On Saturday, with nationally televised coverage on NBC, an estimated 25,000 onlookers lined the area around the convention center, the bridge leading into Harbour Island and everywhere around Jackson’s Bistro, to check out 40 of the world’s best wakeboarders competing in an event many deemed as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.” With the innovative Sesitec System 2.0 cable system pulling riders along a “skatepark in the water,” riders from eight different countries showcased their elite skill set in the Big Air and Park disciplines with Canadian-native Raphael Derome sweeping the competition on Friday and Saturday to claim the overall title.

“This was epic, to say the least,” said Derome, who has a private lake set up with a backyard cable park system. “Red Bull created something unique for the wakeboarding competition and it gave the riders an opportunity to show the fans what we’re capable of doing. This was an amazing place to have this happen and it was an amazing turnout.”

The Sesitec system allowed riders to launch themselves 50 feet in the air in the Big Air competition and grind along rails to do gnarly tricks in a creative way in the Park event. It gave spectators who either knew of the innovation or had no clue of the technology an opportunity to see the new age of the sport.

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“This is cool for everyone to get out and do something different,” said Chris Wittherinton, 36, who grew up in Tampa and learned how to ski and wakeboard at the McCormick’s Waterski Wakeboard and Cable Park in nearby Seffner. “The cable system allows an event to be done in a setting like this which is pretty cool for this area. To have it connected to downtown Tampa and Harbour Island is pretty cool. It shows off Tampa and shows how active this region is and how impressive a place it is here.”

It also gave the riders a chance to compete in a unique event.

“I’ve always been trying to ride all three events; boat, cable and rails,” Derome said. “I love all three aspects, and to ride a contest that is actually rewarding that kind of riding is a really big opportunity for me.”

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The Saturday competition was the type of party Red Bull typically puts on for its multitude of events and the type of festive atmosphere that usually shows up in Tampa for celebrations like Gasparilla. With music blaring and wakeboard legend Parks Bonifay hosting the event, athletes zoomed along the water at 40-mph and ripped off tricks on a back-ramp, pipes, rails and finished off by launching themselves in the air off kickers.

Before the athletes competed in the Park event, they exhibited a different side to professional sports by signing autographs for at least 30 minutes.

“It’s pretty impressive they would do something like that,” said Tampa-resident Rawley Fox, 32, a sales rep for a local clothing company. “It’s cool they’re here because it gives you incentive to follow them on NBC throughout the year as they compete in other events around the world.”

A floatilla of boats with spectators joined the thousands on land to watch as well.

“It’s good to have other sporting events besides just football and baseball in this community and it gives people in the area something else to do,” said Bill Wagner, 79, a Tampa-based lawyer. “It’s nice to show people around the country who are watching on t.v. how impressive a place that Tampa is. It’s a great turnout and a great event.”

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Tampa-resident Shannon Magrane, who finished in 11th-place on the 11th season of American Idol, sang the national anthem to get things started on Saturday.

“It was an honor to sing in front of a hometown crowd,” said Magrane, who attends Blake High School. “This is such a cool thing for Tampa and to be able to perform the national anthem for it is an amazing honor.”

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On Thursday, under a sunny, blue sky, Australian-native Harley Clifford kicked things off with an impressive win in the Boat portion of the Wake Open, held at the pristine, aqua-colored lake of the old SunWest limestone mine site in Pasco County.

Rusty Malinoski (Canada) finished in second, Raphael Derome (Canada) in third and Adam Errington (Scotland) in fourth.

As is typical with Red Bull, a new format was implemented. Towed behind a Malibu Wakesetter MXZ, riders were given two passes to make the best five-trick pass, allowing ample opportunity to be creative.

Another change to the boat portion required riders to include at least one trick consisting of a 360 or less; this created a foundation of style and big air.

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The setup also exhibited the type of festive atmosphere Red Bull creates wherever the company sets up shop. And it revealed the type of camaraderie these wakeboarders have had over the years while going through the ups and downs — and the recent resurgence — of the sport.

Competing in a setting closed to the public on an idyllic oasis in Pasco County, athletes from around the world watched and cheered each other to greater heights. When Clifford was announced as the winner and took the stage, the other wakeboarders dominated the cheering section with just a few Red Bull officials and media members as the only other attendants.

“This was a great chance for all of us to come together and show the world what wakeboarding is all about,” said Auburndale-resident J.D. Webb, who finished fourth overall. “To have it done locally here in Tampa and to have it be such a success with so many people in attendance is exciting for where we can go as a sport.”

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Television Interviews

Daytime TV

Nationally syndicated more than 100 stations. Airs locally on WFLA TV. July 12 In Studio Interview Parks Bonifay, JD Webb, Rob Higgins - Tampa Bay Sports Commission

July 12, 2012 Evening News remote (2 segments) Reporter Josh Cascio Interview with Cody Johnson July 13, 2012 Morning Show remote (4 segments) Reporter Alcides Segui Interviews with: Parks Bonifay Adam Errington Steel Lafferty Shota Tezuka

July 12, 2012 The Morning Show In Studio Interview Steel Lafferty and Sal Masekela

Evening News remote Reporter Anthony Miller Interview with Jason Aughey, Tampa Bay Sports Commission July 7 In Studio Interview Rob Higgins - Tampa Bay Sports Commission July 13 Midday News remote Reporter Ryan Raiche Interview with: JD Webb Jason Aughey, Tampa Bay Sports Commission Morning News Live remote - Multiple Bumper Shots leading in and out of commercials July 14 Morning Show remote (4 segments) Reporter Sean Daly Parks Bonifay Steel Lafferty Sal Masekela

July 11 Evening News remote Reporter Bob Hansen Interview with: Dallas Friday and Steel Lafferty July 13 Evening News remote Reporter Josh Green Interview with: JD Webb, Jason Aughey, Tampa Bay Sports Commission Evening News remote Reporter Bob Hansen Interview with JD Webb July 14 Evening News Interview with Adam Errington

Radio Interviews

July 11, 2012 JD Webb July 12, 2012 Parks Bonifay

July 12, 2012 Parks Bonifay July 13, 2012 Parks Bonifay

July 13, 2012 Parks Bonifay

July 12, 2012 Rob Higgins

July 11, 2012 Adam Errington Steel Lafferty JD Webb July 13, 2012 Parks Bonifay Sal Masekela

Media Credentials

1010 Sports Nicole Angel 1010 Sports JP Peterson 1010 Sports Jacquline Plainte 813area.com Austin Carmody 813area.com Scott Conlon 813area.com Leslie Madwell 98.7 FM Kathy Suzewits All At Sea Southeast Glenn Hayes Alliance WAKEBOARDING Garrett Cortese Alliance WAKEBOARDING Bill McCaffray Alliance WAKEBOARDING Josh McWillians Alliance WAKEBOARDING Patrick Weiland AP Chris O’Meara BullsGuide.com Brandin Lewis BullsGuide.com Rafael Martin C12 Productions Chad Donohue C12 Productions Thom Warren Creative Loafing Julie Ganisto Creative Loafing Daniel Veintimilla Creative Loafing Chris Girandola Creative Loafing Rick Watson Cruising World Magazine James Hunter Cruising World Magazine Rene Hunter CTTV Frank Crum CTTV Kaitlin Kearney ESPN 1040 David Botello ESPN 1040 Josh Strubble ESPN 1040 Cody Wilson FLMX Magazine Rob Koy Focus Magazine Nicole Abbott Focus Magazine Michael Brown Focus Magazine Conrad Delatore Focus Magazine Aldo Trevino Focus Magazine Charlie Woolford Freelance Daniel Bray Hyperlite Greg Nelson iWake.com Jeromy Leavelle iWake.com Tyler Trant Kevco Media Kevin Michael Kevin Sutton Show 740 TheGame Chris Ables Kevin Sutton Show 740 TheGame Gian Pietri Kevin Sutton Show 740 TheGame Kevin Sutton Kevin Sutton Show 740 TheGame Mayra Uribe Local News Service (LNS) Mike Dixon Local News Service (LNS) Paul Kaspar Local News Service (LNS) Chris Tilley PTEC-TV Matthew Gresh PTEC-TV Autumn Landis PTEC-TV Joanie Marie Workman PTEC-TV Mitchell Workman Tampa Bay News Wayne Cathel Tampa Bay Times Stephanie Boyer Tampa Bay Times Brett Churchill Tampa Bay Times Leah Millis Tampa Bay Times Terry Tomalin

Tampa Tribune Martin Fennelly Tampa Tribune Jose Patino Girona Tampa Tribune Andy Jones Tampa Tribune Chris Urso TourWrist.com Chase Sellmeyer TransWorld WAKEBOARDING Bill Dorster TransWorld WAKEBOARDING Ben Greenwood TransWorld WAKEBOARDING Shawn Perry TransWorld WAKEBOARDING Mike Whitt Unit Jeff Fagien USA Today (US Presswire) Kristi Guerriero USA Today (US Presswire) Kim Klement USA Water Ski Lynn Novakofski Wake Journal Joey Meddock Wakeboarder Charlie Kocker WFLA TV Jason Beisel WFLA TV Peter Bernard WFLA TV Chris Cogner WFLA TV Ryan Geba WFLA TV Josh Green WFLA TV Bob Hansen WFLA TV David Kraut WFLA TV Dan Lucas WFLA TV Malik Parler WFLA TV Adrienne Pederson WFLA TV Dave Reynolds WFLA TV Josh Green WFTS TV Frank Barrera WFTS TV Billy Bowling WFTS TV Kyle Cote WFTS TV Sean Daly WFTS TV Andrew Luria WFTS TV Ryan Raiche WFTS TV Jordan Vogler Winter Haven News Chief Bill Kemp WTSP TV Travis Bell WTSP TV Nicole Darin WTVT TV Anthony Miller WTVT TV Alcides Segui WTVT TV Josh Cascio WTVT TV Chris Field WTVT TV Kevin O’Donnell WTVT TV Ken Suarez WTVT TV Jeff Tewskbury WTVT TV Joseph Vazquez