With summer coming to a close, we thought we’d round up some of the best wakeboarding and waterskiing moments of 2024 to reflect on the season. It’s been a fantastic year on the water, so here, we’ll share some of the highlights and innovations that have made it so memorable.
From events and innovations to professional athletes, we think you’ll love what you see here. Plus, keep an eye out at the end for events to look forward to next year!
2024’s Premier Wakeboarding & Waterskiing Events
So many different waterskiing and wakeboarding events took place this summer. Ahead, we’ll recap a few of our favourites.
Nautique Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament
Once again, Callaway Gardens was the backdrop for this iconic event, featuring the crème de la crème of water skiing and wakeboarding.
With live coverage and interviews, fans were treated to a close-up of the action and the latest in towboat technology like the Ski Nautique and Super Air Nautique G23. It was a spectacle of high jumps and sharp turns that left us all in awe.
Red Bull Cope'n'waken
Taking the excitement to Copenhagen’s scenic canals, this event highlighted the adventurous spirit of wakeboarding. We saw competitors navigating the urban waterways, performing jaw-dropping stunts that captivated us and everyone who watched.
World Wake Association Championships
At Lake Tye in Monroe, Washington, the Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships unfolded with athletes pushing the limits across various categories. It was a display of rising talents setting new records, which we think further elevated the Nautique Wake Series' reputation.
Wakeboarding & Waterskiing Gear Innovations in 2024
Boats, boards, skis, and other watersports equipment got tons of advancements this year, changing in design, materials, and comfort.
Nautique Boats
The 2024 lineup featured enhancements like electronic steering systems in the GS and S-Series, ensuring smoother rides and sharper maneuvers. The Super Air Nautique GS24 stood out with its versatile performance, catering to all family members and skill levels.
Hyperlite
In their 2024 collection, we saw advancements in wakeboards and wakesurf boards, designed to meet the specific needs of a range of riders. From beginners to pros, Hyperlite had something that could help enhance everyone's performance on the water.
Ronix & Liquid Force
We saw a lot of advancements in wakeboards this year.
The Ronix Carbon Air Core 3 and Liquid Force Quest boards were particularly noteworthy for their innovative materials and design, providing enhanced control and allowing for advanced maneuvers.
MasterCraft NXT23 & Malibu M242
These boats introduced features like the SurfStar system and Surf Gate® Fusion technology, revolutionizing wave control and onboard comfort. These innovations made waves in the community, quite literally, and changed how we interact with our gear.
Standout Watersports Athletes of 2024
This year, we saw incredible talents like Meagan Ethell and Massi Piffaretti shine at the Nautique Masters, with Ethell taking home her 8th title and Piffaretti impressing with his innovative approach.
Nic Rapa and Zahra Kell also made headlines with their remarkable performances, proving that the competitive spirit in wakeboarding is as fierce as ever.
Here’s a look at their individual accomplishments this year:
- Meagan Ethell (USA): Meagan defended her title at the Nautique Masters, showcasing a flawless performance to claim her 8th Masters Title. She competed alongside top athletes like Zahra Kell (AUS) and Eugenia de Armas (ARG) at the 64th Nautique Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard Tournament.
- Massi Piffaretti (ITA): Massi clinched his second consecutive Masters Title at the same event, demonstrating creativity and innovation in his performance. Nic Rapa (AUS) and Guenther Oka (USA) also put on strong performances to round out the podium
- Nic Rapa (AUS): He secured second place in the Pro Men's Wakeboard category at the Nautique Masters, continuing to be a formidable competitor on the international wakeboarding stage.
- Zahra Kell (AUS): Zahra has been another dominant force, securing podium finishes across various championships, including a strong showing at the Nautique WWA Wakeboard World Championships, further solidifying her standing in the wakeboarding community.
Looking Ahead: 2025 Wakeboarding Events
As we gear up for another year, here’s what we’re looking forward to in 2025:
Nautique WWA Wakeboard World Championships
The Nautique WWA Wakeboard World Championships is a premier event in the world of wakeboarding, typically held annually and organized by the World Wake Association (WWA).
This championship gathers the top wakeboarders from around the globe to compete in various categories based on age and skill level. Athletes perform behind the latest Nautique boats, which are known for creating optimal wake conditions for high-level competition.
We love the way this event highlights individual skills, showcasing the latest advancements in wakeboard technology and boat engineering.
Pro Wakeboard Tour
The Pro Wakeboard Tour is one of the most prestigious circuits in the wakeboarding community, featuring several stops across the United States.
We like the tour for its intense competition, featuring some of the world’s best riders. Each event on the tour includes both traditional wakeboarding behind boats and features events at cable parks, making it a comprehensive display of all aspects of the sport.
- PWT Stop #1: June 21-22, Indianapolis, IN.
- PWT Stop #2: July 11-12, Park City, UT.
- PWT Stop #3: August 7-8, Groveland, FL.
- PWT Stop #4: August 16-17, Lenoir City, TN
WWA Wake Park World Championships
Scheduled for September, the WWA Wake Park World Championships represent the pinnacle of cable park wakeboarding. It features riders from all over the world competing in a custom-built park that includes jumps, rails, and other features that challenge their technical skills and creativity.
We love this competition for its showcase of innovation, with riders and equipment manufacturers often unveiling new tricks and technology.
Reach Your Potential on the Water with Buckeye Surf
At Buckeye Surf, we’re a community of passionate water sports lovers dedicated to the thrill of the ride. Whether you're looking to gear up or get advice, we're here to help you make the most out of your time on the water.
Here’s to making more waves in 2025—see you on the water!