Canberra – the present and future of Australian wakeboarding came together today on the Molonglo River in Canberra to launch the first ever AUSTRALIAN PRO TOUR OF WAKEBOARDING. The tour will see Australia’s world-class, professional wakeboarders competing alongside the sport’s exciting ‘new blood’ at four stops in NSW, VIC and SA throughout January 2003.

Wakeboarding has been the fastest growing water sport in the world for past 8 years. Australia boasts some of the world’s best riders, consistently placing in the Top Ten at international events.

Aussie pro Josh Sanders, 3 time Moomba Masters Wakeboard Champion, and eight young riders undergoing an elite training course at the Australian Institute of Sport, demonstrated the future of wakeboarding to launch the Pro Tour.

The advent this year, of the Australian Institute of Sport’s first Wakeboarding Athlete Training Program and the first local Pro Tour of Wakeboarding, signals that wakeboarding has found a place on the Australian sports map.

AIS student and Sydney-based wakeboarder Scott Broome:

‘The combination of the AIS training camp and the Pro Tour will enable me to see whether I have what it takes to be a full-time, professional wakeboarder and compete on the world circuit.’

Pro Tour Organiser, Mick Watkins:

‘For years our riders have kept Australia on top on the international circuit. It’s about time that Australia had its own Pro Tour to rival those in the US and Europe – to take Australian wakeboarding to the next level.’

The first Australian Pro Tour of Wakeboarding will kick off 4 January 2003 in Nowra NSW with three further tour stops in South Australia and Victoria. The tour is certain to become Australia’s premier wakeboarding tour. The Australian Pro Tour will feature the best riders in the country competing for the title of Australian Pro Tour Champion.

The Australian Pro Tour of Wakeboarding will travel to four event stops in January 03:

Stop 1: 4th January 2003

The Australian Open, Nowra, NSW

Stop 2: 13th January 2003
Glenelg, SA

Stop 3: 19th January 2003
Caribbean Gardens, Melbourne, VIC

Stop 4: 25th January 2003
Mulwala Freestyle Festival NSW/VIC

APTW tour events will stage two types of formats:

1. Slider Double Up - Riders use floating obstacles to perform tricks and do one big air off a double-wake.

2. Freeride Format - Riders try to pull off as many tricks (and minimal crashes) as they can between the start and stop zone.

Invited to the first stop of tour will be eight of Australia’s best riders:

• Daniel Watkins 3 Times National Champion
• Josh Sanders 2002 World Cup Winner
• Brett Eisenhauer US Pro Tour top 10
• Wayne Mawer IWSF World Champion
• Chris O'shea Current Jnr Mens National Champion
• Greg Falzon Past National Champion
• Jeff Weatherall New Zealand National Champion
• Justin Abbott Australasian World Champion

After the first stop all riders will have to re-qualify for each subsequent event. Up and coming ‘rookie’ riders can also qualify for one of five wild card entries at a qualifying round, held the day prior to the main competition at each stop.

Check out the official APTW website at www.wakeboarding.com.au