2003 Corona Nationals

The 2003 New Zealand Corona Wakeboard Nationals was held at the Blue Lake in Rotorua on March 21st and 22nd, in perfect Wakeboarding conditions; glass calm water, with a mixture of overcast and sunny, warm weather.

Juniors were first off the dock. Ben Carter proved to be untouchable in first place, displaying what seems to be the result of training behind his fathers new WakeSetter - pulling off some well executed inverts including a huge solid Elephant. Young Nick Gibson from Orakei Korako also put in a strong performance for second place.

Newcomer, Jane King from the south island, caused a dilemma for the organising committee being the only junior girl entrant. After deliberation it was decided to put her in the junior boys rather than the open women due to her unknown riding ability. This proved to be a mistake as her outstanding performance would have positioned her as a big threat to the top three in the open women’s division. Congratulations to Jane King for proving the Committee incorrect and we look forward to seeing this rising star take on the competition in the future.

Open Mens Division was a showcase of talent. Pro Jeff Weatherall, who has been spending much of his time over in Orlando, strutted his stuff on the water showing us all how it is done. The dreaded Jason McArthur nipping at his heels in second, busting out some big moves. He was closely followed by Ant Collins in third, showing us that all that riding overseas has paid off. Last years champ, Richie Wells, was unable to compete due to not being able to make it to the heats on Friday. Disappointing for him to be unable to defend his title, we will hopefully see you there next year.

Open Women, Andrea Fountain once again took home the title and brought out some new moves including a scarecrow and an attempted backroll. Colette Riley was there with her support crew, a great performance, and a great place, second. In third was Flicla Davison, making it look too easy.

The Veterans (old fogies) division displayed a variety of different performances including one crazy participant wearing Speedo's.....? Making up for what little ability he had on the water by entertaining us with advertising the results of using the ‘Butt Blaster 2000’. The all out winner of this division, Richard Patterson, had obviously sold out of his Wakeboard vests and had to resort to borrowing an old buoyancy vest and life ring from one of the local ski boats.

Intermediate was the biggest division this year with a total of 10 finalists, good to see more people getting into the sport.

In First place was Josh O’Connell with a stunning display, a well deserved first. Second was the new Mike Wolf who had obviously come out to surprise us with some big moves. Third was David Evans (Brother of Tony) with some technical tricks including a Blind 180. Great display from everyone in the Intermediates. We should see the majority of you in the Open Men division next year.

The Masters, Water Bogan (Gavin Broadbent) showed us all how it is done and he never fails to stick everything as solid as a rock. The notorious Justin Hamlen also known as ‘J’ in second, he’s got the style and urrh... the style, a very style performance. Keith Riley shows that he’s not scared to go up against the big boys and comes away with a third.

There was a bit of change in scenery for the Corona party. Last year it was at the competition site, but this year was held in a local Rotorua backpackers bar. With a bus organised for transportation and the enticement of Swedish blondes seeking an overseas experience, everyone seemed to find their way to a great night on the sponsors products in RotoVegas.

A few unnamed (under aged) young studs managed to crack the system and scam themselves a wristband or two to give them access to a night of Corona’s and ‘Quick F*#ks’ (a type of shot) - some ended up regretting this on their trip home in the bus!

A great time had by all... hope to see you all there next year.

Brad Smeele