Jeff Weatherall defends his title at Tairua Pipemasters
Sunday February 18 2007

Kiwi Jeff Weatherall showed crowds at this weekend’s Tairua Pipemasters what it takes to lead the world in the sport of wakeboarding.

Weatherall is back in the country to support the core wakeboarding event - which is all about competitors sliding rails and other obstacles over knee-deep water - and to defend his title as the country’s Pipe Master.

Last year the 26-year-old claimed his second world title in St Petersburg Russia and will continue his quest for dominance this year at the biggest wakeboarding world tour stops.

Up against a strong field of kiwi talent, he took first place at the Tairua Pipemasters on Saturday night with true mastery of the rails, ahead of Josh O’Connell in 2nd place and Brad Smale in third. (pronounced Smay-lah).

Judges were looking for stylish passes with big controlled manoeuvres and tricks like switch riding and 360s off the rails. A few crashes also kept the crowds on edge.

New Zealand’s other world title winning wakeboarder Andrea Fountain made it all look effortless in the Princess of the Pipes division of the event, taking the trophy against top women wakeboarders from New Zealand, Canada and the US.

Above: Fresh pics from the Tairua Pipemasters, from Greg Weatherall and Ali Smith. Greg took some of these shots using his ability as a wakeboarder to follow his brother Jeff during his comp passes...as you can see the results are amazing!