Wakeboarders from across the country enjoyed near-perfect conditions when they took to the Mandurah estuary for the Mandurah Action Sports Games.
The pro wakeboard competition, held as part of this year’s Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest, had local and Eastern States competitors battling it out in the junior and open categories.
Victoria’s Chase Larkin delivered a stellar performance in the junior men’s division, executing flips, spins and rolls with finesse to clinch first place, while Mandurah’s Taj Hogarth secured fourth place.
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READ NOWFellow Mandurah athlete Stella Kennedy narrowly won the junior pro women category ahead of Perth’s Amara Priolo.
Defending champion Mackenzie McCarthy, of Queensland, took out the open women’s event with her fourth win at the event, ahead of Byford’s Charlotte Mateljan and Mandurah’s Symonne Kennedy.
“This is my fourth or fifth time in Mandurah and I always love coming here,” McCarthy said.
“The atmosphere is incredible and the conditions this year were exceptional. I am thrilled to take home the win.”
Mandurah’s Kai Hogarth took out third place in the open men’s division, ahead of Port Kennedy’s Nathan Lyons, with Perth wakeboarder Callan Starr winning with his awe-inspiring front flips and handle passes.
Mandurah Skate Park was also a hive of activity during the games, with more than 80 competitors vying for a $5000 prize pool across skateboarding, BMX and scooter freestyle events.
Baldivis nine-year-old Mia Kretzer impressed judges with her daring tricks to clinch victory in the open female skateboarding category, with sports manager Shaun Jarvis touting her bright future.
“There is no question about the future of where Mia is headed; if she can keep her head and focus, then the Olympic dream will soon be a reality and she will be part of the future Australian Olympic skateboard team,” he said.
Halls Head’s Evans brothers made it a trifecta in the men’s open skateboard division, with Zen Evans winning ahead of his brother and last year’s champion Cruz and older brother Via.
Perth rider Luke Tooze won the men’s BMX freestyle category for the fifth time and said he would return next year to defend his title.
“I love riding the Mandurah park; it is definitely one of the best in WA and Mandurah is such a cool place to visit,” he said.
Mitch Bacon won the men’s scooter competition, with Mr Jarvis labelling him “one of the most progressive scooter riders in WA” demonstrating “next level” tricks.
More than 7000 people watched the action during the games, with other highlights including a freestyle motocross demonstration, 3 on 3 basketball hustle and electric racing.