Experience the Thrill of the Pro Wakeboard Tour 2024 in Indianapolis

Transcript: PWT Stop 1 Indianapolis – Full Show

Introduction

[Music] [Applause] We are back at it. It’s the 2024 Pro Wakeboard Tour presented by Supra Boats, and we’re here in Indianapolis for stop number one, hosted by Indie Boat.

Season Recap

Alexa Score: I’m Alexa Score, joined by Parks Bonifay. Parks, what do we need to know from last season? Parks Bonifay: It was a crazy season last year, a wild one to witness. If you missed it, here’s what went down in 2023. Injuries played a big role last year. Nick Raa and Cory Tunison, between those two, they’ve won every overall championship for the last five years. Their rivalry is thick, but they were injured off and on all last year. Gunther Oka was also injured all last season. He’s back riding cable and boat. Then we also have the personalities of La Familia with some characters. The Ditch Brothers, Sam Brown, MSI Perer Ready, and the one who took down the overall Championship, Tyler High. Everyone’s healthy, 2024 is a new year. It’s on; it’s going to be one to watch. Do not miss this.

Semifinals Highlights

Parks: Like you said, we’ve got all the characters, all the heavy hitters back and healthy. We are already setting the stage for an insane Pro Wakeboard final today. Let’s see what happened in semis. [Music] Athlete 1: Yeah, it was a little breezy out there for sure. Second pass, I had to keep in mind the wind was coming at me more. Stoked though. Athlete 2: It was pretty challenging out there. I got some bubbles, but I still stood up and did what I wanted. Just played it safe and put some points down. Athlete 3: Probably some of the toughest conditions I’ve ridden in. It was super windy. Tried to make the most of it. Happy to put down a mostly full stand-up run. Can’t complain. Athlete 4: I’ve been saying it for a long time now; it’s not just a couple of guys that can win these things; it’s a lot of people. Going down to semifinals and quarterfinals was crazy. Confident with how I did. We got seven in, so now it’s just a waiting game.

Finals Highlights

Alexa: The course is pretty good. You can manage really well since you only have seven tricks. All the La Familia boys in one heat—that’s kind of a bummer, but it’s going to be insane. I’m just happy I put seven down. I’m out here riding with everyone in the second round. We’ll see what everyone else does. Maybe I make it through, maybe I don’t. Regardless, still hitting the biz tonight. You know what it is. Athlete 5: I miss this. I miss hanging out with all the homies and being in the bib. It’s nice to be back. Not the exact run I was hoping for, but I’m stoked to make it to semis. The first round was gnarly. Unfortunately, got to leave this one up to the judges. Upsets happening left and right. We’ll see what happens. Athlete 6: Didn’t have the run I wanted. It was pretty windy. Fell twice, but still got the run done. Felt like I was trick skiing at the end but got seven done. Think it’ll be enough to make the final. Now I need to shape up for the final. Had some weird falls this weekend, so time to get it together. Athlete 7: From what I’ve seen and heard, the riders are ready to leave it all on the water today. Cory Tunison, Tyler High in the top seed, Thomas Herman’s in the final looking to get his first win of his career. Packed crowd on the shoreline. Mosi Milliano is fired up to ride in this crowd. We are in for a heater today. Buckle up.

Pro Waker Finals

Alexa: The format for this contest is different from what these guys are used to. It’s a no-fall scenario. Jet, having gone down in the semifinals, rethought his strategy. Unfortunately, Frankie went down on his first pass. Robert and Jet got in several tricks through Pass 1 and 2, but Jet sneaked in a couple extra. He went with all his consistent tricks and ended up pulling it out with the win. Jet, how does it feel to win stop number one? Jet: It feels pretty good. Didn’t do too well in semis but came out and knew what I had to do. We’re hyped. Alexa: What’s it like being in front of a crowd like this? Jet: It’s awesome. One of my first times with a big crowd. Glad to see everyone loves the sport and we’re growing. Alexa: What are you looking forward to most this season? Jet: Working hard, always want to be first. Tough competition, lots of kids coming up. They’re getting really good. We’re excited. Alexa: Congratulations. We’re excited too. See you next stop. Jet: Thank you.

Junior Pro Wakeboard Finals

Alexa: Pro Waker finals are done, but we also have the best junior pro wakeboarders out here today. Let’s check out their finals runs right now. Athlete 8: Here we are, the junior pro wakeboard final underway. Max SAA on the water, the youngest in the event. Impressive to watch him battle through these conditions. Strong wind, but the little dude persevered, rounded out in third position. Impressive. Athlete 9: Noah Ballard, really consistent, fun to watch. Unique tricks. First in the first round, squeaked out by Shion in the second. Shion Takaiwa from Japan, fun to watch. Japanese riders are super stylish. Congrats to Shion for taking it down in the two-round format. Alexa: I’m here with the winner of the junior pro event, Shion Takaiwa. You’re such a stylish rider. Double grab Hill 7 was impressive. How are you feeling after that big win? Shion: I’m stoked to win. Thankful for everyone who helped me.