The World Wake Association (WWA) and Malibu Boats are excited to announce the return of the world’s premier amateur development event series with five stops of action for the 2018 Malibu WWA Rider Experience. Each season, amateur riders across the U.S. come together along with top Malibu Pro athletes for a weekend focused on the next generation in wake through family-friendly instruction and competition. From first-time riders to those making the transition to pro, since 2013 the Malibu Rider Experience has hosted thousands of riders, building local and national wake communities while encompassing the full spectrum of the sport and lifestyle like nothing else in the wake today.

Kicking off with Freeride Friday, riders of all skill levels get an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the course and receive tips from Malibu’s Pro athletes. WWA staff also conducts a Judges Experience clinic available to all parents and riders providing insight on what WWA officials look for on the water during the upcoming competitions. The WWA Regional Championships and Pro Card Qualifiers are held on Saturday giving amateur riders the chance to compete with riders in their region and aspiring the pro’s the opportunity to earn professional status. Surf Gate Sunday gets everyone back on the water behind Malibu’s Wakesetter Series boats to experience the best wave and surf technology on the water with family and friends.

This season, riders competing in the WWA Regional Championships will earn WWA USA National Ranking points with the opportunity to qualify for the 2018 WWA USA National Team. WWA USA National Ranking will be based on points earned at the WWA Regional Championships and WWA National Wakeboard Championships. The #1 rider from Each WWA amateur division will qualify to become part of the WWA USA National Team receiving exclusive team gear along with support for the 2018 WWA World Championships. 20% of all entry fees from the WWA Regional Championships will go towards funding the 2018 WWA USA National Team.

“Each season the Malibu WWA Rider Experience brings together old friends, new families, and brand new riders into the sport with 2018 set to be better than ever. Our educational and rider development programs both on and off the water give competitors and parents a unique opportunity to take their understanding of what judges are looking for to the next level. The progression we see during these events from riders in every division is unreal and we can’t wait to get this season started with everyone,” said WWA Executive Director Corrie Wilson.

Five regional events are set to take place across the nation, featuring athletes in all WWA amateur divisions along with the stars of tomorrow competing in the progressive Jr. Pro Men’s series. In addition to the North, South, West, and Central regions of the U.S., the WWA will also host a Rider Experience in Canada for the fourth consecutive year. The Jr. Pro Men’s division will once again be the featured WWA Regional Championships main event with a total of $15,000 in prize money and travel scholarships to the WWA National Championships and/or the WWA World Championships.

Malibu Boat dealers in each region will host the WWA Rider Experience events beginning in Florida and working its way across North America. Information and registration can be found by visiting TheWWA.com/RiderExperience.

All athletes must compete in their respective WWA Regional Championship in order to be eligible by invitation to the 2018 WWA Wakeboard National Championship (boat only).

All riders must hold a current WWA Pro Card in order to register in the pro division at any wakeboard event. The top 15 riders on the 2017 WWA Wakeboard World Rankings list will retain their Pro Card for the 2018 season. All other riders must obtain their Pro Card at one of six qualifying events. For a full list of rules visit TheWWA.com/ProCard.

2018 MALIBU WWA RIDER EXPERIENCE DATES

Rider Experience South

Host Dealer—Tommy's Florida

Orlando, FL

June 1-3, 2018

Rider Experience Central

Host Dealer—Stateamind Water Sports / Iguana Boat Sales

Lake of the Ozarks, MO

June 22-24, 2018

Rider Experience West

Host Dealer—Taylor's Boats

Salt Lake City, UT

July 6-8, 2018

Rider Experience North

Host Dealer—Tommy's Detroit / Skier's Pier

Detroit, MI

July 13-15, 2018

Rider Experience Canada

Host Dealer—Town & Country Marine

Peterborough, Ontario, Canada

August 10-12, 2018