Date: 4/24/02
Author: HWPA Press Release

Related Items:
2002 Hawaii Wakeboard Pro/Am Series Photo Gallery
2002 Hawaii Wakeboard Pro/Am Series

The Hawaii Wakeboard Pro Am kicked off its ninth season on Saturday. Thirty-five of Hawaii's premier wakeboarders took part in the first event of the season. The event was greeted by an unexpected "Job Fair" next door. The fair had drawn 3,000 people to the area of which 500 or so got an added bonus; their first taste of wakeboarding.

With our unexpected guests eager to see what all the hype was about, the riders scored a bigger bonus; no wind, no boat traffic, and glassy conditions all day long. Anyone who has been to one of our contests knows that Mother Nature can be very cruel. At times, the only thing good about riding in Hawaii is the crystal blue water and riding in boardshorts year-round.

Everyone seemed to like the fact that they were given three falls instead of the usual two. This gave them an opportunity to put it all on the line. Almost everyone used their extra fall to their advantage. The only rider to make it from start to finish without getting his hair wet was the Masters division "Master" himself, Lance Brug. His wrap 540, big toeside backroll, and wrapped 360 gave him the win.

The day was filled with first-time contest riders. Butterflies were everywhere. Thirteen-year-old Zack Denzer blew away the judges with his huge backside airs and his stylie 180's, giving him third place in the Juniors Divison (he bumped up to give the older guys some added competition). The wonem's division seemed to be the most competitive. Sandy Schniffer celebrated her 21st birthday with a first place victory. Japanese rider Motoko Kouchi flew all the way to Hawaii for the event and took home second place hardware.

Everyone walked away with smiles, having had tons of fun and the drive to better their run at the next contest on May 25. We expect a lot more local riders and also more from Japan. Anyone needing information can email hwpa@hawaii.rr.com or call (808) 255-WAKE.

Results

Juniors:
1st - Bryce Walsh
2nd - Alex Tolhurst
3rd - Zack Denzer

Mens I:
1st - Dave Chase
2nd - Erik Shanklin
3rd - Dave Douty

Mens II:
1st - Ari Levine
2nd - Chris Bolin
3rd - Eddie Neville

Masters:
1st - Lance Brug
2nd - Eric Farrow
3rd - Nobu Torii

Veterans:
1st - Jim Walsh
2nd - Steve Cunningham
3rd - Fujio Furuya

Womens:
1st - Sandy Schiffner
2nd - Motoko Kouchi
3rd - Shiloh Pearse

Outlaw:
1st - Jason "Boozie" Mirtich
2nd - Reid Shimabukuro
3rd - Ryan Shimabukuro

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