I don't think it is a problem not to have the pros there. The pros have lots of venues and this gives some other kids an opportunity to podium and compete. Not that I am against the pros riding at these. I just would hope they are taking at least 12 hours.
Too bad you all aren't old like me and wakeboarded for Florida Southern College when just starting to blow up...circa 95-96 with Shaun Murray before he went pro...He is the nicest dude you could ever meet...we used to skate around campus and wakeboard after practice...hitting double ups....railsliding an old pontoon boat that was just a platform...almost getting bit by gators and water mocs....crazy PJ