Tornado warnings and flood alerts didn’t stop the top flowboarders in the North America from showcasing their skills on the FlowRider Double wave simulator this past weekend, as Hurricane Alley Waterpark hosted the second PRIME stop on the 2015 FLOW Tour.
50 plus competitors from around the country gathered at Hurricane Alley in Corpus Christi, Texas like cattle to compete on the FlowRider for bragging rights, prizes, and cash money.
In addition to the above, the 2015 points chase is on for a National Title and competitors would earn Tour points toward their National Rankings.
With national rankings and a cash purse on the line, the Pro divisions did not disappoint the spectators and waterpark guests.
The Pro Bodyboard division was highly contested but in the end it came down to defending 2014 North American Champion, Nick Sanchez (Florida), and 2012 World Champion, Daniel Tarapchak (California) left on the wave to battle it out for top honors. Both riders displayed excellent riding and performed high end combinations maneuvers through out the event, however, after Sanchez defended his home turf in Florida, collecting 1,000 points at Tour stop #1, Tarapchak was determined not to allow Sanchez to run away in the point’s race this early in the season.
In the Pro Flowboard Division, Jake Chipman (2014 Open Men’s Champion), made his Professional debut on the FLOW Tour. “Jake really stirred up pot in the Pro Flowboard Division,” said Adam Muller, FLOW Tour Coordinator and Head Judge. “
“It’s great to see up and coming riders challenge the season veterans, it help take this rapidly growing sport to the next level!” Muller added.
Chipman was a close runner up, after taking out current World number one seed, Sean Silveira in the Semi Finals. “Jake stepped up against Sean and gave Brad Spencer (2012 FlowRider World Champion) a run for his money by posting the highest scoring run of the Finals,” explained Shaun Hancock, event judge.
However, in the end, consistency and clean execution paid off for former World Champion, Spencer, as he claimed the top of the podium, holding off the young gun contender, taking home the Gold medal and a solid paycheck for the days work.
These results will create a lot of excitement for the 2015 season; the title is up for grabs in both Pro Divisions.
The FLOW Tour is not all about the Pro Athletes, there are division for all ages and skill levels; it welcomes and encourages beginners, local riders and anyone with the self-confidence to participate on the ride to enter the competition.
Things are also heating up in the Amateur Divisions; should not be over looked. Jordan Grigg (New Jersey) leads the charge in the Men’s Bodyboard division. Griggs stashed another 1,000 points by claiming back to back victories to kick off his 2015 campaign.
On the flip side of things, Logan Lindeman is focused on the road ahead and his quest for a JR Flowboard title as continues his dominance from wave to wave.
FlowRider contest are a great marketing opportunity for venues, not only does it create awareness for the attraction and venues but it also motivates the local consumer base to increase their skills on wave; in return generates repeat business.
“The contest brought a lot of attention to our waterpark and featured attraction, several guest even inquired about renting out the attraction for private use,” mentioned Jim Kunau, General Manager of Hurricane Alley. “We were very please with end result of the event and look forward to welcoming the FLOW Tour back next season.” Kunau added.
FLOW Tour would like to thank the event staff for their hard work, Hurricane Alley management and employees for their southern hospitality and the supporting sponsors for making the event possible.
Check out the full event results below:
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FLOW Tour heads to Alabama for PRIME stop number three on June 6th, we look forward to seeing everyone on the wave and enjoying the best craw fish on the market. Check out the remainder of the FLOW Tour Schedule and we will see ya on the wave!
