Guenther Oka Takes Wakeboarding to New Extremes in the Florida Everglades

The thrill of wakeboarding takes a wild turn in the latest adventure featuring professional wakeboarder Guenther Oka. Known for pushing the boundaries of the sport, Oka’s newest escapade sees him exploring the expansive wetlands of the Florida Everglades, towed not by a typical boat, but by a roaring airboat. This exhilarating ride, set in a region where over 30% of Florida’s area is made up of wetlands, offers a fresh and thrilling perspective on both wakeboarding and this unique natural habitat.

The Florida Everglades, a vast and sprawling ecosystem, presents the perfect backdrop for this high-octane adventure. The airboat, a vehicle synonymous with the Everglades due to its ability to navigate shallow, vegetation-rich waters, proves to be an exceptional partner in crime for Oka. It provides the necessary speed and power to create the perfect wake for boarding, all while manoeuvring through narrow waterways and dense foliage that are inaccessible to most other boats.

Guenther Oka | Wake Glades

Guenther Oka’s journey through these wild wetlands is not just a test of his wakeboarding prowess but also an opportunity to interact with one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet. As Oka skims across the water, he is surrounded by the rich biodiversity of the Everglades. From herons taking flight at the water’s edge to alligators lurking beneath the surface, the natural inhabitants of this area add an element of awe and unpredictability to the experience.

The video capturing this journey is nothing short of spectacular. It showcases Oka performing incredible tricks and jumps against the lush, untamed backdrop of the Everglades. The footage is interspersed with breathtaking shots of the scenery and wildlife, highlighting the stark contrast between the aggressive athleticism of wakeboarding and the serene natural beauty of the surroundings.

This wakeboarding session goes beyond conventional sporting videos by integrating the elements of speed, nature, and adrenaline-fueled excitement. The airboat’s powerful engine echoes through the wetlands, creating a symphony of nature and machine that adds to the rawness of the adventure. The viewer is left with a palpable sense of the speed and skill involved, as Oka masters the unpredictable waters whipped up by the airboat.

Moreover, the video serves as a vivid reminder of the Everglades’ fragility and the importance of conserving such unique environments. It juxtaposes human innovation and nature’s grandeur, inviting viewers to consider the impact of their recreational activities on the world’s natural wonders.

Guenther Oka’s airboat-towed ride through the Everglades is not just a showcase of wakeboarding talent but a bold statement on the fusion of sport and environment. For enthusiasts and novices alike, this video is a call to explore and appreciate the wild spaces around us in new and exciting ways. It challenges the conventions of water sports, making us rethink what is possible on a wakeboard while prompting us to keep an eye out for the gators lurking below.

Find more about Guenther Oka on UnleashedWakeMag.

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Italian Winner

Showing grace and poise, Piffaretti posted the day’s highest score of 86.22, netting 28.53 for execution, 29.06 for intensity and 28.64 for composition from the judging panel. Piffaretti — the reigning European men’s wakeboard champion and 2015 world champion — had an amazing start and went on to beat Cory Teunissen of Australia, who took silver with just 2 points behind Piffaret, while 21-year-old Guenther Oka of the US bagged the bronze with 82.67 points.

“I never really thought about gold medal until the result came out. I feel amazing right now. I’m over the moon and I’m stoked to be able to come here in Qatar and perform the run that I had planned since day one,” Piffaretti told Gulf Times after receiving the gold medal.
“I take advice from every single person that I really like. That’s the kind of person I’m. I do believe that I can always learn from other athletes as well,” Piffaretti added. Speaking after winning the silver medal, Cory Teunissen said, “I had a few wobbles, had a crash on a trick that I never really crash on, so definitely a few unexpected events went down but I ended up with the silver medal so can’t be super bummed with that.”

Meijer Magic

In the women’s final, two-time European champion Sanne Meijer outclassed the field, finishing with a whopping 83.88-points, netting 27.75 for execution, 28.17 for intensity and 27.86 for composition. Alice Virag of Italy placed second with 66.45 points while Jamie Lopina of the US had 64.11 points to claim bronze. “I can’t describe how excited I’m. Looking at yesterday I was kind of disappointed in my riding but now I’m incredibly happy,” Meijer told Gulf Times. Banking on the experience from Doha, Meijer hopes to take her winning form through to the World Championships next week in Cancun, Mexico.

“It’s pretty hectic but I’m excited now. I hope to win but it’s going to be hard, really hard. It’s a different federation to this so it will also be different scoring. It’s only the second time I will compete in these kind of Worlds so it will be kind of like a tryout, but I’ll try my best (in Mexico),” Meijer said. Speaking about Meijer’s performance, coach Peter Van Getel said, “As a coach, I’m proud that Meijer won the gold. Three weeks ago we had a very fruitful training in Portugal and that was the last training Meijer had before this contest. Last week was a complete rest for her. “The competition is so well-organised; people in Qatar are so friendly. We just love being here in this beautiful country.” Getel said.

About the IWWF

  The International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) is the world governing body for towed water sports and has 90+ affiliated Federations worldwide. It was founded in 1946 in Geneva, Switzerland. It is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the sole authority for towed watersports. The IWWF is an affiliate member of the Association of IOC Recognized International Sports Federation (ARISF) and the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF). The IWWF’s sports disciplines include, amongst others, Waterskiing (slalom, tricks & jump), Wakeboard, Cable Wakeboard, Cable Waterskiing, Disabled Waterskiing, Show Skiing, Ski Racing, Barefoot Waterskiing & Wakesurfing.

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Winners interviews

Guenther Oka

How do you feel after winning Wakefest’s 50k Shotoout?

It’s unreal. With this being my first professional boat win, it feels so crazy to have done it in this fashion. Winning the biggest prize purse on boat this year means so much and gives me tons of fuel to keep on pushing.

What made your run better than the others ?

I’m not sure considering I didn’t get to see half of the other boys ride haha. But I stood up all 4 tricks I had in mind and put down the grabs I was looking for as well.

What do you think of the public here at Wakefest ? Are you coming back next year ?

Without a doubt. This was the equivalent to the super bowl of boat wakeboarding. Literally riding through the arena of boats and people made the contest so exciting. Everyone, including the fans, put their heart and soul into coming out and cheering us on.

What is the next stop for you and what are your goals for the next of the 2019 season ?

I’m off to Washington for boat nationals and then right off to Portugal for the Tomar Pro. The year is far from over but I’m happy to keep the party going and end it on a high note.

Have you got a video project ? With other riders ?

Always working on something! I don’t want to give anything away but it’ll be going back to what I do best and working with my homie Taylor Hanley.

 Can you talk a bit about “Passing the Handle?”

For sure. Pass the Handle is an amazing day for the entire wakeboard community. It encourages pros and amateurs alike to go out and spread the sport of wakeboarding. We dedicate that day to go and get a first timer up on board and show them the love we all have seen for wake. It is a global movement that keeps the sport fresh and spreads it far and wide.

Anything else to add?

I want to give a massive shoutout to the crew at TNT watersports in Tennessee for hosting this insane event. They pull it together every year and it something that will keep this sport going for years to come. Also Red Bull, O’Neill, and Liquid Force Wake for their continued support.

Meagan Ethell

 How do you feel after winning Wakefest?

– Overall, my Wake Fest weekend was one to remember. Winning the contest was a nice bonus on top of the good times I had with everyone there. Also, being able to showcase our sport in front of such a large audience was one to remember.

What made your run better than the others?

– The conditions at Wakefest were challenging, and all the girls threw down despite those factors. I think what put me in advantage was being able to stay strong through it all. I was able to lace up some technical and stylish tricks, and I think that helped put the top spot in my favor.

What do you think of the public here at Wake Fest? Are you coming back next year?

The number of people that were at this event was mind-blowing. Depending on my schedule for next were, I would definitely like to come back. Hopefully, we can push for a better prize purse so more females want to attend the event. Also, it would be insane to create a female Shoot Out to give the pro women that sort of opportunity.

What is the next stop for you and what are your goals for the next of the 2019 season?

On Thursday, I leave to Seattle for Nationals. It’s a pretty busy season at the moment with constantly being on the move. For the rest of the season, I’m wanting to focus on my riding and pushing myself to do harder/different tricks.

Have you got a video project? With other riders?

I have not started creating a video project because I’ve been focused on my riding and progressing it, but that is something that I want to do in the near future. I’m hoping to do a Red Bull project soon and with that, I would release a video.

Can you talk a bit about “Passing the Handle?”

– Our Pass the Handle Day in TN was great. We got a few people out on the water and gave them a really great experience. It is always pretty rewarding to pass the handle to someone new and expose them to our amazing sport.

Results

Wakefest 2019 Shootout Winner
Guenther Oka – 50,000$

Pro Men Winners
1st Cory Teunissen – 7,500$
2nd Nic Rapa – 4,000$
3rd Mike Dowdy – 2,000$

Pro Women Winners
1st Meagan Ethell – 3,000$
2nd Tarah Mikacich – 2,500$
3rd Charli Shore – 2,000$

Outlaw Winners
1st Parker Swope
2nd Ben Brown
3rd Nic Brown

Advanced Winners 
1st Barrett Swope
2nd
3rd Tanner Ledford

Intermediate Winners 
1st Frank Adkins
2nd Condrey Hunt
3rd Spencer Sullivan

Women Winners 
1st Wolfe Jordan
2nd Brantley Mullins
3rd Natalie Miller

Jr Division 
1st River Mayo
2nd Gabe James
3rd Clayton Moriarity

Beginner Winners 
1st Colt Reid
2nd Carter James
3rd Cole Moriarty

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*News from our partner SurferToday

Guenther Oka & Julia Rick

Victor Salmon walked away with the win in the pro men’s division, Julia Rick took first place in the pro women’s category, and young ripper, Fynn Bullock took top honors in junior men. With this being the final stop, the overall winners were also announced. Guenther Oka and Julia Rick ended up crowned 2019 US Park Pro champions.

“This has been one of the most progressive park series I’ve ever been apart of and watching the level of riding climb through each round was insane,” said Oka.

“I’m super stoked to win the final stop of the US Park Pro and become the overall champion! Big thanks to the organizers of the series. I can’t wait to join the tour again next year!” added Rick.

All three cable parks – Wake Island, Quarry Cable Park, and Terminus Wake Park – hosted amazing events and the athletes came out, ripping and showing total commitment. Interestingly, all three venues had different winners in the pro men’s and junior men’s divisions. The organization has already confirmed that there will be a second edition in 2020.

Highlights

Watch Guenther Oka’s hits at Gold Coast Wake Park on Unleashed.

Terminus Wake Park

Terminus Wake Park is Georgia’s first cable wake facility designed for all ages and skill levels! We have two full-sized cable lakes, a Learn-to-Ride cable, and the Aqua Park – our inflatable obstacle course on the water.

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Under, over and all-around

Filmed by Guenther Oka, nothing can’t stop the floridian rider who makes the difference at OWC.

Video from Meagan Ethell on Facebook.

Meagan Ethell shining is not the only one  wake video on Unleashed Wake Mag, find out some more !

Orlando Watersport Complex

Standard Cable is a great place to learn the basic, improve your skills, or just hangout for the day. This cable operates slightly slower making it easier for beginners and first timers to learn the fundamentals of watersports.

OWC offers an Advanced Cable lake designed for riders who are ready to step their riding up to the next level. We are the home to many pro riders and a destination for pro riders from all over the world. Our Advanced cable offers a variety of Unit features and even a few custom-made OWC signature rails.

OWC website.

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Sens dessus-dessous

Filmée par Guenther Oka, rien ne peut stopper la floridienne qui déploie toute sa panoplie face à la caméra.

Vidéo de Meagan Ethell sur Facebook.

Pour d’autres vidéos de wake, rendez-vous sur Unleashed Wake Mag.

Orlando Watersport Complex

Le cable park standard est parfait pour apprendre les basiques, améliorer votre technique ou juste sortir avec vos amis. Ce cable à faible vitesse est adapté pour les débutants pour apprendre les fondamentaux.

OWC avec son cable park avancé est parfait pour les riders qui sont prêt à monter leur niveau. Plusieurs riders pro s’y entrainent et les installatons vous permettront d’atteindre l’exigence technique que vous désirez.

Le site de l’OWC.

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Guenther showed great skills during the 2019 boardstock series at the gold coast wake park in Australia last month. He finally came back with the win in the “king of kicker” battle ! Watch him hitting the rails :

from Tom Heatley on Vimeo.

Find more about Guenther Oka on UnleashedWakeMag.

Gold Coast Wake Park

There are 2 cable parks on the spot, a full size with 8 obstacles in the lake that advanced riders can hit and a system 2.0 as learner cable, it’s also perfect for advanced riders wanting to hit the same obstacle over and over.

PROWAKE Pro Shop tocking includs a full range of wakeboards, waterskis and all the accessories. Wakeview café is the perfect spot for overlooking the GC Wake Park, with a quality menu, great coffee and beer.

Contact :
The park is located at Oxenford with easy access off the M1 Motorway
from both Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Gold coast WEBSITE

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