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 2019 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. Since 2013, the Malibu Rider Experience has hosted thousands of riders from first-timers to those making the transition to pro, while building local and national wake communities that fully encompass the spectrum of the sport that makes wake unlike anything in its path. The 2019 season will see increased prize money for the Jr. Pro series, new locations, additional sponsors and more!

Kicking off with Freeride Friday, riders of all skill levels receive an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the course and receive tips from Malibu’s Pro athletes. The WWA staff will conduct a Judges Experience clinic at each stop 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, this gives amateur riders the chance to compete with riders in their region and qualify for the WWA Wakeboard National Championships and aspiring pros 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 in a laid-back atmosphere with family and friends.

“The 2018 season was one for the books with the many friends, new families, and brand-new riders brought into the sport around the U.S. and Canada. Coming off such high momentum, we are expecting nothing but the best for the upcoming 2019 season and we are thrilled to once again put together the series alongside Malibu Boats. The progression in wake right now is unreal and we can’t wait to see what’s to come!” 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 wake’s next elite contender will be 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 fifth consecutive year. The Jr. Pro Men’s division will once again be the featured WWA Regional Championships main event with a total of $20,000 in prize money and travel scholarships to the WWA Wakeboard National Championships and/or the WWA Wakeboard World Championships.

Malibu Boats 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 for the 2019 WWA Wakeboard National Championships (boat only).

All riders must hold a current WWA Pro Card in order to register in the pro division at any WWA wakeboard event. The top 15 riders on the 2018 WWA Wakeboard World Rankings list will retain their Pro Card for the 2019 season. All other riders must obtain their Pro Card at one of five qualifying events. For a full list of rules visit TheWWA.com/ProCard.

2019 Malibu WWA Rider Experience Dates:

Rider Experience South

Host Dealer: Tommy’s Florida

Orlando, Florida

May 3 – 5

Rider Experience West

Host Dealer: Idaho Watersports

Broadside Harbor Ski Lakes, Caldwell, Idaho

June 14 – 16

Rider Experience Central

Host Dealer: Family Powersports

San Angelo, Texas

July 12 - 14

Rider Experience North

Host Dealer: Chessie Marine

Lake Anna State Park, Spotsylvania, Virginia

July 19 - 21

Rider Experience Canada

Host Dealer: TBD

Ontario, Canada

August 2 – 4