Lines of boats quickly formed this past weekend as everyone gathered for the much anticipated, annual Wakefest on Center Hill Lake outside Cookeville, TN. Wakefest is one of wakeboarding’s largest grassroots competitions in the Southeast and has been continually growing since its inception on Old Hickory Lake in 2005. In fact, it grew so large that the event had to relocate to Pates Ford Marina at Center Hill Lake in 2012 to accommodate such a massive audience.
This year brought riders from all over the world together to compete in a fan-favored competition pulled by the newly unveiled 2020 Malibu Wakesetter 23 MXZ. The 23 MXZ is the first of its kind giving riders pro-level wakes and waves behind the boat and next-level luxury inside with the pickle-fork bow. Pair this maximized boat with a pro rider, and the crowd will never forget it. With $50k on the line Sunday, this boat did not disappoint.
Friday, people got to participate in the Malibu Just Ride Tour powered by GM Marine where Malibu Pro Athletes took people out for a demo day on the water. Pulled behind the new 25 LSV, they could tailor their time on the water to learn a new trick, try a new board, or get tips from the pros. Saturday heated up with competitions from the Grom’s 9 and Under Division, Juniors 10-13 Division, Beginner Division, Women’s Division, and wrapped up with the Pro Women and Pro Men Division. Malibu Athlete Tarah Mikacich (USA) took Pro Women’s second place with Malibu’s Charli Shore (AUS) taking home third.
Continuing the excitement, Sunday saw a $50,000 one pass, 4 tricks, no falls, winner-take-all pro shootout, which is the biggest prize purse of the year. Coining the event as the “Super Bowl of Wake,” Guenther Oka threw 4 epic tricks that crowed him winner of this remarkable shootout.
Year after year, it is Malibu's utmost pleasure to be a part of one of wakeboarding’s biggest competitions, and we are so proud of every rider that came out and gave the fans more than they could have ever asked for. Big shout outs to TNT Watersports, Pates Ford Marina, Fish Lipz Grill, and many more sponsors for bringing the wake community together for an unforgettable event.
