Rivalry between two New Zealand world wakeboarding champions ratchets up a gear at this weekend’s New Zealand Wakeboarding Nationals at Lake Crichton, Christchurch. Reigning champion Jeff Weatherall and up-and-comer Brad Smeele face-off from this Friday (March 6) as Jeff looks to defend his 2008 Open Men’s national title from Brad, who won the title in 2007.

With four world titles between them, these two riders are expected to lay down some exciting tricks that will no doubt impress both the judges and the crowd.

"The last time we faced off head to head, I beat Jeff for the first time ever! Now I know Jeff is hungry for a re-match”, Brad says.

Jeff took home the Pro Men’s title in 2003 and 2005, while Brad won the junior titles in 2004 and 2005.

With more than 60 competitor registrations expected, the Open Men’s showdown is not the only division to look out for. Reigning national champion and 2005 world champion Andrea Fountain goes into the Open Women’s event as favourite but is looking forward to some competition from new female faces such as Charlotte Mills.

“It’s going to be great to be back in the South Island and to see new girls giving it a go out on the water!”, Andrea says.

Thanks in part to recent Wakeboarding New Zealand coaching camps, the calibre of riders in the junior divisions is at an all time high. Riders such as 16-year-old Nik Gibson and 12-year-old Talor Walters will be setting the bar in the Junior Men’s and Junior Boys’ divisions, while 14-year-old Sophie Schollum will be looking to top off a great season with a win in the junior girls division.

Wakeboarding New Zealand, organisers of the event, are positive about the current New Zealand wakeboarding scene and believe the event will appeal to both competitors and spectators.

“There have been a number of new faces in the wakeboarding competition scene this summer and the level of riding has been incredible. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone come together for the premier event” says Darren Yearsley, President of Wakeboarding New Zealand.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to hold the Nationals at Lake Crichton, a record holding ski lake with calm waters and a great viewing platform for spectators, and we’d like to invite the public to come down on Friday and Saturday and check it out” he adds.

Held in the South Island for only the second time in its 11-year-history, the 2009 NZ Wakeboarding Nationals will offer locals a chance to witness New Zealand wakeboarding at its best.

Mastercraft is the official tow boat and major sponsor of the event with support of Liquid Force, Jet Pilot, Ronix, Hyperlite, CWB, X-box, Spy, Sofrana, Eco-decking, Tony’s Restaurant, Demon Energy and My Refund.

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