Wave Rider Marine Pro Junior Wakeboard Tournament thrills Mandurah crowd

Monday, 17 March 2025 12:29

By Monique Welhan

The Wave Rider Marine Pro Junior Wakeboard Tournament thrilled the crowds during the Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest.

The world's best junior wakeboarders pushed the limits of the sport in the Mandurah Estuary in pursuit of $20,000 in prize money.

It was Italian and World Pro Junior Champion Federico Dal Lago who secured victory in the Pro Junior Men's division, taking home $4000 with a stunning display of technical precision and amplitude.

The Pro Junior Women's division showcased Australia's rising stars, with local champion Charlotte Mateljan (Byford, WA) proving she is a force to be reckoned with, delivering a series of high-scoring maneuvers to claim the title.

President of Wakeboard WA Symonne Kennedy said the event showcased a huge amount of talent both locally and internationally.

"What an amazing weekend of wakeboarding in Mandurah. Having the world's best juniors here to compete was incredible," she said.

"The level of competition was unbelievable, and this event has ignited a national movement to develop more Pro Junior prize money-based competitions throughout Australia.

"This will ensure that Australia remains competitive among the world’s top wakeboard athletes."

Event Director Tim Thirsk also expressed his excitement for the future of wakeboarding in Mandurah.

"I was absolutely stoked to witness that level of competition in Mandurah, something we haven’t seen since the World Cup days in 2015," He said.

"It was a pleasure to watch and see firsthand where this exciting sport is heading. With so many national and international competitors, the competition level was driven sky-high for young, up-and-coming athletes.

"This was only made possible thanks to the sport grant from the Department of Local Government, Sport, and Culture and sponsorship from Wave Rider Marine and Coldmasters WA."