Moomba Masters 50th Anniversary

Photo by Jarrod Moore

MOOMBA MASTERS WAKEBOARD FINAL RESULTS - CLICK HERE

RESULTS HEATS 1-4 - CLICK HERE

WAKEBOARD RULES, START ORDER AND RANKINGS NOW UP - CLICK HERE

Over the past decade, wakeboarding has rapidly grown from humble beginnings into an internationally renowned action sport.

For those unfamiliar with the sport, wakeboarding resembles snowboarding, however behind a boat on the water. The boards also differ in that they are wider and shorter, mostly between 133 and 145 centimetres tall.

The objective of wakeboarding is to display the most impressive line-up of tricks over the wake, which is the crest (or peak) in the wave that created by the boat's wash. For this reason, wakeboard boats are specifically designed with a low and wide hull, in order to pump out the biggest wake possible. These tricks are then judged on the basis of difficulty, style and intensity of performance.

This event is always a show-stopping favourite with the crowds, as athletes fly high in the air with awe-inspiring spins and flips. And with athletes performing these dangerous stunts, there is always the potential for serious injury that leaves the crowd hanging on the edge of their seat.

The speed at which the professional rider travels is approximately 24 miles per hour - not as fast as slalom skiing but just as heart-stoppingly exciting, with riders sometimes crashing in an effort to outdo the competition. Competition formats can vary. Some are based on a points system, and some are executed in a head-to-head style format.

A true highlight in the Moomba Masters program, the wakeboard event attracts some of the best riders in the world, including Victoria's own international wakeboard legend, Daniel Watkins.

Photo by Jarrod Moore

WORDS: Natalie Khoo