News

Teams take shape for State of Origin Wakeboard Titles

Wed, 05 Nov 2014 04:06:00

South Australia and Victoria have unveiled stellar lineups for the inaugural State of Origin Wakeboard showdown at the Mildura riverfront this weekend.

Mildura-based world champion wakeboarder and event organizer Bec Gange is teaming with the South Australian squad, setting up a formidable combination with pro boarder Ryleigh Pfitzner and Matt Pierce.
Not to be outdone, the Victorians have recruited former national champion Jordan Uren, and national competitors Jacob Hore and Thorry Heaney.
The State of Origin Titles at the Mildura Rowing Club lawns on Saturday will bring together a full-day program of free and fun events including wakeboarding, family entertainment and an evening concert.
Bec, 25, recently returned home after taking out her first world title, at the World Wakeboarding Association Championships in Florida.
“The State of Origin is really just a great way to kickstart and celebrate the start of summer – which of course I think is the best time of the year in Mildura!” Bec said.
“We just wanted to organize a fun day by the river for people of any age.  It’s a great chance to spend the day relaxing near the river – there will be jumping castles and entertainment for the kids while the adults can relax with a few drinks and food at the Rowers,” she said.
“There’ll be among the best competitors in our two states and we’ll be putting on a show – people will get a great view of some awesome tricks.”
The challenge will include presentations before a free concert in the evening featuring Triple J Unearthed 2014 performers the hot new rapper Ivan Ooze, Mildura’s WZRDKID and the Adelaide-based Young Offenders.
Bec said wakeboarding was a spectacular viewer sport and Mildura’s climate and river presented an opportunity to put the city on the map.
“The aim is to host an event here for the community to come and watch free of charge, to experience what our magnificent Murray River can offer as well as showing what wakeboarding is all about,” she said.
“If it is successful and we have enough support we would like to keep it going – we hope it can be an annual ‘start of summer’ event for Mildura.” 
The wakeboarding will begin at 8 am, with the free concert beginning at 7 p.m