Colorado River News

Air Nautique Pan American Wakeboard Titles Awarded

Orlando, FL – The first-ever Air Nautique Pan American Wakeboard Champions were crowned at Orlando WaterSports Complex on Thursday. Titles were awarded in five age groups: Girls, Men’s I, Masters, Veterans and Amateur Wakeskate. The champions represented three U.S. States and Argentina.

In the Girls division, comprised of girls 13-under Raimi Merritt of Lantana, Florida earned the first Pan American Championship. Tori Koch of Old Greenwich, Connecticut finished in second place and Alexis Racinelli of Ft. Mahave, Arizona finished in third.

This was not the only time the Koch and Racinelli name would be heard on the day. Wakeboarding seems to run strong in these families. Anthony Racinelli Sr., Alexis Racinelli’s father took first place in the Veterans division (Men 40 and over). Paul Koch, father of Tori finished second in Veterans. Dave Draper of Orlando finished third in the division. In all there were three Racinelli’s competing on the day. Anthony Racinelli Jr. competed in the Junior Men’s Quarterfinals on Thursday, winning heat NO. 1.

In the Men’s I division (Men 19-24) Weston Cotton of Lighthouse, FL earned the Pan American Championship. Josh Galbreath finished in second and Daniel Gremion of Mexico took third.

In the Masters division (Men 30-39) Gonzalo Chalo Renosto of Argentina became the first rider from outside the United States to win a Pan American Championship. Russell Parker of Virginia Beach, Virginia finished in second while Daniel Roig of Mexico finished third.

In Amateur Wakeskate Lance Duffett of Silver Lake, Wisconsin finished in first place for the Pan American title. Ben Kaiser of Orlando finished second and Russell Parker of Virginia Beach, Virginia earned his second podium of the day while finishing third.

The Air Nautique Pan American Championships will continue on Friday at the Orlando WaterSports Complex with the first professional competition of the week long event. The Pro Women led by X Games and National Champion Dallas Friday will compete on Friday along with the Pro Wakeskaters.

The Air Nautique Pan American Wakeboard Championships is a world-renowned event. The event is organized by World Sports & Marketing of Orlando, Florida and Sanctioned by USA Wakeboard. Competitors will be pulled by the Correct Craft Super Air Nautique wakeboard boat. The event has the support of the following: Verizon Wireless, Perfect Pass, Hyperlite, Fox Riders Co., Vans, U.S. Air Force, Infinity Marine Audio, Liquid Force, Gator Boards, CWB, J - Star, O'Brien, Double-up, Oakley, Toyo Tires, KMC Wheels, Love Sac, Execute, Mikker.com, Wakeworld.com, Wakeboarder.com, Say I Won't, O-Boys Real Smoked Bar-B-Q and One Percent Design.

Wake Boarding, published by World Publications, is the official magazine of the Air Nautique Pan American Wakeboard Championships. Wake Boarding is the definitive source on all things wakeboarding, with expert coverage of professional instruction, gear, boats and the latest news.