The day's prime performer was MasterCraft Team Rider Harley Clifford, who linked together ridiculously difficult aerials, stylish grabs and technical rail rides to win his heat and claim a share of the qualifying rounds high score. The excellent riding today was sweet redemption for the Aussie phenom, who took a hard fall at last year's Pro Tour stop in Lathrop on his first trick in the preliminary round resulting in an injury that went on to nag him for months.
California Delta native, Josh Twelker was a crowd favorite and had a huge cheering section during the first day of competition. The local boy made good, matching Clifford's high score for the round. His heat-winning run exemplified why he has a reputation as being one of the smoothest riders on Tour, as he cleanly landed a variety of huge rotating airs and near flawless rails. By finishing first in his heat, Twelker automatically bypassed round two and will resume competition in round three tomorrow.
Its awesome to bring the MasterCraft Pro Tour back to California, said Chirs Bischoff, competition director. The wakeboard scene is thriving on the Delta and the pros put on a show today for the fans; going huge off the X-Stars massive wake!
Tickets for Saturday's finals will be available at the gate for $13 (adult); $5 (ages 6-12); free (ages 5 and under).
Directly before tomorrow's Pro Men's finals, the crowd will enjoy the CONTOUR Big Air Contest. The larger-than-life specialty event features some of the best Pro Men riders launching from a ramp to perform massive rotating aerials that are rarely accomplished in a traditional contest setting.
For more information on the Day 1 results visit:
https://www.wakeboardingmag.com/uncategorized/2014/06/27/pwt-lathrop-day-1-recap/