The worlds top wakeboarders kicked off the Pacific Northwest leg of the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour presented by Rockstar in grand fashion during the first day of competition in Monroe. To the delight of thousands of spectators who flocked to Lake Tye, progressive riding was on full display throughout the first two rounds of action.

MasterCraft team riders leveraged their familiarity behind the XStar, the events official towboat, to register some of the day's most impressive performances. Among the standouts was top ranked Pro Tour rider Harley Clifford. The Aussie phenom continued his dream season in usual dominating fashion, launching jaw dropping tricks off the XStars huge wake including stylish rotations, difficult grabs and highly-technical rail rides en route to a round one heat win.

Fellow MasterCraft Team rider, Shota Tezuka looked equally inform today. The Japanese rider opened up his deep bag of tricks to unleash one of the days most entertaining runs, also earning a heat win. All round one heat winners bypass round two and earn an automatic spot in tomorrow's third round.It's great to be back in Monroe for another Pro Tour contest, said Chris Bischoff, competition director. The guys were going huge off the XStar today and every heat contained some of the days best rides. Tomorrow is shaping up to be a really exciting final day of action on Lake Tye.

Tickets for Saturday's finals will be available at the gate for $13 (adult); $5 (ages 6-12); free (ages 5 and under).

Prior to tomorrow's Pro Men's finals, the crowd will also enjoy the CONTOUR Big Air Contest. The mind-boggling 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.

To learn more about today's results, visit: https://www.wakeboardingmag.com/news/2014/07/11/pwt-monroe-day-one-recap/