Mark your calendars: The Pro Wakeboard Tour begins in earnest on the weekend of May 16-17, starting in Fort Worth, Texas at Marine Creek Lake Park. The world’s top wakeboarders will meet to showcase their tricks n’ flips on the waters at the northwestern edge of Fort Worth’s city center. In addition to the pro wakeboard lineup, attendees will be treated to runs from top pro wakesurfers, and junior pro wakeboarders up and coming in the sport.
After kicking off the tour in Texas, the PWT continues in Acworth, Georgia, June 20-21, then Groveland, Florida at Lake David, July 11-12, before finishing off in Pueblo, Colorado, August 15-16.
These are the top riders you can expect to see, all of whom placed in the top rankings in last year’s Pro Tour:
Cory Teunissen (27, Australia)
Scoring 330 points last year, US-based Aussie Cory Teunissen made history early in his career, holding the title as the youngest wakeboarder to land a Switch Toeside Wake-to-Wake 1080. Born in Brisbane, Australia, Cory began his pro career in 2012 after being introduced to the sport by his father, Jeff – himself a champion barefoot waterskier who gained rank at just 15.
Cory holds two world championship titles and placed third in his rookie year competing in the Junior Pro Tour. Cory’s current wakeboard setup is a Hyperlite Capitol Loaded with Zero2 Bindings.
Nic Rapa (27, Austrialia)
Hailing from the Gold Coast, Queensland, Nic Rapa scored a collective 311 in last year’s Pro Tour and clinched the 2024 Nautique World Wake Association (WWA) World Championships with an astounding 75-point lead.
Nic started riding in 2011 at 13. With natural talent, he became the Junior Rider of The Year at Australia’s Rider Choice Awards in 2014, 2015, and 2016. Nic went professional in 2016, joining the Supra Boats Team to compete.
Nic is currently sponsored by Ronix Wakeboards.
Guenther Oka (26, USA)
Earning 305 points in the PWT last year, Guenther Oka began riding on skis and barefoot behind the boat in early childhood, learning his first techniques as early as age 3. Visiting his family’s home on Lake Williamstown, Georgia, gave him early access to figure out the sport he would come to dominate.
In 2015, Guenther moved to Orlando, Florida, to begin his pro career. He clinched his first finals as a rookie cable rider, took his first podium, and ultimately placed 12th in the 2015 Wake Park World Series Pro Features.
Guenther is also the recipient of Wakeboarding Magazine’s Check Out Award, crowned the same year. In 2015, Guenther won the Wake Park World Series and earned top points in the World Wake Association’s US Wakepark National Championship.
Guenther is currently sponsored by Liquid Force.
Shota Tezuka (31, Japan)
Earning 305 points to tie Guenther Oka in 2024, Shota Tezuka has been competing in the PWT for over a decade. Born in Gotemba, Japan, Shota moved to Orlando, Florida after dominating the Asia circuit in childhood. Despite knowing any English, Shota would quickly make a name for himself in the southeastern U.S. by going pro in 2012.
Shota made waves early in his career when he landed the first Heelside 1080 in a competition setting. He would go on to win his first PWT event in 2014. Every year, Shota’s commitment to training and pushing his own limits has earned him repeat top three placements in various pro circuits and competitions.
Shota is currently sponsored by Red Bull and O’Brien.
Ready to attend and watch the pros ride? Check out the Pro Wakeboard Tour’s schedule!
