The MasterCraft European
Wakeboard Masters
Thorpe Lakes, UK
5th September 2004

Perfect weather conditions, perfect lake conditions and a MasterCraft X-Star waiting on the dock, what more do you need for a great event!

Thorpe Lakes was the venue for the 2004 MasterCraft European Wakeboard Masters and riders had flown in from around the world to take part in this prestigious event and to battle for a slice of the $20,000.00 prize purse.

Hurricane Ivan had caused havoc with some riders coming in from the states, Jeff Weatherall, Cathy Williams and Emily Bebbington were all stranded in Florida with flights booked but nothing taking off, much to their dismay. All other riders were on site by 8:30am and with rider briefing taking place on time at 9:00am it was time to head lake side and get the event underway.

In the Pro Men's division, the day belonged to Yann Calvez (FRA), coming 1st in the first round, 2nd in the Semi's and 1st in the Finals. Although he didn't have it all his own way, Ben Hitch (GBR) was hot on his heels, Ben pulled off massive tricks landing a huge Front Flip and 911 to revert, a really stylish Heel Side 360 which was boned out together with a 720 and grabbed Pete Rose. Ben's run was without doubt suitable for a win and he was well in the lead until Yann Calvez came onto the water. Yann's opening trick was a Back Roll to Blind and then went on to a 720, Crow Mobe with method grab and a handle pass KGB. Both riders rode really well but Yann hit the double up with a massive off axis 540, with neither rider falling the judges certainly had a hard job on their hands but at the end of the day it would be Yann who was crowned King of the 2004 MasterCraft European Wakeboard Masters.
All the riders pulled out everything they had on the day and two other riders who are certainly going to be a force to be reckoned with are Marc Rossister (GBR) and David Vervenne (BEL), so keep watching cos these guys are gonna go big in the future.

In the Pro Ladies division and with two of the top ladies not present due to flights held back in the states because of Hurricane Ivan, it was an all-out battle to see who would be Queen of the day. Kath Moore (AUS) rode really well, but the big fight was on between Louise Moore (GBR) and Caroline Jansson (SWE). Caroline rode a near flawless run in the prelims with five inverts, however, in the Finals with two falls she was beaten by Louise Moore who completed four inverts and 1 rotation - The UK rider won the day.

Ian and Christine Birdsall of MasterCraft would like to thank all involved in the organization of the event, the staff at Thorpe Lakes, especially Will (you're a star), the riders for giving us a fantastic demonstration of wakeboarding at it's absolute best, and of course our trusty event team: Colin Hart (Chief Judge), Ann Hart (Calculator), Alain Nieles and Stefano Duranti (Judges), Martin James (Boat Driver), Johan Callebert and Sarah Murray (Ropes), Lee Marsh (DJ and sound technician), Lorenzo Dingen (Commentator extraordinaire), David Grey and Mark & Maz Southgate of The Ski Boat Zone.