There was a strange sensation as the ExPix crew set off for the Wakestock festival this year; what was that big bright light in the sky and why was our skin burning?
After years of sunless summers with monsoon conditions causing chaos with widespread flash flooding, and not to mention the recession putting the squeeze on sponsorship; the UK festivals have been having it hard. Now in its 14th year Wakestock have had to learn to adapt to the challenges that comes with hosting a festival in Britain and 2013 was no exception. Whilst the wakeboarding boat competition still took place at Pwllheli Marina; changes included hosting the Rail European Wakeboarding competition at Glasfryn Wake Parc rather than having the Pool Gap on the festival site.
Ahead of the main competitions, the action kicked off on Thursday morning with a practice session at Pwllheli Marina for the boat riders, followed by a similar session at Glasfryn for the cable riders.
The customary Thursday night party opened the festival site and with Goldierocks and Huw Stephens taking to the stage, Wakestock was soon rocking. And with the sun beaming down on the festival site, a distinctive lack of squelching and squidginess rendered wellies unnecessary, and in a totally alien fashion and seldom seen at festivals across the UK; festival goers dared to don shoes!
Friday morning and the Boat Pro Qualifier heats got underway at Pwllheli Marina and with a place in the finals at stake and the chance to be crowned Wakestock champion, the riders were pulling out all the stops.
In the afternoon the System 2.0 was put to the test at Glasfryn Wake Parc for the first round of heats for the Rail European and later for the Wakeskate Jam. Whilst logistically holding the Rails European comp at Glasfryn meant that the wakeboarders spent more time off the festival site; the atmosphere at Glasfryn was laid back as competitors and spectators chilled out, soaking up the sun on the banks of the Glasfryn lakes with taking in the beats from the Red Bull truck.
Friday evening and X Factor’s Lucy Spraggan took to the stage and it seemed that her X Factor and You Tube followers were out in force. Despite taking an early slot the crowds packed the arena, singing along, word for word, to all her songs; not bad when you consider that she hasn’t even released a single as yet! Headliners Bastille followed later in the evening and Magnetic Man put the finishing touches to the night.
Anticipation started to build for the Boat Finals and as crowds lined Pwllheli Marina on Saturday morning the action soon got underway. First up and the ladies took to the water with Caroline Djupsjö setting the bar with her clean run for fellow finalists; Charlotte Bryant, Nicola Butler and Megzy Barker. With all the girls putting on a tight display of skills and stylish riding it was too close to call.
Next up and Dan Nott, David O’Caoimh and Sam Carne were quick to show why they deserved their automatic qualifying places in the Men’s finals. And with Dan Nott hoping for yet another Wakestock championship title; the competition was fierce.
With the boat riding over it was time to crown the Wakestock 2013 champions. After eight appearances at Wakestock Sam Carne took his first Men’s title and only having competed twice before, Megzy Barker stormed her way to victory taking the women’s title.
Results:
Men’s 1st Place – Sam Carne
Men’s 2nd Place – Dan Nott
Men’s 3rd Place – David O’Caoimh
Women’s 1st Place – Megzy Barker
Women’s 2nd place – Charlotte Bryant
Women’s 3rd Place – Caroline Djupsjö
Saturday afternoon and the Rail European heats continued at Glasfryn Wake Parc together with the Rail European Ladies Contest and once again the level of riding was outstanding.
Back at the festival site and the music was already well underway with Wretch 32, Rudimental and legendary Manchester band James filling the arena.
Sunday morning and Abersoch beach was packed for the Mystic Big Air comp; always a crowd pleaser this one and this year was no exception. As the Red Bull truck blasted out the tunes, courtesy of DJ Nick Williamson, there was a heady mix of hits and misses off the kicker before Sam Carne took his second title of the weekend as he was crowned Big Air champion.
The wakeboarding action finished off at Glasfryn Wake Parc where riders fought it out in the Rail European Finals. With the likes of 13 year old Joey Battleday throwing out a 9, the action couldn’t have been any hotter.
Mitch Langfield took the Men’s title with
Joey coming in at 2nd place,
CK Koester 3rd and
Lee Debuse.in 4th
In the women’s finals,
Sophie Cordery took 1st place,
Courtney Angus 2nd and
Chloe Goudie 3rd.
Back at the festival site and Wakestock 2013 drew to a close for another year as the last of the headline acts, Example, took to the stage.
Check out the images below or for more why not spend some time checking the wakestock gallery. If you are a rider and think we may have more then contact us and we'll put a gallery online for you or your sponsors to view!
