Pro wakeboarders, wakesurfers bring tour to OMSP for 1st time

Some of the top professional wakeboarders and wakesurfers will compete at Oak Mountain State Park on the first stop on the 2017 Supra Boats Pro Wakeboard Tour.

The competition is May12-13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to a tour news release.

The tour of the world’s longest-running professional wakeboard circuit will kick off its 25th anniversary season with this first-ever stop in the Birmingham area.

Alabama’s largest state park, with its sand beaches and numerous outdoor activities, is a good venue for the event, according to Rick Tinker, president of tour sponsor Supra Boats.

“It combines glass-calm water conditions for the athletes with top-tier amenities for the fans in the crowd,” Tinker said.

During the May 12 qualifying rounds, professional male wakeboarders will compete for one of eight spots on the 2017 tour line-up. Winners will join the eight highest-ranked competitors from 2016 for the tour competition May 13.

Top riders who pre-qualified for the 2017 tour include Mike Dowdy, the 2016 overall winner.

Supra Team riders Nic Rapa, the 2016 Rookie of the Year, and Cory Teunissen, the 2015 Rookie of the Year, will also compete

In addition, the Supra Boats Pro Wakesurf Tour brings the rapidly growing sport of wakesurfing — riding the boat’s wake without a tow rope — to Birmingham. 

Admission to the event is free after the regular $5 park entrance fee. 

For more information and schedule updates, go to supraboatspwt.com.