Emily Copeland Durham is one the most highly decorated pro female wakeboarders in the world, but in 2009, the Denver native decided to put her career on hold to start a family and give birth to her first born child. Now nearly a year and half since her last professional contest, Copeland Durham returned to the pro wakeboard scene today by hitting the waters of Sparks Marina for the Pro Women’s division quarterfinals at the Air Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships, presented by ROCKSTAR.
“I’m just excited to be back out on the water, doing what I love,” said Copeland Durham. “The other girls have stepped up their riding so much since I last competed, but I’ve been training and my goal is to finish within the top three in the contest.”
Copeland Durham’s first shot at a triumphant return came today, as she finished second in her heat, advancing onto tomorrow’s semifinals.
“I was a little nervous about riding, but felt I had a good run today,” said Copeland Durham. “Now that I got my first run out of the way, I’m feeling a little more confident going in to tomorrow.”
Should Copeland Durham advance in the semifinals and win her division on Sunday, it will mark her second national title since 2001. Coincidently, Sparks Marina was the site of her last professional win, back in 2008.
The Pro Women will hit the water again tomorrow, July 17 at 11 a.m. for their semifinal round of action.
In addition to the Pro Women’s division, the Air Nautique WWA Nationals hosted 10 other divisions, including five finals. Among the new national titlists are Tyler Worrall, Andrew Scheafer, Tim Clinton, Ricky Gonzalez and Morgan Pederson. All five riders earned invitations to represent the U.S. at the Wakeboard World Championships later this year
The Air Nautique WWA Wakeboard Nationals, presented by ROCKSTAR will continue tomorrow, July 17 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., where the pro divisions will hit the water. Tomorrow is a ticketed event, as is Sunday.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate for $10 (general admission), $5 (ages 6-12) or free (ages 5 and under).
In addition to all the action on the water; on land, spectators will enjoy great food and music; athlete autograph signings; chances to win freebies; and shopping at the most cutting-edge stores for water-sports equipment including boats, wakeboards, wakeskates, sunglasses and the latest in wakeboarding and surfing fashions.
Also be sure to pick up your share of $10,000 in free gift cards from Overton’s, the official water-sports retailer of the King of Wake series. Fans can also register to win a $500 Overton’s catalog shopping spree.
