Tairua Pipemasters wakeboarding event is on!

For immediate release – Tairua Pipemasters wakeboarding event is on!

A pro-level course including a wall ride that will provide a challenge to even the best wakeboarders in the world is set up and ready to go at the Tairua Pipemasters event at the Pepe Reserve in Tairua, New Zealand.

Wakeboarders have converged on Tairua for the event that showcases the progression of the sport in honour of Brad Smeele, a 2 x Junior World Champion now in recovery from an accident that left him a quadriplegic seven months ago.

Brad designed the course of rails and ramps in the waters in Tairua Harbour and will MC the event which kicks off with a wild card for New Zealand riders from 2pm until 6pm today followed by an after party at Shells Restaurant.

The main action hits the water at 2pm Saturday with international riders taking to the six features on the course. A jestski is used to tow riders onto the rails where contestants are judged on completing the whole rail, style while doing so, and any of the technical moves that they can incorporate into their run.

The event is a free family afternoon at a beautiful harbourside location close to the action and everyone is welcome. Merchandise will be for sale to help Brad with ongoing costs for his care.

“The course is looking epic, some of the riders and local guys like Matt Land from Pacific Building Consultants have been working really hard to get everything built and in place over the few hours of low tide ready for the riders when the tide comes in.”

Brad and the professional wakeboarders in town for the event received a heart-warming welcome from children of Tairua School this morning who sang Lean On Me and presented him with cards and drawings to wish him well and thank him for inspiring them with the challenge he is facing in his life.

In turn Brad spoke about how he pursued his passion for wakeboarding, running the Lake Ronix wakeboard training facility in Florida prior to his accident, and told the children not to be afraid of taking risks in life.

“Even if your dreams are big and seem impossible, shoot for what you want in life. Don’t be reckless and silly but don’t be afraid of trying something new. I got hurt doing something I love but other people get hurt just crossing the road.”

Brad told the kids he has been given a 1-2 per cent chance from doctors of moving his upper limbs again and he has embraced it as a challenge. Already he has managed to achieve a shrug of his shoulders and he and friend Brant Hales have decided to not cut their hair until Brad achieves the goal of movement.

“We’re both going to be looking pretty bogan, so it’s another good incentive,” he laughed.

Friday’s action will give up-and-coming riders the chance to test out their skill level and the top three will make it through to the main event from 2pm until the tide gets too low (about 6pm). Contestants include professional wakeboarder Brenton Priestley (AUS), Dean Smith (AUS), Scotty Broome (AUS) and New Zealand’s former 2 x world champion Jeff Weatherall.

The Tairua Pipemasters is a play on the Hawaiian surf event, but utilises rails made from PVC piping and wooden structures in a display of mastery and courage.

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