Relentless UK Pro Wakeboard Tour kicks off in style in Sheffield

Daniel Grant beats off the competition with another huge performance

The Relentless UK Pro Wakeboard Tour 2011 kicked off with an action-packed day at Sheffield Cable Waterski on 30 July, clearly demonstrating what a vital series this run of events is. Taking place at Relentless’ northernmost wake outpost, the open-invite contest served up plenty of impressive riding and exactly the exciting, cohesive atmosphere the organisers had set out to create.

The day began amid blazing sunshine, with incredibly calm waters for the 17 men and 6 women who were set to compete. An ever-growing crowd was present, and a brand new transfer rail unique to Sheffield Cable Waterski installed and ready for the riders to tame.

The men’s contest

The men’s contest began with three heats of qualifiers, with those who didn’t make it through given a second go in the Last Chance Qualifiers – in which big names like Will Manns stumbled and failed to qualify. Newcomer youngsters Harry Eames and Alessio Cataldo put in strong performances alongside the likes of Jamie Smith and Kurt Graham, but they couldn’t quite keep up with the main contenders.

Lewis Cornwall and the always-relaxed Connor Jones put in excellent performances, while Dean Warboys and Cain Hamilton ruffled a few feathers in the earlier rounds. Relentless-sponsored rider James Young performed consistently throughout the day to end up in fourth, while Jones pipped him into third. O’Neill’s Lewis Cornwall went to the wire with world champion Daniel Grant with a sizable KGB, a backside 313, a toeside backside 720 and a mobe on his impressive run, but Grant managed to deliver just that little bit extra to ride away in first place. Another impressive win for the young Thai star, and a gripping final to watch.

The women’s contest

Tor Young made a seriously impressive comeback after a long period off the water and out of competition – not that you could tell from her excellent riding – to claim first place. Steph Caller came in second and Chloe Goulde third, with an almost-stomped kicker 720 on her run.

The next round of the Relentless UK Pro Wakeboard Tour takes place at West Midlands Waterski Centre on 17 September. Not to be missed.