Flipping Out on Wakeboards in Doha

(ATR) Wakeboarders flipped, twisted and spun through the air launching themselves from the emerald green waters of Doha’s Leqtaifiya Canal.

Neighboring skyscrapers provided for an unusual backdrop as the athletes created momentum swiftly moving back and forth across the wake of a powerboat towing them along.

"It’s obviously crazy that we’re competing in this canal in salt water, but it’s awesome to be in such a different place," said Great Britain’s Luca Kidd. "I just love to compete and show this sport to a bunch of different people again."

Despite searing heat and temperatures rising to 35 degrees Celsius without a cloud in the Qatari sky, the wakeboarders – many in their teens – were ecstatic just to be part of the first ever ANOC World Beach Games.

U.S. wakeboarder Guenther Oka, 21, said the innovative, new multi-sport event will ultimately benefit all sports on the Doha 2019 program.

"Traveling across the world to Qatar is a trip in itself, but bringing wakeboarding together with all these other beach and non-traditional sports is just going to help everyone grow together and share the good times," Oka said.

Twelvemen and 12 women – representing 18 countries – sought to impress the judges throwing innovative tricks along a 400-meter stretch of water. Six slots for each gender in Monday’s final were at stake during Sunday’s qualifications round.

"Water conditions are great – it’s a bit windy with wind coming in from the ocean, but it’s awesome to be here," said Shota Tezuka of Japan,the final with a clutch run in the last chance qualifiers.

Tunes blasted from speakers adjacent the canal and despite the first beach games medals being the prize, the camaraderie among competitors was evident, with a friendly and easy-going atmosphere.

who made"I just love the vibe – everyone is having a good time and it doesn’t matter where you come from, we’re all just friends at the end of the day," said Kidd, who also punched his ticket to the finals in the last chance qualifiers.

The recent acceptance of lifestyle sports surfing and skateboarding into the Olympic Games has caused optimism for the wakeboarders. However, the use of a motorboat in competition appears to be an obstacle.

Wakeboarding was one of eight sports considered for a single spot in the 2020 Olympics. However, in May 2013, the IOC decided to drop the water sport from the shortlist.

"I’ve heard the reason was because of the boat and engine, but we also have cable parks," said Italian wakeboarder Massimiliano Pifferetti. "It’s almost like a ski lift that goes around and it goes at the same speed for everybody.

"I started riding boats, but when I moved to the U.S., I realized this is a future and I want to be an all-around rider," said Pifferetti, who is from Milan, but relocated to Orlando, Florida.

"Wakeboarding is so big in America, but it’s still not one of the big sports around the world," said Tezuka, who also lives and trains in Florida. "The sport is definitely growing all around the world though."

"Seeing wakeboarding in the Olympics, whether it be boat or cable would be huge for all of us," Oka said.

Sixteen-year-old Jacinta Bernales of Chile was among the youngest wakeboarders competing in Doha. Although she didn’t make the final, Bernales is excited about what the future holds for both her and the sport.

"Now we have a lot of boys and girls in Chile and the sport is really growing up," Bernales said. "The level is getting really high.

"If wakeboarding becomes an Olympic sport, it will be the top of the top for us.

"It is my dream and I think it’s the dream of all wakeboarders."

Reported in Doha by Brian Pinelli.