Everybody knows that the greater Miami area is a hotbed for fun outdoor activities. With the city’s ­insanely diverse culture that’s big on being ­active in the sun, a watersports complex fits like a glove. In fact, a facility like the Miami Watersports Complex probably should have existed years ago. Like anything, though, doing it right and getting the best people involved took time, and that’s ­exactly how Miami Watersports Complex has been built up and presented to the now-frothing community. Once a pipe dream of ­local riders, Miami Watersports Complex now sits as one of the best ­facilities in the country to ride, learn and experience ­every facet of wakeboarding. We had the chance to sit down with David and Nacho Hernandez, who co-manage the park and coach together.

Whose vision was the Miami Watersports Complex?
Mike and Paula Fay had the vision, along with Kim and Henrik Laursen from Miami Nautique and Juan Pablo Cappello. These three are the reason Miami Watersports Complex is on the map.

How did it come together?
Michael, Henrik, Kim and Juan are all members of the Greater Miami Ski Club, and it all snowballed from there. Mike, Henrik and Kim have been skiing since they were kids, and Juan picked up wakeboarding about 15 years ago. What’s cool is that all the owners are riders. Mike wakeskates, wakesurfs and wakeboards. Juan skates and surfs, and Kim and Henrik were competitive skiers for many years. Before we started building the cable, Aktion Parks and Correct Craft came in and partnered up with the original ­owners. And fun fact: Henrik from Miami Nautique discussed the merger with Bill Yeargin, CEO of Correct Craft, on a plane ride together.

What’s the central mission for the park?
To introduce wakeboarding, wakeskating and wakesurfing to Miami. ­Wakeboarding is an expensive sport, as we all know, so to have two full-size ­cables and a two-tower system here in Miami is great. It gives people who cannot afford a boat the chance to get out on the water and rip it up at a low cost, and eventually we can start spitting out some pros from ­Miami. At the end of the day, it’s about family, friends, smiles and fun in the sun. The experience is everything!

How many cable systems are there in total?
Two full-size Rixen cables and a two-tower system. The beginner cable is a six-tower and the advanced cable is a five-tower.

What kind of rails do you guys offer?
All Unit Parktech features. We have two ­medium kickers, a funbox and a small kicker on the beginner cable. On advanced cable, we have a large kicker, an XL ­kicker, a pipe rail, the Henshaw signature rail, a rooftop, a double-­kink transfer, a cheese wedge and a coffin box.

What community projects is the park ­involved in?
We’re involved with Above the Wake [an ­autism awareness program], and we’re ­working on after-school programs with Miami-­Dade County public and private schools. We’re also working on charity events with the ­Miami Heat and other professional teams and ­organizations.

What events does the park play host to?
We had the Monster Energy Triple Crown last year, and we hosted the nationals as well. We also have our Points Chase Tournament, host corporate team-­building, and we’re working on rail jam, kicker and double-up ­competitions.

Do you offer coaching?
Yep, we offer coaching on our G23 as well as in the park. We have some of the best boat and cable ­coaches in South Florida. We [­David and ­Nacho] have been coaching boat for more than 20 years, and we’re both fluent in English and Spanish, which is very helpful in such a ­diverse community. All lessons are by reservation only. Since we have a partnership with Correct Craft, we have team ­riders come down all the time for clinics. Shaun Murray, Shawn Watson and Jimmy LaRiche are just some who have coached here.

What’s the plan for Miami Watersports Complex in the near ­future?
We are looking into getting a pool gap and a floating island in the middle of our ­advanced side as a wave breaker, hopefully within the year.

What about long-term?
Well, we did sign a 30-year lease with Miami-­Dade County, so we are going to be around for a bit. We want to make this the number one cable park in the world. I see us getting another two-tower, more features, and at the rate we’re ­going, we might need a third cable! We are also looking into building a restaurant as well.

Who are some of the key people to thank for this amazing place?
Where do I begin? Miami-Dade County, for starters. Without their approval, this wouldn’t have been possible. Next would be Mike and Paula Fay, Kim and Henrik ­Laursen, Juan Pablo Cappello, Bill Yeargin, Sean Marrero, Ryan Malone, ­Jeff Trudeau, Aktion Parks, Correct Craft, Hyperlite and Byerly Boards.

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Andrew is supported by Jobe and Miami Nautique.

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The Nautique WWA National Championships Presented by Rockstar Energy Awards 44 Titles at The Nations Largest Wakeboard Event****Lake Alfred, Fla. (August 16, 2015) – The nation’s largest wakeboarding event, the Nautique WWA Nationals presented by Rockstar Energy concluded today with 44 National Champions being crowned during the five day event held at Miami Watersports Complex. Harley Clifford took home the Pro Men’s title putting together the best run of the day earning a score of 95.67 to claim the title. With this win, Clifford clenched the 2015 Nautique Wake Series Championship behind the industry leading Super Air Nautique G23, after also earning titles in Australia and Waco, Texas.“I’m super stoked to win the Nautique WWA National Championships,” said Clifford. “This is the largest wakeboard event in North America and to know I came in and put in my best effort to claim the title is awesome.”The Pro Women’s division saw Nautique rider Meagan Ethell battle Dallas Friday for the title while in the Jr. Pro Men it was Nic Rapa claiming the championship.  In Pro Wakeskate, Reed Hansen nailed his run to take the victory.“Words can’t describe the feelings I have right now,” said Rapa. “It’s literally off the charts! I’m pumped to be crowned U.S National champion in Junior Pro and not only that, but finish 1st overall in the Nautique Wake Series! I can’t thank everyone enough for all the support.”Over to the Wake Park World Series, the traditional cable Pro Men’s Finals pitted riders in head-to-head competition with Tom Fooshee coming out on top after he posted stellar runs.  In the Pro Women final it was Meagan Ethell again, claiming the win.The Nautique WWA National Championships featured five days of intense competition at the Miami Watersports Complex with riders providing some of the most challenging and innovative runs in the history of the sport.Results****Nautique WWA National Championships Presented by Rockstar Energy****Miami Watersports Complex – Miami, Florida****Saturday, August 16, 2015****CABLE DIVISIONS****MEN’S PROFESSIONAL ****ONLY 1 ADVANCES TO THE FINAL ****Men’s Professional Semi-Finals – Heat 1 1. Pelot, Jake                                100.00              2. Hansen, Hunter                          72.00Men’s Professional Semi-Finals – Heat 2 1. Branch, Dylan                          95.50 2. Huster, Marc                              76.50Men’s Professional Semi-Finals – Heat 3 1. Powell, Chandler                    95.50 2. Saeed, Omeir                           94.50Men’s Professional Semi-Finals – Heat 4 1. Fooshee, Tom                        100.00 2. Brurnstein, Danny                    90.00WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL ****TOP 2 ADVANCE TO THE FINALS****Women’s Professional- Semi-Finals – Heat 1 1. Ethell, Meagan                         100.00 2. Lopina, Jamie                           90.00****HEAD-TO-HEAD ROUND OF 4ONLY 1 ADVANCES TO NEXT ROUNDHead to Head – Heat 1 1. Pelot, Jake                                100.00 2. Hanson, Hunter                         72.00Head to Head – Heat 2 1. Branch, Bylan                           95.50 2. Shuster, Marc                             76.50Head to Head – Heat 3 1. Powell, Chandler                    95.50 2. Saeed, Omeir                           94.50Head to Head – Heat 4 1. Fooshee, Tom                         100.00 2. Burnstein, Danny                      90.00Head-to-Head Semi Final Heats ****Head-to-Head – Semi-Final – Heat 1 1. Powell, Chandler                    98.00 2. Pelot, Jake                               92.00Head to Head – Semi-Final Heat 2 1. Fooshee, Tom                           100.00 2. Branch, Dylan                             90.00Head to Head Consolation Final 1. Pelot, Jake                                 95.50 2. Branch, Dylan                             94.50Head to Head Final 1. Fooshee, Tom                         96.50 2. Powell, Chandler                      93.50PRO WOMEN’S FINAL ****Pro Women’s Final 1. Ethell, Meagan            USA      98.00 2. Lopina, Jamie               USA      92.00BOAT DIVISIONS ****PROFESSIONAL WAKESKATE ****Professional WakeSkate – Finals 1. Hansen, Reed             AUS      77.33 2. Polterock, Austin                     71.67 3. Hampson, Danny        USA      56.67 4. Grubb, Brian                 USA      51.00JUNIOR PRO MEN’S FINALS ****Jr. Pro Men’s – Finals 1. Rapa, Nic                       AUS      85.00 2. France, Cobe                 USA      72.67 3. Soven, Jason                 USA      68.33 4. Schramm, Mac                USA      60.00 5. Watt, Lewy                      AUS      50.67 6. Hancock, Bryson             USA      38.33Women’s Professional – Finals 1. Ethell, Meagan           USA      89.33 2. Friday, Dallas             USA      87.33 3. Butler, Nicola             USA      78.00 4. Merritt, Raimi               USA      70.67 5. Mikacich, Tarah           USA      63.33 6. Leugner, Ashley           CDN     48.33Men’s Professional – Finals 1. Clifford, Harley         AUS      95.67 2. Smith, Dean              AUS      92.00 3. Flegel, Noah             USA      85.67 4. Soven, Phillip             USA      77.67 5. Hair, Austin                USA      71.33 6. Soven, Bob                USA      65.33As the organizer and sanctioning body of the Nautique WWA National Championships Presented by Rockstar Energy, the World Wakeboard Association would like to thank all our partners who make this event possible, including Nautique Boats, Rockstar Energy Drink, Fox, PCM Marine Engines, Ronix, CWB, Aktion Parks and the Miami Watersports Complex.For more information on the Nautique WWA Wakeboard and Wakepark National Championships, please visit: http://www.thewwa.com/nationals/For more information on the Nautique Wake Series including the Nautique Wake Series overall standings, please visit http://www.nautique.com/event/nautique-wake-series/About NautiqueCelebrating 90 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft is the owner of Nautique Boat Company, Inc., Aktion Parks, and Pleasurecraft Marine Engine Company. Nautique manufactures the highest quality, most innovative ski and wake-sports boats available worldwide and provides exceptional customer service experiences. To learn more about Nautique and its complete product line, visit www.nautique.com_.Find us at:www.Facebook.com/NautiqueBoats  www.Twitter.com/NautiqueBoats   www.Instagram.com/NautiqueBoats  _www.YouTube.com/NautiquesdotcomAbout RockstarRockstar Energy Drink is designed for those who lead active lifestyles – from Athletes to Rockstars. Available in over 25 flavors at convenience and grocery outlets in over 30 countries, Rockstar supports the Rockstar lifestyle across the globe through Action Sports, Motor Sports, and Live Music.For more information visit:www.RockstarEnergy.comFind us at:http://www.Facebook.com/Rockstar    www.Twitter.com/RockstarEnergy  http://www.Instagram.com/RockstarEnergy    http://www.YouTube.com/RockstarAbout the WBWSThe Wakeboard World Series will offer the largest payout the sport has seen in its 26-year history with a total of $425,000 to be handed out to the men and women throughout the series. This increase is just one of many avenues that the WWA have stepped up to further legitimize wakeboarding along with an increased focus on attracting media, sponsors, and consumers. This year’s Wakeboard World Series is the largest World Series in recent years, making it the only true global wakeboard series. The 2015 Wakeboard World Series will travel to four rounds within the United States as well as Mexico, Brazil, Canada, a return to Japan, and for the first time, the WWA World Championships will be held in Portugal.About the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department: Nationally accredited, a three-time winner of the NRPA National Gold Medal Award, winner of the 2013 Florida Governor’s Sustained Excellence Award and the 2009 Florida Governor’s Sterling Award for excellence in management and operations, Miami-Dade County Parks is the third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of 260 parks and 12,825 acres of land.  It is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the world.  Made up of more than just playgrounds and athletic fields, it also comprises out-of-school, sports-development, and summer-camp programs; programs for active older adults and people with disabilities; educational nature centers and nature preserves; environmental restoration efforts; arts and culture programs and events; the renowned Zoo Miami and the Deering Estate at Cutler; the Crandon Tennis Center, home of the Miami Open; golf courses; beaches; marinas; campgrounds; pools; and more.  For information about Miami-Dade County Parks call 3-1-1, or visit www.miamidade.gov/parks/.About the WWAThe World Wakeboard Association is the global leader in wake sports sanctioning. The WWA owns and operates the WWA Wakeboard World Series, WWA Wake Park World Series, WWA Wakeboard National Championships, WWA Wake Park National Championships, WWA Wakeboard World Championships, WWA Wake Park World Championships, WWA Wake Park Triple Crown, WWA Pro Card and WWA Rider Experience. With 27 affiliate countries worldwide, the WWA is a rider-formed organization dedicated to promoting and growing wake sports worldwide. It is the primary source for riders, event organizers and competitive standards. For more information on the WWA and its events, check out www.thewwa.com

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MIAMI WATERSPORTS COMPLEX CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING

ORLANDO, FL (March 30, 2015) – This past weekend Aktion Parks‘ newest premier boat and cable park, Miami Watersports Complex (MWC), celebrated their grand opening and kicked off the first stop of the 2015 Monster Energy Wake Park Triple Crown competition.

MWC had visitors from around the globe that came to the celebration including eighty-four year old Bruno Rixen, inventor of the cable system who traveled from Germany and skied for the crowd. There were also dignitaries from the water ski and wakeboard industry as well as from Miami-Dade County this past weekend.

Correct Craft‘s President and CEO Bill Yeargin stated, “I could not be more thrilled with MWC – our team worked very hard and the end result is one of the world’s premier boat and cable parks.” Yeargin added, “Throughout the weekend we had guests from around the globe join us at the grand opening and the comments were incredibly positive. It was a fun time for all!”

Miami Watersports Complex is located at Amelia Earhart Park located in Northwest Miami at 401 E. 65th Street and is situated on a 90-acre fresh water lake equipped with two full-size cables and one two tower cable. The park also offers boat lessons behind the award-winning Super Air Nautique G23. The park is open year round with summer hours of 10:00AM – 8:00PM for the cable and boat lessons hours are from 8:00AM – 8:00PM.

Celebrating 90 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft is the owner of Nautique Boat Company, Inc., Aktion Parks, Pleasurecraft Marine Engine Company, Bass Cat, and Yar Craft. To learn more about Nautique and its complete product line, visitwww.nautique.com. To learn more about Aktion Parks visit www.aktionparks.com. To learn more about PCM, Crusader and Levitator engines visit www.pleasurecraft.com. To learn more about Bass Cat visit www.basscat.com and to learn more about Yar Craft visitwww.yarcraft.com.

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ORLANDO, FL (January 16, 2015) — Aktion Parks, a subsidiary of Correct Craft and sister company to Nautique Boats, partnered with the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Department to announce the grand opening of South Florida’s premier watersports park, the Miami Watersports Complex (MWC) on March 27th – March 28th, 2015.

In conjunction with the grand opening MWC will host the first stop of the Monster Energy WWA Wake Park Triple Crown, a three-stop cable wakeboard series where riders will compete for individual titles as well as the Wake Park Triple Crown overall series championship.

Miami Watersports Complex is located at Amelia Earhart Park located in Northwest Miami at 401 E. 65th Street and is situated on a 90-acre fresh water lake equipped with two full-size cables and one two tower cable. The park also offers boat lessons behind the award-winning Super Air Nautique G23.

“The Aktion Parks team is excited to kick off the cable event season with the grand opening of Miami Watersports Complex,” stated Correct Craft President/CEO Bill Yeargin. “Our team has worked incredibly hard to open Aktion’s second park which will be one of the world’s premier watersports facilities,” Yeargin added.

Amelia Earhart Park also offers park users rugged mountain-bike trails with mountain bikes available for rent.  In addition, the park features the renowned Soccer 5 mini-soccer complex providing a revolutionary small-sided game on enclosed 4G turf fields with bounce-back boards.

Aktion Parks, a subsidiary of Correct Craft, delivers customers an active, watersports lifestyle that is safe, healthy, family friendly, and environmentally conscious. Aktion Parks owns and operates both Miami Watersports Complex and Orlando Watersports Complex, one of the first cable wakeboard parks in the U.S. and one of the most well-known parks in the world. To learn more about Aktion Parks visit www.aktionparks.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aktionparks.

About the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department

Nationally accredited, a three-time winner of the NRPA National Gold Medal Award, winner of the 2013 Florida Governor’s Sustained Excellence Award and the 2009 Florida Governor’s Sterling Award for excellence in management and operations, Miami-Dade County Parks is the third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of 260 parks and 12,825 acres of land.  It is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the world.  Made up of more than just playgrounds and athletic fields, it also comprises out-of-school, sports-development, and summer-camp programs; programs for seniors and people with disabilities; educational nature centers and nature preserves; environmental restoration efforts; arts and culture programs and events; the renowned Zoo Miami and the Deering Estate at Cutler; the Crandon Tennis Center, home of the Sony Open; golf courses; beaches; marinas; campgrounds; pools; and more.  For information about Miami-Dade County Parks call 3-1-1, or visit www.miamidade.gov/parks/.  It is supported by The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade.

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