Local talent showcased at first weekend of Mandurah Action Sport Games

Mandurah’s best wakeboarders put on a show in the first half of Mazda’s Action Sports Games on March 27.

A rainy start to the morning saw organisers push back the start time of the women’s division, with wakeboard WA officials giving the go ahead around 9.30am.

Eleven-year-old Mandurah local Stella Kennedy had a solid first run, followed by her mother and veteran champ Symmone, who proved the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

The women’s finals saw the mother-daughter duo go up against Queensland pros Mackenzie McCarthy and Charli Shore, as well as Byford’s Charlotte Mateljan for the $4000 first place prize.

In the end, six-time world champ Mackenzie McCarthy took out the top spot with an outstanding last two runs earning her a total score of 76.67, narrowly edging out Shore’s 73.34.

“I was so happy to defend my title with back-to-back wins and competing against the likes of Charli Shore,” McCarthy said.

“It was once again an amazing event despite the windy conditions and I am looking forward to a bigger and better event in 2023. The tournament is well worthy of being upgraded to world class.”

The wind conditions eased but the competition ramped up for the men’s final, showcasing some of WA’s finest including Callan Starr, Riley Middleton, Aaron Gordon, Josh Quartermain and Mandurah’s Christian Robinson.

Ascot’s Callan Starr was the clear winner with a total score of 80. He said he was eager to take out the win after being runner-up in 2021.

“I first competed in this event back in 2011 as a young guy and I love competing in the Action Sport Games,” Starr said.

“I’d like to congratulate all the boys for competing this year and I can’t wait to see it upgraded which will attract the world class wakeboarder back to the amazing waterways of Mandurah.”

The second half of the Action Sports Games with the skate, BMX and freestyle motocross events will be held on May 14 and 15.