After a record setting year in 2011, the Australian Liquid Force Rail Series returned to the water for 2011/2012 this past weekend at Suncoast Cable Park in Bli Bli. Blessed with beautiful weather and light breezes the event welcomed new sponsors and new formats to an already action filled calendar. Jet Pilot, Indy Industries, Go Ride,Malibu, Nautique, Obscura, Wake.com.au, Obrien, ML and Phalanx have all become partner sponsors with Liquid Force to extend this series further than ever before with better promotion, increased coverage and more prizes and awards for all.

The series has boasted its fun filled atmosphere with contest formats designed to appeal to all types of riders of all ability levels. The unique nature of competing on the water with up to 10 of your mates at the one time has struck a chord with all riders, from beginners up to the most advanced pros.

The weekend at Bli Bli encompassed 4 separate events. Alongside the traditional Liquid Force Rail Jam that forms the central part of the weekend activities, was the Jet Pilot King of the Kicker where the winner is the single best trick landed from 3 attempts, the Go Ride Flatwater Freaks where the winner is the best 2 cable air tricks performed from 6 attempts and the Indy 2 Tower Challenge where the new Linear Cable System is used to showcase a variety of cable and obstacle maneuvers.

A total of 109 riders took to the water in what proved to be a weekend of fun, action, surprises and more. When “Busty” Dunn led off the Under 13 (yes UNDER 13!) Boys King of the Kicker with a clean heel 900 we knew we were here to see some real riding. He was quickly followed by his competitors with a Whirly, Tantrum to blind and heel 7 as the event showcased what the series has done to the level of riding in the young grom divisions in Australia. Kids schooling, gaping and pressing rails has become commonplace as the level of riding expertise grows yearly. In the Under 17's Cory and Brad Tuenissen went head to head with Cory coming out on top with a toeside 9 with Aaron Gunn splitting the pair with a Back 7. The Pro Mens in the Jetpilot King of Kicker saw Chris Dunn take the win with a front mobe ahead of a determined James Windsor and Greg Wood rounding out the podium

The Pro Mens Rail Jam continued this trend as Jamie Neville and Ethan Agius came straight out of the Under 17 division to claim podium spots in the Pro Men. But neither were good enough to oust established “rail Guru” Mitch Langfield, fresh back from the USA, who gave everyone a lesson in rail riding technique. Bec Gange finished in third in Pro Women's Rail Jam, While Tony Iacconi showed that his new private cable park is paying dividends by taking out the Under 17 Rail Jam ahead of a stellar field In the 2 Tower Challenge the pro skaters also showed us just how far the wakeskating has come in this country with some really impressive lines of flatwater tricks.

But the real strength of this series does not lie with the pros and the huge tricks landed but with the average rider who gets to have a great day out, to ride and compete with his mates and to mingle with some pro riders for a very affordable price tag. Often the largest events and the most hotly contested are the Amateur Mens and Womens as well as the new Amateur skate section. It was great to see long time competitor and supporter Megan Humphries climb on top of the podium in the Amateur Women division.

In the end it was great day out and showcased a lot of different aspects of our industry for all to enjoy. It looks like being another very successful series as it moves on to its next stop in Cairns in 3 weeks time. The series will boast 5 stops in total this season and will award the year end titles of Australian Rail Champions in all divisions.

A full listing of all results is included belowand for more information about the series visit www.liquidforcewake.com.au or the Liquid Force Australia facebook page.

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