Dominik Hernler Soars to Glory at Red Bull Harbour Reach

As the summer finally arrived on UK shores, more than 6,000 spectators flocked to the historic harbour of Lyme Regis, Dorset, to witness 16 of the world’s top wakeboarders compete in Red Bull Harbour Reach 2012.
The competition, back for the second year, presents the most progressive and challenging wakeboard contest in the UK. The Grade 1 Listed harbour wall, which width-ways measures the same as a dual carriageway (eight metres), tested the athletes both physically and mentally.

Big names such as Sam Carne (Red Bull Harbour Reach Winner 2011), JD Webb (2008 Rider of the Year) and Adam Errington (2007 Rookie of the Year) competed on features including the UK’s first Quarter Pipe, a 50 ft fun box and a 30 ft pipe slider to push them further than ever before. The riders had two runs each in the qualifying rounds with the six top riders then progressing to the final.

After an aerobatic masterclass from the Red Bull Matador stunt-plane team, the qualifying top six riders were given a chance to pull out their biggest and most technical tricks in the grand final.
The final was a showcase of modern wakeboarding. JD Webb was sitting in top-spot before the final runs but let the handle slip from his grasp. His last ditch heroic effort of a double-flip proved unfruitful as he crashed into the water. Adam Errington landed a huge 540 over the enormous gap, but was outdone by fellow Red Bull rider Dominik Hernler who stunned the crowds with an Oh-Lay 720 which clinched the coveted title.

Harbour Reach Champion Hernler reflected on his success, saying:
“I am so happy with the win, it’s so special to be able to ride in this amazing harbour and I can’t wait for next year.”

Dominik Hernler gewinnt Red Bull Harbour Reach in England
Die Erfolgsserie von Dominik Hernler hält weiter an. Der 20-Jährige Kärntner stoppt
beim Heimweg von den Wake Open in Florida noch kurz in Großbritannien und
gewinnt den Red Bull Harbour Reach.
Der historische Hafen von Lyme Regis war Schauplatz des Red Bull Harbour Reach.
Ziel war es, die 8 Meter Breite Haufenmauer zu bezwingen. Nach einem Obstacle Parcours
(schwimmende Hindernisse) im Hafen ging es über zwei mächtige Kicker (Schanzen), mit
deren Hilfe möglichst schwierige Sprünge über die Mauer folgten. Der Amerikaner Adam
Errington legte im Finale mit einem gewaltigen 540 über das 8 Meter Hindernis vor, doch sein Ronix Teamkollege Hernler konterte mit seinem Olè 720 und schnappte sich Platz 1.
„Ich bin überglücklich mit meinem Sieg. Im Training war es noch so kalt, dass ich mich lieber auf den Wettkampftag konzentriert habe. Es ist ein unglaublich schöner Hafen und ich freue mich schon, im nächsten Jahr wieder hier zu sein“, so Hernler.