Recapping The World of Wakeboarding: Everything That Went Down in July 2026

July has officially come and gone, meaning we’ve hit the absolute peak of summer. With temperatures soaring across the country, there’s only one logical way to beat the heat: get out to the lake, fire up the boat, and hop in. But around here, the only things hotter than the weather were the insane tricks and riding skills we saw this month.

Let’s dive into your full July 2026 wakeboarding news update! From national championships to high-octane pro tour battles and much more, this was one for the record books. At Samson Sports, we live for this time of year — building the custom towers, racks, and hardware that keep you out on the water making memories.

Did You See the Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships?

When July rolls around, all eyes in the wake community turn toward Boca Raton, Florida. From July 22–26, the 2026 Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships (presented by GM Marine) took over the water, bringing together the undisputed best riders on the planet alongside the fiercest amateur talent across multiple age divisions.

It was a full week of heavy trick lines, massive air, and pure high-stakes progression. A massive congratulations to every athlete who stomped their runs and walked away with hardware!

What’s Next on the Calendar: The national titles are officially locked in, but the ultimate crown is still up for grabs. 

Next stop: the Nautique WWA Wakeboard World Championships, running September 9–13, 2026, at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Clear your schedules—it’s going to be wild.

Community Vibes at the Nautique Canadian Regatta

July was another huge month for our friends over at Nautique Boat Company. Before the intense competition at the Nationals in Boca Raton (and their Wakesurfing Nationals that same weekend), they headed north for the annual Nautique Canadian Regatta.

If you’re a Nautique owner up north, you probably already know this is one of the can’t-miss events of the summer — packed with pro rider tutorials, casual friendly competitions, and longtime favorite group lake events like the classic Poker Run and mass Tie-Up.

However, 2026 brought a twist: for the very first time, the event opened its doors to the general public. On Sunday, the docks opened up for official Nautique boat demos, giving everyone a chance to experience the feel of a Nautique tow boat firsthand.

Looking to upgrade your Nautique boat? Whether you’re running a classic Nautique hull or a brand-new setup, Samson has you covered. From tailor-made wakeboard towers that protect your gel coat to rock-solid board racks, every Samson piece is custom-machined to the exact specifications of your specific boat model.

PWT Stop #2: The Battle Heats Up in Groveland

The Supra Pro Wakeboard Tour (PWT) returned for its second stop of the 2026 season on July 9–10 in Groveland, Florida. Nic Rapa put on an absolute clinic in the Men’s division, laying down technical execution to barely hold off the hard-charging pack. 

Meanwhile, the return of the Women’s division continues to be a highlight of the 2026 tour. Euge de Armas threw down a legendary final pass to top Meagan Ethell, giving her an imposing 20-point cushion in the overall tour standings.

Want to see the mind-blowing trick clips for yourself? Be sure to head over to Alliance Wakeboard to check out their full video replay and highlight reel!

Pass the Handle Week Is Growing the Future of the Sport

To cap off the month, we have to talk about one of the most feel-good movements in all of towed watersports: Pass the Handle Week.

Founded back in 2014 by wake legends Shaun Murray and Zane Schwenk, the mission is simple: grow the sport by sharing the feeling. The goal is for seasoned boat owners and experienced riders to reach out to friends, neighbors, or relatives who have never tried towed watersports and literally “pass the handle” to get them out on the water.

What makes Pass the Handle so special is that it doesn’t happen at a single venue or stadium. It happens everywhere simultaneously—on small private lakes, public reservoirs, and cable parks.

Even if July slipped by before you could get someone new up on a board, the spirit of the movement doesn’t end. Next time you head out for a session, invite a first-timer along. Nothing beats the look on someone’s face the moment they pop out of the water and stand up for the very first time.

See You on the Water!

Summer is flying by, but the best riding of the year is still ahead of us. If you want to take your wakeboarding to the next level, consider adding a Samson Tower. All of our wakeboard towers are custom-made right here in the U.S.A. at our shop in Southwest Washington, so you can be sure you’re getting the highest quality available.

Have questions? Give us a call or send us a message– we’d love to hear from you. In the meantime, keep your lines tight, your boards stowed safe, and we’ll see you out on the water!

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