MILDURA wakeboarder Liam Dinnage has won back-to-back national titles.
The 23-year-old took out the closely fought final on Friday to pick up the Australian Wakeboard Nationals 19-29 Men’s title at Windsor, NSW.
After claiming his first Australian championship in Murray Bridge, South Australia, last year, Dinnage went on to take out the Nautique WWA World Championship on the Gold Coast in September.
Dinnage led the scoring in qualification by 10 points from second place, however just four points separated he and fellow Victorian Noah Fasolis, who is set to represent Australia at the 2025 Oceania Wakeboard Championships.
The Taylors Lakes rider recorded a score of 58.67, an improvement of four points from his qualifying, and while Dinnage’s score was slightly lower than during the heats, the title was sealed after the opening pass in the final.
“I was actually tossing up whether or not I’d come back and go for it again this year but I’m glad I did it,” the back-to-back champion said.
“It’s been a pretty cool couple of years, obviously the two Aussie titles and the world title, and last month I wrapped up the state titles as well so it’s been a pretty awesome time.
“I managed a really good qualifying run. I didn’t quite get the stand-up pass I was wanting but did enough to be the last one off the dock.
“After watching the other boys go I was able to land a few of my moves and other tricks, so by the end of the first run I knew I’d done enough to get over the line.
“On the way back I just tried a few more tricks I haven’t been able to land as consistently, which would have got me more points if I had landed but it was worth trying and I could enjoy that pass back.
“I have to give a big thanks Baldwin Boats who have helped me with some new equipment this year and of course mum and dad for supporting me the whole way.”
Dinnage is also keen to defend his world title in September, however Orlando, Florida, USA is a wee bit further away than the Gold Coast where the titles were held in 2024.
“I haven’t ruled out going but as I also race bikes and compete at Finke and Hattah, it will really depend on finances,” he said.
“I have a met a few people over there before and know some other Aussies going that have said they can help me out so the possibility is there.”
For now, he will bask in the glory of being a second-time national champion.
