The boys from Canada felt right at home on a cool summer’s day in Portland - both riding absolutely incredible as Rusty Malinoski took 1st, and Aaron Rathy took 2nd at the 2008 Tige’ Pro Am.

In Pro Men’s, Rusty took the podium again! This time he was back on top in the first place position. He was riding so well, showing off his technical skills with a pass full of switch maneuvers. To see Rusty ride with such fluidity switch and being able to boot out in the flats is just unreal. He has been so consistent on his new 2009 Marek pro model board showing everyone why he is such an incredible athlete and competitor on the scene. He stood up two great passes and just popped the handle on a 1080 on his first double up attempt!!!! But Rusty was not the only Hyperlite rider to have a great day either…

Aaron Rathy has his best finish of his short career. Rathy is such a talented rider who is very well rounded in both aerials and rails. Growing up on the waters of BC, he took to a wakeboard so fast, turning pro in just a few years. Not only can he wakeboard with the best of them, he wakeskates really well, and even shows off his skateboard skill in the rider’s tent as he waits for his turn to ride! But Rathy finally exploded with a career run in the toughest semifinal heat of the day, pushing him into the finals.

All the riders were pumped that Rathy was in the finals. They knew the talent that was in this Canadian, and they were all excited to see his run for the finals. He put together an awesome two passes capped off with the best looking front side 3 you have ever seen - just poking out his grab and holding it for so long. It became very clear how much talent Rathy has on the water – he is just unreal! He nabbed 2nd place and was elated!

Rusty was also pumped for Rathy, giving him high fives, and pointing out that his 141 Marek was a part of the special day too, because Rathy decided to give the Marek a try for the event – it looks like it was the right choice!

Not to be forgotten, Nicola Butler won the Pro Women’s division as well. This is her 5th tour stop victory. She is 5 for 5!!!!! This has never been done before by any wakeboarder – male or female. Nicola is currently writing history!

As usual she was going bigger, smoother and with more style than all the other girls. Her rails were clean and flawless, and she was throwing really difficult maneuvers like her batwing, Moby Dick, and laid out back side 180. The crowd was really excited to see her charge the wake with fearless speed and just go absolutely huge!!!!!

And in Junior Men, local rider from Bend, Oregon, Alex Scagliotti, was impressing the judges and all his hometown buddies with some epic passes. He put himself in the finals, and rode incredibly well again and taking 3rd place!

Congratulations to Rusty, Rathy, Nicola and Alex as they all grabbed the podium in Portland!!!