Claudia Pagnini’s signature feature is a soft-landing kicker that doubles as a box — built together with the UNIT Parktech team and shaped by her own riding.
It started as a tribute to her favorite ramp at TWP, reworked to be easier, smoother and more forgiving. This year the feature grew a new Add-On Ledge, turning it from a simple ramp into a full transfer line. We asked Claudia about the process, the feature’s details, and what keeps her coming back to it.
What was your vision when you started designing this feature? Was there anything you definitely wanted to include?
It was a long process. We started together with David, thinking about what I like the most to do on the water, what was trendy at that moment, and what people like to do.
I really like hitting megaramps because it’s definitely a smoother kicker that doesn’t affect you when you land on your knees or back. Plus, you can hit it like it was a big box, so it’s really perfect for both advanced riders and beginners.
We tried not to make it too big, so everyone could enjoy it and not be scared to hit it! I took 100% inspiration from the old one at TWP, which was my favourite one, and from there we tried to make it easier and better!
How was it working together with the UNIT Parktech team throughout the design and production process?
I think it’s impossible for us riders to think about a feature and create it without a group of professional people helping you. At least for me, it couldn’t work.
With them, you go through all the dimensions, numbers, and all the stuff that riders don’t worry too much about, haha!
So it’s fundamental to have a team that supports you and helps you with all of this!
Did the final feature turn out exactly how you imagined it, or were there any surprises along the way?
As I said, it’s a long process, and we changed it two or three times before having the final version!
Even though I really liked how it turned out at first, I think the new version is way easier. You get way more pop from the safety, and it’s good for doing different stuff, not just using it as a kicker.
This year, the feature was expanded with the new Add-On Ledge. What does it add to the overall riding experience?
With the new Add-On, this feature becomes way more fun and gives you way more lines. It’s not just the usual ramp anymore, but it becomes a sick transfer, which I think is a base feature you should have in your cable park.
Plus, with a safety that poppy, you can really learn how to do it in the easiest way without being scared.
We had an all-girls session at Wasserski Bleibtreusee, and it was crazy to see how many new lines we could do and how many new tricks we had fun filming. We all enjoyed it so much and had a lot of fun!
You should definitely check out the video we made and steal some tricks from it!
“When we competed in Lithuania, I only heard my name for a full week. It’s crazy to think that my feature kind of became the highlight of the competition.”
What’s your favorite trick or hit to do on the feature?
I love landing blind on the ramp. It’s just too smooth, and again, I’m happy to hit a kicker without worrying about hard landings!
Would you say this feature is more for advanced riders, or can beginners enjoy it as well?
Definitely for everyone!
It’s not that techy, and you can use it as a big box too, without jumping. Compared to other landers, it’s really chill, not that big, and easy to get to the landing without pushing too much.
It’s also super sick for wakeskate, to do shovs and blinds from the flat to the lander!
Do you have a favorite detail or element of the feature that most people might not notice?
I think the fact that it’s not a huge feature makes it pretty good for every cable! It’s just 18 meters long, so I can imagine a 2.0 could easily get one too!
Plus, you can hack it, like we did, with a ledge or an A-frame and create completely new lines!
If someone is visiting Bleibtreusee for the first time, why should your signature setup be the first thing they hit?
Because it’s the funniest one, and the more you ride it, the more lines you find. You just can’t get bored on this one!
Looking back on the whole project, what are you most proud of? Any final words you’d like to share with the world?
I’m super proud of how it turned out because it’s hard to create a feature that you really like and enjoy riding too! Sometimes you have an idea, but the final result is not how you imagined it, or you’re not fully happy with it once you ride it on the water.
In my case, I can’t stop riding it. It’s just way too fun!
Plus, I loved the fact that we had it at a couple of very important competitions, like MASH 2022, Red Bull Wake Duel, and Plastic Playground.
When we competed in Lithuania, I only heard my name for a full week. It’s crazy to think that my feature kind of became the highlight of the competition. I still can’t believe it, and it’s really amazing!
Thanks, UNIT, for the opportunity and for letting me share my style of riding and what I like to do on the water with the whole wakeboard world!
