We all get knocked down by life, it's unavoidable. But the measure of a real champion is someone who can smile, dust themselves off and get back up again.

In Brad Smeele's case life got a devastating punch in when the Kiwi professional wakeboarder was rendered a quadriplegic following a training accident at Lake Ronix in Florida last year.

After seven years the Tairua Pipe Masters returns this Friday and Saturday. Kiwi professional wakeboarder Jeff Weatherall (pictured) says the competition will go towards helping fellow Kiwi wakeboarder and friend Brad Smeele. Photo: Greg Weatherall

Though metaphorical, Brad's mana in the wake of adversity has him standing tall and proud.

While the 27-year-old is adjusting to this new life he inspires all around him with his unrelenting positivity, like friend and fellow professional New Zealand wakeboarder Jeff Weatherall.

Jeff is one of the men behind the revival of this week's Tairua Pipe Masters; New Zealand's only professional wakeboarding event of the summer taking place from Friday to Saturday.

'We've been trying to raise funds and awareness for Brad's situation because it's a pretty epic thing for anyone to go through,” says Jeff. 'We're also playing our part to keep him positive about the situation and help him move forward.

'The fact that he's been seriously injured, he hasn't been down about it, he's looked at us and said ‘sometime life hands you a s**t deal, but positivity is the best way to deal with anything'.”

Jeff Weatherall gaps the long top section of the Aframe. Photo: Greg Weatherall

The Tairua Pipe Masters ran from 2003 to 2008, and was a favourite event on the New Zealand wakeboarding calendar.

Taking place in the waters off Pepe Reserve, the competition see riders towed behind jetskis onto custom built ramps, jumps and sliders made from pvc piping and other found materials.

A range of wakeboarders will take part; from local amateurs to international professional wakeboards hailing from Australia, America, South Africa.

It kicks off Friday at 3pm with a wildcard contest pitting New Zealand's top riders against each other for three wildcard entries to the main action on Saturday afternoon.

Saturday's main competition, also starting at 3pm, will be contested over three rounds. As there's no seeding, riders names will be drawn out of a hat during the briefing on Friday evening.

Jeff says: 'Brad helped to design the course and will also be down this weekend helping to judge and will also be MC for a bit at the event.

'The best way for the community to get involved is simply come on down really, it's free to come along and there'll be raffles, signings by the professionals, and tents with merchandise.

'So come along, throw a blanket down on the beach and watch a good show with some awesome wakeboarding.”

Brant Hales over the Gap Pipe set up. Photo: Greg Weatherall

BRAD'S MESSAGE FOR US ALL:

Brad will also be giving a talk to the community and students of Tairua School at the Tairua Hall on Friday, from 9am.

Jeff says the focus for his friend is on regaining the ability to walk and in him doing so, Brad is inspiring family, friends and people all around the world with his positive attitude.

'Out of this whole thing,” says Jeff, 'Brad has been so positive and he's all about spreading the message about the importance of positivity.

'It doesn't matter what walk of life you're from or where you all, things happen but if you take a good attitude and can put a smile on your face you'll be better off.”

The Tairua Pipe Masters takes place at Pepe Reserve on Friday, February 13, and Saturday, February 14.

For more information visit the Tairua Pipe Master's Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/tairuapipemasters or the Brad Smeele Foundation website at: www.bradsmeelefoundation.com

Check out footage of Brad in action below: