Austin TEXas Edition : the roots of inland surf sports (p. 30)
austin, texas keep austin surfing
No
09
Summer 2015
Featuring austin keen | payette river games | dam that cancer
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AMBITIOUS DESIGN
EXPERIENCED INTEGRITY INSPIRED CRAFTSMANSHIP
RELENTLESSLY INNOVATED
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TOWBOATS
DOMINANT PERFORMANCE
World Champion Keenan Flegel #TeamCenturionBoats
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Y O U O N LY L I V E O N C E
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速
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www.boardersmag.com | May 2015
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Tyler, JB and Raleigh Hager at Hula Hut dock on Lake Austin
Publisher & Business Director Chris Wielinski
Advertising Director Danny Braught
Editorial Director Tyler Marshall
Design
Jase Bloor TEXAS ALOHA
Contributing Writers
It is a privilege to be apart of the inland surf movement and grassroots efforts in Texas and beyond. I have met so many great people along the way who embrace a “Texas Aloha” attitude that is both passionate about surfsports and welcoming to its community. Individuals like Matt Thomson who had the profound intuition to buy a canoe paddle and stand up on his windsurfboard before starting to teach others how to do the same (p. 30). I have had the chance to paddle with SUPATX founder Nick Matzorkis (p. 34) whose passion and vision gave thousands of inland Americans the opportunity to be like a “surfer.” Thanks to Buck Ashcraft and his dog Steve (p. 60) for extending some local Austin hospitality from day one. If you are looking for some love to your dinged up favorite board then Slim with Austin Paddle Sports (p. 58) is your man. I still owe my introduction of wake surfing to the notorious Mr. Billy Clark with Austin Surf Company; although this guy is a little crazy, he would always put the customer first. My number one phone call in Austin is to one of my best friends Parker Dunagan, graphic designer and photographer for Boarders issue # 1, always there to get the shot for the cause. Here’s to everyone in the community who embraces a foundation that is both Texan and Aloha! You are the reason why we grow! -Tyler Marshall
Tyler Marshall Paul Aitken Justin Hammond Adam Moller Buck Ashcraft Mark Garza Bonnie Starak Mike Shore Ryan Light Matt Thomson Nick Wiersema Ashley Kidd
Photographers Tyler Marshall Tim Marek Danny Braught Korinn Woodard Gabe Tiano Tim Walker Parker Dunagan Mike Shore Ryan Light Taylor Thorne Slayshtank
Contributing Athletes Grant Begley Hunter Clement Chris Wolter Austin Keen Ashley Kidd Raleigh Hager Morgan Lohmeier Buck Ashcraft
Dwight Mudry Andre Magarao Howler Brothers Peter Ching Justin Hammond Jessica Cichra Austin Surf Company
For advertising information: 214.683.8317 or danny@boardersmag.com Boarders Magazine is a publication distributed to a targeted list of consumers, board shops and dealers throughout the United States. Copies are also available upon request. Boarders Magazine is a trademark of Lokal Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved without prior written permission of publisher. Copyright ©2015 Subscriptions to Boarders Magazine may be purchased online at www.boardersmag.com/subscribe Boarders Magazine Address 1665 Keller Parkway, Suite 400, Keller, TX 76248 Phone 214.683.8317 Texas Aloha “Slim” at the new Austin Paddle Sports shop
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@boardersmag
14 austin keen The dreads, the man, the wake
GO PRO HERO 4. P. 24
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Stand ALONEmatt thomson 8
The Competitor Grant Begley
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Bench Boarding Steven Stout & Mikey Grossee
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Picture Perfect Hunter Clement & Chris Wolter
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Austin Keen - The Dreads, The Man, The Wake
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POV Camera Guide
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US Open Flowboarding
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Keep Austin Surfing Ashley Kidd
On the Cover: Austin athlete and current World Wake Surfing Champ Ashley Kidd surfing near the iconic 360 Bridge. Photo by Tyler Marshall on Ashley Kidd’s Centurion FS44.
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Featuring Summer 2015
52 barrel boss
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Stand Alone -Matt Thomson
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Vision - Mike Shore & Ryan Light
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Barrel Boss - Bonnie Starak
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Dam That Cancer -Mark Garza
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Payette River Games
56 68
SUPREME payette WAKE SURF river CHAMPIONSHIP games
dam that cancer
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PANTONE COLORS: TEAL = Pantone 3302 C ORANGE = Pantone 158 C
The Nautical COWBOY 8
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Set up your shop, retail store, or become a featured dealer. More info at boardersmag.com/dealer
Shweiki www.boardersmag.com | Summer 2015
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THE
COMPETITOR
Jessica Cichra Lake Tahoe 10
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Ankle surgery has kept Grant Begley out of the water for
three months, but that did not stop him from getting on board
and prone paddling his way to the finish line at this year’s annual Race the Lake of the Sky in Lake Tahoe. Since being injured Grant had to find another route to get on the water, he got into prone boarding and since then, he has competed at the Carolina Cup, Key West and Tahoe’s fourteen mile paddle around Emerald Bay. “I can’t sit still, and knowing that my friends were out racing made my itch to compete even stronger. I couldn’t fathom going to races and not being part of them. Beyond the competition, there is a whole underlying community in the sup world who train on prone and race standup” says Grant.
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BENCH BOARDING The year of the flood in Texas does not stop local outfitter, DFW Surf, from its eco tours and lakeside adventures. That’s when Steven Stout and Mikey Grosee discover new ways to get on board by using a washed away park bench.
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 Tim Marek www.boardersmag.com | Summer 2015
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Wake Shredder Throwdown Tim Walker
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Hunter Clement
Chris Wolter
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Austin Keen The Dreads, the Man, the Wake. By Paul Alexander Aitken
 Paul Alexander Aitken
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O
nce named one of the “most influential,” people in wave sports of 2014,” and winner of the World Championship of Skim boarding, Austin Keen has dominated the skim boarding world. Now, with his eyes set on Wake Surfing, he has already taken the sport by storm. He debuted in the wake surfing community in Parker, Arizona during the Supreme Wake Surfing Championships where he managed to podium. Keen, famous for hijacking boat, took Parker by storm when he ran from the beach, jumped on his board and hijacked the wake of Chad Hudson’s Centurion FS44. (See here: https://www.facebook. com/XTvideo/videos/10153028204966871/?pnref=story) Austin is never one to talk about his national news attention or his flawless skim boarding skills. He grew up on the beaches of Tybee Island, Georgia where he began riding 14 years ago. Constantly searching for long point break liner spots and clear waters, you can normally find Austin in Laguna Beach, California. He has become accustomed to hunting the perfect wave on the ocean. Skim boarding has more variables, between the beach, the break of the wave and the weather… there are fewer opportunities for the perfect wave while skim boarding. Once Austin discovered the convenience of wake surfing and the opportunity for an endless wave, he naturally immersed himself into the community. His love grew for wake surfing when he learned all of the advantages over skim boarding; the smooth waters, an endless wave and never ending fun! When we asked Austin how he see’s the difference between wake surfing and skim boarding, he told us, “In wake surfing you can control and even create the environment to ride… Its water displacement vs. an ocean wave that is energy that has traveled thousands of miles. The positive about wake surfing is you can just turn on your wave and go. You don’t have to forecast the waves.. you can ride that wave until you run out of gas..” “When I’m wake surfing I’m pretending I’m on the ocean and I can just keep riding. The good thing about wake surfing is that I can really dial down my control, and its given me so much more wave time. It’s helped me bring out my style and individuality!” Keen began skim boarding when VHS tapes were still a big deal and began blazing his own trail to the national stage. It has taken years to develop the level of finesse that Austin demonstrates in his extremely unique style of riding. Austin has already made his own waves in the industry, now its time to see what impact he will have on the wake surfing world. We wanted to find out more about Austin so we sat him down on the hot seat for a Boarders Mag exclusive interview!
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Name: Austin Keen Age: 25 Hometown: Tybee Island, Savannah, GA Favorite Beach: Laguna Beach California Years Wake Surfing: <1 Years Skim Boarding: 14 Paul: What do you look for when finding the perfect wave while ocean skimming? Austin: I look for long point break liner spots, I look for breaks that are close enough to ride out to then continue on. Andre Magarao
Korinn Woodard
Paul: How are the wake surfing and skim boarding community different in your eyes?
Andre Magarao
Austin: Wake Surfing is a community/sport/industry based around fresh water lakes and the boat industry, It is a totally different vibe… But with Wake Surfing you’re creating the environment, which is more consistent, you can turn it on and turn it off. Its a little more expensive. But the positive is you can just turn on your wave and go. You don’t have to forecast the waves, you can ride that wave until you run out of gas..The good thing about wake surfing is.. I can really dial down my control, and its given me so much more wave time. its helped me and allowed me to bring out my style and individuality! With Skim Boarding: So much that goes into predicting waves, having the right beach, right setup, right weather… you’re riding bigger waves! It’s not just about riding the wave, the first step is learning to get to the wave! This is very different because you’re always revolving around a natural force.
Dwight Mudry
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Korinn Woodard
Paul: What is one thing you would like to do in Wake Surfing that hasn’t been done before? Austin: I wanna get shacked (barreled) on a boat wake. Paul: You want to get what?!!? Austin: I would love to one day ride a barrel behind a boat.. You know…Getting shacked. I would really love to bring ocean tricks to the boat.
Korinn Woodard
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Paul: What is your favorite aspect of riding in general? Austin: My favorite thing about riding, I am constantly getting better by practicing and it makes everything easier, and I have more opportunity to enjoy it.
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Rio De Janeiro Ipanema Beach
ď&#x20AC;° Andre Magarao
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Andre Magarao
Paul: What is the craziest time you’ve had while riding? Austin: I was teaching some SUP lessons in Cali and I took a family out. I had their little girl on the front of my board practicing riding.. Then we saw a pod of dolphins… and they went under our boards.. So I started following the dolphins.. I still had the girl on my board and i just paddled following the dolphins for about a mile… The dolphin was next to us the whole time just cruisin’. It was just amazing, this is the whole reason I go out to the ocean. I love to catch a wave and enjoy the crystal clear water of laguna beach and see all the marine life. its amazing.” Paul: Everyone wants to know, what do you love more? Skim Boarding or Wake Surfing?
Paul: A lot of my friends have been asking me to relay this question, How do you ride from the beach to a wake? Austin: Good luck.. I think it takes a lot of practice. But if you try, speed up and focus on dropping in and applying your momentum to the board without sinking or slowing down. Transferring your momentum into the board without creating any drag is difficult, but possible!
Austin: Skim boarding is more natural and is also lifestyle, the energy is different. I can boost big on an ocean wave.. there are so many things that cannot be re-created. The possibilities are more endless and more gratifying… because it’s a better bigger wave… Paul: How long have you had the dreadlocks? Austin: I’ve had them for years, it really just happened naturally.. It wasn’t really a conscious decision, it is a biproduct of who I am. Paul: What do you like to do in your spare time? Austin: While i was living in the Philippines, I learned how to play ukulele and I love to play. Its a part of my lifestyle. I like to call it bonafide living, you are authentically you, and if you don’t know who that person is…discover it! Paul: If you could go back in time to any generation, when would that be? Austin: If i could snap back to any era, would be the 70’s… i love funky jazz, bossa nova, classical jazz, modern Jazz and the funk! Andre Magarao
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Paul: Do you have any advice for new up-and-coming riders? Austin: I’d say… stay motivated and always enjoy what you’re doing.. that’s most important. You can’t improve unless you’re enjoying what you’re doing.” Paul: Thanks again for the interview Austin, you are truly inspiring to many, is there anything you want the boarding community to know? Austin: Live authentically to you.. “Bonafide living.” Written by: Paul Alexander Aitken DroneU 5310 Homestead NE Suite 300 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110
Andre Magarao
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POV Camera Guide Garmin VIBR Elite True 1080p HD Action Camera with Wi-Fi, GPS VIRB records true HD 1080p video that lets you relive every minute of your adventure in full, highcontrast, undistorted detail. The VIRB is rugged and waterproof to IPX7, and comes bundled with a selection of mounts for attaching to your helmet and other equipment.
Drift Ghost-S
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Capture more of the action with the Ghost-S and a 3.5 hour recording time. Featuring a 2“ LCD screen, • High-sensitivity GPS, accelerometer and barometric altimeter rotatable lens, video resolution up to 1080p, up to 60 frames per second, new scene modes and much • Rechargeable lithium-ion battery (record more. up to 3 hours at 1080p) • 300° Rotating Lens • Rugged, durable and water resistant (IPX7) with an aerodynamic design • 3.5 Hour Battery Life •
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gopro hero 4 black HERO4 Black takes Emmy® Award-winning GoPro performance to the next level with our best image quality yet, plus a 2x more powerful processor2 that delivers super slow motion at 240 frames per second.1 Incredible high-resolution 4K30 and 2.7K601 video combines with 1080p120 and 720p240 slow motion to enable stunning, immersive footage of you and your world. Protune™ settings for both photos and video unlock manual control of Color, ISO Limit, Exposure and more. Waterproof to 131’ (40m) with 12MP photos at 30 frames per second and improved audio,2 HERO4 Black is the ultimate life-capture solution for those who demand the best. • 4K30 •
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Waterproof with housing
Ion Air Pro 3 The Air Pro® 3 HD Video Camera is designed for professionals and consumers alike. Waterproof without the need for a case down to 49 feet and free cloud storage. It also records HD video up to 60 frames per second at 1080p, and up to 120 frames per second at 720p. Dual file recording allows for simultaneous ‘shoot and share’ capability.
Polaroid XS100I Capture your adventures, watch video in real-time, adjust settings remotely, and share videos instantly with built-in Wi-Fi on the Polaroid XS100i action camera. Shock-proof and waterproof, this action cam is ready for anything. • Built-in Wi-Fi • 1080p, 960p, and 720p video options • 170 degree viewing angle • High-quality still image options • Shock-proof exterior • Waterproof up to 30 ft • G-Sensor (Auto Rotation) for “which end is up” assurance • Weighs 4.8 oz
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US OPEN OF FLOWBOARDING
The California crew, Eric Silverman, Chris Childers and Amy Stevens defended their home wave against the best boarders from around the world at the Inaugural US Open Of Flowboarding on June 20, 2015 hosted by WaveHouse San Diego.
only standing room left available, hundreds of spectators gathered around to watch the high-flying action. The event featured a unique format where top seeded competitors were ranked, but riders could advance or drop in the seeding based on how they performed in a qualifying jam session.
The contest featured the best flowboarders on the planet as they were invited to the beautiful beaches of Southern California to battle it out on the famous Brutimas Maximus (BMAX) FlowBarrel wave simulator for $10,000, and also to celebrate the 10 year Anniversary of the WaveHouse San Diego.
“We wanted the event to be a showcase of the sport and excellent riding, engaging for spectators but still providing a fair playing field for the competitors” mentioned Wave House Waves Division Manager, Jake Fasset.
WaveHouse San Diego is home to two of the original wave attractions that have traveled all over the world, finding a permanent home at Belmont Park.
“With only one score counting from the semi-finals on, it provided the opportunity for the riders to go big and leave it all out on the wave” explained Rob Chalfant, FLOW’s Head Judge. “It also made it very engaging for everyone watching because the riders were going for broke!” Chalfant added.
The FlowRider FlowBarrel is a 10 foot padded wave machine, shooting 100,000 gallons of water per minute over the ride surface, allowing riders to perform technical and elevated maneuvers that you might only see at the Winter X-Games.
In the Men’s Flowboard Strapped and Strapless Finals we saw known names and veteran competitors such as Greg Lazarus (SA), Mak Sokolov (UAE), Wesley Fischer (SA), Brandon Stevens (USA), Chris Childers (USA) and Eric Silverman (USA).
Prior to the big show, the venue hosted an AM Champs competition, which allowed FLOW Tour competitors and amateur local riders a chance to make it into the main event and go toe to toe with the crème of the crop. Having home wave advantage may have played a small part in the success at the top of podium, but take nothing away from the 2015 US Open Champions (Silverman, Childers, Stevens) as they were all put to the test and had to throw down against the best from around the globe.
As the sun set over the beaches of San Diego, 6x World Champion and hometown favorite, Eric Silverman, took top honors in both Men’s Strapped and Strapless division, earning him the overall men’s title and bragging rights until the World Championships in Abu Dhabi happening in November. “I was definitely stoked to win the event with such a deep talent pool, but I am probably more stoked on the opportunity to hang out with some of my best friends from around the world!” Silverman said. “It’s always a good vibe on and off the wave, plus we all push each other to go to the next level.”
WaveHouse San Diego is the hot spot in Mission Beach. With
The Bodyboard Divisions provided the anticipated matchup
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between the current World Champion Billy Tennant and friendly rival Chris Childers, which did not disappoint. “It was an honor to be invited into the event and I’m pleased with result” Tennant explained. “I came to win but Chris is such a beast on the wave and goes and big as anyone!” Chris Childers is a member of the Wave House SD Flow Team and is known for going big above the lip, making him a rider to watch. “Billy out did me at World’s but this was my turf!” said Childers. “I knew I had to bring my A game and stay focused out there if I wanted to win. I’m happy it all came together in the end.” As for the ladies, Amy Stevens stood tall on top of the podium as she threw out back flips and stylish riding to overcome tough competition amongst a diverse group of boarders from Chile, UAE and USA. For more information on the US Open of flowboarding follow @Flowboarders on Twitter and Facebook and check out the hashtags: #USOpenOfFlowboarding, #FLOWmovement, #WHTenTear The 2015 US Open OF Flowboarding would not have been possible without the staff at WaveHouse San Diego and the generous support of sponsors including Espolon Tequila, Corona Extra, Captain Morgan, Quicksilver, Kreed, Crush Eyewear and Flowboarding League of the World (FLOW). WaveHouse San Diego is scheduled to host the US National Championships in late August or early September, which will qualify riders for the World Championships in November at Yas Water World, Abu Dhabi. National Champions will also
represent Team USA during the event.
Overall Results: Men’s Flowboard 1. 2. 3.
Eric Silverman Max Soklov Greg Lazarus
Men’s Bodyboard 1. 2. 3.
Chris Childers Billy Tennant Wesley Fischer
Women’s Flowboard 1. 2. 3.
Amy Stevens Jessica Nichols Crystal P Gabe Tiano
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SURF SUPREME SUPREME S21
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skisupreme.com
#SURFSUPREME
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Keep Austin Surfing Words | Photos | Passion by Tyler Marshall
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Ashley Kidd + 360 Bridge www.boardersmag.com | Summer 2015
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Austin,
its culture, its people, have never ceased to stop surfing. From the wave of Anglo-American immigrants in the 1830s to the explosion of live music in the 1970s, Austin, just three hours from the closest surfing town, does not need to venture far to catch a buzz. In fact, it has been making waves for years, starting in the 70s and finally credited as the “live music capital of the world” by 1991; it is a town defined by its local vibe, a bike to work and laid back attitude that lives for the outdoors. There are usually two things that help define a surf town- its environment and its people. For Austin, its rich rolling hills, year round climate and clean protected waterways provide the perfect conditions for inland surf sports- wake surfing and standup paddle boarding and even a nearby river surfing wave. At first the feature was going to be titled: Austin, TX: Inland Surf Capital of the World. Being from Texas and a part of the movement, I felt somewhat compelled to deliver this bold statement; a statement that almost seems like it is bragging, one that must have been delivered by a local who also believes that everything is bigger in Texas. Perhaps Munich Germany can stand up to the challenge with its inland surf culture immersed on the Eisbach river wave. Perhaps Orlando Florida can stand up to the challenge with its growing world of wakesurfing, the Fantasy Surf indoor flow machine, the Typhoon Lagoon surf park and Surf Expo. It seems to me that there is something wrong with claiming such an exclusive statement like “our wave is the best.” Our wave, our boat, our board is “the best,” “the first,” or “the original.” Such is the wave of competitive evolution. Being there from the beginning, I know what it feels like to be territorial, to have started something and wanting to control its destiny. Local Texan Matt Thomson discovered stand up paddle boarding on his wind surfboard and a canoe paddle, but at first he only paddled by himself at night, so that no one would see him, but why? Yet amidst the onset of surf sports, amidst the competition between new companies and individuals who finally found surf within the surf, Austin has never ceased to be who it iseclectic and free. Today in 2015 inland surf sports have become like its local music scene- popular and weird. “Keep Austin Weird” is a motto for its diversity amongst individuals who demand pluralistic equality and who, although dress differently than other Texans, respect and understand a unique looking book cover and the willingness to try something new. Similarly, the new surf scene has bloomed into popular demand, generating a bigger market, creating heaps of new companies and clubs and evolving so many weird ways to get on board. At first it was weird that you could surf behind a boat and today it is weird to have boats specifically designed to produce a perfectly shaped wave. At first it was weird to see people standing up and paddling on boards and today it is weird
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if you do not see more than a hundred on a summer weekend on Town Lake. Looks like it is going to get weirder with new NLand Surf Park backed by Wave Garden surf technology.
My Roots I remember the first time I learned how to wakesurf on Lake Travis near Austin. I was modest, one of the last ones to go, started up backside, fell twice and then my third time I let go. The feeling, the rush and the excitement of not knowing what I was doing, but knowing the possibilities of what could be done. We had a lot of people on the boat that day and we all felt a little proud. We surfed by other boaters who stopped what they were doing. “We are surfing!” we shouted in excitement. I had tried surfing before, but never like this, this was different, it was intimate and inviting, everyone was piled on one side of the boat and we could talk to the person surfing and feed off of their energy. This was our wave, it was endless and we all wanted it to last forever. A month later I teamed up with Austin Surf Company shaper Billy Clark and we proceeded to start up the first wake surf school in Texas. Not only did we want to ride the wave, we wanted to grow it and sell it. At one point in time we had a surf shop on South Lamar next to Maria’s Tacos and even a shaping room. A lot of longboarding and a lot of wake surfing, plus the great thing about Austin was that the town was so centralized and the lake was just a bike ride away. What a ride! We rode it out for as long as we could until our waves parted. Billy continued to teach lessons on Lake Austin while I helped pioneer the sport near my hometown in North Texas via my new company- DFW Surf. The waves were different now, however, and now we could stand up and paddle thanks to guys like Matt Thomson, Andy Lukei and Nick Matzorkis who introduced SUP to Texas starting in Austin. Lake life would forever be changed along with my life. After discovering SUP it seemed that I longed to be on the water even more. It has felt nice to have been there since the beginning, a part of something, and an influence upon its growth. As a sport it was here on Lake Austin in 2007 when boards, events and boat technology started to take shape. If you saw another boarder on the lake you were wondering who they were and what kind of board they were on. By 2009 wake surfing grew into a small community of locals and grassroots events like Barrel Boss, Paddle for Humanity and Dam that Cancer. Today in 2015 it is nice to see the movement develop into such a great community. Let’s take a look and see how it all started...
ROOTS
My good friend Nate Richard and I longboarding down South Congress
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On September 1, 2005 I bought an early 80’s Mistral Windsurfer off Craigslist. My wife and I were living in Waco at the time while she finished law school. Our apartment was right on the Brazos river so I kept the windsurfer on the river bank and would take it out each day. On afternoons with no wind, I would leave the sail on shore and just paddle the board to stay in shape for surfing. The board was huge and could easily float me standing so I would often paddle as fast as I could and then jump up into a surfer stance for fun... I’m sure many desperate land locked surfers can relate. One day I was knee paddling along the river bank and found a long branch floating. I stood up and used it to pole myself along the river bank like a Venetian gondolier. I immediately thought a paddle would work even better. I went to the Waco Academy store that night and purchased the longest canoe paddle they had. The next morning I hurried out to the water to test my new idea. It worked! I told my wife the next morning I had a surprise for her. We drove one of our cars with the board and paddle about two miles up river to a canoe put-in. My wife sat towards the front of the board and I stood on the back paddling us the two miles back to our apartment. It was right at dawn and still fairly dark on the water as we slid along the mirror smooth surface. We saw a Nutria and many water birds, it was so peaceful, relaxing and magical. We knew that morning we were on to something special. After that paddle I realized a longer paddle was needed so I took the closet rod out of the spare bedroom in our apartment and cut a piece of plywood into a paddle blade shape attaching it to the closet rod with metal brackets. Voila, I had my first Stand up paddle! It was very heavy but worked marvelously compared with the short canoe paddle. That all happened in the fall/early winter of 2005. During that winter I ditched the sail and mostly paddleboarded on the Brazos because windsurfing required falling into the cold water too often. I also remember during this time seeing an ad in the back of a longboard surfing magazine selling a “stand up paddle”. That was the first time I had an idea that SUP was a legitimate activity. Summer of 2006 we moved back to Austin where I continued to “SUP” alone on Town Lake for the next year. Primarily I would paddle early in the morning or after sunset so as not to draw any attention to what I was doing as I wasn’t sure if it would be allowed. At some point my wife was on a run and saw someone else stand up paddling on the lake. She saw him again a couple weeks later so I started paddling during the day to try and find him. Eventually I ran into him, he was from Hawaii. That was late 2007 I believe. About that time I also found a real paddle board for sale at Sound Waves in Houston, a Southpoint Takayama model, 11”6’ long with no handle. Not too long after that I bought two more boards and paddles and starting giving SUP lessons on Lady Bird Lake. A lot has transpired since those early years, it’s been amazing for me to see the sport grow so explosively. In the early years I knew every single SUP paddler and board on the lake. If I saw a SUP board on a car I didn’t recognize I would follow them so I could say “hi” and get to know them. It was a small tight knit community in those years, I think we all knew we got in at the beginning of something really special. 34
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Town Lake, Austin
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In 2002, fate brought me back to Austin on a permanent basis, although at the time, I told myself I would be moving back to San Diego in a couple years. Once again, I found myself, a fish out of water, a surfer (real surfer) residing in Austin. Luckily, the Central Texas Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation had been up and running a few years, so I found a group of like-minded landlocked individuals. Aside from the University, Austin back then really had two main social scenes; downtown, centered around 6th street with 36
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adjacent music venues on side streets, and the lake. Town Lake was right in the middle of town, but all you could do is paddle around on a canoe or kayak while dodging the rowers. It was technically illegal to swim in Town Lake. Of course, that didn’t stop a few of us from paddling our surfboards up and down Barton Creek below the pool, a great way to stay in paddle ready shape for surf trips. You know how they say history always repeats itself; well out on Lake Austin there were a handful, literally a handful of people doing a little wake surfing. But now it is different than before, they are not just riding longboards or tethered to the boat whipping and launching shortboards. Modern wakesurfing is evolving right in the middle of Texas and today on Lake Austin there are dozens of boats wakesurfing on any given day and hundreds of Austinites that identify themselves as wakesurfers (surfers). This growth has spurred a number of home spun business from wakesurfing lessons, custom board manufacturing and video and media production. Nick Wiersema - Chaos Customs and Shredstixx
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Being a surfer in Austin has had many meanings for me over the past few decades. I first moved here in the early 90’s to attend the University of Texas. The school didn’t have a surf club but there were a few surfers here and there. No different than today we lamented our distance to the coasts and were always on the watch for a swell that would last more than a few hours. Eventually I ran into a few guys that were out on Lake Austin riding their longboards and towing around on shortboards behind the boat. It didn’t matter back then, any boat would do, inboard, outboard, no worries. The best days were when we could get two boats and create a sizable bowl section to ride.
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Nick featured in Issue # 1 of Boarders Mag Ever since the first time he went paddle boarding in Malibu, Nick Matzorkis was hooked. Ever since those first moments that he glided across the water and caught his first wave he envisioned a future that today we know as “the fastest growing watersport in the world.” Five years later we can thank Nick for the enormous growth of the standup paddle market, starting right here in Austin, TX. After that first day on the water Nick started thinking about a way to get thousands of middle class Americans on board. His idea was simple: to make boards more affordable to the masses and to promote the experience through free local demos and pictures on social media. Two years later SUPATX was the number one board sold worldwide. “Austin just so happens to be the perfect place to paddleboard,” according to Nick. So in 2008 the SUPATX team left Malibu and made there way across country to inland paddle paradise, to the rolling hills of Lake Austin, a young and outdoorsy local community and home of the University of Texas. Along with an adventurous demographic Nick was excited about all of the places to paddle and Today SUPATX continues to spread its love of the water in Austin and beyond. You can still hop in a free paddleboarding demo, or head to a local rental concession like the Rowing Dock, grab a SUPATX rec, yoga or racing board, paddle-back and enjoy the local scenery and skyline views amidst hundreds of other boarders, kayakers and rowers. From time to time you might even see Nick cruising over to the Hula Hut, Austin’s legendary lakeside surf shack bar and grill. You can even grab that new paddleboard that you have been dreaming of at the SUPATX store near downtown. Nick paddling with his daughter, Shanley, on Lake Austin.
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SUPATX’s Mike Bill at the SUPATX store on South Lamar
Danny Braught
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VISION Mike Shore and Ryan Light From over the years, I have watched and admired the videos and photographic talent of these two guys. We loved the sport and they gave us something to watch, admire and re-play over and over again. Together as a team they have slowed down and tweaked the subtle details and they have been able to create another moment from a different point of view. “There is always a secondary moment for anything we do,” says Mike
(above). Over the years they have pushed the progression of wake surf action sports videography through the use of chase boats. “Precision boat driving,” Ryan (right) calls it. Today they have moved on to a different angle, one from above, through the use of drones and even helicopters.
Much like Ryan, I just wanted to bring back photos from the things I was doing. My love with the camera started with articles in Rock Climbing Magazines and Outdoor Adventure Clothing companies. The camera could accompany me to a place that very few people could go, and that excited me. Living in New Hampshire surfing was a year round activity, even in 38F water, and I always loved photographing that lifestyle, my lifestyle at the time. Work brought me to Austin in 2007, there was no beach, and I had never seen wake surfing or even wakeboarding. There was an evolution of surfing happening in my backyard though, and progression is an understatement when you look back on how far people like Chase and Ashley have come and what they have brought to the sport. They have the true vision and it’s been awesome to be a part of it. Mike Shore @_mikeshore_
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On set with the Slayshtank and Shredstixx crew
Mike Shore
Austin has always been known as a mecca for water sports dating back to 1985 when Jimmy Redmon decided to add straps to his Redline Designs ski board. Step forward to today and you have pros like Ashley Kidd and Chase Hazen riding that same water pushing the sport in new directions. I bought my first camera when I started wakeboarding back in 2003. I started out just recording my friends and I riding and it progressed to the career I have today. I’ve always had a thirst to know everything about my profession. Learning about cinematography, about editing, about music recordings, as well as post-production. Pushing the limit on how to tell a story by adopting new technologies and techniques has always been my passion. I don’t think I’ll ever stop learning and If you think you know everything, you’re obviously overlooking something. Ryan Light @ryanlightfilms
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STAY LOcAL
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Austin is one of the fastest growing cities in the US and has been dubbed “the nation’s capital for population growth” with thousands of new movers each year. It is a young town with the University of Texas at its epicenter and big corporations like Facebook and Dell. While it might be hard to find a true local anymore, you become local pretty quick. For the local surf industry there are several small businesses that started here and continue to thrive. You can ask Lake Lessons wakeboard/surf coach Greg Lawrence or Billy Garcia at Freeride Wakesports about the popularity of lake life, surf lessons and camps on Lake Austin and Lake Travis. Check out the new Austin Surf Club, a free wake surfing club and the largest in the world with just over six hundred members. Looking to rent a board on Town Lake? There are nearly a dozen paddleboard rental companies to choose from! In case you still have not tried it, SUPATX offers free monthly and weekly SUP demos, then once your hooked, you can stop by their shop just south of the lake on Lamar and buy your first board. You can book a private party with local grassroots company Austin Paddle Sports, or stop by the Rowing Dock to rent a board. Austin might be the paddleboard rental capital of the world thanks to its young demographic nearly 100,000 college students alone, around 52,000 at the nation’s second biggest University- of Texas. “Austin has become the center of the wakesurf movement and its been amazing to watch the transformation from wakeboarding to wakesurfing on Lake Austin over the past 5 seasons,” says Clint Smith of Shredstixx. Clint’s good friend Rusty (pictured) here helped foster the Keep Austin Surfing slogan.
Ski Shores Cafe
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The laid back flip flop wearing vibe will forever be trending. Tyler’s is the perfect local surf shop destination for you to buy a new pair of sandals (until you lose them at the next party). The Howler Brother’s started here too- take Costa Rican Howler Monkeys + Beach Apparel + Austin- and you too will want to support and rock your new Howler hat or t-shirt. Head over to Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, a big supporter of local events and watersports, and grab yourself a famous fish taco. Then head down to the lake and grab a savory margarita at the famous Hula Hut. Hang out for a while and you might be able to see 2X World Champ Raleigh Hager surf by. Get on a boat, go for a surf, or paddle down to Ski Shores Cafe, open since 1954. Local athletes include names like Ashley Kidd, Raleigh Hager, Morgan Lohmeier, Jack Oman, Bubba Gainan, Vince Costa and Ford Chupik. Raleigh (top right) is the youngest World Wake Surfing Champion with two titles under her belt and it all started right here on Lake Austin when her Dad, JB, would tow her up and down the lake on an ocean board starting at the age of 7. Wake surfing just became locally advertised on a #besomebody billboard featuring new Waterloo team rider Morgan Lohmeier (below).
Brooke and Ken at Tyler’s in Austin showing off that everything is BIGGER in Texas, even the Rainbow Flip Flops.
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At City Surf Austin we provide an off water, on board training session that isolates the same muscle groups used while surfing. Our wide range of class offerings will get you in surf shape in no time! ď&#x20AC;° Parker Dunagan
Andrew Heller City Surf Austin
ď&#x20AC;° Parker Dunagan
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Austin Surf Company Board featurd in the window of St Bernard Sports, Downtown Austin
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Raleigh and JB at Hula Hut on Lake Austin 48
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EAT, SLEEP, WAKESURF
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I have always joked that Austin is like a beach town without a beach. If we had a coastline it would be the perfect city. With wakesurfing it feels like we do. It’s been amazing because not that long ago on the water people were pointing and going “What is that?” Now you might hear the lake Austin riverboat Tour Guide announce “Just ahead you’ll see some of the world famous Lake Austin Wakesurfers.”
You don’t have to surf like a world champ for it to be fun. The 1st time anyone successfully drops the rope, screams erupt. It’s chill, it’s social, usually involves some Bob Marley and it’s an option on a hot day…and we have a lot of those. When Raleigh first got into it her classmates didn’t know what it was, now she’s teaching them all and they’re hooked. It’s so common to hear Austin teenagers today talking boards, boats and waves. JB Hager- The Voice of Austin Radio
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The first time that I wakesurfed on Lake Austin I felt right at home. It has the feel of a beach town without a beach. I love how beautiful and welcoming it is Ashley Kidd
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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love my Centurion because it has the most powerful ocean feel wave. It is long with tons of push and the perfect amount of steepness for boosting big airs.â&#x20AC;?
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I remember relaxing the night before the annual Barrel Boss grassroots surf event and an announcement came on the radio with some background surf music- “come out to Steiner Ranch Pavilion this Saturday and watch some of the best surfers in the world,” that’s when I knew that we had finally made it. The event usually takes place towards the end of Lake Austin at Steiner Ranch. It goes down in September, the perfect time of year to surf in Texas. You are surrounded by Austin’s rich rolling hills and, while other lakes around Texas are warm, Lake Austin maintains a coolness.
Founder of Barrel Boss Bonnie Starak and Greg Lawrence of Lake Lessons
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Special thanks to Sail and Ski and Barrel Boss founder, Bonnie Starak, for all of their hard work and effort year after year.
Barrel Boss was created in 2008 and has been going strong ever since. Wake Surfing has quickly become a huge part of the water sports industry and we saw it coming way back then. Sail & Ski has always tried to provide grass roots events to the lake community that everyone has an opportunity to compete in. Low pressure and a good experience for the entire family is the goal which makes our competition a little bit different. There are plenty of high pressure comps out there that are great, but for us, it’s about bringing the community together regardless of skill level. That’s not to say that we don’t have talented riders compete because we absolutely do! Ashley Kidd, Raleigh Hager, Chris Kinsey are just a few names that have all competed in Barrel Boss. BB was Raleigh’s very first competition ever and she and her parents had no idea the talent she had before she wrecked shop and won. That’s my absolute favorite part of putting this on every year. I get to watch not only the sport, but the riders grow. And grow they do! We are proud to provide a competition that touts so many amazing riders’ starts into the industry as well as something the entire family can participate in. -Bonnie Starak
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ď&#x20AC;° Photos by Tim Marek
There have been some great years of wake surfing from talented athletes like (from left to right) Bubba Gainan from Corpus Christie, Landon Reichle from Austin, surf champ Wes Beck from Corpus and Jack H2Oman from Westlake Austin. If you were not watching or surfing then you were out paddling or swimming. (Right) Barrel Boss was one of the first events that brought all of the inland surf sports and boarders together.
This is how Austin has kept surfing over the years and it is through events like this that the young locals look forward to. Getting out on the lake and feeling free, truly enjoying what it is to live in the present moment, and later pulling up the memory and remembering how special it was, is what surfing is all about. Keep Austin surfing? We do this by continuing these grassroots moments, keeping our Texas aloha and building upon a foundation that remains passionate.
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PHOTOS BY PETER CHING
PANTONE COLORS: TEAL = Pantone 3302 C ORANGE = Pantone 158 C
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THE MISSION Paddle 21 Miles Dam to Dam on Lake Austin
THE GOAL $400,000 fundraising goal to benefit the Flatwater Foundation. 58
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of taking care of your mental heath as a survivor or a caregiver amidst cancer diagnosis. News crews and radio stations heard our message, and support rolled in… That was just the beginning and I knew that my purpose was to reach as many people as possible with this message. In addition, I saw a giant lack of access to mental health support. While many agencies could help, it was for four or five sessions due to the high cost of therapy. Also, longterm care could potentially be forever. We saw the need and I decided to create an organization that would focus on just this—long-term access to mental health support for families coping with cancer and at no cost to those in need! Every year, our paddlers raise the funds and 100% of the donations are used to pay for access to mental health support for those in need. Stand up paddle boarding is saving lives! We intend to expand to Houston in Dallas in partnership with our major sponsor, Tyler’s. In doing so, we hope to make Texas the best place to live, with full access to mental health support for those in need, coping with cancer.
Tyler’s Dam That Cancer was initially a PR stunt on the water
in 2010 after I realized the effects that one cancer diagnosis can have on so many people. When my Dad was given eight to twelve months to live, a lot changed in my life. I witnessed the ripples and waves that are sent in all directions, touching so many lives. The mental health of so many people was affected in a major way. I set out with a group of fourteen friends to make a statement on the water by paddling dam to dam on Lake Austin, the Lower Colorado River, and it worked. Our message: the importance
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To date, Tyler’s Dam That Cancer paddlers have raised over $1,000,000 for the cause, setting the stage for many families to get the access to care that they so desperately need. The need is huge, and growing. We currently have over four hundred and fifty families and individuals in care and we hope to someday expand across the country, using non-traditional events and fundraisers to change the lives of those in need. Learn more at: flatwaterfoundation.org. Mark Garza, DTC Founder
I appreciate DTC’s work as my Mother succumbed to cancer and I see cancer’s effect daily in my line of work. Everyone is affected by cancer eventually. DTC is addressing an unmet need. – Peter Ching
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“Since day one Dam that Cancer has been a staple event for paddleboarding in Texas. It started out as a local event with the support of local companies like mine, Austin Paddle Sports, paddling for a cause, helping raise awareness and getting new people on board. Each year we have new paddlers, getting on boards for their first time and are able to finish the journey through will power and mental strength- such is the meaning of DTC.” . Ryan Stephens aka Slim - Austin Paddle Sports
“I recently lost my Father and Grandmother to cancer. Participating in this year’s Dam that Cancer was a way for me to honor them and to support other families who struggled through the effects of cancer. I remember sprinting the last mile in remembrance of Dad.” Don Anderson
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“Four years ago I lost my mother to liver cancer. If it wasn’t for SUP I am not sure where I would be today, it has changed my life for the best and it has been an honor to be a part of Tyler’s Dam that Cancer and to support the Flatwater foundation. I can’t imagine not being a part of the amazing DTC family and I am already looking forward to year 5, DTC 2016, see you there!” Juliet and Randall Urushima
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I have been fortunate enough to be a part of Dam that Cancer from the very first year. Every year as it grows and new faces appear it is a constant reminder of the support needed to face a cancer diagnosis. It takes a group, a family, and a support team to make it through and oddly enough it takes the same thing to finish the 21-mile Dam That Cancer paddle.
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11’6 Adventure The 11’6 Adventure from SUPATX is one of my favorite all around boards. First off, it is covered from tip to tail with EVA foam traction so you will not slip. This also comes in handy if you have a fifty-eight pound dog on the front who likes to walk around on the nose. It also has a LIFTSUP handle that makes it easier to carry and it’s great for storage because you can slip a rope lock around it and keep your board safe. The third feature that I like on the board is the SUP-connect plugs in the front of the board, which are basically removable plugs that allow you to attach a camera, rod holder, or water bottle, which are all interchangeable on any board with sup connect. The Adventure model overall is the SUV Cadillac of boards allowing maximum flotation, maximum traction, and maximum functionality. This board covers all of the bases for everyone and is my go to each year when I paddle 21 miles from dam to dam on Lake Austin, super stable, comfortable, plus I can bring my dog Steve along for the ride.
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“Tyler’s Dam That Cancer is an incredible experience and it is a huge honor to be a part of such a powerful event. As an Austin based company, it is very important to us that we support our local communities and Tyler’s Dam That Cancer is one of our favorite ways of doing so. Partnering with The Flatwater Foundation has been a wonderful journey and one of the goals of our partnership is to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. The relationships we have with our current brands like Roxy, Quiksilver, Nixon, Hari Mari, Dakine and Sun Bum help to make it happen. We are proud to carry such supportive brands that help us make a difference in being the title sponsor of Dam That Cancer.” -Brooke Bucherie Tyler’s
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Payette River Games :THE PEOPLEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHAMPIONS BY JUSTIN HAMMOND
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In the last issue we gave you the top 5 reasons to attend
Payette River Games from the eyes of the athletes and the minds behind last year’s event. This issue, we want to share the inspiration that transpired when moments of true human strength simultaneously brought spectators, commentators, vendors, volunteers and athletes alike to their feet and cheering to their lung’s capacity. It is not the winners that we are talking about, because one of these foresaid amazing people was not even a competitor, but instead originated the event. No, these were the PEOPLE’S Champions! The first of the all-stars is not only an honorable mention, but he is also the town of Cascade, Idaho’s people’s champion. The Payette River Games would not have been possible without the generosity and ingenuity of Mark and Kristina Pickard, who built this park in loving memory of Kristina’s sister Kelly Brennan. Mark’s generosity was sung by all of the local business owners I had the pleasure of running into. He has given people yet another reason to make the hike up to the beautiful mountainous countryside, filled with wonder and excitement, and enjoy year-round extreme sporting opportunities. The Pickard’s hospitality has not only created a mecca for us lovers of water, but has single handedly driven summer revenue for the mountain town of Cascade, Idaho. 70
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Next on the list was no stranger to the games, as he was the first athlete to ever be offered sponsorship by Kelly’s Whitewater Park (KWP). Derek Rabelo, a big wave surfer from Brazil, was born blind and demonstrates what it truly means to overcome life’s obstacles. He inspired the Boarders crew at KWP when he took on the river wave that was a challenge for even some of the more seasoned river surfers. He originally tackled this 2000 CFS obstacle at the games last year, and this year he braved it again. With his father at his side for instruction and encouragement, Derek paddled into the wave, ferried for position, and got up on his board. His skills and abilities have far surpassed his disability. Now his passion and dedication has spread beyond his home of Brazil, through the Payette River Games, made its impact at the North Shore of Hawaii, and finally on to the big screen. Watch “Born Blind: The Derek Rabelo Story” to see how faith can surpass sight. It is available now for viewing. Downriver whitewater standup paddling is a whole other beast when compared to flat water, or even some light SUP surfing. Currents, rapids, undercurrents, rocks and small eddy currents are all just the natural obstacles. On top of that, the course directors threw in the ever-changing floating course markers that forced the riders to choose new runs down the river daily. Like I said, this was a whole other beast.
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It was this event that pushed all athletes to their limits, but there were two competitors here who stood out as the people’s champions. Jonas Letieri (right), another extraordinary human being hailing from Brazil, suffered from electrocution while volunteering at his church that led to both of his arms being amputated below the elbow. This didn’t slow Jonas down one bit. This guy, with his custom paddle retrofitted to enable his disability, literally proved that there are no excuses when he shot through the rapid and executed a textbook cross-stern turn that put him in the lead on the first turn. After the ferry across whitewater, he sprinted down current with a force that led him to finish line ahead of his competitors and on to the next heat. He didn’t win the podium, but he won all of our hearts. Another people’s champion, and a real man in the making, fourteen year old Miles Harvey (below) threw down some serious board control and mental dedication to overtake his grown superiors, and almost took his heat’s win in this sup cross event. Much to the excitement of the crowd and fellow athletes, he executed a perfect drop down the main feature to tightly squeeze the first turn and ferry across the whitewater. After a ferocious sprint down the current and around the last turn Miles was neck and neck into the home stretch, and the crowd was on their feet following him down stream. At fourteen years old, he place 14th in the sup cross event and 17th overall at the Payette River Games against some of the best SUP’ers and surfers in the world.
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Chuck Patterson and Jonas Letieri
The 2015 Payette River Games at Kelly’s Whitewater Park may be remembered for the $50,000 in cash winnings dispersed to the top 10 athletes, it could be remembered for attracting some of the world’s best surfers and SUP’ers alike, or it could be a combination of the two along with the collaboration of an entire town to bring together Idaho’s best whitewater downriver race.
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UE ROLL is the powerful, pint-sized wireless BluetoothÂŽ speaker that blasts unapologetically awesome 360-degree sound. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waterproof and designed for adventure, so dunk it, drop it, toss it, and take it everywhere. With 9-hour battery life and 65-ft wireless range it will go as hard and long as you do.
U LT I M AT E E A R S . C O M
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NAUTICAL COWBOY
Where? Lake Cascade, ID Board: Slingshot Crossbreed 11â&#x20AC;&#x2122; inflatable Boarder: Associate Editor Justin Hammond
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ď&#x20AC;° Danny Braught
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1995
2015
SEPT 24-26 2015 WORLD WAKE SURFING CHAMPIONSHIP
Multi color - no fade in logo version 20% cyan 20% magenta 20% yellow 100% black
TM
WAKESURFERS
Logo on a black or dark background. Can also be used as shown here with the black box. WWW.INLAND SURFER.COM
1 color logo version
Fade
Multi color - fade in logo version
Fade
Logo on a black or dark background. Can also be used as shown here with the black box.
20% cyan 20% magenta 20% yellow 100% black
The 20th annual World Wake Surfing Spot Color Championship PMS will109be held on September 24-26 at BlueWater Resort & Casino in Parker, Arizona. The World Wake Surfing Championship is the sport’s pinnacle event and no place has ever hosted the World Championship like theSpot BlueWater. Centurion Process Color Color Boats, 12% magenta a brand that has been buildPMS 109 100% yellow ing magenta wakesurfing specific towboats 23.59% PMS 123 96.31% yellow since 1995, will provide the event’s official fleet of World Championship wakesurfing towboats. Process Color 12% magenta 100% yellow
www.wakesurfchampionships.com
Win a Trip to Costa Rica! For your chance to win a 5 day surfcation with the Triple X Surf crew visit BoardersMag.com/costa-rica
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Born of the sea EVA GRIP | 17 OZ | CARBON FIBER
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