VOLUME 2 - ISSUE 2 BLAST Publications, LLC 1406 E. Curtis St. Tampa, FL 33604 PUBLISHER
Jimmie Walker jimmie@flwakemagazine.com
EDITOR
Greg Brewer gregflwake@hotmail.com
ADVERTISING
Daniel Epps wakeboardmiami@gmail.com
DESIGN
Mike Delach myfavoritefightsong@hotmail.com
FEATURES
PHOTOGRAPHERS:
Adam Aslanian, Julio Atuilar Greg Brewer, Jimmie Walker
CONTRIBUTORS:
Chad Brown, Rachel Brown Ben Caruso, Jeff Trudeau
ON THE COVER:
Stu Shinn Photo: Jimmie Walker
INSIDE COVER:
John Rodriguez Photo: Jimmie Walker FL WAKE MAGAZINE is published 10 times a year and is available for free through boat dealers, wakeboard shops, marinas, clothing shops, cable parks, and wake events. Any questions, comments, or letters can be e-mailed to Jimmie Walker. BLAST PUBLICATIONS assumes no responsibilities for claims made by advertisers. Advertisers warrant and represent the description of their products advertised are all true in all respects. Any and all letters and their content become sole property of BLAST PUBLICATIONS, LLC., and may be reproduced there of. All views expressed in articles are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of BLAST PUBLICATIONS, LLC. Use or duplication of materials used in this publication is prohibited without approved consent of BLAST PUBLICATIONS, LLC.
10-12 . . . . . VIDEO REVIEWS 15 . . . . . . . . KILLER MANATEE? 16 . . . . . . . . RIDE DAY 18 . . . . . . . . FL WRAP UP OWC 20 . . . . . . . . FL WRAP UP MALIBU JUST RIDE 22-27 . . . . . TAGGED PHOTOS 31 . . . . . . . . BETWEEN SESSIONS WITH VINNIE KNAPP 34 . . . . . . . . 20 QUESTIONS WITH STU SHINN 38 . . . . . . . . BROWNIE POINTS 40 . . . . . . . . PRODUCT TOSS 41 . . . . . . . . FROM THE DOCK 42 . . . . . . . . EARS 44 . . . . . . . . NEXT ISSUE
OK GO!
We are pleased to bring you the latest installment of FL WAKE! In this issue you’ll find an in depth interview with pro wakeskater STU SHINN, mid season contest results, and reviews for 3 new wake videos you need to see. You’ll soon see we’ve upgraded the mag again... A new and improved look, and no more black and white! In the future we will continue to bring you the best coverage of the wake industry and you guys keep ripping! Until the next issue, thanks for reading our mag!
FL WAKE MAGAZINE • Volume 02 Issue 02 • PAGE 05
VIDEO REVIEW
Esoteric Scene One ESOTERIC, Scene One’s latest creation, is a crystal clear message to the industry, a
warning shot across the bow to announce the emerging new batch of wakeskate talent. Of course, some of these riders have been around for a while, and some are already on their way up, but these guys are set to soon take over once and for all, and ESOTERIC paves the way for the uprising.
All ambiguous threats aside, this video is a good one and it contains some of the best wakeskating I’ve seen in a while. Seriously. ESOTERIC presents a diverse group of riders united through a genuine love of the sport, instead of focusing on a bunch of guys who simply happen to be on the same team. Actually, even though they don’t share similar sponsors, these guys are on the same team: Team Progression Reed Hanson opens the film up and there are more flip tricks in his section than were in the last skateboard video you watched! Reed pulls off a kick flip to front board shuv out. He also does switch flips and double flips. Impressive. Other stand out tricks: David Hanson’s shuv to late back foot kick flip, Josh Kirby’s nose press and nose slide down a large rail, Robbie Brazell’s kick flip to lip slide shuv out, and Stu Shinn’s wake riding and heel flip. Then there’s Nick Taylor. I couldn’t really pick any single trick from his part because it was all very impressive. That doesn’t quite help with the review, I know, but all you really need to know is that everything he does is gold. Wow, even the soundtrack is first-class! It reminds me of the last time I went to the club for indie dance night. As I’m sure you can tell by now, I loved this video. Our sport needs more of this. Remember: a little shake-up every once in a while can be a good thing. Reviewed by: Jimmie Walker
FL WAKE MAGAZINE • Volume 02 Issue 02 • PAGE 10
VIDEO REVIEW
The Truth Liquid Force THE TRUTH:
If you have ever had the pleasure of seeing one of Justin Stevens’ Films (i.e. METRONOME, RELENTLESS, RUNNING WITH SCISSORS, ASTERISK, BOOMBOX, etc.) then you know that they are a brilliant visual experience, from the way they are shot, to the way they are edited, and everything else in between. The latest release from Justin and Liquid Force Films, entitled THE TRUTH, is no exception. The camera angles are masterful and the use of unique camera equipment make this film a jaw dropper. Justin uses a high speed camera to capture wakeboarding and wakeskating in a dream-like vision, allowing you to see everything crystal clear at extreme slow motion. The riding in the film is explosive! From Ben Greenwood’s poked out spins, to the ridiculous gaps in Aaron Reed’s section. Not to mention Reed’s elusive wake to wake back big spin. Liquid Force’s new addition to the team, Keith Lyman, has an unbelievable section as well. All of the incredible riding on top of an amazing sound track confirms that this film aims to please and it has definitely hit the mark. For more info on this and much more from Justin Stevens and the Liquid Force guys, check out www.LiquidForceFilms.com. To order the video check out www.BuyWake.com. Reviewed by: Greg Brewer
FL WAKE MAGAZINE • Volume 02 Issue 02 • PAGE 11
VIDEO REVIEW
N.A.R.L.A. (North American River Lovers Association) DVS team video N.A.R.L.A. is the latest DVS wakeskate video. Actually, it’s the very first DVS team wakeskate video, and it is groundbreaking to say the least. The title of the video is an acronym for “North American River Lovers Association,” a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the lifestyle of pro-wakeskaters. You know: Party. Wakeskate. Party. Repeat. Don’t get me wrong, these riders definitely worked hard at getting their tricks and making this amazing video - they just had a lot of fun doing it, and it shows. The intro to the video is a hilarious montage - partly filmed in front of an obviously homemade greenscreen - and it really sets the mood for the video. Trust me on this one, you won’t be disappointed. As a whole, N.A.R.L.A. follows up SFUMATO and picks up right where the classic Cassette video left off. Just like its predecessor, this film is filled with sick riding and an amazing soundtrack, and simply put, is a must-have for any wakeskater. Some stand out tricks are Danny Hampson’s w2w 180 late shuv it and Reed Hanson’s lines, as well as Thomas Horrell’s nose slide and Aaron Reed’s back tail - both down the Red Bull Adrift Ledge. Actually, Aaron Reed’s part had more hammers than a hardware store. I should also mention Danny Molina’s impeccably smooth style. Produced, directed, filmed, and edited by Thomas, N.A.R.L.A. definitely has a skateboard type feel. N.A.R.L.A. is distributed by Sidewayz so your local wake shop probably has it. If they don’t, get them to order a copy for you or log onto www.dvswake.com for more information (as well as your very own North American River Lovers Association membership card). Reviewed by: Jimmie Walker
FL WAKE MAGAZINE • Volume 02 Issue 02 • PAGE 12
KILLER MANATEES? A TRUE STORY
It is a known fact: we all do a lot of things that could potentially hurt us while wakeboarding or wakeskating. That possibility just goes hand-inhand with the action sports lifestyle we have all chosen to live. But what about the natural dangers that we face by invading the waterways to use as our playground? I want to tell you about an experience I recently had with a creature that calls my watery playground its home. I am not referring to snakes or alligators, like you might be thinking. I’m here to tell you how I almost got taken out by a manatee. Yes, you heard me. A manatee. It’s hard to believe, right? Manatees have the reputation of being very gentle, docile creatures, and every year people come to the state of Florida and pay a lot of money to swim with them. We’re the lucky ones, since we get to do this year round. Or does that make us lucky at all? Are we instead putting ourselves in danger and not even realizing it? Let me tell you my story: I was out on my local riding spot, putting in a new rail. We were aware that two manatees were near by, but why should we worry? Right? I had one post set and was working on a second one. I was about waste deep in the water with a sledge hammer, pounding away, making sure the 4x4 was set deep enough to build on top of. My girlfriend was on shore about 10 feet away, watching us, and enjoying the manatees nearby. Well, I guess the noise or vibrations from all of my hammering disturbed the mating habits of this supposedly gentle creature. Because it came straight for me. It was
about 5 feet away when it surfaced and it shot at me like a 3 foot wide torpedo. It looked like I had a front row seat in the boat that Jaws attacked. This thing was mad and it meant business. I could tell you that its eyes rolled back and that it was foaming at the mouth, but you wouldn’t believe me. All of the research I’ve done has revealed to me that manatees don’t really have teeth. But I saw fangs! I immediately started screaming like a 9 year-old girl on a rollercoaster and turned around and ran for shore. I could hear the rush of the water and knew it was hot on my heels, but luckily this ravenous creature didn’t catch me. What would it have done? Eaten me? Probably just mowed me down. I’m not quite sure of its intentions, but at the moment, I didn’t want to stick around and find out! Either way, I wasn’t going back into the water until this insane creature of the deep was gone. My girlfriend laughed at me for a good 20 minutes and said that the creature had gotten so close, that she thought it was actually on top of me. It was definitely a close call! I know I’ve made light of this situation, but it actually could have been really, really bad. An average sized manatee usually weighs about a thousand pounds and swims pretty fast, especially in short bursts. If it had rammed me it would have taken my legs out for quite some time. So whether I had invaded its mating territory, or it was the first manatee ever bitten by a rabid raccoon, it almost got me. And for now on, if I see one in the water, I will respect their space and not go near them. So my advice to you is this: the waterways of Florida are our playground, but they are also the home of different creatures that can and will hurt you. I guess the moral of the story would be this: for your own safety, and the safety of others, just be sure to respect your surroundings. - Jimmie Walker FL WAKE MAGAZINE • Volume 02 Issue 02 • PAGE 15
FL WAKE RIDE DAY
On Sunday, June 24th, on Tarpon Lake, FL WAKE held its second annual Ride Day. In case you missed it, it’s an event that we put on that gets all the local wakeboard boat dealers together in one location. It is free for the public to come out and demo any boat they like. The boats we had on hand for demo where: Mastercraft, Malibu, Nautique, and Moomba. It’s a really good event for anyone even thinking about getting a new boat. You get to see what they all have to offer and pick out one that’s going to work best for you. The event was held right on the water at one of the pavilions in Anderson Park. We chose Tarpon Lake as the location for this years Ride Day because the lake is more than big enough to accommodate that many boats, fully weighted, being tested. We
FL WAKE MAGAZINE • Volume 02 Issue 02 • PAGE 16
FL WAKE RIDE DAY CONT.
also had music and all the free food you want. Liquid Force and Oak Wakeskates were kind enough to supply some product for anyone looking to try out some new gear. We plan on doing the Ride Day again next year. This event went so well, we are making plans to start them up in other cities. It’s a good way to get a lot of people in the wake community together for something other than a contest. FL WAKE would like to thank: BAY AREA WATERSPORTS, LAND O LAKES MARINE, HUSTON MOTORS, LIQUID FORCE, and OAK WAKESKATES for making this event possible. See you next year!
FL WAKE MAGAZINE • Volume 02 Issue 02 • PAGE 17
FL WRAP-UP Sept. 7th-9th were the dates for the WWA Wake Park Nationals, presented by Ten-80. Wakeboarders and wakeskaters from across the country came down to OWC to compete on the cable, to earn points for the series title at the third stop of this national tour. They also had a Liquid Force obstacles only division where the riders competed in a 10 minute jam style format. They got to hit all the rails, kickers, and other obstacles that are available at ODUB. Some of the tricks that were thrown down that got the crowd ooing and aahhing were: Keith Lidberg’s super stylish TS front board transfer to fakie on Nessy, Mitch Langfield’s Toe back 7 off the kicker, but at the end of the session, Tom Fooshee was the overall winner sticking a switch heelside 9 off of the kicker. It was a lot to see in the 10 minutes of allotted time! In the Pro Men’s head to head finals it was Tom Fooshee and Mitch Langfield battling it out for the national championship title! These two gave each other some stiff competition with Langfield landing a KGB as well as an ollie 180 to switch nose press onto the flat bar with a BS 180 out and a HS backside 5 off the kicker. But Fooshee landed a nose grab slim chance, backside 7 and switch HS 7 off the kickers and was able to capture the win.
to front board shuv out. Andrew Pastura landed in second by getting a back big to back lip 270 shuv off of the box. But Bret Little would come out on top by sticking a kick flip, back big to back lip shuv out on the box, and a shuv to back board on the flat rail. On November 10th and 11th, the WWA Wake Park Series presented by Ten-80 will reach its final stop at Ski Rixen. That’s where the riders will compete for final points in hopes to be named the overall champion. For more in formation on the 2007 WWA Wake Park Series, please contact the World Wakeboard Association at (407) 362-7841 or visit www.thewwa.com.
Josh Rice took fourth in Pro Mens and Rob Mapp got third with a huge KGB, switch back mobe and massive TS 7 off the kicker. In Open Women, Anna Hajek would capture 3rd place by hitting the a frame and the picnic table. She almost landed a heel 7 off of the kicker! Kayla Chojnacki finished in 2nd and Alize Brion stuck a press on the flat bar and scarecrow off the kicker to win the national title. In Jr. Mens, it was Michael Rossi who took the third place spot with Andrew Massi in second and Nick Kamper landing in first place. At the cable parks some of the best riding you will see will be from the wakeskaters. The pro wakeskate division in this event was no different. Kyle Hyams came in third by landing a switch 270 FL WAKE MAGAZINE • Volume 02 Issue 02 • PAGE 18
FL WRAP-UP CONT. BOYS 1 Bank, Michael USA 75 2 Prizer, Cody USA 70 3 Holihan, Robby USA 50 4 Brooks, John USA 40 5 Prizer, Ben USA 20 GIRLS (13 and under) 1 McCullough, T. USA 59.67 2 Hyams, Maggie USA 53.33 3 Chojnacki, M. USA 40
QUALIFYING ROUND - PRO MEN
(top 4 in each heat advance to final head-to-head)
1 Fooshee, Tom USA 81.67 2 Langfield, Mitch Aus 70 3 Mapp, Rob USA 68.33 4 Reed, Kyle USA 56.67 5 Adkison, Andrew USA 46.67 6 Federspiel, Brad USA 36.67 1 Rice, Josh USA 78.33 2 Le, Lu USA 66.67 3 Shuster, Marc USA 60 4 Lidberg, Keith USA 48.33 5 Shaw, Diego USA 40 6 Schumacher, L. USA 20
JUNIOR WOMEN (14-18) 1 Hajek, A. USA 83.33 2 Chojnacki, K. USA 50 3 Amini, Shima USA 33.33 MEN’S 1 (19-24) 1 Shumacher, Doug USA 63.33 2 Brinkerhoff, Brett USA 43.33 3 Reddish, Chris USA 26.67 4 Schumacher, Larry USA 16.67 5 Bank, Josh USA 13.33 JUNIOR MEN’S (14-18) 1 Kamper, Nick USA 70 2 Masi, A. USA 46.67 3 Rossi, Michael USA 36.67 4 Ward, Prescott USA 26.67 OPEN WOMEN 1 Brion, Alizee FRANCE 60 2 Chojnacki, Kayla USA 50 3 Hajek, Anna USA 45 4 McCullough, Taylor USA 40 PRO WAKESKATE 1 Little, Bret USA 81.67 2 Pastura, Andrew USA 66.67 3 Hyams, Kyle USA 58.33 4 Yarbrough, Oury USA 43.33 5 Rivet, Cody USA 40 6 Steven, Campbell USA 20 LIQUID FORCE OBSTACLES ONLY 1 Tom Fooshee 2 Mitch Langfield 3 Keith Lidberg 4 Dustin Snyder 5 Adam Errington 6 Daniel Powers FL WAKE MAGAZINE • Volume 02 Issue 02 • PAGE 19
FL WAKE MAGAZINE • Volume 02 Issue 02 • PAGE 20
FL WAKE MAGAZINE • Volume 02 Issue 02 • PAGE 21
Unlike Ahab, Chris Harvey got his Moby Dick photo: Walker
Chad Thompson’s underwear allows him extra lift photo: Aslanian
Kyle Hyams
sequence: Walker
Ben Haire Whirlybird on Lake Magdalene photo: Brewer
Tim Keepers exploding out of the white light! photo: Walker
BETWEENSESSIONS
For our interview with Vinnie Knapp we solicited the help of pro wakeskater Ben Caruso. BC and Vinnie have been good friends for awhile, and have even lived together as roommates for a bit. We thought it would make for an indepth and entertaining interview. What we know about Vinnie is that everyone always talks about how talented he is. Especially on rails. We got a chance to witness this first-hand at our Boat Show Rail Jam. The photos we have for his interview are from a shoot we did at Central Florida Boating Center, following the JUST RIDE event. Oh, and by the way, he slayshed his way into second place in the outlaw division. Interview by: Ben Caruso FL WAKE: So you hail from Atlanta; what has brought you to the sunshine state? Vinnie Knapp: Ha! Last winter I promised myself that I would never spend a full win-
ter in ATL ever again! Hello sunshine, goodbye freezing cold! FL WAKE: Who inspires/influences your riding? Lately, I have been on a Vandall trip! I let the rope out and just go huge! My mother Cheryl inspires me to do my best at everything! All my friends! T Bragg, Capt. Ben Caruso, Colby K., photographer Jake Slone, Kyle Walton, Dutch Master, Rolando, The Fife Donka, Sk8s, Pointless, Slayden, Luke and Marco the crazy Mexican! Thanks Bros. O, and of course, hot blonde girls in the boat! FL WAKE: Where do you live now and where do you ride? VK: I inhabit the town of Windermere on the west side of Orlando! I love it there! I ride on the lake Saywer chain, right behind my house! Plus, anywhere I can get a pull, I mean anywhere, ditches, ponds, driveways, beaches, rivers and waterfalls! FL WAKE: Do you think there is room for natural winching in wakeboarding, not just pool gaps and street jams? VK: Wakeboarders sure do love there pool gaps and street jams! As for natural winching, there’s definitely a huge future in both wakeboarding and wakeskating. I am looking forward to being a part of both! FL WAKE: I heard you’re planning on winching down an 80 foot waterfall. Are you lying?
FL WAKE MAGAZINE • Volume 02 Issue 02 • PAGE 31
BETWEENSESSIONS CONT.
VK: We have the spot, we just have to get there! FL WAKE: What is it like being an aspiring wakeboarder and not ever having owned your own boat? VK: It’s been the hard life! I’ve just been lucky to have such good friends tug me
around all day! There have been so many people that have helped me ride. Thank you all! Really, it makes me a more versatile rider. I have grown used to it. But thanks to Tim and Chuck Bragg there’s a Supra sitting at our dock! FL WAKE: Word on the street is that you’re
FL WAKE MAGAZINE • Volume 02 Issue 02 • PAGE 32
one of the most underrated rail riders in the sport. What do you say to that? VK: I love that I’m underground, rail riding has been one of my favorite aspects of the sport for so long now that it’s like second nature to me. When it comes time to throw down, I’m gonna throw down! FL WAKE: What was that ridiculous “stunt” you won the Tampa Boat Show contest with? I heard that even hardcore wakeskater Kyle Hyams was impressed… VK: I believe the correct lingo would be, “pool gap transfer to backside krooked nose press the second rail of the gap rail to fakie.” I’m pretty sure that sums it up! I was so stoked that it amped up Kyle!
VK: I’m a very active person! I enjoy jumpin’ on the tramp, wakeskating, skateboarding, swimming, running, picking up chicks, and of course sailing with you, captain! I especially enjoy partying with good people! There is definitely some piracy in there as well, but we’ll leave that off the record! FL WAKE: Any shout-outs before we’re done? VK: Yeah! Thank you, Mom, for supporting me through it all. I couldn’t do it with out you! LaSewer.com is about to blow up! Check it out! Ch YuH!
FL WAKE: What about other hobbies, like skateboarding, wakeskating, piracy, etc?
FL WAKE MAGAZINE • Volume 02 Issue 02 • PAGE 33
20 QUESTIONS
Over the past few months I have had the pleasure of becoming good friends with Stuart Shinn. Between events and just riding, I get to see and talk with him everyday. This year, with an amazing part in ESOTERIC and a Toe Jam qualification, he has started to solidify his place among the pro ranks of wakeskating. But let me tell you, when you get the opportunity to have a guy like Stu ride with you, behind whatever you’re used to, that’s when you get to see their real talent. So aside from becoming one of my newest friends, Stu is also in my top 5 wakeskaters now. Here are 20 questions with someone I both respect and admire, my friend, STUART SHINN. Interview by: Greg Brewer & Jimmie Walker 1. Tell everyone who you are, how old you are, where you’re from, and all of that jazz. Stu Shinn: I’m 18 years old, from Bradenton, Florida. 2. How long have you been practicing aquatic salsa dancing (or wakeskating, to the Lehman)?
FL WAKE MAGAZINE • Volume 02 Issue 02 • PAGE 34
Stu: I have been water dancing for about 2 and a half years now. 3. What sponsors do you currently have? Stu: My sponsor is Oak Wakeskates, and Bay Area Watersports helps me a little. 4. Give me the rundown of the tricks you are working on or have recently landed. Stu: I just landed a frontside heelflip the other day, so I’m pretty pumped on that. I’ve also been working on backside big flips. 5. How did you get into wakeskating to begin with? Stu: Well, long story short: I had two knee surgeries and started riding with Nick. I never stopped. 6. Who or what influences your riding? Stu: People who have influenced my riding would be Nick Taylor, ‘cause he’s my best friend and I rode with him everyday when he lived here. Also Aaron Reed, Danny Hampson, Scott Byerly, and just all of those guys who made
the sport what it is today. 7. Ok, where is your favorite place to ride? Stu: Favorite place to ride would have to be Reed’s house. It’s so much fun riding there. 8. Do you prefer boat, pwc, or winch? Stu: I prefer boat, but I would love to do a lot more winching. I think winching is so much fun! 9. I saw you kickflip an 80’s pool deck at O-dub. What’s that glorious creation that you were riding? Stu: Ok, so the 80’s pool deck is the best thing ever made! So pretty much everybody has their version of the flat deck… Well, this is Oak’s version. It is designed just like an 80’s pool deck skateboard and is seriously the funnest board ever! If you haven’t ridden it, I would suggest riding it and investing in one because they are the funnest things EVER! 10. What other sports do you participate in? Stu: Eating. 11. If you could improve at any aspect of riding, what would it be? Stu: Definitely would have to say I would improve my rail riding. I don’t hit rails that often so whenever I do I’m trying to get
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20 Q
UESTIONS CONT.
back whatever I did the last time I hit a rail. 12. What are you planning next as far as wakeskating is concerned? Stu: Um, well, I’m kinda looking forward to taking a break from contests and just being able to hangout and ride with friends. But I am doing the last stop of the Byerly Toejam next weekend and that’s going to be awesome! It’s the best contest of the year definitely! Whoever is reading this, you should definitely go check it out! 13. The big question that is lingering is, “What is the best way to get back to switch?” Stu: Well, if you’re George Daniels, it would be a frontside flip.
albums from them? Stu: Hank Williams Jr. ALL albums Matt Pond PA Several Arrows Later Dispatch Silent Steeples Criteria En Garde 18. If you could be any animal in the world what would you be? Why? Stu: The native american yeti sasquatch, because they rule! 19. Any advice for anyone just getting into wakeskating? Stu: Just have fun with it. If you’re not having fun with it, then don’t do it. 20. Lastly, who would you like to thank? First, my parents. Also Nick and his whole family for all they’ve done for me, Mikey T with Oak for being amazing at life, Reed Hansen and his family for all they have done for me. Also, Spencer Hodges for being awesome.
14. Who are you riding with nowadays? Stu: My good friend Travis Doran. He’s killin’ it now. He just landed his first 360 flip the other day. He is getting really good and is just progressing so fast. 15. What would your ideal day be? Stu: Wake up, eat some breakfast, go riding, eat lunch, go riding, then eat dinner. Watch some TV, hang out with friends, go to sleep, and then do it all over again the next day. 16. What would make next year perfect for you? Stu: Um, just doing better at contests and getting some more sponsors. Just getting my name out there more. 17. This is for the music section of the magazine. What 4 bands are you into right now and which FL WAKE MAGAZINE • Volume 02 Issue 02 • PAGE 36
FL WAKE MAGAZINE • Volume 02 Issue 02 • PAGE 37
BROWNIE POINTS Good Cable Etiquette by Chad Brown and Jeff Trudeau So you wake up, you call some friends, and they are all busy. Where do you go when you want to ride and don’t have a boat? You go to the cables. If you are a cable or boat rider, the cables are a good place to hang out and have fun while cross training and improving your skills. One just needs to keep in mind that the pull going up the ramps and rails is different than hitting the wake of a boat. Cables are growing in popularity, so cable etiquette has become an increasingly important aspect of everyday riding. As of right now, there are two cable parks in Florida. When you are on the cable simultaneously with multiple riders, there are some manners that you need to practice to make your ride, as well as others’, as fun as possible.
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BROWNIE POINTS CONT. 1. If you do not plan to hit sliders, ride as close as possible to the obstacles so that your rollers are not going to be in the way of the riders behind you. 2. If your name is Kelly Slater then slash the water like him…in the ocean. We are not at the beach; we are at the cable park. You should try to avoid making the cable shake because it can make it difficult and unsafe for other riders to hit obstacles. 3. If you like air tricks, you should try throwing the air tricks in the same straight away as someone who is not hitting an obstacle. Similar to rule #2, this shakes the cable and could make it unsafe for riders who are about to hit sliders. 4. If you fall on an obstacle, do not take the time to take your board off before moving out of the way. Simply SWIM OUT OF THE WAY to the middle of the cable line, then take your board off, leaving you free from the path of someone coming in or off an obstacle. 5. Before going into an obstacle, look ahead to make sure there are no fallen riders swimming near the obstacle if you are about to hit it, (duuuuhh). 6. Do not jump, ollie, or air trick over swimmers. All it takes is one mess up and someone will be spitting out Chiclets, which could cause you more problems than it’s worth. 7. If you feel you are not going to land the trick, do not try to hold on for as long as you can, just let it go. By holding on all you accomplish is severely shaking the cable, making it seem like the cable just was taken over by inconsiderate, cable-shaking air tricker. 8. When you are on the dock, do not cuss. Not only does it make you sound stupid, it is making way too many 10 and 11 year olds say some messed up stuff. This one is really getting out of hand, so be considerate. These kids look up to you as role models, so be a good one. 9. Just because you come to the cable everyday, does not mean you get an Express Pass to the handle. Because of people acting like this, others get less riding time. Just relax, you get to ride all the time. Let the newbies get out there and help our sport grow. 10.
Your life is in the operators hands, so please be respectful.
11. The handles are not self-serve. The operator will give the handle out when it is safe for you to have it. Be ready to go at anytime. 12. Most importantly, if there is a full line of people on the dock, let’s not be that type of person that keeps doing all the tricks he know he will land to stay riding. So try this. After about three laps, try a new trick, and if you fall it gives someone else on the dock a chance to ride, while you have just challenged yourself.
FL WAKE MAGAZINE • Volume 02 Issue 02 • PAGE 39
PRODUCT TOSS INTREGRATED BOW SAC
This sac actually fits under the front seats in an open boat, underneath the seat cushions so you can hide the weight without sacrificing the wake. Fig. 1
PRO X SERIES TOWER EXTENSION W2927
msrp: $999.99 The new Pro X Series Tower Extension is the most badass product to hit the market. It fits all tubular towers and allows riders to go bigger and land softer. It also helps you learn new tricks at slower speeds which will increase your confidence while reducing the punishment of crashing. Trying to land that first raley? Slow the boat to 18 mph and give it a rip. It also folds down entirely and can remain attached while your tower is collapsed, so there’s no need to remove it prior to parking your boat on the lift. Fig. 2
1.
2.
PRO X SERIES TOWER W2923
msrp: $1,699.99 The Pro X Series Tower is completely universal and the only one constructed of stainless steel making it the strongest and most durable tower on the market. The Quick Release pins are user friendly and make stowing and setup of the tower a simple task. Just pull six pins and the tower folds down entirely allowing an easier fit into your garage and lift. This tower offers exclusive overhead crossbar engineering which locks it in and makes it as rigid as a factory installed pylon. The crossbars of the tower act as an integrated board rack that will store anything from a slalom ski to a wake surf board. Fig. 3
3.
DOUBLE BLACK DIAMOND HANDLE
Tim Keepers promotes this handle as his favorite and it’s easy to see why. FLY HIGH keeps it simple with the original grip, which never wears away. Fig. 4
4.
FL WAKE MAGAZINE • Volume 02 Issue 02 • PAGE 40
FROM THE DOCK
Hanging out at McCormick’s
Farewell Thomas
Last session before dark
Chillin’ in between sets
Victoria, hooked up with a case of DNA
FL WAKE MAGAZINE • Volume 02 Issue 02 • PAGE 41
EARS! Stu Shinn’s Picks:
Hank Williams Jr. All
Matt Pond PA Several Arrows Later
Dispatch Silent Steeples
Criteria En Garde
FL Wake Picks:
Aesop Rock None Shall Pass
Les Savy Fav Let’s Stay Friends
Battles Mirrored
Oh No Dr. No’s Oxperiment
Minus the Bear Planet of Ice
FL WAKE MAGAZINE • Volume 02 Issue 02 • PAGE 42
NEXT ISSUE
Coming up in our next issue, we’ll be dropping in on Tim Keepers to ask him some questions about what he rides, where he rides, and what tricks he has been working on. We’re all curious to see what tricks he has down because there’s got to be some reason why he has such a long grocery list of sponsors. It’s been a good year, but who has had a great year? Next issue will have the final results to some of the contest series of the year. And of course we will have more video reviews, photos, and entertaining articles so you can enjoy your time off the water almost as much as you enjoy riding.
FL WAKE MAGAZINE • Volume 02 Issue 02 • PAGE 44
Chris Harvey on his way down to visit Davy Jones. Arrrgghh!
FL WAKE MAGAZINE • Volume 02 Issue 02 • PAGE 46