SUE 12 - IS 0 2 ARCH E|M IN Z A G
NO.
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A ARD M
EBO WAK E C N ALLIA
GET LEGIT
The Future of Wakeboarding 20 QUESTIONS w/ GRANT ROBERTS RAISING THE BAR Wake the Line 2011
COME CORRECT
SWITCH 180 TAIL PRESS BACKSIDE 180 OUT
TA B L E O F CONTENTS
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019 THE BIG SPLASH
CURRENTS
MATTERS
GOODS / REVIEWS
GLOBAL DIVERSIFICATION
STYLE PATROL
SUPER AIR NAUTIQUE G23
025
015
COME CORRECT
023
WAKE THE LINE
009
20 QUESTIONS WITH GRANT ROBERTS
003
SECTIONS
GET LEGIT
011
005
FEATURES
ON THE COVER: Josh Twelker photographed by Rodrigo Donoso
L ETTER FROM T HE E DIT OR
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2
C UR R E NT S
GLOBALDIVERSITY` GLOBAL DIVERSITY` Two weeks ago I was in Cologne, Germany for Wake the Line, last weekend I was in Bull Shoals, Arkansas for BROstock and this week I will be in Winnipeg, Canada for the first event of the Monster Energy Wake Park Triple Crown.
b y B i l l M c C a f fr a y
Does anyone remember when we only rode behind waterski boats, and had to write down the moves and point values for our runs?
events are today on a global scale is amazing. These three trips represent three completely different events, in three weeks, in three
Outside of some of the athletes and fellow industry heads in the enthusiasts and spectators that attend each of these events are all
different countries. I remember the days when there were only one or two wakeboarding events total in the US in one year, and
different. They represent different wakeboarding communities all around the world and they also all perceive the sport differently;
they were essentially glorified trick ski contests as a slide show to a waterskiing competition; do they even have those anymore?
growing up with a boat in your backyard in Florida is pretty different than only being able to ride a cable in Germany. One of the things
As much as the fact that there are events every weekend all over the world, there are different kinds of events all over
that I see consistently is that the local wakeboarding community comes out in full support of the events and they are ready to celebrate
the world. Just looking at my three-week snapshot we are talking about the premier 2-way cable event held in a set of
with the athletes and the industry alike. This is one of the most unique parts of our sport, you can actually go meet and hang with your
stainless steel swimming pools with over 8,000 fans. a double up event held in one of the biggest lakes/reservoirs in the U.S.
favorite rider at these events whether that be in Germany, the U.S. or Canada. If you are reasonable and not too creepy about it, I bet
where the only way could see the event is if you were out on a boat or in a houseboat, yet the flotilla must have had nearly
you could actually go out to dinner with a group of the riders. Just offer to buy them a few beers and show them around your town and
500 vessels of all shapes and sizes packed with rabid, half naked fans. Then a trip to Canada to the newest and arguably
you will have a new set of friends that just happen to be the best riders on the planet. The sport has changed dramatically over the years
one of the nicest full size cable wake parks in North America for the first stop of the Monster Energy Wake Park Triple Crown.
and has truly become a diverse and global activity with different types of contests and variations of the sports. The greatest thing is that
This event is also doubling as a Wake Park World Series Stop and includes wakeboarding, obstacles, and wakeskating.
no matter where we go, there are enthusiasts around the globe that know and follow wakeboarding as part of who they are.
3
∆
Outside of the fact that I have jet lag and have eaten a lot more sausage and BBQ than normal, the view of what wakeboarding
Photo: Kyle Alberts by Rodrigo Donoso
4
Photo: Kyle Alberts by Rodrigo Donoso
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5
GET LEGIT
by Si las T h u r ma n
6
It will sp r e a
d like a DISEASE;
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7
l a t
and the progression rich.
doesn’t know what he’s talking about,” and you’ll blog something on a
and that blasting back to the rider after a fall isn’t doing anyone any
our wakeboarding for the year. Note also that in that same outing we
forum like, “Wakeboarding was in the X-Games years ago, it’s totally legit
good. Try to hide your sarcasm more than I am. If you’re a rider then
most likely tubed and kneeboarded. Back in the day wakeboarding was
everyone knows what it is, Silas is a complete D-bag.” To that comment
promote good ethics, don’t bump Kanye’s new album and forget that
not a boardsport, and honestly never even crossed my mind as one.
I would also disagree. To that I would say rollerblading, street luge,
your girlfriend moving side-to-side is messing up the wake for your good
It was just another part of boating and watersports, which was fun
speed climbing and barefoot jumping were also in the X-Games and I
buddy. If your local cable park has had the same rails for years then
to do on a hot day in the northwest, but not quite in the same boat
sure as hell do not consider them legit action sports. Rollerblading and
speak up and ask for something better. Heck, even offer to help build
(pun intended) as skateboarding, snowboarding, or surfing. Let’s just
wakeboarding were canceled from the X-Games the same year. This just
them or tell them to buy some of the new Unit signature rails (personal
say that in years past wake has not been the “cool kid” at school.
tells me it was not pulling its weight like it should have been. How bad is
plug). If you see them putting in a dragon “slider” inform them that OWC
Skateboarding, surfing, and snowboarding have been giving us
it to get kicked out of the party with rollerblading? Gross, right? Yuck!!!
had one of those 12 years ago and that they’re not having a 90s party
wedgies and slapping “kick me” stickers on our back for years now
Moving on however, wake had made changes for the better. We are not
anytime soon. If your pal in pulling you wakeskating behind the Sea-Doo
and they rarely pass the ball to us in gym. Don’t tae this history lesson
just a boating activity anymore. We are not just a watersport anymore.
and driving it like he’s in a PWC race, inform him that
as me being the Debbie Downer of wake, this is the honest experience
We are a legitimate boardsport. Riders are hitting rails, not “sliders.”
power turning a Sea-Doo is the same as if you power turn
and thoughts of a regular kid that grew up outside of Florida. However,
Guys are grabbing their boards in the right places. Straight raleys are
his boat. They both send rollers down the lake. Pass your
these thoughts are still out there. Kids still pull up to soccer practice
gone from the mags and contests. Wait, they are gone, right? Spinning
knowledge along. It will spread like a disease; a good
by Wake Nation in Ohio and see Austin Pastura doing a three flip
includes bending your knees. Pressing means your board is flexing, not just
disease that keeps the water flat and the progression rich.
in the flats and go, “Damn what is he riding?” And people still driver
the rider leaning in a general direction. Judges actually understand what
The new arena for wake is amazing and should be
by TSR in Texas and see Tom Fooshee do the biggest backside 180
lip slide means. Matt Hooker is doing 50ft nose sliders. Things like this
celebrated. Wakeskating and Wakeboarding are just that.
you’ve ever seen and say, “F me that was a huge backside 180!
are taking place every day and it’s not just one or two people. There are
Wake. They are not confined anymore. We have winches,
What’s he on and what’s pulling him around that lake?” As much as
many people all over the world making sure that wake is done properly.
two-tower cables, PWC’s, cable parks, and the good-old
people in the industry and serious enthusiasts think differently, wake
With this newfound legitimacy of the sport you’re probably wondering
trusty boat. The idea to push style and creativity is more
is still young and really just legitimizing itself as an action sport.
where I’m going with all of this. When Danny Hampson writes these
prevalent than it has ever been and the options to do so
We need to continue this effort, redouble our efforts and push even
articles he has a point. Well don’t worry, I do have a point, you avid
are there. Riders aren’t just trying to learn one new move to
harder. Yes, there are a handful of guys who have been pushing things in
reader, you. With legitimacy and growth comes responsibility. If you’re
win the next pro tour stop anymore and this is a trend we
the right direction for a while and fighting the good fight (insert names for
going out to ride behind the boat and someone is blowing out your spot
need to push and preserve. Anyhow, pat yourselves on the
a completely new argument here), but in general wake is new to being
pulling his drunk brother in circles on his World Industry’s branded mass
back, wakers. Who knows, if we keep this up maybe we
a legitimate boardsport. I’m sure some of you are thinking, “Oh Silas
appeal shape, kindly stop him and explain how driving a line works
can trade some waterski event for another X-Games invite.
PHOTO: Justin Fisher by Rod rigo Donoso
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Shredder we might have taken a few pulls, but that was the extent of
8
M AT T E R S
sTYLE PATROL
by Keith Lidberg
PHOTO: Jacob Valdez by Rodrigo Donoso 9
After having a professional tour for years and all the overall growth/progression in the sport, one would think that style in competitive wakeboarding would be very important. Unfortunately, I most sadly say, that even in this day it is not. If you can do
player but not the ultimate style killers. The culprit ultimately falls on the
For a period of time I thought there was hope for “style” in contests. A
a couple mobe fives and follow it up with a couple 9’s you should have no
shoulders of the riders. It is the guys who work the system for a number
whole new group of guys were starting to say the sport needed more style
problem winning a content these days. Many times you don’t even need
of gains. It is the guys that are just plainly more interested in podiums,
in the contests. They changed the format up, but ultimately it accomplished
that. Shouldn’t winning a contest require more than just “landing” some
cash and sponsors than style. Most of these guys don’t even realize or
little. In order to check of the “style” box on judges’ sheets, guys just had
hard tricks? Shouldn’t how the tricks are performed and completed carry
care what they are doing to our sport. That’s what drives me crazy. This
to replace a couple tech spins or mobes with a grabbed backside 180 or
more weight? It’s because of the lack of style in competitive riding that
is the sport we represent and that we try to progress develop and push
super neat glide! The rest of the tricks could be just as hucked as before. But
wakeboarding is losing respect. The way contests are approached, ridden
to new limits. We are the pros who represent the sport to the masses,
hey, as long as you landed them it counted! In my opinion this only made
in and judged has a huge effect on the sport as whole, especially because
yet some of us who call ourselves pro don’t really care what it looks
us look worse, wakeboarding wasn’t getting cooler it was getting lamer.
of how much it influences up-and-coming generations of rider. Young riders
like or how it’s done, they just want to win by any means necessary. In
want to get noticed so they need to compete and do well. In order to do well
my mind that’s completely the wrong way to go about being a “pro.”
For the sake of the sport and its chance to continue growing and
they need to add as many 180s as possible the their tricks and land them
How is it possible that there are guys in our sport who can make a living
progressing in a truly positive direction, this can’t go on any longer. We
consistently. This mindset leaves little room for the growth and development
out of doing a few glides and 180 wings to check off their style box
have to start making a change and truly believe in the change that is
of unique, individualized styles. Without those styles, wakeboarding
and stand at the top of the podiums, and even better yet, be picked
needed. As long as we have the top “pros”, “sponsors”, and “contests” in
will continue to look more and more robotic and monotonous. This is
up by the biggest companies in the biz? Which brings me to another
our sport patting guys on the back for sticking ungrabbed tricks, our sport
a vicious cycle that unfortunately doesn’t seem to have an end in sight.
question: Why is the professional level of our sport all about contests?
won’t change. The best riders in the sport and the best contests in the sport
The reason why this isn’t going to change is because the riders who have
Well let me break it all down for you without sounding too cynical or
count. Sketchy looking tricks shouldn’t count. No offense, but guys passes
really good style don’t place well in contests unless they sacrifice their style
hypocritical. Let me first tell you that I have indeed carved a name for
are starting to look like womens halfpipe qualifying runs. Riders need to
for extra 180s. Meanwhile the riders without style have gotten really good
myself by being able to play the system. I knew that if I went out and
start working on grabbing their boards and worrying more about how a
adding extra 180s to their 10 trick pass and being consistent. This to me
did well at a few contests my name would get thrown around and there
trick looks than how to land it. This is a good motto to live by: If you can’t
doesn’t make sense because being a “pro” should mean that you can do
would be a good chance I would score some level of sponsorships. So
grab it, either learn to or don’t do it anymore. The future of “best tricks”
all the tricks and do them all with style. Style to me is about being able to do
that is exactly what I did. I won a ton of contests where I might have
should never be without a grab. The future of “King of Wake” should be
both the most simple and the hardest tricks with different variations of grabs
grabbed my board once or twice. That is absolutely ridiculous, but
a guy that can not only clean house with extra 180’s, but also do them
and pokes. It’s about being in control and not looking hucked. On a rail it’s
that was the standard. It worked, and it still does. If guys were doing
fluidly with grabs and a unique style. Hucking was an inevitable part of the
about being in control and able to press or lean on the tip or tail of your board.
grabbed backside 5’s and you did an ungrabbed sloppy looking 7,
progression of our sport, but those days have passed and it is time to polish
The question comes down how we actually go about fixing this. Judges
well then you ticked the “extra 180” box. If a guy did a 270 on to a
up wakeboarding’s image. Fingers can and probably will be pointed all
definitely play a big part in this paradox, but they aren’t the ones to take
rail, made if look good and pressed it out, and you did a 270-on-270-
over the place, and excuses no doubt will be tossed around, but in the end
all of the blame. So who then, the sponsors? Again, they are a major
out but wobbled the whole way, again you ticked the “extra spin” box.
it is going to start and end with us: the riders!
need to hold themselves to a higher standard. Sketchy landings shouldn’t
∆ 10
Photo: Grant Roberts by Rodrigo Donoso
11
arret by G
rt t Co
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12
Photo: Grant Roberts by Rodrigo Donoso
What it’s like growing up as a rider on the delta? GR: It’s different. I lived about an hour away from the Delta, so it’s more of an all day thing. You and your buddies pile in the truck, tow the boat out, launch it and spend the day out there trying to ride as much as you can. I liked it; the Delta is a rad place.
13
people might now know you grew up as a pretty big fan of the wake, let’s hear some favs: rider, video, video section? GR: Favorite all time rider? That’s hard. Probably Randall Harris, just because I watched Mayday all the time growing up, I love that dude. My Favorite video? Definitely Hit It! We probably used to watch that at least once a week. For video section the one that pops out is Randall in Mayday where he’s got the backwards visor and he’s talking about cruising around on his family’s bus (laughs), that sections was awesome. When and how did you get into wakeskating? GR: I got into wakeboarding as a kid because we used to do family houseboat trips to Shasta. When I was about 15 my mom got a jet-ski and she would take me out three to five times a week to wakeskate. She
had these crazy chopped-off-finger glovers that she’d put on and she’d drive me for like an hour (laughs), so that’s kinda how it all started. What was your favorite part about filming for WASHED Up BEFORE WE WERE HAS BEENS? GR: Probably learning how to drink. Can I say that in the mag? Is that cool? We did a bunch of trips, so I’ve got the South down pretty good now. Pretty much just hanging out with the whole crew, all those guys are really cool. What was the worst thing Danny and Aaron made you do as a “rookie”? GR: I wish I had a really badass one where I just got ruined on something (laughs), but it was pretty much just a lot of verbal abuse, emotional put downs, and a lot of threats. A lot of threats. Stuff like “we’ll ruin your career” and then a lot of stuff that I probably can’t say in the magazine (laughs). Have you ever lost it on Aaron and Danny? GR: Not really. I’ve screamed at Aaron once on a flight to Australia. I was trying to fall asleep and he has a really hard time flying - he hates flying. So he decided to wake me up
every ten minutes by slapping me with napkins. I kinda lost it on him there for a second, but that’s about it (laughs). That dude does not like to fly; he was a tornado on that place. How many times have you seen Danny naked? GR: Definitely more than I can count on my fingers and toes. At one point I think he was standing totally nude in front of me for about two full minutes, which was very, very weird (laughts). Who are you three favorite wakeskaters to ride with and why? GR: Top two are probably my best friends Chet and Ben because I grew up riding with them and we have a lot of fun together. After that it would have to be the combo duo of Aaron and Danny ‘cause those dudes are awesome. I figure I can count them as one rider, right? (laughts) What was the best part about the fox trip you took to new orleans? GR: Probably getting to say goodbye to Bryan Soderlind after spending a week on the raod with him (laughs)... Just kidding, Bear! Actually it was realy col getting to hang out with Bob Soven and Dieter Humpsch. I hadn’t hung out with them very much before the trip so it was a lot of fun being around them and riding with them for a week.
You’re also a bit of photography dork, right? What’s your favorite camera to shoot with? GR: Right now Aaron Reed let me borrow this rangefinder he has that shoots 6x9’s. He let me borrow it about a month ago and I still have it, so that’s my favorite right now. Favorite picture you’ve ever had taken of you? GR: I think about three years ago Rodrigo and I took this photo at a little up-shoot winch spot in Pleasonton. It was at night with a bunch of flashes and I did a backside flip that turned out pretty sweet - it was shot straight on and you could see my reflection in the landing pool area... I think it ran in Wakeboarding Mag though, is that a bad thing to say in this interview (laughs)? Does your girlfriend like your furry lip? GR: Well I’m now currently single, so she obviously didn’t like it too much. I don’t think anybody likes it, actually. (laughs)
What’s the last thing you Tweeted? GR: I think it was something like “I’m tweetbeefing with my homies” or something really wierd (laughs). We try to start beef on Twitter with stupid tweets, funny to us but probably not to anybody else. You can only pick one for the rest of the your career: boat, pwc, cable, or winch? GR: This is tough. I’d probably just go with a PWC just ‘cause it’s simple, easy, mellow on gas, but you can still do a lot. That was pretty poignant... (laughs) If you’re at the magazine rack, what are you grabbing (non wake)? GR: Probably the lastest Comso or something like that so I can read up on woman stuff and hopefully increase my chances at a bar. Are you worried your stalefish grab is getting played out like Aaron’s poked out wake jump? GR: I really hope not because Aaron had backup tricks. My stalefish has been holding me together for a couple years now (laughs).
What shows do you record on your DVR? GR: I don’t have cable, but I run an Apple TV and I watch of lot horrible 80’s movies. At this point the call was dropped... GR: I can’t believe it’s only done that once we both have iPhones! Where were we? 80’s movies? I’ve been watching a lot of those. My favorite horrible one is this one called North Shore. If you do any kind of surfing you have to check it out, it is hilarious. What was the scariest spot you’ve ever hit? GR: We were filming for Washed Up in San Antonio at this floodgate kind of thing that flowed over a concrete ledge. You could winch into it, do a trick up the little waterfall, do a trick on top, and then drop back down with a trick. That was my first time hitting a crazy spillway, so that was probably the scariest for me. What’s the plan now that you’re moving into discovery bay? GR: I’m psyched to ride a lot more now. I have my boat and jet-ski on the water, which is pretty nice. I’m going to be neighbors with Rodrigo, so I’ll be hanging out with him a bunch more, and that’s never a bad thing.
We try to start beef on Twitter with stupid tweets, funny to us but probably not to anybody else. Photos: Grant Roberts by Rodrigo Donoso
∆
Well now that you’re single what’s your facebook / twitter status? GR: Yeah definitely look me up on Facebook! I just did get a Twitter account too! Aaron Reed and I are having a battle for followers, so this could potentially help me out. I’m beating him right now, but that’s only
because I convinced ten of my friends back home to create a Twitter account just to follow me. (laughs)
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Cologne, Germany by topwalls.net 15
by Ga r r et t Cor t es e & Bill M c Ca f f r a y 16
PHOTO: Felix Georgii by Garrett Cortese
RAISING THE BAR
they actually cared about the results and wanted to see who would come out on top There are a lot of words that come to mind when trying to describe the latest incarnation of Wake the Line, but in reality just two will surface. Best ever. Seriously, in the opinion of this magazine and those involved with it, what just took place on June 19, 2011 at a swimming complex in Cologne, Germany was the best wake park contest ever held in the history of wakeboarding. Other contests may have included more progressive riding (although we are having trouble thinking of one), a bigger group of competitors (Ultimate Rider), a larger payout and party (BROstock), and crazier setups (Wake Lab, FISE), but when you combine all the elements it takes to make a truly legit, game changing, professional contest, Wake the Line is the new torchbearer for the sport. The bar has been set and it has been set extremely high. From the crazy setup, to the perfect location, to the size and enthusiasm of the crowd, to the overall production of the event and the insane riding from the athletes, Wake the Line had it all in spades.
THE SCENE With the new growth of cable parks and park riding in the U.S., where much of the industry
that stayed through the entire contest despite the rain because not only was it fun to watch,
is based and most trends being and are defined, Germany now finds itself in a very unique
but because they actually cared about the results and wanted to see who would come out on
position in the worlds of wakeboarding and wakeskating. With nearly 70 cable parks and the
top. Sure, Wake the Line 2010 had 12,000 fans, but they were blessed with perfect weather.
world’s premier rail and obstacle manufacturer all in an area smaller than the state of Montana,
When you get 8,000 people to show up in subpar conditions, you know they’re legitimate
Germany is poised to play a major role in the future of the sports’ growth. Each one of their
fans of the sport. I don’t know of an event anywhere else in the world that has puled those kinds
70 cable parks not only has its own community that rides, discusses and enjoys riding together,
of numbers. Not only were the stands full of people, but also those people were truly into the
but also serves the purpose of introducing new riders to the sport at an incredible pace. These
contest and understood what was going on. The wake skaters were first off the dock when the
parks have created a fan base in Germany that is unlike any other location in the world. These
contest got underway, and when Ben Horan back-lipped the handrail out of the pool gap the
are the fans that showed up to Wake the Line 2011, over 8,000 of them. This is the fan base
crowd nuts. When riders fell and had to walk back along the edge of the pool in front of the
THE SETUP The setup for Wake the Line was about as perfect as you could imagine for a 2-way cable wakeboarding contest. Obviously the rails and obstacles were top-of-the-line Unit designs. These precisely manufactured Unit obstacles are super clean and inviting, and they make any contest that much more professional. Beyond that (and more importantly) their shapes and designs are totally legit and exactly what the riders want. No crazy roller coasters to slide over or obstacles with impossible angles to hit or sketchy construction. The team at Unit knows exactly what they’re doing and they pulled out all the stops for Wake the Line. One of the highlights of the course was the new Silas Thurman signature pool gap. The thing is insane, and was actually too big for the course. The crew at Unit had to take out about 10 feet of the pool in order to make it fit. Seeing Ben Horan back-lip, shuv out on the handrail only cemented the fact that more of these need to be in cable parks around the world ASAP. The pools themselves looked insane as well; all three pools are made of stainless steel. The sun hitting the pools reflected light through the water and the color it created was incredible. Aside from the course, the rest of the setup at Wake the Line was top notch as well. From the layout and accessibility of food and drink stands for the fans, to the VIP area sponsored by a local beer company (mmmm…. Fruh….), to the organization with German media and press outlets there to cover the event, to the wireless judging system used via iPod touches, to getting instant results up on the scoreboard, everything was well thought out and executed.
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CORTESE
wants to get to the starting area, the crowd cheered them on. Many reached out to pat them on
style throughout the weekend impressed fellow riders,
the back or offer a high-five. The crowd wasn’t just watching the contest, they were an integral
the crowd, and the judges. He made it through to the
part of the contest and they were stoked to play that role. As if the pools, obstacles and Sesitec
finals to compete against the like of Watson, Lidberg,
2.0 System were not the most perfect set up possible, the proximity of the fans put it all over the
and wonder-kid Nico Von Lerchenfeld where some had
top. This pool complex in Cologne Germany has concrete bleachers that run three quarters of
him pegged to win it. Unfortunately, nerves got the best
the way down the course. This offers seating and prime viewing for thousands of spectators that
of him and he fell a couple times causing him to miss
are only 12 feet from the pools. It is like a bullfight or a tennis match, the fans were so close to
the podium, but if he sticks with wakeboarding he’ll be
the action that they could actually get wet if the riders fell. Consider then how loud the cheers
around for a long time helping to push park riding to the
were when the riders were riding. At an event like Wake the Line where the action is right in
next level. Oh yeah, he’s also legally blind in one eye. It
front of you, spectators feel like they are part of the event.
was only appropriate that Nico Von Lerchenfeld took him
The proximity and interaction of the crowd at Wake the Line was a huge aspect of the overall success of the event. THE RIDING Of course, you can’t have a successful wakeboarding event if you don’t have good riders at this year’s Wake the Line did not disappoint. In fact, many of them blew expectations away, including a few relatively unknown German riders and one 13-year-old phenom. For both wakeboarding and wake skating, the list of riders was an impressive mix of legendary veterans, guys on the rise, and kids looking to turn a head or two. You may notice Daniel Grant’s name was under both wakeboarding and wake skating. That’s not a misprint, and yes, he’s only 13. Daniel competed in both disciplines and more than held his own. It is crazy that
WAKEBOARDERs: shane Bonifay Daniel Fetz Daniel Grant Kevin Henshaw Nico Lerchenfeld Dylan Miller Marc Rossiter stephen Vollert Oviler Derome Felix Georgii Collin Harrington Mitch Langfield Keith Lidberg Nate Perry Kaesen suydenhoud shawn Watson
he can go from competing in one round of wakeskating, back to wakeboarding, and then to the final round of wake skating without batting an eye. The fact that he gave Watson a run for his money in the first round of wakeboarding and then took home the wakeskating title after Nick Taylor fell on his last run should be more than enough evidence that this kid will be a major player for years to come, possibly in both sports. The other rider who made the most waves without making the podium was German local Felix Georgii, who is more
the top prize. He first made some noise in the States with his win at Red Bull’s Wake of Fame in November. Since then the spotlight has been on him at cable and park events around the world. The kid is truly at the top of the sport when it comes to all-around park riding, his control is unmatched, and his well-rounded ability to hit things switch and mix in tech with big air and style, sets him apart from the rest of the pack. All-around the riding at Wake the Line was next level and indicative of the growth and progression of the sports and wake parks. In the past riders had to make a name for themselves behind the boat, basically because the American based industry, fan base and media said so. Not anymore, just look at the final round of Wake the Line. On one hand you had two veterans who grew up in the U.S. and built their careers behind the boat; Shawn Watson and Keith Lidberg. Over the years both set themselves apart as trend-setting park and rail riders, as well. On the other hand you had two
WAKEsKATERs: Daniel Grant Jan Kissman Leo Labadens Lucas suess Ben Horan Andy Kolb simon Powell Nick Taylor
kids from Germany, both under 19, who were raised cable parks and have spent very little time behind the boat. Both now have very legit chances at making it as successful pros in the sport. When you get a final round at a contest like that with all the other aspects coming together to create a truly great event, it’s easy to see why Wake the Line 2011 can be labeled the best event ever. To put it simply wakeboarding is growing and diversifying, and event like Wake the Line are helping it to do so. We can’t wait to see what happens in 2012.
than a wakeboarder. Felix’s control, consistency and
Hope to see you there.
∆
known in Europe as an up-and-coming snowboarder
Cologne, Germany by topwalls.net 18
Rails and physics with Clay Fletcher 19
PHOTO: Grant Roberts by Rodrigo Donoso
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ESS Backside Switch 180 TailPR
180 Out
∆
our Having ey over your r d l shou s s feet i e.key for balanc
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: Cortese bonking. Sequence Kevin Henshaw...
ence between The biggest differ a ind a PWC vs. on hitting a rail beh edge stronger to d nee you cable is: der have to edge har on the cable. You e tension from mor is re the e becaus e a If you don’t hav the cable above. cable will you the e edg ugh hard eno ly. off the rail ear l properly at a To get onto a rai to edge out toward rt sta I k par cable feet after the e the rail about fiv front of the the ed bas has r carrie s on the size end dep rail, this also edge out later You . too l, rai of the If you edge out nk. than you would thi roach it straight app to try and early
l pulled off the rai on, you will be us foc on, get e you immediately. Onc the ht further down your line of sig re whe w kno you so line of the rail, ays want to be alw You go. to you want n the rail. looking ahead dow on the rail (not In order to stay keep my balance and ) off get pulled t, aight, knees ben I keep my arms str ward. Don’t for ng goi ght and my wei e, or you’ll get pull in on the rop r balance. Keep you e los slack and ’t pull it. Having it tight, but don r your feet is key ove ers uld your sho for balance.
ght ss I shift my wei To do a good pre For rd. boa the over that end of want to put your a nose press you low, keep the handle weight forward, k foot. bac r you h wit and push out osite for a It’s just the opp tail press. ck and backside To finish the tri advance the handle 180 out I slowly hout letting it wit k bac behind my , so want to spin you pull me. It will waist and the o int ht aig pull it str ind e to pass it beh then you’ll be abl g pulled off. tin get t hou wit your back d the spin and ben Then just finish your knees.
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IMMORTALS MADe fOR GOOD Goldeneye 007: Reloaded
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In my short gaming experience I have yet to find a “movie-based” video game that is appealing or just fun to play. Usually the game is relatively close to the storyline of the movie but typically falls short on excitement and drive. I understand the movie video game market but I feel it has always lacked a bit in playability. That has all changed now with the newest 007 game to hit the shelves, Goldeneye 007: Reloaded. This is a movie-based game that really feels like you’re part of the movies. Goldeneye packs all that a real gamer and a real fan of a movie might want; from storyboard characters, to scenes from the movie, and the best part, great graphics. So strap in and give Bond, James Bond, a reason to save a damsel in distress. Activision Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3 www.goldeneyegame.com
It’s finally time to box away that chunky winter apparel as spring collections have arrived in stores and in addition to looking good this season, MADE FOR GOOD,a consortium of like-minded brands, would like to help you feel good about what you wear. What if every time you shopped for clothes, you made a positive impact on the planet and the people on it? MADE FOR GOOD uses a model of embedded generosity to raise money and awareness for charitable organizations through retail sales. Each brand in the MADE FOR GOOD consortium, which currently includes Jedidiah, MusiCares, GIVEN and United Artist Network, commits proceeds from every sale to directly support each company’s philanthropic partner, empowering consumers to consciously choose to make purchases that create positive change.
EPIC BATTLES COME TO LIFE ON STUNNING BLU-RAY Featuring Alternate Beginning and Endings Visually-Striking Film Explodes on 3D Blu-ray Combo Pack,Blu-ray Triple Play and DVD March 6 Summary: One brave warrior, touched by the gods, must overcome all odds to save mankind from a merciless and powerful tyrant whenIMMORTALS comes to Blu-ray and DVD on March 6th from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Directed by visionary filmmaker Tarsem Singh (The Cell, The Fall) and written by Charles Parlapanides and Vlas Parlapanides, the home entertainment release is chock-full of mustsee bonus features including an alternate beginning, two alternate endings, deleted scenes and an amazing graphic novel, creating the ultimate viewing experience. From the producers of 300, Mark Canton, Gianni Nunnari, and Relativity’s CEO Ryan Kavanaugh, IMMORTALS explodes off the screen with action-
packed battles, mythological adventure and an all-star cast including: Henry Cavill (Superman: Man of Steel), Luke Evans (Robin Hood), Kellan Lutz (Twilight), Isabel Lucas (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen), Freida Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire), Stephen Dorff (Public Enemies), John Hurt (Hellboy) and Mickey Rourke (Iron Man 2). In this epic tale of vengeance and destiny, power-mad King Hyperion (Rourke) threatens to destroy all of humanity on his maniacal quest to obtain the ultimate weapon – the legendary Epirus Bow that gives the power to unleash war on both Heaven and Earth. But Theseus (Cavill), a heroic young villager chosen by the gods, rises up to stop Hyperion’s brutal rampage. With supernatural help from the beautiful oracle Phaedra (Pinto), Theseus embraces his destiny and leads a fierce band of warriors in a desperate fight for the future of mankind. IMMORTALS is available on Blu-ray and DVD on March 6th and was theatrically-released by Relativity Media on November 11, 2011.
Super Air Nautique G23 Jeff McKee Calling it the “G23″ still feels funny to me because for the past 3 years this boat / project has been code named the “gray project.” Why? Because the boat was covered in massive amounts of a gray bondo type material applied to the hull of the prototype so the engineers could shape the boat in whatever way they felt necessary, based on the riders input. The coolest part of this whole project was that there was an agreement between the wake athletes and Nautique that we wouldn’t put an end to it until every team member signed off on the most important feature: the wake. No matter how short or long it would take, everyone was committed to making the best wakeboarding wake to date, hands down. 10 years ago I remember begging the brand to get me a v drive “Super Air Nautique” even if it meant driving that boat in a lawn chair. Whatever it took to get my hands on it because that hull / wake was exactly what I needed to take my riding to the next level. Now 10 year later I find myself in the same situation… The G23 is the best wakeboarding wake I have ever ridden. Monday the entire pro team got the chance to ride the finished product and the results were mind blowing. I’ve never seen Shaun Murray go bigger than he did. I also landed a new trick off the wake that I’ve never done before. Not just a new
grab variation, but a new trick involving a nose grab and 3-4 handle passes. Some real pro tour type stuff. Haha! I’m definitely excited to see what this boat will bring to the riders this upcoming season. All I know is the trick of the year battle is going to be next level. Even the old dogs will learn new tricks. Thanks to the entire team of athletes, engineers, and everyone else who has been part of this project. I’m picking my colors now…I wonder how yellow red and pink will look? Ha. BILL McCAFFRAY It is one thing for our Associate Editor, Mr. Jeff McKee who happens to ride for Nautique to tell us all that the new Nautique wake is legitimate and going to change what a wakeboarder can do behind a boat, but it is another for me to say it. I was fortunate enough to be at the media release of this boat on Monday morning with the rest of the Nautique team and the endemic media. We were offered a full run through of the boat to see all of its technological advancements; to say that this boat is tech and well thought out is an understatement. Then, we were offered the opportunity to go out and ride behind it. For some reason the rest of the media were content to ride in the boat and watch the team riders go for it. Personally, I was not going to let this opportunity go to waste. So we turned
RE VIE WS
on the pumps and went for a ride with the factory ballast. In the past I might have said “with the stock ballast” or “only the factory ballast,” but my impression of a wake with “factory ballast” is now forever changed. So the rope came tight and I was up and riding. My first impression was simple, “Holy Crap! That thing is huge!” I approached with caution to jump the wake and my first impression was spot on, it was big, I was in the air for a long time and I just went wake to wake. Bottom line? It’s the real deal. How big, well, bigger than any wake I had ridden to date. And this was factory ballast, no bags, all of the lockers were empty and available for storage. Honestly, outside of a handful of the top pros, there is no need to put any additional weight in this boat. It is huge and clean right out of the box. Super Air Nautique G23 Specs Length: 23 feet Beam: 102 inches Dry Weight: 5,400 pounds Fuel Capacity: 65 gallons People: 16 Factory Ballast: 2,850 pounds Max HP: 550 Check out more at: www.nautique.com/models/ super-air-nautique-g23/ 24
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Even in wakeboarding’s early days, Japan was known for a large and passionate scene. We always wondered when the first big-time Japanese rider would emerge. In 2011, the land of the rising sun has delivered in the form of 125-pound firecracker Shota Tezuka. Light and strong, “Showtime” is built for boosting. Just consider the heelside 900 he sailed to the moon to win the pro double-up contest at the first stop of the 2011 MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour. With a pair of Junior Pro wins under his belt, the sport’s future is in Shota’s hands and he’s handling the responsibility like any wakeboarder should — by having as much fun as possible. Polite, approachable and marketable, this new blood is breathing life into the international scene while laying down some serious groundwork in Orlando, thanks to a well-timed move to Harley Clifford’s lakeside abode. That’s where Shota landed his first heelside 1080 in June, which he also rocketed to the moon and back. But Shota isn’t stopping there. In fact, he’s trying heelside 1260s, which he would be the first rider to land. For now, Shota is enjoying his reign at the top of the Junior Pro Men Pro Tour standings, but he’s set a goal to someday win the King of Wake. In the fall, Shota will no doubt have plenty of stories to bring home when he’s reunited with his family and friends on Japan’s Lake Yamanaka. Then it’s back on the road to compete and promote the global message of wakeboarding. Words: Kevco Photos: Aaron Katen
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