ShredCormicks

Yesterday we headed out to McCormicks Cable to film with Spencer Norris and get some laps in. We made there about 8am and went round and round until noon when they normally open. JD Webb and Andrew Adkison lined it up for us to go out there and bring JD’s jetski to film from. I must say that cable is extremely enjoyable. They have some cool rails out there that are very fun to get your slide on. I was riding the new Vibe from CWB which is Gabe Lucas’ pro model and the first press board in our line. It’s a very fun board and I’m stoked to have one in my quiver. I would recommend anyone picking it up and enjoying the ride behind the boat and especially on rails. I’ll link up some footage from the day when Spencer posts it on his blog. Later.

Alliance Gear Guide Shoot

Yesterday we headed out to The Projects for Alliance Wakeboard Magazines 2010 Gear Guide Issue. In years past Alliance has a themed party to dress up and have your photo taken with your new set up. It’s always a good time getting to see all your friends and enjoy some adult beverages. This year they decided they wanted some action photos of everyone riding their new gear. It was a no brainer to hold it at the projects because that place is so dialed in for wakeboarding. They have 3 lakes, one for boat riding, a rail park pulled by the waverunner and they also have 3 Sesitec System 2.0 cables. Which they have some fun rails under the cable to slide. If you have never been out to The Projects and you’re a wake enthusiast you need to make a trip. I was able to take a rail set behind the waverunner which was super fun and later in the day I took a set on the System 2.0. It was a really fun day and I was pumped to be in town for it. Keep your eyes open for the Gear Guide Issue and all the shots from the day of everyone killing it. Thanks again for the invite Alliance and I look forward to next years Gear Guide shoot.

Wake Jam

Today was the first annual Wake Jam contest held in Winter Haven, FL. It was pretty cool day with bands, DJ, mini ramp skateboard demo and of course a Pro Double Up contest. I was the driver for the event driving Zane Schwenks Master Craft Xstar. There was a descent turn out of riders including Daniel Watkins, JD Webb, Chad Sharpe, Rusty Malinoski, Bob and Phil Soven, Danny Harf, Aaron Rathy, Jeff House, Adam Fields and Trevor Hansen. Everyone was throwing down hammers including toeside and heelside 900’s. Trevor and Daniel both hit double backrolls. But the hammer of the day was Rusty’s switch toeside 1080. It’s only the second time anyone has landed one in contest and both done by Rusty. He was pretty pumped on it as well was I for driving the double up for him. Today was the first day of the event and tomorrow is finals. If you’re in the Winter Haven area come and check it out.

Version 2 of First Set Back

My good friend Derek Grasman came on the boat for my first set back and brought his video camera as well. Derek edited his version of my set and posted it on his daily blog at www.derekgrasman.com Jump over to his blog and check it out along with everything else that goes on in his creative mind. He posts on there quite a bit so scroll down to October 21st and I believe it’s the first post on that day.

Back in the Swing

Wakeboarding is fun! I forgot how fun it is because I’ve been away from it for so long. It’s easy to get burnt out when you do it day in and day out. But now it’s fresh for me and I can’t get enough. On Wednesday Will Christien, Derek Grasman, Andrew Adkison, Spencer Norris and I headed over to McCormicks’s Cable to do some sliding. That place is fun. It’s a clockwise rotating cable which is different from most as they normally turn counter clockwise. Which is fun for us regular footers. I’m riding the new Faction this year and it slides super well. Yesterday I took my second boat set which was also a really good time. But this time we had Wakeboarding Magazines photographer of the year Bryan Soderlind out in Winter Haven shooting photos of us. As I obviously have not ridden for photos since early March it was a little different but was still lots of fun. Bryan’s an unbelievable photographer as is one of the only guys who still chooses to shoot film over digital. I’m pretty sure he got a bunch of photos of all of us riding. Which was a boat full including Jeff House, Derek Grasman, Will Christien, Chris O’Shea and myself. We had a good session and didn’t pull the XStar into the dock until dark.

A Long Time Coming…

So as you all know I’ve been waiting awhile which felt like an eternity to get back on the water. I had surgery on my left knee on March 20th and exactly 7 months later on the 20th of October I took my first set back. It was the best feeling getting ready and knowing I was going to hit the wake for the first time. I definitely had some butter flies in my stomach from the anticipation. I bring my first set to you. I hope you like it, I sure did.

Protection for My New Knee

So the nice guys over at CTi Knee braces have been kind enough to hook me up with a brace for my new knee. As soon as I knew I was going to need a brace there was only one brand in mind. CTi makes the best braces for wakeboarding hands down. Look at the guys in the magazines or videos who wear braces and you’ll see a CTi strapped around their knee. It’s the only brace I trust to get me back on the water and feel confident. If you or any of your friends are in need of a brace go with a CTi.

Finally!

After many a long months not being able to wakeboard from my knee injury. My doctor has given me the go ahead to get back on it. It was a nice thing to hear after a lot of hard work getting my knee healthy again. Lots of hours spent in the gym and physical therapy. I strapped on my board last thursday and took my first set. It was so fun to just be out on the water and riding a wakeboard. I was taking it real easy just carving around and slayshing the wake. I’m still waiting on my brace from CTi so I didn’t jump the wake yet. I should have my brace next week or so and when I get that I’ll start hitting the wake and having some fun. I plan on filming my first real set and posting it up, so check back for that in the next week or so.

Parks Documentary

Last night was the world premiere of the Parks Bonifay Documentary at the Hard Rock Live in Universal studios. If you are not familiar with Parks Bonifay he is the best wakeboarder to ever live. He has been in the sport since the very beginning and pushing the progression farther and faster than any other rider. This documentary tells the story of a legend and his background. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been present at the premiere of this movie. As soon as this movie hits the shelves be certain to pick up your copy because this movie is an instant classic. If you have not seen the trailer check it out here and the official site of the Parks Documentary.

Surf Expo Weekend

So today wrapped up another Surf Expo, for those of you who aren’t familiar it is the trade show for wake,surf and skate to debut all the companies next year product. I attended on behalf of my wakeboard sponsor CWB and may I saw all the new gear looks rad. We have a new boot design for 2010 and it’s our best yet. I’m very excited now to get back on the water after seeing all the new gear. As soon as the 2010 CWB line hits the shelves run to your local dealer and pick up your new set up.