With an outstanding turn out of nearly 50 riders
Saturday the 27th of April saw the AWA open it's third season
of grass root promotion of wakeboarding in Arizona. The opener
had old friends, new faces and great weather, a thing missing
in openers past. The AWA is an organization for Wakeboarders by
Wakeboarders. The intent is to provide a summer wakeboard tournament
series for family fun competition. There was plenty to go around
on Saturday, with the tempertures in the mid-80's, minimal wind
and scattered clouds conditions could not have been better.
Ripper Gage Jenkins
during his pass
The AWA not only secured the use of Two Cow wash
from Lake Pleasant Regional Park, but also a 50 foot starting
dock which was a first for tournaments held at Lake Pleasant.
Speaking from a rider's perspective, the dock was a great addition
and I hope it sticks around. Also new on this stop was the 30-foot
inflatable Rave Slider courtesy of Marine Max boats. The slider
provided a new obstacle for some riders, as it was not a required
appartus for scoring. Although most of the riders seemed to pass
on the slider a majority of those who attempted the slider were
succesful. However, the most enjoyable pass came as Your's
Truly , returning to the water after nearly a year off
due to illness, charged the slider with reckless abandon and got
launched into oblivion as my 50-50 attempt went horribly awry.
I arose from the water unharmed with a huge smile on his face.
The crowd was treated to great riding in the 7 different divisions
the AWA offers (Groms, Novice, Intermediate, Masters, Women's,
Advanced and Outlaw) and even though the unseasonably chilly water
gave way to spring suits, rash guards and even a dry suit, it
didn't stop everyone from having a great time.
Brett
Brinkerhoff and Mike Fulton judging
This tournament was populated by contestants from all over the
country, including riders from California, one from Portland and
several others from various spots around the state. The 8 riders
from Canyon Lake, California's Team Havek not only made the long
trek from Temecula, but also arrived with a group totaling 22
people to cheer and support their families and friends. Spread
out over 6 of the 7 categories of the AWA, these riders truly
represent the diversity and nature of the sport, no matter skill
level, age or gender have fun, be safe and above all enjoy yourself.
The Groms (age 13 and under) started the day off as they shared
time on the water with the Advanced riders. In the Grom division
, looked great….. having the starting dock two boats working
simultaenously and great volunteers, both on the boat judging,
on the dock working ropes and coordinating riders this event truly
went off without a hitch! After the ladies and old people rode
we moved on to the Novice and Intermediate class which saw our
largest batch of riders. With 13 riders in Novice the competition
was intense, but I didn't come out to worry about where I placed....
I ride to have fun. I ride for stoke.
Tom Bugg mooring
up the AWA Moomba
. During the break CK Rogers treated the crowd to
an impromptu wakeskate slider demonstration, with the help of
Brett Endter and a sea-doo. CK's riding ability on the skate has
not been matched here in the state of AZ, it was quite amazing
to watch him nail the pop-shuvit coming off the Rave Slider. Also
keeping the crowd entertained was a raffle for an entire 1200-pound
auto-fill, auto-drain ballast system courtesy of Hippo Wake, the
system was valued at over $600.
