WAKEBOARDINGの September 2014 の目次

No matter how you look at it, there is an inherent sense of magic in the creation of a pro-model wakeboard. Somewhere in between the rider's preferences, the brand's needs, the shaper's skill and the graphic designer's eye lies the perfect recipe for a pro-model wakeboard. From prototype to production, this process can be painstaking, but the results can significantly impact everyone involved. Let's go back to 1993 when Darin Shapiro's pro model, the “Shapiro” board, was released. This board was one of the very first pro-model wakeboards in existence. It was a directional board, complete with phasers and sandal bindings, which was cutting edge at the time. Compared with today's market, we've come quite a long way in technology. SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN THE RIDER'S PREFERENCES, THE BRAND'S NEEDS, THE…

Brad Smeele winning our 2014 Readers Poll is one of the most genuine responses from our audience that we've ever witnessed. No rider has ever held this honor for anything less than complete greatness and wholehearted love and passion for wakeboarding. This is not a sob story; this is not a pity party; this is not a bunch of friends voting for Brad because they feel bad for him. Brad is one of the most insanely talented, hardworking, and down-to-earth people you'll ever cross paths with. If there is anyone in our sport who can overcome the obstacles that he has in front of him, it's Brad. The amount of people that his riding and personality have reached is pretty evident when you start reading the responses from fans, and…

In a sport so socially reliant on the participation of other people, it's no wonder we gather throughout the season for local events. Aside from having a genuinely good time with like-minded people, let's take a look at what makes some of these events unique. It's not uncommon for big-name pros to swing by an event in your region, especially if they are affiliated with your local pro shop in some way. MN Spring Ride, for example, had JD Webb and Scott Stewart in town for the event this year. This can make a huge impact on everyone in attendance. I remember the first time I saw a pro ride in person: It was Danny Harf back in 2003. I didn't even know what most of the tricks were called…

“Reed Hansen's execution is consistent and his drive for completing the more technically difficult tricks are what sets him apart.” — Kelly Ramos, San Antonio, Texas “Reed has the sickest backyard in the world.” — Stephen Gardner, Charlotte, North Carolina “For the wakeskaters, I decided to base my decision on the hope that there will be a recasting for Magic Mike 2 and chose who would really heat things up in a supporting role.” — Ben Wieland, Key Largo, Florida “Daniel Grant deserves this. The kid kills it on all levels.” — Ryan Jellum, Pleasant Grove, Utah “Brian is the best, hands-down.” — Rachel Sisserson, Arlington, Virginia “I love Danny; he is my grandson, and he is amazing wakeskater and grandson.” — Danny's grandma, Key West, Florida…

Last weekend I flew to Sacramento, California, with Shota Tezuka and Steel Lafferty for the MasterCraft Pro Tour stop. We cruised to the site a day early for media day, although at that point, I still wasn't even sure if I was going to compete since my shoulder was killing me from a crash I had a week prior to the event. I was hoping I could get a quick practice set in because I hadn't ridden for eight days leading up to the event, but when we got to the site, the wind was blowing so hard that I didn't even bother to actually ride. We went and checked into our hotel, and hit a movie theater to watch 22 Jump Street, which was especially funny watching Shota's reactions…