Table of contents for FALL 2017 in WAKEBOARDING

the beginning (part 1) This is the last issue of Wakeboarding for the year, but the first in a new chapter of the magazine’s storied legacy. As the sport and times have evolved, so too has our coverage of it, but one thing has and always will remain the same: the feeling that is evoked from the stories and photos within. Magazines, like full-length videos, are much different than they used to be before social media and instant access, but that doesn’t mean they are any less valuable. In fact, it might make them even more valuable. Please, spend some time with this latest incarnation of wakeboarding editorial coverage and let it be your escape. Let it fuel your passion for riding, for good times with friends, and for that…

After a six-year hiatus, the infamous barefoot contest hosted by DanOthe- ManO returned in epic fashion. A mix of wakeboarders, wakeskaters, water-skiers, show skiers, and industry vets battled it out in Orlando for fun, a sweet trophy and never-ending bragging rights. The action was intense and the feet were definitely burning. In the end, the title went to none other than JD Webb, who once again proved he's a man of many on-water talents. “I love Feet on Fire. I actually trained for this leading up to it (laughing). My feet are bruised and hurt like hell, but it’s totally worth it. After being gone for six years, winning this is one of the bigger moments of my career — no joke.” — JD Webb dean smith: #ridingforgrant A few…

The Reader’s Poll, an institution of Wakeboarding since 1996, has long been your way to voice which riders are your favorites. Yes, it’s a popularity contest. And yes, it’s now heavily influenced by individual riders’ social media followings (but social media is a popularity measuring tool of its own). Most importantly, none of those things are bad. The Reader’s Poll is a reflection of you, the fans, and without you none of the riders (or us at the mag) would be here. This year’s Reader’s Poll was one for the record books, literally. The response was by far the biggest in the history of the franchise, and the results as a whole aren’t too surprising, but there is definitely one big one for a first-timer. ( WAKE BOARDING ) 01…

I've long been a sucker for silhouette photos, especially ones that feature water. I can't explain it; it probably isn't logical. I know they're cliche, but darn it if they just don't make me want to get out on the boat and go for a ride. Look at this shot of Mike Dowdy. Tell me that doesn't give you an itch for another pull across a sheet of glass. See, I told you so. That feeling we feel is one I've talked about several times over this past year, and it's one I've tried to deliver to you with each issue of Wakeboarding. It's called soul, and if you've spent enough time on the water as part of this sport, you know what I mean by that. If you don't,…

Looking to get quality photos that aren’t from an action cam, but don’t want the size and investment of a full DSLR? Check out Sony’s a6500. This compact, mirrorless camera has broken the mold as far as performance goes, especially for its size and price. We put the a6500 through its paces with both Sony’s high-end 70-200mm f/2.8 lens and a fisheye lens while in a water housing, and the camera was surprisingly good. Autofocus tracking and the frame rate are almost unbelievable — they compare to some of the mid-to high-end DSLRs from Canon and Nikon. If you’re in the market for a camera that’s easy to travel with, easy to use, and can take killer action photos of your wake adventures, go test the a6500 and have fun.…

Last year we posted a video to our Facebook page that went viral. The video was of a wakeboarder who whipped into a dock to catch a drink from his buddy and, distracted by the process of catching said drink, didn’t notice the large wooden pole that he was quickly approaching. He slammed into the pole going about 20 miles per hour. Fortunately for our idiotic friend here, he was wearing a thick life vest that lessened the impact on his ribs — slightly. But best believe he was hurting for a long time after this one. If he would have hit the pole any harder or with a different part of his body, it could’ve been lights out. We’re thankful the story doesn’t end like that. It should go…

AXIS T22 The classic-looking T22 now looks even better, and with a deeper hull, it has more storage and bigger wakes. Throw in the optional Power Wedge II, and you’ve got giant wakes and waves with the push of a button. SPECS: Length: 21'10" Beam: 102" Seats: 15 CENTURION F i23 The new Fi23 is all about Centurion performance and styling at an entrylevel price. The Fi23 looks great on the water, and all the bells and whistles such as Ramfill and QuickSurf Pro make for pro-level waves. SPECS: Length: 23' Beam: 102" Seats: 14 MALIBU 23 LSV The 23 LSV, the world’s best-selling wake boat just got better. A deeper hull combined with L-shaped ballast tanks provide for more storage and bigger wakes and waves. And it looks better…

The riding on this year’s Supra Boats Pro Wakeboard Tour has been nothing short of unbelievable. In fact, it can easily be argued that the 2017 season is the best yet. It’s far more competitive and consistent than ever before. For the fans, that is perfect. More high-quality riding with competitive drama just means more entertainment; but for the judges, it’s a different story. In the high-stakes environment of events like the PWT, it’s critical for the judges to get things right — and with a field of riders who are more competitive than ever, that has become increasingly harder to do. The second stop of the tour is a perfect example of just how cutthroat the riding has become in the professional ranks — not to mention how progressive.…

Dealing with injuries comes with the territory of being a wakeboarder, especially a pro rider. It is often the price to pay for progression, as pushing ourselves to learn new tricks can lead to everything from the annoying (sore muscles) to the devastating (a blown knee or broken bone). When it comes to dealing with injury, different pros have different approaches, but this past winter Rusty Malinoski was dealt a blow with effects far beyond the physical. A victim of a vehicular hit-and-run assault, Rusty was left with not just a broken leg, but also a mind full of what-ifs and whys. Seven months later, Rusty is just now getting back on the water and starting to feel like himself, so we sat down to catch up with the legendary…

RIDER: Cory Teunissen PHOTO: Rodrigo Donoso LOCATION: Lake Jessamine, FL RIDER: Tobi Rittig PHOTO: Bryan Soderlind LOCATION: VWC, Georgia RIDER: Parks Bonifay PHOTO: Bryan Soderlind LOCATION: Florida RIDER: Felix Georgii PHOTO: Mahallia Budds LOCATION: Area 47, Austria RIDER: Daniel Grant PHOTO: Rodrigo Donoso LOCATION: VWC, Georgia RIDER: Brian Grubb PHOTO: Bryan Soderlind LOCATION: North Shore, Hawaii RIDER: Jeff Langley PHOTO: Chris Garrison LOCATION: Secret Lake, North Carolina RIDER: Trever Maur PHOTO: Rodrigo Donoso LOCATION: Antioch, California…

(nic rapa's) This year is my first year riding for Supra, and I’m so stoked to have my own boat in Orlando. It’s been a ton of fun to be able to ride whenever and with whomever. I can ride as much as I want, and I’ve been able to push my riding really far this year. It’s also nice that the SA is the official tow boat of the Pro Wakeboard Tour. The wake is huge and consistent, which is why the level of competition has been off the charts this year. I know having the SA in my backyard has helped me a ton, including taking my first PWT win at the Colorado Springs stop in July. One of my favorite features on the SA is the helm.…