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Wakesurfing, What’s it about?

Everyone has their own different ways to get away, relieve stress, or just have a good time in general. My getaway has always been the water. There is something about being on a glassy lake with all my friends that makes every single one of my worries fade. This is where my interest for wakesurfing grew into a passion. I have been wakesurfing for around five years now and plan on surfing until I cannot walk. 

This blog is going to give you an inside look into the world of wakesurfing. I will give you a variety of different reasons why everyone should try wakesurfing, along with tips and tricks on how to become the best surfer. 

History of wakesurfing

 Wakesurfing is for anyone who enjoys pushing themselves to try new sports. Wakesurfing has been around since the early 70′s, but the sport didn’t catch wind until the late 90′s. In the beginning most everyone would bring their longboards from ocean surfing and ride behind motorboats. They did this because longboards were the only way to catch the small wake the boat was giving out. After years of people riding this way companies started to understand the popularity of the sport was increasing. Boat companies realized that moving weight to one side of the boat would create a bigger wake on that side. Therefore, people could have a large wave to surf and create more potential for the sport.These companies then started producing shorter boards to allow more maneuverability and ability for tricks behind the boat. 

At first everyone was scared to be so close to the boat. As technology advanced people became more satisfied with the safety behind the sport and it grew in popularity. The first wake surfing tournament was held in Michin Bay in 1996. Ever since then the sport snowballed in popularity. In the recent years companies like Hyperlight, Liquid force, and Exile created entire lines of boards and accessories. 

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Professionals of the sport

There are many well known names in the wakesurf realm that paved the way to where the sport it today. Something that started off as just a weekend hobby has become one of the fastest growing water sport to date. Wake surfing has become a popular sport due to the everlasting wave that can be ridden at anytime. In recent years there have been several riders that have catapulted the sport to the top. 

“Noah Flegel, 21, has been a pioneer in the sport of wakesurfing” 

Noah Flegel has been wakeboarding for the last 13 years of his life, but it wasn’t until nine years ago that he started wakesurfing. His hometown is Fort Lauderdale, FL but now resides in Orlando, FL.  Noah became a professional wakesurfer in 2014 when he signed with Nautige boats. Noah shot to the top of his class when he won the WWA Jr. Pro tour this past year. Noah also has taken full advantage of today’s social media platforms by having several wakesurfing videos go viral. This gave Noah much wanted attention that put him on the map in the world of wake. 

http://bocaratonphotographyanddesign.com/jr-world-wakeboard-champ-noah-flegel-portaits/img_0999noahflegelportrait/

“One of the top women in the wakesurf league” 

Ashley Kidd is one of the most well known women surfers in the league today. She started surfing when she saw her brother doing it back in 2009 and loved it ever since. Ashley jumped right into the competition scene a year after she started wakesurfing. She proceeded to place second in the woman’s amateur division in her first contest “the world wake surfing championship” in Minnesota. Since winning her first contest she has gone on to win four world championships and counting. Ashley has earned her title of being the top women in the sport of wakesurfing. 

http://www.ashleykidd.com/

http://13roz.com/flowblog.html

Sean Silveira, originally from Orlando, Fl has made a name for himself in the world of wakesurfing. Although Sean is a big name in wakesurfing, he found his start in the sport through Flo-riding. Flo-riding is similar to wakesurfing in it takes a similar set of skills, but instead of using a boat and rope it simulates a wave through an indoor wake machine. Sean moved to wakesrufing in his late twenties after feeling like he had done everything he could do with flo-riding. Sean picked up wakesurfing extremely quick due to the similarities and made it to the Pro Wake Surf Tour shortly after his transition. 

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Boats of the craft

In order to create the perfect endless wave that wakesurfers need while riding, one needs a special kind of boat. There are a variety of different boat companies within the industry, but there are few that specialize in wakesurfing. Over the years boat companies have added new features to each boat that cater directly to the wakesurf community. Some of these features include balance control, cruise control, and adjustable wake plates. The largest names in this particular industry include Nautige, Mastercraft, Tige, and Malibu. 

Nautige Boats 

“Super Air Nautige G23, made by Nautige Boats” 

http://www.wakeworld.com/news/feature/first-look-wakeworlds-super-air-nautique-g23.html

Nautige has been a leader in the world of water sports for 50 plus years. Nautige has retail locations all over North America that carry a variety of different boat styles. When purchasing a boat the owner has to specify what exactly they plan on using it for. Each boat is made for a specific purpose. Nautiges specific bow design allows the boat to cut through the water and its large layout allows for more balace tanks to be added under the floors. Most G models can carry an excess of 3 to 4 thousand pounds of water. This water weighs the boat down in order to throw a bigger wake for the rider. 

Master Craft 

“2018 Mastercraft X-star sitting pretty on the lake” 

https://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?p=1373929

The Mastercraft is another top wakesurfing boat in the industry. Mastercraft is most know for the dip in the railing design behind the wake tower on the boat. The company has also puts itself on the map by winning several industry leading awards. Some of these awards include the 2015 best plant award and the 2015 NMMA innovation award. They also have their ISO certifications. Mastercraft specializes in wakeboard, but has several boats that are perfect for wakesurfing. 

Malibu 

“2018 Malibu wakesetter” 

https://www.nadaguides.com/Boats/2017/Malibu-Boats/WAKESETTER-22-MXZ__/32076156/MarinesAddOns

The Malibu Wakesetter has been around since the early 2000′s and made a name for itself by being the first boat to have a wedge. A wedge is a metal wedge underneath the boat that displaces water in order to create a bigger wake. This wedge allowed Malibu to lead the race in creating the best wakeboard boat on the market. Every other boat company has been chasing technology that will compare or outperform the wedge. 

Tige 

“New Tige boat out on the water” 

http://boats.iboats.com/research/2010-tige-boats-z1/600620.html

Tige is another leader in the boating industry. Each one of their boats have been handcrafted since 1991 when the company first started. The company is family owned and takes pride in the relationships the company has with the owners of their products. Tige produces the most technologically advanced product line specializing in massive wakeboarding wakes and ocean-worthy wakesurf waves. 

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Wakesurfing tips and tricks

There are many key steps in what I believe is the easiest way to start wake surfing. The first thing a rider needs to do is have the right equipment. Each rider needs a board that can have fins or be flat bottomed, along with the board there needs to be a 10 foot rope with a handle attached. Once all the necessary equipment is obtained, the next step is to drive the boat to a calm part of the lake. You want to set the speed of the boat to 10 miles per hour and have the boat shifted to the side of the rider. 

“This photo was taken while headed to a calmer spot on Lake Tarpon, in Tarpon Springs, Florida” 

In order to be able to get up easily, it is important to start in a calm spot on the lake. If one starts where it is choppy it can make the rider fall due to conflict with the waves. Once the rider is ready to go, the boat will increase speed, slowly bringing the rider up by holding onto the rope. An easy and calm area allows for a clean wake.

“Awesome wakesurfer point of view from the wave. Morgan Pedersen, 23, and Katie Register, 22, sit on the edge of the boat smiling for the camera.” 

Most every ski boat comes stock with a rear ski platform. This platform is a lot more helpful then most people think. The platform gives a place for someone to stand while teaching a beginner how to ride. An experienced rider can stand on the platform and give lessons to a person while they are riding. Sometimes it can be hard for people riding to hear anyone on the boat over the engine. 

“Storm LeClair, 21, riding behind the Super Air Nautige G 23″ 

Having a short rope will help the rider stay close to the middile of the wave and will prevent the rider from loosing momentum. Along with having a short rope it is important to have the proper handle. This wakeboarding handle allows the rider to get a good grip and have more control while riding. The wide handle also gives the rider the ability to move his or her hands wherever they feel the most comfortable. 

https://www.doomswell.com/blogs/news/top-tips-wakesurf

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Day in the life, Wakesurfer

A normal day of wakesurfing starts with calling up a group of your best buddies. After all of your buddies make it to the house it is time to hook up the boat to the truck and load up the coolers. This usually takes 2-3 people to do, in order to put the boat on the hitch as smooth a possible. 

Here is a step by step walk through on how to hook your boat up

1. Have one person driving the truck and one person standing next to the hitch directing

2. Guide hitch under the receiver, lower boat onto 2″ hitch

3. Attach both chains on either sides and plug in lights

4. Lift boat roller, and move blocks from tires

4.Check all brakes lights on boat to make sure they are working 

After the boat is secured to the truck it is time to fill the boat up and hit the water. 

“This is Morgan Pedersen, 23, dropping his Mastercraft X-star into lake Keystone for a wakesurfing session”

Every person has a different style/ way of riding. The way someone rides is almost like a story. The moves and tricks that an individual does while waksurfing explains a lot about who that person is. Some people have a very laid back style and will barley try any trick and will ride with the wave. While others will push the limits and try tricks such as air outs, 360′s, or shuv-its. Someones style is their own personal touch on wakesurfing. This is really what separates people from one another and helps them stand out in competitions. 

“Storm LeClair, 21, riding a Quite Flight board and putting his own touch on the wave by throwing an airiel” 

After having a good day on the water it is time to put the boat back on the trailer and pull it out of the water. This process entails a boat driver and a truck driver. As one backs the truck into the water, the other will guide the boat between the poles onto the trailer. Once the front of the boat hits the bumper, someone will hook the trailer to the boat. After the boat is out, it is time to wash the boat down and cover it up until next time. 

[stormleclairsblog-blog]

Wakesurfing, What’s it about?

Everyone has their own different ways to get away, relieve stress, or just have a good time in general. My getaway has always been the water. There is something about being on a glassy lake with all my friends that makes every single one of my worries fade. This is where my interest for wakesurfing grew into a passion. I have been wakesurfing for around five years now and plan on surfing until I can not walk. 

This blog is going to give you an inside look into the world of wakesurfing. I will give you a variety of different reasons why everyone should try wakesurfing, along with tips and tricks on how to become the best surfer. 

History of wakesurfing

 Wakesurfing is for anyone who enjoys pushing themselves to try new sports. Wakesurfing has been around since the early 70′s, but the sport didn’t catch wind until the late 90′s. In the beginning most everyone would bring their longboards from ocean surfing and ride behind motorboats. They did this because longboards were the only way to catch the small wake the boat was giving out. After years of people riding this way, companies started to recognize that the popularity of the sport was increasing. Boat companies realized that moving weight to one side of the boat would create a bigger wake on that side. Therefore, people could have a large wave to surf and create more potential for the sport.These companies then started producing shorter boards to allow more maneuverability and ability for tricks behind the boat. 

At first everyone was scared to surf so close to the boat, but as technology advanced people became more satisfied with the safety behind the sport allowing the admiration for the sport to grow. The first wake surfing tournament was held at Michin Bay in 1996. Ever since then the sport has snowballed in popularity. In recent years companies like Hyperlight, Liquid force, and Exile have created entire lines of boards and accessories to help expand the potential of wakesurfing. 

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Pumpkins for a Cause

By Storm LeClair 

First United Methodist Church of Alachua located at 15710 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua, Florida has been in the pumpkin patch industry for as long as anyone can remember. Each year since 2000 the church host its annual pumpkin patch for the whole month of October. Unlike most Pumpkin Patches, 100% of the proceeds go towards two distinct charities. The entire staff of the patch volunteer their time in order to keep the stand running. 

The church stands strong with their mission by splitting the proceeds between the Appalachian Service Project and the churches youth program. The money from the pumpkin patch allows mission trip opportunities youth groups. All proceeds also help rebuild houses for the Navajo Indians in New Mexico. 

The first thing anyone notices when they pull up is there is no shortage of pumpkins at First UMC patch. Dozens of pumpkins in all different shapes, sizes, and colors cover almost an acre of grass outside of the main tent. First UMC prides themselves on having the best selection of pumpkins in Alachua County. Between the pumpkin bread, hayrides, photo booth, and many pumpkin carving activities it is almost impossible to have a bad time. 

I highly recommend getting your fall fix at the Alachua pumpkin patch that is open daily from 2:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m.  

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The panorama above displays just one side of the patch, which is filled with pumpkins of all different sizes, shapes, and colors. Each is unique, just waiting to be picked from the patch to be a part of someones fall festivities! 

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First United Methodist Church provides the quote of John 3:16 as a reminder to all those that come into their patch that they are are loved and cherished. With the reminder of christ, they set their pumpkins at a fair price based on size, and provide discounts to new comers and UF students. 

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Throughout the patch there are a variety of “picture perfect” displays that were created for all customers to have a place to capture their pumpkin picking memories with friends and family. 

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The game of checkers with a fall twist... pumpkins as your pieces! This game along with several others are scattered throughout the patch, to keep customers entertained. 

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“So many pumpkins, I love it” said Makenzie Muley, 20, who decided to come along on the pumpkin patch adventure. 

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Photogenic? The pumpkin patch offers an aethstetic area including an old tractor and pumpkins where customers can come take photos. 

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Large, small, round, square, First United Methodist has a large assortment of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes in the outside portion of the patch.