We had the pleasure of being on-site with our Ambush Board Co. family this past weekend for the Nautique Wakeboard Championships, and it was everything we knew it would be. Our team riders Mike Dowdy and Massi Piffaretti both were on fire for Friday’s quarterfinals with a 90.33 and 90.00, respectively, so we knew Saturday was going to be lit. The day of the finals was super rad – families, chicks, dogs, just about everyone was on the beach enjoying the hot summer day with equally hot action on the water. One of the most legendary spots to watch the event is from the row of boats floating just outside the contest run, but you really need to wear your drinking helmet if you’re going to do that, because that crew likes to party. Heading into semifinals we saw all our boys make it through plus some heavy runs by friends JD Webb and Noah Flegel, who are no strangers to the massive Nautique G23 wake. Once it got to the finals the shoreline went ballistic for Massi as he was slaying his run – blind pete, heavy 9, the zero – but his last trick, the double flip, didn’t quite pan out for him this day. Most the guys did some pretty solid riding, but the last rider off the dock was Mike Dowdy, and his focus and determination was at an all-time high. Mike had a super solid run and on his second pass. Unfortunately, he came up short on a mobe 5, or…should we say long. See…once you are on your second pass there are 3/4 markings, and if you fall past those markings, you don’t get picked up. The toughest part was that it appeared he fell right on the line, which would have allowed him (like other riders the day before) a shot at getting back up and finishing out two more tricks. With a heavy hand down from the judges, Mike was deemed past the line and not allowed to complete his run. Mike kept his composure (better then most people, I’m sure) and that meant there would be a new winner. Australian Tony Iaconni took the top spot that day and earned his first win, and was followed by fellow Australian, Nic Rapa. Good ole American boy and Nautique team rider, Noah Flegel, finished in third. Read More >
Keith Lyman recently strapped into his re-designed Slingshot pro model to cut around a bit. Keith hasn’t missed a beat on the water – same Keith, same style, same integrity. Press play and enjoy this rare chance to see Keith rip out on the water.
“We were lucky enough to catch up with Keith recently and take a ride with him on his new 2014 pro Model. The man has still got it…Watch him in action and hear what he has to say about the completely re-designed 2014 Lyman Pro Model.” – Slingshot Wake
Note: Keith retired from wakeboarding in May of 2011 to pursue a career and lifelong goal of serving in the armed forces. More info on Keith and his retirement.
When this part from Oakley’s Push Process came out in 2008, it was the first time most of us saw a gap-to-rail behind the boat. Keith blew our minds and legendary wake videographer Justin Stephens captured it perfectly. Lucky for us the entire part is streaming on YouTube. It might not be there forever though, so press play already.
Slingshot, the originators of flex technology, has really been making a push over the course of the past couple of seasons…and their 2012 line continues to explore the boundaries of wakeboard construction and performance.
Possibly the cornerstone of the 2012 Slingshot line is the new Keith Lyman Pro Model. Evolving from the Ballistic Line, Keith Lyman’s all new state of the art pro model combines the most powerful core available with multiple molded base features to generate intense speed and explosive pop. But, you don’t have to ride like Keith to appreciate his board…as the 2012 Lyman has proven to be very rider-friendly.
It’s common for a top-level riders like Keith Lyman to get their own pro model wakeboards, but a pro model for a crew of riders is unheard of…until now. As one of the most revolutionary crews in wakeboarding, Shredtown has taken our sport to a new level. Progression on that level demands the durability and performance that only Slingshot can deliver. This all new board board does it all…and is officially Shredtown approved. Read More >
I was finally able to get my hands on the July issue of Alliance Wakeboard Magazine. Yesterday to be exact. The crew here at BuyWake.com is super passionate about the wake industry. Can you tell? So, when the new monthly issue of the magazine comes through the front door, it is pretty much a mad dash. Have you ever watched grown men fight over a new issue of Alliance Wake Magazine? What a sight to behold. Well last night it was, in fact, my turn. Finally, I could thumb through the pictures, up and coming events, and best of all, read Keith Lyman’s interview.
It was about 9pm when I made it back to the natural confines of my home. I kicked off my shoes, found my favorite spot on the couch, and sat down with the most recent (July) issue of Alliance Wake. When I do get a fresh issue, the first hour is spent looking at all of the new advertising spots. Then all of the stellar photography, and finally the articles. Am I the only one that reads a new magazine from back to front? Read More >
