Connect, Share, Celebrate and Serve. It’s what Wake for Warriors does!
“I needed this!”… a phrase heard several times over the weekend here on Lake Allatoona for event #4 of the 2021 Wake for Warriors season. A sense of deep gratitude came over the water as a reflection of how exciting and confident we all were in cherishing these special moments following the pandemic. The BuyWake crew joined Dave Deep, founder of WFW, and the rest of the group for another inspiring weekend full of blue skies, lake vibes, and shakas all around!
Veteran and Boat Captain in training Tony Mullis at the helm of the Super Air Nautique G23 pulling a fellow veteran as she surfs.
Kicking off the event, the chilly air of Friday morning lifted just as the coffee ran out and the riders started to shed their wetsuits. Boats were stocked with a quiver of wakeboards, wakesurfers and CGA vests provided by the good folks from Hyperlite Wake. For the new-goers, the day as a whole was an introduction to the healing power of water sports, and the more experienced veterans were captivated by a new challenge of foiling. Read More >
Wake for Warriors is a non-profit organization founded in 2010 by Marine Corps veteran Dave Deep. After serving four deployments abroad, Dave experienced first hand what our brave men and women in uniform were dealing with and decided he was going to do something to help them. Dave is passionate about wakeboarding and wakesurfing and wanted to channel his love of watersports into a positive, healing experience for his fellow service members.
We Came as Warriors, We Left as Friends
“Wake for Warriors is all about helping to alleviate those physical and emotional wounds that effect military members and their families,” reflects Deep. “Through wakeboarding and wakesurfing, we help service men and women make connections with other veterans and help heal through a weekend on the water.”
What a weekend it was. The weather was perfect, the company was captivating, and the riding was inspirational.
Stefan LeRoy’s Fire Hydrant Hand Stand
Marine Corps Veteran Tisha Knickerbocker Trims the Line
“I can’t believe how much these vets rip,” said Lee Elliott of BuyWake.com. “Watching them ride has been truly rewarding. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be out here and support Wake for Warriors and to see them shred.”
Stefan LeRoy’s Creative Riding
Tisha’s Stylish Hand Drag
Each day featured two 4-hour wake sessions, three home cooked meals, and a night cap with live entertainment. The BuyWake.com crew even brought the Warriors to the see the Pro Wake Tour.
Army Sergeant Stefan LeRoy Gouges the Wake of a Nautique G-21
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class, Doug Hill – Carving it Up
“The most important thing to me is creating an environment where we can all get together and build relationships,” adds Wake for Warriors founder David Deep. “If we can make those connections and carry those relationships beyond the 3-day event, I have accomplished my goal.”
Stefan LeRoy Waiving the Flag
Doug Flashing the Shaka
Wake for Warriors is supported by a select group of sponsors including Nautique Boats and Hyperlite. In addition, WFW is funded largely by individual donations and personal contributions from Dave himself. To see a complete list of Wake for Warriors sponsors, click here. To make a donation, click here.
