Wakeboard SD - San Diego's Wakeboarding Community! » 2009 Wakeboard

“No-No-Notorious”

Ian — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 06:12:02 +0000

Last fall in LA, I had the chance to work as a Production Assistant on the “Notorious” shoot for Arnette. The shoot was shot by Tim Tadder, a professional photographer who resides in Carlsbad, and the rest of the work was taken on by the Onit Production team (including me.) The “Notorious” collection was launched by Arnette in October of 2008 with a bad ass bash in Sydney, Australia. I’m pretty sure it was a smashing event considering the talent and Snoop Dogg hosting. The “Notorious” collection ads, which we were shooting, featured 7 different Action Sports athletes. I definitely had starry eyes when Surfers Jamie O’Brien and Timmy Reyes showed up. Then, Matt Manzari and Randall Harris made an appearance, two of the top Wakeboarders in the country. I decided to take it apon myself to do a little research on Randall, the tatted up SoCal resident . Here is what I found…

Randall was born in Waco, TX.

Randall grew up skateboarding, but started hitting the water at age 12.

Randall’s nickname is “The Vandall.”

Randall is sponsored by Malibu boats, Quiksilver, Arnette, Company Wakeboards and Rockstar.

Randall is known for his big moves, big air and big… haha just kidding.

Randall currently resides near Huntington Beach, CA. Quiksilver reported on June 5, 2009 that Randall and his crew, aka the West Side Riders (WSR) have a new residency in a private community ’round those parts. Jealous?

Randall has won such awards as the ”2007 Rider of the Year” from Alliance Magazine and “Best Wake Rider” from Wakeboarding Magazine.

He has a twitter account: ThisizVandall

In January of this year, Randall joined the Axis Wake Research team. Which leads me to the following video:

The Axis Team introduced the new Axis 22 boat on Lake Elsinore on February 20, 2009 with “The Vandall” as the lucky guinea pig. I just spotted this video at alliancewake.com and thought it was pretty cool. The boat can fit up to 13 people, has a Wakebox 900 Ballast system, and is pretty snazzy to say the least. Maybe we will see “Randall The Vandall” out in SD with his new Axis. One can only hope he has a few extra spots.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7zdHxpRdlw

2009 CWB Boot Review

Daniel — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:32:35 +0000

The Zeus is constructed with the patented Switch Hinge, and a new revolutionary Suspension System that is totally concealed, allowing for easy entry, and zero heel lift. The Suspension System provides a custom adjustment to the hinge. The rider can choose their preferred flex of the boot with this system. Now the most comfortable and user friendly boot on the market features a new innovation that allows the rider to customize the fit and function. The HLS heal strap holds your ankle back and down. The industry first 6-Plate is 25% lighter, stiffer, and creates a smaller footprint, allowing more stability and board control. An articulated toe wrapped in lycra provides comfort like no other. A new removable toe stiffener allows the rider to customize the firmness, dialing in exactly how much you desire. A fourth upper lace loop is optional for higher end support. The 2009 Zeus is by far the most innovative boot on the market.

Features:

- 2-Piece Heel

- Optional Upper Lace Loop

- Achilles Pads

- Removable Toe Stiffener

- Switch Hinge, patented

- Suspension System

- 6-Plate

Price: $379.99

For more info check it out at www.ridecwb.com

Accessories Needed for Successful Wakeboarding

Daniel — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:57:44 +0000

There are a few crucial items needed when trying to get out on the water and ride. First off the rope stretch is an important component of wakeboarding. When wakeboarding you want to choose a non-stretch rope, if a rope has stretch it has the ability to recoil while the wake boarder is in the air, therefore lessons the chance of gaining the desired height you are trying to reach. A rope with stretch is typically made for waterskiing because it’s more forgiving and helps pull you back and forth around the slalom course. Using a stiffer rope allows you more control and gives you the opportunity to maneuver smoothly on the water. Another important part of wakeboarding is using the correct towrope length. The rope length has a lot to do with how well you will perform behind the boat. A good length to start with is about 45-50 feet when learning how to wakeboard. You want to pick a rope length which makes you feel comfortable in jumping and clearing the wake. If you encounter problems with clearing the wake, try shortening the rope for an easier ride and also gives you a narrower section of the wake to pass. As your skill level and experience increases, move to a longer rope length from 50-60 feet away. At this point you will be able to make bigger cuts in the water and catch way bigger air. Boat speed then comes into play; a faster boat can accommodate a longer rope. For example, if you are riding too much in the wash of the wake you should consider either increasing the boat speed or shortening the rope length. The majority of the time it’s a trial and error situation, just have to feel it out for yourself most of the time.

Last sessions of the Year

Daniel — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:36:52 +0000

Wakeboarding news in San Diego

Even though the mornings are becoming increasing frigid in San Diego County, it seems that the weather will still hold up for a few last sessions before it becomes too unbearable. We all know that SD is known for its year-round incredible temperatures but riding in winter doesn’t seem like too much fun when you refuse to move inside or outside the boat. I’m not saying we won’t do it but it makes the decision to go a little harder. The next couple of weeks are supposed to be upper 70s to low 80s, which are still great conditions to work with. The water is colder obviously, but the fact still remains that the season isn’t technically over just yet. So riders all around SD should suck it up and head to the river, bay, or lagoon soon because once its gone your going to kick yourself for not taking advantage of this great city we live in.

Hope to see everyone at the lagoon this Saturday the 18th for a big session!

What’s the best way to learn how to wakeboard?

Daniel — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:42:52 +0000

Many people feel that taking lessons or “a lesson” from an instructor gives you the best possibility of becoming a decent rider. These were people interviewed at San Diego State University that came to this conclusion. I’m here to tell you that this is horribly incorrect. The other people surveyed, in which I tend to agree with, said the best way is to just strap in and learn as you go with friends and family helping you along the way. The instructor guides you for an hour or so and half the time you are on land listening to him preach instead of being in the boat and learning in the water. Just getting out there and learning as you go will give you the best chance to develop your own technique and create a comfort zone that will enable you to enjoy your experience and keep you coming back for more. Also, this gives the people around you a chance for a good laugh when you continuously fall in the beginning! Another factor that you need to take into account when learning to ride is to stay away from “liquid courage.” Some may say that this is a performance enhancer but really it’s no good and could be the cause of some nasty spills, even when not riding. Trust me, I know, I’ve been there, we all have!

Things to look forward to for next season…

Daniel — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:42:45 +0000

2009 Hyperlite Marek 141 Wakeboard.

Consumers say that this model is possibly the most anticipated shape to hit the market in several years. Pro Wake boarder Rusty Malinoski and Hyperlite are extremely excited to present the newest addition to the Hyperlite D.I.N.E series, The Marek. With four 9 degree angled fins set just inside a two stage channel, this new line of wakeboards initiates an edge with little effort, which in turn creates a faster and most responsive ride out on the water. Other features include a new tip-to-tail step-down rail, rocker line, fully machined Nova core, and strategically placed carbon torsion zones for maximum durability and responsiveness. This will be the lightest board on the market, which will give you the ability to generate speed and pop off the wake like nothing else. Combining these features, along with a sick graphic design, you now have the premier wakeboard for the 2009 season!