Sesitec System 2.0

German cable manufacturer Sesitec introduced their new System 2.0 at the 2008 World Wake Park Championships at the CamSur Watersports Complex in the Philipines.

It won't make it's way to the US until the final stop of the Byerly Toe Jam Tour in Bithlo, FL on September 20-21. It is currently available for sale in the US as of July 7th through The Wake Park Project.

It was developed as two tower part of larger shows using five or six towers as their main event. The entire set up can be broken down to fit in the bed of a truck making it easy to transport for smaller events or even friends getting together to have fun. Rather then one cable in a loop that can leave slack for the ride there are two cables keeping tension consistent for an even ride. A quiet electric motor can be set to different speeds at the push of a button.

The system is likely to become a part of many shows in the 2009 season as it's ease of use and set up makes it an easy choice on many levels. It's price and portability also allow for it to become a favorite of riders looking for a new way to enjoy the water.

AWESOME Nicola Butler vid.

She is so effing cool.

The Wake Boarding Just Don't Stop!

With events and clinics being held all over the US and world the joy of wake boarding is being brought to all who care to hear. From long term events like the Malibu Open/Quake at the Lake in Pontiac Lake, MI which is celebrating it's 10th anniversary to friends setting up to have fun the joy of being on the water is being noticed.

New riders are coming to the sport regularly and helping to bring new tricks and designs for everyone to enjoy. New companies are forming with new gear ideas and older companies are revamping their designs.

Things are cruising along in this great sport with new innovations coming along on a daily basis. Riding styles are ever evolving and changing with the new set ups and many riders are finding new tricks and set ups to challenge themselves with. The new scoring system for the professional events is also changing things up.

As the year goes by and more events are held we shall see how the new scoring system works out. It should make events different from last year and keep things interesting for everyone involved. In such a fun sport and lifestyle the more things change to keep interesting and fresh the more everyone enjoys themselves and wants to keep making changes.

The 2008 MasterCraft Pro Wake Board Tour opener in Acworth, GA introduced a new judging format that really helped make the event interesting. It's still undecided if the change in judging format will really change who is winning events.

Many do think it rewards style rather then just trying to have the biggest move with the most turns. Obviously, all the winners at the event were pleased with the new scoring system, but in reality the winners were not a huge change from previous years under the old scoring system.

Another great thing unveiled at Acworth was the new obstacle course the rooftop rail. The new obstacle course was a big hit with the riders and will help to keep bringing on new tricks and ways to perform old ones.

The top male and female riders for this year's tour stop were Philip Soven and Nicola Butler. Neither one is content to rest on the wins they have behind them at this point. They both want to continue improving their rides and are focused on what needs to be done for the rest of the year in their chase to be King or Queen of Wake.

Winner of the Young Men's event Harley Clifford is young enough to still be riding in the boys events. Thanks to his showing by winning Worlds last year he earned the chance to prove himself in the amateurs this year. Prove himself he did with great rides that earned him a spot at the top of the podium.

Water Sport Pros Keeping the Sport Alive!

Even though watersport professionals don't receive the same recognition as professionals in football or basketball, they are just as important to the sport as a whole.

For one thing, they bring new ides for tricks to the viewers at events and even come up with new set ups, increasing the enthusiasm for the sport and creating greater participation by both professionals and amateurs.

Some professional riders are also bringing greater attention to wake boarding with their designs of boards and other gear. Entire lines of gear are rapidly snatched up by avid fans when things are made and endorsed by their favorite rider. From boots to boats there are professionals involved in art, design, changes and improvements. With boards that will perform and do all they want some professionals are helping to blur the lines in different water sports.

The customized boat that Scott Byerly recently designed is just another way that professional riders are changing and improving things in all water sports. His touch on so many things affecting water sports is easy to see and has influenced many new riders. Other professionals have followed him in designing entire lines of gear and clothing.

Florida Fun

From little lakes dotting the state to set-ups like the Projects in Bithlo and the surrounding oceans, Florida is a great place for all water sports.

Surfing has been big for many years now with well know stores like Ron Jon's and lesser known places like Cape Surf providing for the assorted needs for water sport enthusiasts.

Water parks are also starting to catch on and offer things like surfing rooms and wake pools. The big name Ron Jon's is also building a resort dedicated to water sports of all sorts. Set to open in spring 2010 it will draw those interested in all sorts of water sports and their history to central Florida.

Having been a popular tourist destination for years thanks to large amusement parks makes it easier to attract people to the state for other diversions.

Vacation packages are offered for people interested in enjoying the opportunities offered by the main water sports offered in the state.

With new water sports and places to enjoy those sports Florida will continue to be a huge draw to all those who love the water and things that can be done on and in it.

Big Blue Trash

Every time I see articles about the condition of the ocean and see pictures like this it makes me want to scream. Remember in the movie The Matrix where the dude told Neo that humans, like parasites, destroyed their own host? I mean, seriously. If you look at the entire planet and the way we live here, it defies logic. Not only does it look like crap, but we're actually killing off other species just because we're too damn stupid (or lazy) to buy re-usable water bottles and plastic bags. NONE of this is necessary. All that trash? There are other alternatives.

Check out the article that goes with this picture on the Popular Science website. And get some reusable grocery bags!