Well the school year's finally wrapping up and it's time for this guy to take a trip someplace warm. I decided on Cancun and have a trip coming up pretty soon. I'm tempted to bring the board along with me and hopefully get out on the water once. If it's good enough to host the TIGE Pro-Am World Championships, its gotta be plenty good enough (or way to good for that matter) for me to ride on.
So I thought I'd do a little research and see what it might cost me to get my feet wet in international waters. That's where I found a little problem. This trip is already going to set me back in terms of my wallet. I don't know what people are talking about when they say Mexico is cheap because I'm finding ways to drop quite a bit of dough. I could only dig up one site that offered any information on wakeboarding while I'm there and it is NOT cheap. $150 an hour or an even better deal....$50 for 20 minutes.
Now I know it costs money to fuel the boat and pay for insurance and whatnot but are you kidding me. I can go for a whole weekend for $150 dollars. I'd be willing to pay the 50 dollars if it was for the whole day but not for twenty minutes. Being my first time out, I'll probably be wrecking so much that I'd be in the water the whole time. Oh yeah, and they don't accept credit cards. So unfortunately, as bad as I want to go boarding while I'm down there, I just don't see it happening unless I bump into some cool people that don't mind pulling a Montana kid.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Snow, Snow, go away.....
I know I've already made a similar post but seriously Mother Nature, get over the snow and start bringing some heat. I think I can speak for everyone when i say that I am completely sick of snow and 30 degree weather. If we don't get some heat, the lakes are going to be miserably cold that first weekend. I mean, I'll be happy to have to suffer for a couple seconds in cold water but I wouldn't mind it being decently warm either.
Just to keep everyone updated, there is approximately 12 days until my summer officially starts. On one hand that means going to work construction again and doing that thing for a while. But on the other hand, it means no homework, no notes, and no studying. Just work and free time. I am not exactly happy but I can handle putting in an 8 or 9 hour day if it means I get to go do what I want when the day is over. I don't have to go home and research which rock would fit better on the fireplace we are putting in the next day. And on Friday, it means get off work, load up the vehicles with groceries and our tents and hit the road.
But back to the problem at hand, it's going to be real tough to get a tan to get ready for lake season when I have to wear a coat and beanie to class everyday. It would be nice if we could get a month straight of nice shorts and t-shirt weather so I can get a nice little base tan started to prevent turning into a big tomato opening weekend. Well I'll quit crying and get back to work. I have to try and keep my head on this school business for just a few more days so in the mean time Mother Nature, a little sunshine would be greatly appreciated!
Just to keep everyone updated, there is approximately 12 days until my summer officially starts. On one hand that means going to work construction again and doing that thing for a while. But on the other hand, it means no homework, no notes, and no studying. Just work and free time. I am not exactly happy but I can handle putting in an 8 or 9 hour day if it means I get to go do what I want when the day is over. I don't have to go home and research which rock would fit better on the fireplace we are putting in the next day. And on Friday, it means get off work, load up the vehicles with groceries and our tents and hit the road.
But back to the problem at hand, it's going to be real tough to get a tan to get ready for lake season when I have to wear a coat and beanie to class everyday. It would be nice if we could get a month straight of nice shorts and t-shirt weather so I can get a nice little base tan started to prevent turning into a big tomato opening weekend. Well I'll quit crying and get back to work. I have to try and keep my head on this school business for just a few more days so in the mean time Mother Nature, a little sunshine would be greatly appreciated!
Need a new board?
I just bought a new board and bindings last summer but just like everything else, I always want the newer and better models that come out. Browsing through this years magazine and checking out the web, I've seen some pretty killer new boards out there. The new 2008 Hyperlite Imperial 140 looks like it would suit me just fine if I had an $300 or so dollars lying around somewhere. If anyone ever tells you that wakeboarding is a cheap sport, they're crazy, at very best you are going to have to pay for gas at least which is only getting more and more expensive.
For anyone out there looking for a new board, make sure you look at a board buyer's guide before you just jump in and spend a lot of money on a board that doesn't fit you or your riding style. If you get a board too small, it might sink a little on turns, making it harder to edge hard into the wake. On the other hand, if you get one too big, the thing will be stable and much easier to ride but you may not be able to do as much with one that fits you well. Here's a nifty little tool I came across on the Internet that lets you pick your size, your riding style, and how much you are thinking about spending and it will give you your best fit board.
In the mean time, go find yourselves some rich friends with a nice boat and a few nice boards that they'll let you borrow off them for a day and go have some fun. If all else fails, there is always eBay. You can find some screaming deals on there if you know what you're looking for but make sure you look at a board buyer's guide first to make sure you are getting a good board for you. So get out there and make some bids and get on the water as soon as possible. Don't forget bindings! They're kind of important too, in my opinion anyways. . . .
For anyone out there looking for a new board, make sure you look at a board buyer's guide before you just jump in and spend a lot of money on a board that doesn't fit you or your riding style. If you get a board too small, it might sink a little on turns, making it harder to edge hard into the wake. On the other hand, if you get one too big, the thing will be stable and much easier to ride but you may not be able to do as much with one that fits you well. Here's a nifty little tool I came across on the Internet that lets you pick your size, your riding style, and how much you are thinking about spending and it will give you your best fit board.
In the mean time, go find yourselves some rich friends with a nice boat and a few nice boards that they'll let you borrow off them for a day and go have some fun. If all else fails, there is always eBay. You can find some screaming deals on there if you know what you're looking for but make sure you look at a board buyer's guide first to make sure you are getting a good board for you. So get out there and make some bids and get on the water as soon as possible. Don't forget bindings! They're kind of important too, in my opinion anyways. . . .
Friday, April 18, 2008
Camping
A part of the wakeboarding life that makes it something that I love to do isn't just getting out on the water and riding. Granted, its a great time and that's probably the best part of it, there is still so much more involved that makes it the thing I look forward to ever summer. It feels so good to get away to the lake all weekend with no phone, tv, or computer.
Throw up the tent, build a fire, have some drinks (only if you're 21 of course), and listen to some good tunes while you lounge around in some lawn chairs. That's what's good about the wakeboarding lifestyle. Don't have to worry about a thing for as long as you're at the lake. As long as the cooler is stocked and you don't have a sun burn yet, all is good. Life is easy, shower if you want to, I mean you're in the water all day, it's not really necessary right? Girls don't have to worry about makeup or their hair, its all going to be ruined after one session. The only worry on people's mind is making that ridiculously expensive gas last as long as we can.
This is killing me to write this when I still have a month to wait so I'm gonna wrap this up. Make sure to take a weekend off this summer and get out to lake, boat or not, you can still have the lifestyle and just lay out by the water. If you're lucky, you might even be able to hitch a pull off someone, might cost ya a beer or two but that's worth it, right?
Throw up the tent, build a fire, have some drinks (only if you're 21 of course), and listen to some good tunes while you lounge around in some lawn chairs. That's what's good about the wakeboarding lifestyle. Don't have to worry about a thing for as long as you're at the lake. As long as the cooler is stocked and you don't have a sun burn yet, all is good. Life is easy, shower if you want to, I mean you're in the water all day, it's not really necessary right? Girls don't have to worry about makeup or their hair, its all going to be ruined after one session. The only worry on people's mind is making that ridiculously expensive gas last as long as we can.
This is killing me to write this when I still have a month to wait so I'm gonna wrap this up. Make sure to take a weekend off this summer and get out to lake, boat or not, you can still have the lifestyle and just lay out by the water. If you're lucky, you might even be able to hitch a pull off someone, might cost ya a beer or two but that's worth it, right?
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Water....
Eastern Montana is a different world compared to it's western counterpart. The landscape is just a shade different. Western Montana is covered with mountains, forests, and lakes everywhere you look. Eastern Montana...not so much. We have a lot of rolling hills, sparatic tree placement and as far as the lakes go...there just isn't a whole lot of lakes in the area and the ones we do have, aren't world class. We definitely make due with what we have and don't complain about it but it's definately not the same caliber of water as the western half of Montana is working with.
To give you an idea of what I'm talking about. When out of staters think of Montana, most of them probably think of what we see in the western half of the state. Mountains, trees, lakes, creeks, rivers, really green foliage, etc....well that's not so much the case in the eastern half.
Not like I'm complaining by any means, because like I said in other posts, as long as I'm on a boat with some friends it doesn't really matter where I am. We have some cool lakes over there, Big Horn Canyon/Yellowtail Dam, call it what you want, is a very pretty lake with steep cliffs lining the entire canyon. Only downside is that there isn't really a shoreline so once you go out, you stay out, and when the wind picks up, watch out...it tears down the canyon hard.
Our usual spot is Tongue River Reservoir or the TRD (Turd) as we call it. It's a pretty good little spot. The reservoir is pretty big but it can get miserably hot there and believe me, that picture is generous for the amount of trees there. We always joke that the only shade at the TRD is behind someone facing the sun. So bring your sunscreen and plenty to drink because its going to be hot. So if you want a tan (or a 3rd degree burn) the Tongue is your place. Mid July is usually good for 100 plus degree days. Be sure to have a well stocked cooler when making the trip, you'll be happy you did.
These definately work and give us an excuse to get out on the lake and have some fun but they don't quite compare to the lakes found over here around Missoula and Kalispell. Lakes like Flathead and Seeley are probably more what people are thinking when they hear about Montana lakes. So if anyone wants to check out a different part of Montana and come visit the desert/plains half. Swing on in and go take a session at the TRD or Yellowtail, just be ready to be hot and in the sun a lot. Regardless, it's going to be a great time, it's summer afterall, what is there to be worried about?
Most of the pictures that you'll find at the top of this blog were taken at either the Tongue, Yellowtail, or Seeley most likely.
To give you an idea of what I'm talking about. When out of staters think of Montana, most of them probably think of what we see in the western half of the state. Mountains, trees, lakes, creeks, rivers, really green foliage, etc....well that's not so much the case in the eastern half.
Not like I'm complaining by any means, because like I said in other posts, as long as I'm on a boat with some friends it doesn't really matter where I am. We have some cool lakes over there, Big Horn Canyon/Yellowtail Dam, call it what you want, is a very pretty lake with steep cliffs lining the entire canyon. Only downside is that there isn't really a shoreline so once you go out, you stay out, and when the wind picks up, watch out...it tears down the canyon hard.
Our usual spot is Tongue River Reservoir or the TRD (Turd) as we call it. It's a pretty good little spot. The reservoir is pretty big but it can get miserably hot there and believe me, that picture is generous for the amount of trees there. We always joke that the only shade at the TRD is behind someone facing the sun. So bring your sunscreen and plenty to drink because its going to be hot. So if you want a tan (or a 3rd degree burn) the Tongue is your place. Mid July is usually good for 100 plus degree days. Be sure to have a well stocked cooler when making the trip, you'll be happy you did.
These definately work and give us an excuse to get out on the lake and have some fun but they don't quite compare to the lakes found over here around Missoula and Kalispell. Lakes like Flathead and Seeley are probably more what people are thinking when they hear about Montana lakes. So if anyone wants to check out a different part of Montana and come visit the desert/plains half. Swing on in and go take a session at the TRD or Yellowtail, just be ready to be hot and in the sun a lot. Regardless, it's going to be a great time, it's summer afterall, what is there to be worried about?
Most of the pictures that you'll find at the top of this blog were taken at either the Tongue, Yellowtail, or Seeley most likely.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Motorboatin....
So I was bored in a class the other day and started browsing the net looking for anything interesting. Went and checked out Malibuboats.com and gave their Build-A-Boat a little try. If there is anyone out there interested in skiing or wakeboarding and want to buy a boat, steer clear of this if you're as broke as I am. You can put together a sweet, custom boat just the way you want it which turns out to cost a cool dollar when its all said and done. Check out mine if you want, if only I had an extra $60k laying around. If there's anyone that wants to donate to a good cause. I'll set up an account for Chris's Build-A-Boat Charity and I'll accept cash, check, or all major credit cards....I wish.
In the mean time I'll work with what's available to me, which isn't too bad at all. It's a 2005 Mastercraft X-9 and it does the trick. I'll take anything that works on water and goes fast enough for me to stand up behind it. Anything that can get me out to the lake with a good group of people and allow me to get a couple runs in will keep me a happy camper.
In case anyone was wondering or cares as much as I do....4 weeks til summer, 6 til boating season finally hits Montana.
In the mean time I'll work with what's available to me, which isn't too bad at all. It's a 2005 Mastercraft X-9 and it does the trick. I'll take anything that works on water and goes fast enough for me to stand up behind it. Anything that can get me out to the lake with a good group of people and allow me to get a couple runs in will keep me a happy camper.
In case anyone was wondering or cares as much as I do....4 weeks til summer, 6 til boating season finally hits Montana.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Thrilla in Manilla
When people used to talk about wakeboarding, especially cable parks. Orlando, Florida or Germany seem to be the locale for the story. That's starting to change, wakeboard and cable parks are poppin up all over and Camsur Watersports Complex in Cadlan, Pili, Philippines is one of the fastest growing cable parks in the world. Not even two years old, it is already hosting some of the top cable riders in the world in international competitions such as the WWA Wake Park Worlds, Camsur Rider's Cup, and the CWC International Open.
I'm not here to talk about the podiums for these events, if you want to check them out. Go here. I just want to talk about how killer this place sounds and how bad I want to take a little trip to check it out for myself. Might be time to start putting some change away though. A flight over to the Philippines is anything but cheap. Everything I looked at is around $2000 and up. Once you're there though, you can get out of there without spending much money at all and having an amazing time. Accomodations start as low as $4 located right in the complex. You might not be getting much more than a bed but what else do you need.
But let me get to the good part. The wakeboarding cable park was probably the main reason this park started, (which is a crazy story in itself) but I'll hit on that later. But that's not the only thing to do in the CWC. LRay Villafuerte, Camarine Sur's governor said,
So back to the way this place all started, this Governor Villafuerte's son, Miguel, was scanning the net and came across wakeboarding, thought it looked cool, and approached his pops and talked him into a board and a PWC. Governor Villafuerte realized that wakeboarding could be a big boost to tourism in the province. He and Miguel did a little research checking out other parks and bam! CWC was born.
So if anyone feels like donating a couple thousand to a worthy cause of sending me over to the Philippines for about a week, feel free. It's all for research purposes of course to make sure this blog is accurate.
If ya wanna check out some sweet vids, youtube has plenty on CWC. check em out and enjoy.
LESS THAN 2 MONTHS AWAY FROM BEING ABLE TO GO RIDE!
I'm not here to talk about the podiums for these events, if you want to check them out. Go here. I just want to talk about how killer this place sounds and how bad I want to take a little trip to check it out for myself. Might be time to start putting some change away though. A flight over to the Philippines is anything but cheap. Everything I looked at is around $2000 and up. Once you're there though, you can get out of there without spending much money at all and having an amazing time. Accomodations start as low as $4 located right in the complex. You might not be getting much more than a bed but what else do you need.
But let me get to the good part. The wakeboarding cable park was probably the main reason this park started, (which is a crazy story in itself) but I'll hit on that later. But that's not the only thing to do in the CWC. LRay Villafuerte, Camarine Sur's governor said,
Not to mention, you're in the Philippines, don't do anything if you don't want to. You're in paradise...relax!"My goal is to make our province the Disneyland of action sports."
He didn't waste any time. In less than a year there was "a skate
park, a BMX dirt park, a motocross track, and an ATV course"
(Wakeboarding Magazine, June 2007)
So back to the way this place all started, this Governor Villafuerte's son, Miguel, was scanning the net and came across wakeboarding, thought it looked cool, and approached his pops and talked him into a board and a PWC. Governor Villafuerte realized that wakeboarding could be a big boost to tourism in the province. He and Miguel did a little research checking out other parks and bam! CWC was born.
So if anyone feels like donating a couple thousand to a worthy cause of sending me over to the Philippines for about a week, feel free. It's all for research purposes of course to make sure this blog is accurate.
If ya wanna check out some sweet vids, youtube has plenty on CWC. check em out and enjoy.
LESS THAN 2 MONTHS AWAY FROM BEING ABLE TO GO RIDE!
WAKEBOARDING CLIPS
The player starts on mute, so to hear volume, just click on the volume slider on the player and you will be able to hear the video.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Snow again??????????
Well, after a nice week off from school from Spring Break and thoughts of summertime and the lake begin to pop into my head. I sit at home in exciting Forsyth and start going through old lake pictures and videos. I go out golfing with my old man on Tuesday and fire a cool 44 but the weather was good and the company was better so I couldn't complain. Everything around me at this point was all heading in the direction of summer. No school, golfing in a t-shirt, and last but not least, a slight sunburn on my forehead that seems to keep getting more and more bald.
These feelings all were quickly taken away the day I drove back to Missoula at the end of my break. The farther I drove, the more the temperature dropped. I had to swap flip flops for a warmer pair of shoes. My beanie had to come back out of the closet and I had to go to school the next day. Still not all that bad though, only 5 more weeks til summer is finally here. Then I walked out the door this morning to go to school and what did I find......SNOW! I'm starting to wonder if this winter will ever end.
Can't it hurry up and get warm. I just want to get out on a boat and get some sun on this pasty skin of mine. Guess it's back into the living room for a little more picture and movie viewing. If anyone is having the same feelings as me, YouTube has been a savior this winter. Get on there and check out some of the best young riders around. I'm working on getting a player on my blog but in the mean time, I'm gonna have to make you follow some links. Check out guys like Rusty Malinoski, Danny Harf, youngster Phillip Soven, Shaun Murray, Parks Bonifay, and Eric Ruck have been tearing it up and YouTube has tons of videos out there of them. Ladies, they don't get much better than Dallas Friday in my opinion but Amber Wing might have something to say about that.
I guess I'll quit complaining about this weather and just deal with it....it is Montana right? Guess I can deal with it, nevermind, its snowing again, hurry up summer!
These feelings all were quickly taken away the day I drove back to Missoula at the end of my break. The farther I drove, the more the temperature dropped. I had to swap flip flops for a warmer pair of shoes. My beanie had to come back out of the closet and I had to go to school the next day. Still not all that bad though, only 5 more weeks til summer is finally here. Then I walked out the door this morning to go to school and what did I find......SNOW! I'm starting to wonder if this winter will ever end.
Can't it hurry up and get warm. I just want to get out on a boat and get some sun on this pasty skin of mine. Guess it's back into the living room for a little more picture and movie viewing. If anyone is having the same feelings as me, YouTube has been a savior this winter. Get on there and check out some of the best young riders around. I'm working on getting a player on my blog but in the mean time, I'm gonna have to make you follow some links. Check out guys like Rusty Malinoski, Danny Harf, youngster Phillip Soven, Shaun Murray, Parks Bonifay, and Eric Ruck have been tearing it up and YouTube has tons of videos out there of them. Ladies, they don't get much better than Dallas Friday in my opinion but Amber Wing might have something to say about that.
I guess I'll quit complaining about this weather and just deal with it....it is Montana right? Guess I can deal with it, nevermind, its snowing again, hurry up summer!
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