Wakestock and Ontario Movie Stars

1998 to 2000

In 1998, following on the heels of a successful festival style wakeboarding event in California (Boardstock), SBC media set out to become the world’s largest wakeboard event and the premier stop on the World Wakeboard Association Pro Tour. With the media clout to promote it and the rider respect and influence to pull in top tier talent, the 1998 Wakestock event became the most successful wakeboard event in the history of the sport. The festival atmosphere caused gridlock on the streets of Bala. The only thing more legendary than the Boards, Bands and Bikinis (Wakestock’s tag line), was the ensuing parties every evening. If you were there, you know what I am talking about and if you weren’t there you likely wish you were. Even though Wakestock quickly outgrew the small town of Bala, the precedent had now been set on what a top tier watersports event should be modeled after.

By 2000 Ontario pro and semi-pro riders were being recognized on the world stage for their abilities and skills. Dave Tsuyuki won the Men’s 1 World Championship in 1998, local Muskoka riders were commonly being included in the Pro Men’s Heats at Wakestock, with amateur victories, a top 10 finishes by Austin Ball of Kashe Lake, and Pride’s own Neil Brown finishing 8th in the Pro Men’s final in 2001.

The influx of wakeboard talent to Muskoka from 1998 to 2002, inspired Jake Thomas to combine his passion for wakeboarding with his formal film school training. Jake filmed, edited produced and sold a series of Canadian Wakeboard movies that featured almost exclusively Canadian wakeboard talent to help expose them to a larger audience throughout North America. For Ontario riders, having a feature section in the Sea Monkeys movie series was a nod that you had made it to the elite level of Canadian wakeboarding – now you were a Pro. Jake followed up the Sea Monkey’s trilogy with a weekly television show called World of Wakeboarding that lasted for several years in the early 2000’s. Known for its classic wipeout scenes at the end of each episode, World of Wakeboarding became what must have been one of the most syndicated and re-run show in the history of the OLN network. I think I only ever appeared on two or three episodes, but for years after it was cancelled somebody would message me every month to let me know “I just saw you interviewed on a TV show last week”.

Between the exposure of Wakestock bringing US pros into Muskoka and the skills that Ontario riders were showing in movies and Florida winter sets, it was clear that the table was being set for Canadian riders to be able to win on the world stage.

Wakeboard Snowbirds

The top riders in Ontario knew that to become seriously good at their craft, they needed to train year round. In the winter of 1996/97, Dave Tsuyuki became the first of many young riders from Muskoka to head south, working the season at Benzel’s Ski School in Groveland, Florida. Dave worked at Benzel’s for a few winters along with Tiff Finley (now Tiff Tsuyuki), returning to Muskoka every summer to ride, to compete and to run their DTS Wake School from Dave’s family cottage in Bala Bay.

Dave’s successful model was quickly followed up by other riders who ironically have become the senior legends of Ontario Wakeboarding. Names like Sean Fleming, Chris Guard, Joel Adair (who ran The Projects for a few years) , and Pride’s own Neil Brown all spent time in the late 1990’s working and training at various Florida Wakeboard schools. This first generation of elite riders set the ball in motion for what became the new normal – live and work in a wake School in Ontario during the summer and train and work in a Florida wake school in the offseason.

This riding lifestyle spawned Ontario schools such as:

- DTS Wakeboard (instructors included - Dave Tsuyuki, Tiff Finley(Tsuyuki), Neil Brown, Scott Duke)

- Muskoka Pro Ski (instructors included -Joel Adair, Chris Guard, Kyle Rattray, Jamie Rowe)

- Pride of Muskoka Wake School (instructors included – Kyle Rattray and Mark Enns)

- Basecamp – (instructors included – Scott Duke, Robbie McMillin, Jono Boysen, Scott Boysen)

- Many smaller local schools in Haliburton and Kawartha also popped up to support the new rider lifestyle.

From seasoned Pro Tour riders like Ontarians Kyle Rattray and Sunni Ball to the current group of aspiring pros like Robbie McMillin and Brayden Beswick, every serious rider puts their time into Florida training in the off season.

Boat Financing-Take the Helm

Contrary to what you might believe, owning a boat is not impossible. As a matter of fact, there are a lot of people who can testify that it’s not as complicated as you think. It is normally as easy as getting a loan for a car. Now that you know this information, does that sound tempting to you?

Better boat becomes affordable: If you qualify for a loan, chances are you can probably buy that bigger, better boat. A loan will provide you with access to more funds than what your savings.. Buying a boat with cash might mean you having to settle for a smaller boat owing to a cash shortage

Many boaters are unaware that there are simple ownership options available on recreational products other than using their own hard earned cash, investments or personal line of credit. The type of financing we have available is much different than your typical line of credit or branch level loan.  For instance, the only collateral used is the boat, so your home or cottage are not being tied up for a boat purchase.  The rates offered by the lenders are fixed for the term, with the ability to amortize over 5, 10, 15 or even 20 years!!  Having said that, the average loan payout is 42 months in the boating industry. As a rule nobody takes 15 or 20 years to pay out their loan. They do however tend to take advantage of the longer amortization, knowing they have the ability to pay out the loan at any time, as they are set up to be completely open.

Not all buyers have the same needs. We work with you to achieve a custom fit for your boat. Our goal is to make the loan application process as easy for you as possible, while guaranteeing a boat loan package that gives you the best rates and terms available.  Why not utilize your cash wisely by investing it, and take advantage of the Pride Purchase Plan for your new watercraft?  Your investments and assets are left secure, with no collateral except the boat itself!

Interesting Statistic -
Did you know... that according to Canadian statistics, only 2% of us use actual cash to make large purchases?. Are you using your cash wisely?
 
We will work to obtain the best financing options available for you, allowing you to choose the payment that best suits your needs, with flexible terms from 12-240 months. We will look after all of your purchase documentation including registration, extended factory warranty information, payment options and referral information for insuring your new boat.

We look forward to working with you and building a custom purchase plan to suit your needs.

Pride’s business office offers “one stop shopping” and “worry free financing” for your purchase!

The Ontario Competition Scene Begins

Hidden Valley Resort in Huntsville hosted the first Canadian Wakeboard Championships (which also included kneeboarding as an event as well), in August of 1996.  What was anticipated to be a fairly local affair turned into an event with over 100 registered riders from all over the country. Jake Thomas and I were asked to Emcee the event and also took turns judging and driving the competition just to make it all happen.   During this time competitions were judged similarly to trick skiing, where each trick was assigned a point value (plus an extra 50 points if you did a grab, and 100 points if you did it switch!).  Riders would complete an “Attack Sheet” and give it to the judges before they left the dock.  Each competitor was judged on whether they completed their prescribed tricks, additional tricks not indicated were not scored.  In a gesture of support for the exploding Canadian wakeboard movement, both Jeremy Kovak and Jeff Heer (Canada’s only full time Pro Tour competitors at the time), made the trek north for the event as well.  Imagine the Double Up Contest where we unveiled the first “10Ft Pole” on a centre engine ski boat and Jeremy had to explain to the driver what a Double Up looked like and how to drive one.  I can still remember Kovak’s  winning Lawn Dart front flip.  HUGE.  Everyone flocked to the beach welcome him back to shore.   Both he and Jeff Heer raised the bar of what was possible in everyone’s mind with their presence, their advice and of course their skill sets.

In 1997, some small local events began to pop up from local organizers and locals shops.  Riders began to develop very different styles and personalities on the water, so competitions now began to use a criteria of “style points” in addition to the pure trick points system.  It was easy to see that riders craved the interaction of other riders at these competitions, and it was clear to everyone involved that the sport was progressing faster than the governing bodies could keep up.  In 1998, a new position was created on the Ontario Water Ski Association board of directors (now Waterski and Wakeboard Ontario).  The position was called VP Wakeboard – and I was asked to fill it by then President, Paul Roberts ( he currently owns SummerSki in Newmarket, where Jono Boysen operates The Ranch wake cable park).  From 1998 to 2000, with a mandate to increase membership for the lagging  revenues of the OWSA,  I oversaw the development of a mini tour that operated at small venues across cottage country, and helped create some of the first administration for wakeboarding in Canada.  Kids, youths and adults came out from all over to compete in their age divisions.  Each age division was subdivided into ability categories (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) and then the winner of each age division in the Advanced categories all competed at the end of the day for the “Open Title”.   The age divisions were a little awkward when there was only one per category, but such was the development path as we slowly pulled away from the standards of waterskiing.

As a sign of what was to come, in 1998 in Ontario we began to use an early version of  Expression Session judging format from the World Wakeboard Association, even though it was still not recognized yet by Water Ski Canada (now Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada – much more on this name change in future blogs).  Each rider was now judged out of 10 points on three categories – Amplitude, Intensity and Technical.  No longer were there points simply for completing tricks.  This single change caused its own revolution in the competition scene.  Now riders were attempting to impress judges with amplitude (size/height), Intensity (grabs/style) and Technical (degree of difficulty). Wakeboarders from all over Ontario began to use the events as a forum to exchange ideas, push each other and push the envelope of what was happening on the water.  Word was now starting to spread about the Muskoka scene in the wakeboard community outside Ontario.

Next Week Wakeboarding Snowbirds

Cottage Boating

The sun begins its descent into the horizon.  The lake is still.  The dock is scattered with remnants of the day – wet towels in heaps, empty pop cans, and trays of unfinished snacks.  The boat is tied up at the dock, the tubes, water skis, and wakeboards are drying.  Children are changing out of bathing suits and into pajamas, and another memorable day at the cottage is almost over.

The family boat is an integral part of cottage life in Muskoka.  From cruises around the lake with stops for ice cream at the marina to marathon tubing sessions, the boat offers a unique means of spending time together as a family.  Some of the best days at our cottage with my own family have been spent in just such a manner.

 In 1886, the first boat powered by a petrol engine was tested on the Neckar River by Gottlieb Daimler and William Maybach.  With the invention of the “V-Hull” in 1908 by John L. Hacker, boating was revolutionized.  Early motor boats were a luxury that few could afford.  With the advent of mass production lines, power boats became more affordable, and the world of pleasure boating became available to more and more people.

In the fifteen years that I have been with Pride Marine Group, I’ve seen many changes in the world of boating.  The average boat size has increased from 18 to 20 feet to now generally 20 to 25 feet.  Specialty boats form a greater percentage of the market with companies such as Nautique and Edgewater addressing the specific needs of boaters. With Nautique focusing on perfecting wakes for  new water sports such as wakeboarding, wake skating, and wake surfing. And Edgewater creating the ultimate unsinkable offshore boats.   Additionally, with improvements in comfort and finishings, these boats can now serve as multipurpose family boats.

But someone’s passion for boating can’t be measured in length, width, brand or colour.  It is found in embracing the experience of being on the open water and the memories created in that moment.
One of my greatest joys in my work, is help families determine the right boat for their needs and helping them maximize their enjoyment on the water.  I have loved watching children grow up, start families, and teach a new generation how to water ski or drive countless figure eights towing a tube.  Whether you own a “tinner” or a new Nautique, a motor boat can enhance the cottage experience of any family.  On a boat, screens are minimal, children are happy, and families can be together with few distractions.  I look forward to seeing you this summer and hope you enjoy creating your own memories.

Wayne Rodgers
Product Specialist
Pride of Muskoka

Wakeboard Boats Begin To Evolve

By the summer of 1996, the wakeboard revolution was in full swing.  Every lake had boats and runabouts zooming around towing “the latest craze”.  The riders at the leading edge of the revolution quickly began to realize that the biggest challenge to learning, landing and innovating new tricks was the amount of time they had in the air between take off and landing.  With the spectator nature of the sport, quickly it was understood that the more weight in the boat, the larger the wake size.  Riders started filling containers of all shapes and sizes with lake water and weighting devices – water jugs, barbell plates, Rubbermaid containers, sand bags, anything you can think of.  Not everything worked out well.  There were several blown transmissions, and electrical systems from overflooded bilge areas (think how much weight you can add when you remove the hull plug, then forget to put it back in) and many more cases of fuel tanks that were completely filled with water after all the fuel Jerry Cans in their boathouse were used for water weight!  Local companies like LaunchPad of Stouffville, ON began to have a impact across North America for their revolutionary pump-in/pump-out ballast bag systems to place hundreds (and in some cases thousands) of additional pounds of ballast into your boat through lake water.

A revelation of the physics of wakeboarding showed that pulling from a high point allowed riders to “float” across the wakes rather than being pulled back to the water.  In 1994/95, Jake Thomas and I began experimenting with strapping a barefoot boom vertically to the centre pylon of our Ski School boats for training purposes.  It was unbelievable how much of a difference the vertical pull meant for learning tricks.  At the same time scores of aftermarket tower extensions, some of them literally homemade in basements and garages, began to pop up everywhere.  New tricks were literally happening weekly now.

It was clear that the cottage industry of innovative splinter companies was leading the evolution of wakeboarding, and the boat companies needed to catch up.  The World Wakeboard Championships in the fall of 1996 would change everything.  Correct Craft used this platform to release their 1997 Air Nautique.  A revolutionary cage shaped tower, and integrated hard shell ballast tanks changed the direction of wakeboarding forever.  In fact the 1997 Air Nautique was such a revolutionary boat that the wake tower (now adopted by all brands of boats) was granted a utility patent by the United States government.  To this day, all wake towers from every manufacturer must pay a fee to Correct Craft(Nautique)for the privilege of installing a tower on their boats.  Through the innovations of the 1997 Air Nautique, hard shell tanks and with brass water pumps have now replaced the makeshift soft bags, and bilge pumps making the systems in all wakeboard boats safer and more efficient.
The 1997 Air Nautique became the new benchmark that all new wakeboard boat designs started from for the next decade.  In 1999, the flagship Nautique was updated to the Super Air Nautique – a V-drive orientation that produced ideal handling, more weight in the stern and the perfect social layout platform for the interior.

In the next edition – Ontario Competitive Wakeboard Scene is Born

The Early Innovators and Adopters

It was clear early on that despite our Canadian winters, Canadians were flocking toward wakeboarding. From 1992 to 1994 the two dominant wakeboarders were American Darin Shapiro and Canadian Jeremy Kovak, with Jeremy taking the world title in 1993.

By 1994, wakeboards started to appear in Muskoka as well. At the time most were asymmetrical and directional boards with simple rubber heel strap retainers, though quickly boot style bindings began to become the norm. Ontario began the birth place of wakeboarding in Canada and specifically the lakes, resources and connections of Muskoka were the hotbed. The early riders in Muskoka included names like Jake Thomas, Aaron Prince, Sean Fleming, Todd Shell and a ball of energy named Dave Tsuyuki. Wakeboarding was still a novelty and just splinter activity on the water. Most people were only exposed to wakeboarding as part of waterski shows or demonstrations before 1995. Famously, a barefoot legend by the name of Doug Gray (Canadian Champion 1987-1989) would pin a $100 bill to the start dock for any wakeboarder that could perform an invert during any show he participated during the summer of 1994 and 1995. Surprisingly in 2 years and over 50 shows, he was only down $200!

From 1995 through 1998, Wakeboard Schools began to explode all over cottage country. In 1994, Jake Thomas and I began Mastercraft Pro Team (soon to become Muskoka Pro Ski), soon to be followed by Phil Harding with Summer Water Sports, Dave Brandstetter with Water Skiis Etc, and DTS Wake School with Dave Tsuyuki and Tiff Finley. The schools began to pop up in the Kawarthas and places like Haliburton, Midland, Barrie, and Wasaga Beach. With many of these schools performing shows during weekends and teaching during the week, mass exposure to the sport of wakeboarding had begun. It looked so fun and was so visually entertaining that everyone wanted to try. We had kids, teens, moms, dads, even 3 year olds wakeboarding. Every cottager on every lake needed to have a wakeboard. Industry suppliers like Ralph Geronimo at O’Brien struggled to keep up with the demand for boards. Every shop and wake related brand was trying to keep their finger on the pulse of which new upstart kid was going to be “the next one” and who they needed to sponsor for shop affiliations. Shops needed to have resident experts on staff just to know the connections within the wakeboard scene. We began to have weekly auditions in the afternoons for the wakeboard slot of our evening shows and discovered future Provincial and Canadian Champions like Joel Adair, Chris Guard and Kyle Rattray who all began to ride in shows and perform competitively before they were anywhere near driving age. Shops like The Muskoka Store, Surf Paradise and Boardsports were literally buying truckloads of boards every month just to keep up with the explosion of wakeboarding during the mid-1990’s.

The golden age of Wakeboarding was upon us and the rebirth of towed water sports was beginning.

Next week – Wakeboard Boats Begin to Evolve

The Birth of Sport –

In the late 1980’s and early 90’s, towed watersports had become stagnant and was struggling to redefine itself through strange permutations like freestyle slalom and freestyle jumping competitions, as the level of performances in the classic Slalom, Jump, tricks and Barefoot had all plateaued.   At the same time new “Extreme Sports” began popping up all over the sports landscape in the early 90’s.  In fact, the fastest growing sport on the planet was Snowboarding.

While there had been versions of wakeboards in the 80’s (Skurfers, McSki, etc),  the mass appeal of easily riding and carving on the water was really initiated in 1991 with the first Hyperlite compression molded board.  This construction technique is still used today to make boards strong, thin, and neutrally buoyant.    Suddenly, starting up and riding was simple and fun for anyone, not just expert water skiers.  Catching a bit of air was exhilarating.  Showing off and trying new tricks were the natural result.  While waterskiing and wakeboarding were highly specialized, with special tools, specific courses and only 1 observer in the boat, wakeboarding became accessible to everyone on the water.  Loading friends in the family boat to watch the entertainment wasn’t just possible, it was encouraged.  Once they saw it, everyone wanted to try it.  Suddenly a new social, entertaining water sport with mass appeal was born.

Next Week – The Early Influencers – Muskoka’s  position as the cradle of CanadianWakeboarding.