Wake Games...from Home

Wishing all the Wake Games riders the best. Enjoy this great event at Orlando Watersports Complex. It is a great experience...that I will have to wait until next year to enjoy...provided I don't have any broken bones! Tried to ride with the cast, but common sense kicked in. See you on the lake...and at US Nationals!!!

New Use for Hyperlite Boots

March in Nebraska this year has been exceptionally warm. But the water is still freezing. So while I love my Hyperlite boots for wakeboarding as they perform great, I tried them out for surfing too. Sure, I'd rather have my feet free for surfing, but if it means keeping warm, the boots are the answer. Advisory: Exposing your eyes to the picture of my winter anti-tanned look may be hazardous to your health.

Okoboji with Hyperlite & Scheels University

We had some fun with Hyperlite and the Scheels crew at Lake Okoboji recently. Garth, Mike and the rest of the Scheels crew were great to work with and after being briefed on the killer 2011 Hyperlite equipment we hit the water to give it a try. Props to all who braved the 55 degree water and big chop. Hopefully next time the water will be warm and glassy.

I was happy to take a set on my Hyperlite setup with the killer solid system bindings!

Paul, Scott, and Rick from Hyperlite were great to work with and thanks to Mark for the cool O’neill stuff. Until next time, here are some pictures.

Look for us at the lake. We will be above the tree line rockin Hyperlite.

Pre-Season Season Ender?

We have been getting ready for Wake Games in Orlando at the end of April and riding has been progressing. That is until the end of my second set a few nights ago. Caught an edge (on an OLLIE 180 OF ALL THINGS!) ripping my patella from place. Nothing like having your knee cap on the side of your leg! The doc says 4-6 weeks for recovery. May still attend Wake Games, but only to watch. Planning to ride WWA nationals in July, WWA Worlds in August, and some other events throughout the summer, but have to heal up first. Hope to see you on the water and hope you see me doing something other than driving the Mastercraft. Watch your ollies!!!

US Championship FINALS

Nationals was a blast this year. I will keep the update quick as it is late and I am spent and you don't want a book. To keep it simple, I won first place and am stoked. Thanks for being a part of my world of wakeboarding. Its a rush.

Go to full screen, turn up the sound, and enjoy this video summary.

Wanna go HUGE?

Get yourself on a Hyperlite wakeboard, strap in, ballast up the Mastercraft, and charge! Oh, yah, your parents Visa may need to be involved. But landing in the flats is worth it. Convince them that it will be great family time (it is!) and then set the gps for Omaha Marine Center. If that doesn't work, remind them that Christmas is coming and everything is on sale now because it is the end of the season. See you above the treeline!

2011 Hyperlite Bindings

The 2011 Hyperlite bindings have been unveiled via this photo and description. Can't wait to nab some myself. Look for Omaha Marine Center to stock these bad boys in 2011. Here is what Hyperlite is saying:
Ride Like Rusty, JD and Shaun with The System
The dawn of a new wake footwear philosophy, the System binding solves an inherent design flaw that has plagued wakeboard boots since the first bungee bindings. A rigid plastic plate coupled with a soft, textile upper forced the rider to sacrifice either support and durability, or comfort and range of motion. The new System binding separates the traditional design, creating a comfortable and light water-specific boot that's free from hard plastic and heavy plates, with a separate external binding that supplies strength and durability. The boots perform like athletic footwear with a supportive chassis for a locked-in feel and responsive ride. Designed for any riding style, Hyperlite's upcoming boot series is compatible with the System, including Rusty Malinoski's Marek, JD Webb's Kobalt and Shaun Murray's Murray.

Tennessee Mountains and Doing the “Dew” Wakestyle

On our way home from FL we stopped in the Nashville area to see friends and enjoyed some of the best water known to mankind. Center Hill lake was insanely smooth and so warm that it was almost too warm. Thanks to the Yawns for hosting us and Jason and Melea (and fam) for pulling us behind their Supra (and Joe for the Tige...even though we never met you while we were there?!?!).

If you are wondering about the music, the song is by the Pogues (read: my dad’s 80’s alternative collection) singing about the original Mountain Dew which was from “them there Tennessee parts” and wasn’t what it is today I’m told. Enjoy the video. I hope it makes you want to get out and ride.

The HOT Picnic

“The Picnic” was a fun time with Ronnie Romero and his crew. As always, it was a great event. Kyle Alberts made it a homecoming from FL and impressed everyone with his skilz. Brian White was also there representing Hyperlite with their great product. Lots of really good riding went down. Enjoyed winning the advanced division. Stay tuned to Wakeboard Nebraska for a recap of the festivities. I’m back in Florida for a week and then hoping to ride on the Center Hill Lake in Tennessee on the way home. *The pic here is with Ben Bazis who won outlaw.

Cable, Comps, & Coaching

We had a great time in the KC area over the weekend! Friday night we hit the cable park and rode with the rail master himself, Shane Bonifay. Shane had some helpful pointers for me on spins and was really fun to watch. He is recovering from his THIRD knee surgery—ouch. Saturday and Sunday meant winning x2 at wakeboard comps (dad got a 2nd and a 1st) and then another fun session at the cable. Hit the water again tonight (Tuesday) for some lessons with the Jensens. It’s always fun to watch riders progress and they are doing just that. Enjoy the video of some fun cable footage. No broken collarbones this time. Ride on. More pics here.

Go Pro Camera Day One--FUN

Picked up a Go Pro waterproof video camera and had some fun with it. Oh, yes, we had another one and it ripped off of the helmet after the first fall and SANK! Moral--always wear a flotation device...even if you are a camera. Watch the video here.