BRITS ABROAD – Sydney Chicks Session kick starts 2012

Welcome to 2012 chicks sessions! Introducing the BRITS ABROAD series here on WAW. We’re bringing you news of what the British wake chicks are doing off in far-off lands this winter. It’s not an exercise in gloating (promise) but a chance for us to get that pre-season fire burning in your bellies ready for the new season this Easter. What better way to get things started, than a review from the first chicks session of 2012 anywhere… out in Sydney Australia!

WAW was fortunate enough to spend Christmas and New Year out in Australia visiting family, and it would have been rude not to visit the Cables Wake Park Penrith, just an hour’s drive from Sydney. On first arrival, we were particularly impressed to see on the schedule board, how highly regarded the chicks sessions were, listed only behind private coaching! Held on the first Saturday of every month, the first session happened to be the first Saturday of the 2012 too! The New Year was about to get off to a great start!

In glorious 29 degree heat with the sun beaming down, there was a good turn out of nearly 15 girls made up of residents, locals, regulars, travellers and one newby. We were in the very capable hands of operator Ange Schriber, straight off the back of a great win in Open Obstacles beating ALL the guys at the WWA Worlds in December (high 5’s all round for that beauty!) Aliysa Gibbons, manager of Penrith and rail queen helping on the dock and Courtney Angus, killa rider coming 2nd in Junior Women at the WWA Worlds, out on the water offering doubles.

Such is the support for the chicks session out at Cables (as it’s known to the regulars) that the local press turned up for a few snaps, which sent a wave of excitement and hair adjusting through the dock! There was a great range of abilities, but as expected in these great ‘girls only’ environments, all successes were celebrated from riding switch, to getting 360’s over the flatbar to getting all the way round for the first time! The great tuition and support from the resident pro coaches saw the newby Summer Boag, who had never even seen a cable park before the session, go from a full lap on the knee board to a full lap on a wakeboard, in under an hour! It became clear just why there is such a strength of female riders coming out of Australia when these are the results they achieve!

The Cables Wake Park Chicks sessions were a fantastic motivator to stay fit over the winter, ready to attack the UK chicks session full speed this Spring! Thanks to All the guys and girls at Cables for looking after WAW, especially Aliysa and Dougie and Clay.

For tips on staying fit over the winter check out our WAKE Fit section where the WAKE PLAN should tell you all you need to know. News on 2012 chicks session coming soon xx

Tuesday 24 January 2012 | Permalink

GEEK ALERT! Jules Haley is officially a GEEK!

We all have an inner nerd but Jules Haley is up there, hanging with the best of them these days! The new series of Gadget Geeks on Sky1, where gadgets are tested, imagined and invented, features our very own wakeboard boat champion this Monday 23rd January at 8pm.

WAW was there for the filming of her particular gadget, and whilst it obviously involves wakeboarding, we can’t, or rather won’t give any more away than that! The element of surprise and wonder is what made the first episode of this show last week so gripping with Monster Sinclair C5s, portable bullet time camera rigs and the team blowing up juicers! Rest assured, it will be VERY entertaining. GEEK Colin Furz does, in fact, hold the land speed world record for a mobility scooter reaching over 70 miles per hour! These guys have a lot of fun, and Jules was right at the heart of it. We’re just delighted that the producers of the show approached Quayside finding a ‘proficient water skiier’. Jules, never one to miss an opportunity, informed them that wakeboarding was ‘where its at’ and put herself forward for the show.

So how is Jules involved?? Well we can’t really tell you. If this all sounds a little frustrating and teasing, then you’re getting a flavour of what the team put Jules through in the preparation for the shoot. She was invited to the studios where their idea would be revealed. The suspense up until this point kept her inquisitive and eager to get join in.  

“I think it was a smart move that they were so mysterious about what I would be doing, as it made me super curious and therefore keen to get involved. I was told it was for a pretty big series and I know it would mean great exposure for the sport and myself, so I was definitely up for it!” Jules Haley

Jules is currently out in Florida training (so she says!) and we’ll be catching up with her as part of our new feature ‘Brits Abroad’, coming soon to WAW. Big shout out to her sponsors Quayside Wakeboard and Waterski, Hyperlite Wakeboards and O’Neill wetsuits and clothing.

Make sure you tune into Sky1 Monday 23rd January 8pm for Gadget Geeks, you’re going to love it! Repeats Saturday 28th Sky2 7pm, Sunday 29th Sky1 3pm. Once the episode airs, it will be available to watch on Sky Go for a few weeks.

Saturday 21 January 2012 | Permalink

WAW at the London Boat Show 2012

What better way to kick start women’s Wakeboarding in 2012, than WAW representing at the London Boat Show! Last weekend, WAW was very honoured to host the women’s wakeboarding talks and demos at the Tullet Prebon London Boat show.

Industry Wake Parks who set up the wakeboarding schedule of the water sports action pool with their System 2.0, invited WAW to head up the exposure of women’s wakeboarding in the UK to the massive Boat Show audiences.

Charged with selecting riders for a girls demo and giving two talks, WAW helped put the wakeboarding women on the map to the nation’s water sports and boating industries and enthusiasts. We were all over the official schedule board, on the website and being tweeted to boot!

The girls helped out, distributing promo cards for the talks and demos, and armed with new 2012 WAW stickers, a few of the many changes planned for the website and a new shop, WAW let the audiences know all about the efforts being made to encourage women’s wakeboarding here in the UK.

The first talk introduced wakeboarding and the number of ‘girls only’ sessions and coaching clinics hosted around the country. It was a chance to really get the message out there of our hopes for greater participation especially given the possibility of cable wakeboarding’s inclusion in the 2020 Olympics. Then the crowds were treated to a demo from the wonderful Kirsteen Mitchell, Chloe Goudie, Lex Balladon and Steph Caller, where they saw that the girls pack in the steeze and big air tricks too. Chloe getting things off to a great start with a massive raley, steadily followed by Kirsteen Mitchell’s impressive front to fakie, just to set the bar nice and high! Steph caller proved her dominance on the rails showboating an impressive nose pressed 360 over the rail and Lex Balladon just glided over the rails and kicker with the grace we’ve come to expect. F

or twenty minutes, the girls wowed and entertained the audience with the MC skills of James and our newest and most extravagant cheerleader! Extreme sports commentator Christian Stevenson, was on hand to help let the crowd know just how awesome and ‘RADiculous’ women’s wakeboarding is here in the UK… then he bust out one of his legendary zebra print cat suit combos… as you do!

After the demo, we held talks introducing the girls and their personal contributions to women’s coaching, exposure, recruitment and scouting! It was a proud moment for us all up on that stage seeing the collective efforts of everyone present. WAW were even interviewed for WILD SPIRITS, the extreme sports show, just helping the word get out there all the more about our fantastic sport. The London Boat Show was a great event to give women’s wakeboarding a platform, a voice and a presence in such a grand arena.

Massive thanks to Tim Woodhead and Industry Wake Parks, all the girls who took part and contributed to the great day at the Boat Show, and special props to Kay Ransom for her photography. And a big thanks to all our readers xx

All pictures courtesy of Kay Ransom Photography.

Friday 20 January 2012 | Permalink

Tullet Prebon London Boat Show 2012

Kicking off 2012 is the Tullet Perbon Boat Show where you can see what the wakeboarding boys and girls have in store for you it’s season. Wide-a-wake will be there on Friday 13th January hosting talks about women’s wakeboarding here in the UK and you can also get to see some of the best British female cable riders on the action pool during the day. All confirmed details to follow. So head over, check out what kit’s making people talk and what’s hot for 2012.

Here’s the Boat Show press release:

From the 6 - 15th of January the Tullet Prebon London Boat Show will take place at the London Excel Exhibition Centre in central London bringing together all facets of boating and water activities for another year. The show is one of the leading shows of its kind and has an enormous following from the trade and public alike. Once again there will be showcase demonstrations of wakeboarding from the stars of the sport in the UK. Throughout the event there will be “Have a Go” sessions for the public as well as talks from the pros and industry leaders on equipment and what it takes to become a success in the sport.

The Water Sports Action Pool will hold a series of daily demonstrations from the likes of World Champion Nick Davies, former European Champion Dan Nott and UK team members and pros such as James Young, Christian “CK” Koester, Lee Debuse and Jonty Green. On Thursday 12th there will also be wakeskating demo from current National Champions Ollie Moore and James Harrington along with former National Champion Terry Hannam and Zander Jones. With daily talks from the pros on “How to become a pro”, introductions to 2012 wakeboard ranges, the British Waterski and Wakeboard Federation and the British Team with Ralph Young and the team.

With so much to see and do at the show it is a must for any wake enthusiast or boat owner. You can buy tickets online now, for just £16 when booked in advance or £20 at the gate, and if you have some young ones under the age of 15 they get in free!

RIDER INFORMATION:

Dan Nott
Dan Nott is widely regarded as Europe’s best boat rider and he easily backs this up with a host of contest wins and a huge bag of tricks. Even though Dan is still young he has been at the centre of the UK wakeboard industry for well over a decade and is still learning new tricks every year. Basing himself in Spain for summer and Argentina for winter Dan lives the endless summer chasing the warm waters and big wakes. A four time Wakestock Champion and four time European Champion show Dan’s dominance of boat contests and over the last few years he has stepped up his rail riding and cable skills too. Dan rides with a very technical and smooth style making everything look easy, almost like it comes natural to him, which it certainly does.

Nick Davies
At only 22 years old, Nick Davies has already taken the wakeboarding world by storm. His truly unique riding style has helped boost the popularity of cable riding the world over, and with numerous titles such as World, European, British and Wakestock Champions, this little ball of energy shows no signs of sitting still in the near future. Nick is currently working on his third Pro Model for Hyperlite Wakeboards which will certainly take his riding even further this summer.

Jonty Green
The crowd favourite from the 2011 Boat Show, Jonty will back and wowing the crowd with his style and balls out riding. Jonty Green is one of the most stylish riders you will ever witness on the water! Dedicated to making his riding look how he wants it to look. Jonty has never been one for doing as others do or he is told and this shines through when he is on the water. His unique style means no one can miss him! Jonty charges hard into everything and goes bigger, grabs harder and tweaks and pokes his board like no one else can do. Mainly a cable rider who is awe-inspiring to watch on rails and obstacles he can also thrive behind a boat. Jonty is more of a free rider than a contest guy and is one of the most covered riders in the UK media with 2 front covers to back it up.

Christian “CK” Koester
CK is one of Europe’s best rail riders and you will see him destroying the rails and obstacles in the pool at the London Boat Show. Not only is CK very technical on the obstacles but also has his own unique style and makes it all look good by pressing every slide he possibly can do! You will find it very hard to tell if he is riding switch or regular, he is that good going both ways. After a big injury in 2010 CK is still not 100% fit but during summer he still made the final at Red Bull Harbour Reach and placed second at the WWA Rail Europeans, quite a feat! He is only young and is already a 3 time British Cable Champion. The big news for CK in 2011 was that he became only the second British wakeboarder to ever get a pro model named after him. In 2012 you will see Jobe launch the Click Series, which is CK’s designed and endorsed wakeboard equipment. In fact if you head to the Jobe stand in the watersports hall you can see the full Click range.

James Young
James Young is one of the key members of the British Cable Wakeboard Team and constantly places in the top 5 of the world rankings. He has grown up as a cable rider so you will see some high end air tricks from James on the indoor pool. He has had a few injury problems over 2010 but will be at full fitness ready for the London International Boat Show.

Lee Debuse
Lee Debuse is another highly respected rail rider in Europe and has proved himself many times with contest results, video parts and huge coverage in magazines and media. Not content with just being a top class rider he also runs his own wakeboard school called LDBwakeschool which is based at JB Ski next to Thorpe Park. His temperament and attitude to life make Lee the perfect person to learn from and he is only too happy to pass on his skills. At the London Boat Show Lee will riding in the wakeboard shows and also teaching people during the ‘have a go’ beginner lessons.

Friday 06 January 2012 | Permalink

Merry Christmas from WAW

Friday 23 December 2011 | Permalink

NEW WAW SHOP! for 2012

The eagle eyed and regular visitors amongst you will have noticed the new addition of our SHOP link on the home page. We hope you’ve already had a good nose around, but if you’ve yet to take a glance please get on the case and let us know what you think.

One of the many new items we’re introducing for WAW 2012 site, the SHOP is still in its infancy with just a few stock items and some familiar logo designs for now, BUT we’re all ready to expand as we discover what you what you like, what you want to see. Whilst you girls are our top priority, we’ve not forgotten the boys or the kids, so there’s something for everyone, and if there’s something you’d like us to get for you please just let us know. We’re planning to launch limited edition designs and styles throughout the season, so look out for these rare little treats as we announce them on the site over the course of 2012.

So ladies, please let us know what you think either by dropping us a line to WAW HQ by e-mailing (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or leave us a message on our FB page and we’ll be sure to take on board your suggestions. Let us know what works for you, what doesn’t and what you’d like to see.
Merry Christmas Everyone
XXX

Saturday 17 December 2011 | Permalink

Relentless UK Pro Wakeboard Tour 2011 Videos

1st Stop – Sheffield Cable Waterski, 30th July 2011

More Wakeboarding Videos

2nd Stop – West Midlands Water Ski Centre, 17th Sept 2011

More Wakeboarding Videos

3rd Stop – JBWaterski, 24th Sept 2011

More Wakeboarding Videos

4th Stop – Quayside Wake & Ski, 30 Sept/1st Oct 2011

More Wakeboarding Videos

Sunday 30 October 2011 | Permalink

Relentless UK Pro Wakeboard Tour 2011 round up

Photo © Lewis

Back to back weekends of events would see the 2011 UK wakeboard contest season wrapped up through September and early October including the final three stops of the Relentless UK Pro Wakeboard Tour. With the first cable stop at Sheffield Cable Park out of the way, it was on to Boat at West Midlands Waterski Centre, then back to Cable at JBSki and finally rounding the series off at one of the major homes of British boat riding, Quayside Wake & Ski.

Photos © Mckeown

It was not likely that we’d see the kind of weather that graced us at the first stop, for the rest of the summer, never mind on the remaining tour stop dates. We seriously lucked out though, at every single remaining event. The second stop was the most touch and go as far as conditions were concerned but in between light showers and gusts, the sun came out and the water glassed off. This gave every rider a good chance of throwing down all that they could but it was the youngster and team O’Neill rider Jorge Gill who took the first win despite some seriously heavy competition from the likes of David Coates who got second and Scotty Broome who came in third. Fellow O’Neill athlete Jules Haley took the win that was looking very much on the cards from the moment she took the 2011 National title a few weeks previous.

Photo © Purssey

Back to cable for stop 2 and hosted by Relentless’ long standing wake venue partner, JBSki. Yet more blue skies and some seriously nice conditions had every rider amped, which translated into an extremely tight contest indeed. There was no stopping Kustom team athlete, Tor Young, at this final cable stop as she cruised into first spot on the day and number one spot overall, taking the 2011 Pro Tour Cable title. The return of Declan Clifford to the tour mixed things up somewhat with him charging his way through to first place. Ever present Lewis Cornwall could not be held back as he narrowly missed out on first place but in taking second on the day joined Tor as 2011 UK Cable Tour Champion.

The grand finale ended up being one of the most sensationally hot weekends of the year, just getting hotter and hotter every day in the lead up to the main event. Quali’s saw big names fall by the wayside such as Sam and Johnny Carne but both clawed their way back into the finals through the LCQ’s. Sian Hurst caused an upset early on, snagging the lead off Jules going into the finals but Jules came up trumps yet again come results, taking the win and adding another title to the ever more heavily laden mantelpiece of Team O’Neill.

Having got back into the running, Sam just couldn’t get ahead of his fellow Relentless rider David O’Caiomh who could not be reigned in. Dave took the win, Sam second with his brother, Johnny third. Having missed the first stops Dave and Sam couldn’t edge their way into the running for the title with all the main contenders racking up finalist points as well. David Coates’ fourth place finish was enough to secure the overall title ahead of Jorge Gill, Johnny Carne, Scotty Broome and Jonty Green.

Photo © Lewis

The overall tour titles have changed hands again, keeping the series as fresh as ever and ready for more all comers to put it all on the line next season in the hunt for the 2012 Pro Tour honours.

Photo © Lewis

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Thursday 27 October 2011 | Permalink

Ladies Mornings WMSki style 2011 round up

As the season winds down for Ladies Morning at WMSki in the Cotswolds, we asked them to share with you some of the fun times they regularly have of their Thursday morning sessions. In the capable hands of Jo Andrews, (Nationals debutant this year finishing 3rd overall) the girls take the ethos of having fun at the ladies only sessions to another level, anything goes; inflatables, body dragging, fancy dress, you name it. Now a well established part of the WMSKi timetable, the ladies mornings there have proved very successful, so if you haven’t had the pleasure, make sure you head down there at some stage next season and join in the festivities.   

“Ladies morning is rad” Steph Caller   

“Ladies Morning at WMSki has been the perfect way for me to ease back into riding after knee surgery earlier in the year. It’s the part of wakeboarding I had missed the most and it’s great to be back amongst like-minded ladies all willing to have a go a have a laugh.” Ruth Hunter   

“WMSki ladies morning is like the perfect cocktail with equal measures of hard riding and having a laugh, poured over a relaxed atmosphere and served with a side of awesome coaching.” Kim Stronach   

“During ladies morning at WMSki I’ve ridden (or attempted to ride) the following:  Inflatable whale, inflatable turtle, inflatable ringo, inflatable willy, snow sledges various, 8ft Surf board, bodyboard, paddling pool, belly board, skateboard, my tummy, my back, wakeski, wakeskate, Waterskiis, knee board and yes on occasion my Wakeboard!  Ladies morning is a great opportunity to have fun in a super relaxed environment. I’m not the bravest of wakeboarders shall we say, but this season ladies morning has given me the courage to start hitting obstacles, which was a bit stumbling block for me last year.  Douching around aside, ladies morning has been an environment where I’ve made so many good friends and I feel very lucky to be part of this close community” Kay Ransom

Monday 24 October 2011 | Permalink

JBSki Ladies Mornings 2011

By Mary Rowling

LADIES MORNING sessions at JBSki have just come to the end of yet another successful season, with many ladies joining us for the first time this year, along with regulars who have made big improvements to their riding over the course of the summer.

Ladies who came down on a Wednesday morning have enjoyed riding in a relaxing atmosphere, and achieving their goals big and small! For some this meant getting out on the water or mastering those tricky corners, while for others it has been landing a new trick or obstacle. This year the Ladies have been fortunate enough to benefit from coaching expertise of Kirsteen Mitchell, Ladies World Champion 2010. It has also been a great way to meet new people and have a chat afterwards whilst enjoying the complimentary tea and coffee along with Danish pastries! Sessions will resume again around Easter next year but in the meantime here’s what they said:

“Good pastries & tea! Very friendly atmosphere, great teaching advice… Loving the NO TESTOSTERONE on the water!”

“First time coming today and felt so welcome by everyone, especially Kirsteen, she was such a great help. Thanks!”

“Always great fun, I’ve even taken time off work to be here. Great coaching, great pastries, and loads of encouragement to learn new tricks.”
“First time at ladies morning and at JBSki. Brill morning, everyone friendly and helpful. Loved the tea and cakes after, def coming back next week.”

“A couple of years watching my children and Kids Club and finally plucked up the courage to have a go myself… ladies morning is FANTASTIC! Great company and coaching and tea and Danish to finish, very civilized. Best morning all week! Thank you.” Kerri

“Absolutely the best! Learnt so much from ladies morning! Kirsteen is a superb instructor – doing things I never thought I would be able to! A thoroughly enjoyable morning with all the ladies, coffee & Danish and of course the riding!!” Brenda

Saturday 22 October 2011 | Permalink