The Rail Yard Wake Park:

I had the chance to swing by one of the newest cable wake parks on my way up north. The Rail Yard, located in East Gwillimbury has definitely gone all out installing two system 2.0s for maximum riding time. They have a ‘beginner/wakeskate’ cable which consists of a kicker, incline rail, ollie bouy and a black tube. Perfect for learning how to hit features and stepping up your wakeskate game.

The left side will be the advanced cable with larger features. When I was there they had a sweet long incline and kicker, with a few more rails on the shore ready to be installed.

The Rail Yard is aiming to open sometime next week – stay tuned to http://railyardwakepark.com/

The Ranch Wake Park

Opening day at The Ranch in Newmarket is TODAY! The boys have been busy building a brand new double sided kicker to this season, and the much loved transfer box is ready to rock. New this year is Spray Lake, where riders will have the chance to try their hand behind the boat as well.  Check out The Ranch and Spray Lake

http://theranchwakepark.com/

Boarderpass Sarnia, Niagra, Hamilton

They crew behind Boarderpass Niagra has beat everyone to the chase and had their park up and running at the beginning of May. This year they have gotten creative with culverts, installing an incline rail to pipe and a big black culvert for wakeskating. The kicker has been rebuilt with a smooth transition to maximum floaty pop. New this year Boarderpass is introducing a 3 park membership to their Port Colborne, Sarnia and Hamilton locations.

Next on the list of instals are the Hamilton & Sarnia parks. Stay tuned to www.boarderpasscanada.com

Friday May 10^th 2013-  The who’s who of the Ontario Wakeboard Industry came out dressed to impress at the Third Annual Ontario Wake Awards hosted by Red Bull 381 Projects. Over 150 riders, business owners, reps, parents and friends were there to show their support for the Ontario wake scene and honor the stand-out athletes of 2012.

Wake Awards is an annual fundraiser for Ontario wake initiatives including The Roots Wake series and provincial sport development. It is also a chance to recognize  Ontario’s athletes, photographers, videographers and industry influencers.  More than 45 riders were nominated across 10 categories, and all were hoping to get their hands on one of the custom, four-finger wood rings crafted by JBR Designs.

The awards show kicked off with the rookie categories given to two stand-out riders who made a big splash onto the wake scene last summer. Sebastian Santacroce turned heads in the outlaw division with a brand new bag of banger tricks, while Jessica Woolsey gave the boys a run for their money with her contest results and endless volunteer hours.

Cable rider of the year went to none other than Braden Ioi who took 4^th place at the 2012 IWWF World Championships and the national wakeskate cable title. The Legend was awarded to multiple time national & world champ Tiffany Tsuyuki who paved the way for women’s wakeboarding in Canada. Female rider of the year went to the Canadian National champ and Roots director miss Erika Langman, while Braden Ioi took home double the hardware for wakeskater of the year. Christian Primrose had a standout year in 2012 which won him wakeboarder of the year.  This included a 5^th place at WWA Worlds in Jr Pro Men, and a 6^th place at Wakestock in the Pro Men’s division.

The industry influence award is probably the most important award of the night as it recognizes the person, group or company who had a major impact on the sport of wakeboarding and wakeskating in Ontario. This year the award went to Muskoka Militia. The crew of riders behind Muskoka Militia produced countless unique events, videos and generated media coverage that put Ontario on the global map of wake destinations. Events included Crew Challenge hosted at Bushes, Red Bull Winch Masters, five full-length wake videos Muskoka Militia Vol 3, =Pink and National Defense, web edits, grassroots events such as XCup series.. the list goes on and on, these boys were the original Gs of the wakeboard world.

Last but not least, two awards were presented based on a well-deserved people’s choice vote: Photo and Video of the year. Photo was awarded to Dave Sandford who managed to capture his crew riding on the Syne river during a bush fire. Video of the year was given to rider/producer Drew Austin for his Rip Curl Judgment edit.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Rookie Wakeboarder of the Year: Sebastian Santacroce. Also nominated Mackenzie Petrie, Brayden Beswick, Mitch Lowery, Will Morris, Matt Mullholland

Rookie Wakeskater of the Year: Jessica Woolsey. Also nominated Brad Grant, Jessica Woolsey, Aaron Turek, Matt Mulholland, Josh Benolio

Cable Rider of the Year: Braden Ioi. Also nominated Braden Loi, Drew Austin, Gavin Hicks, Chris Sinkic, Christian Primrose, Erika Langman

The Legend Award: Tiff Tsuyuki. Also nominated Neil Brown, Joel Adair, Ryan Doyal, Kyle Rattray

Female Rider of the Year: Erika Langman. Also nominated Susie Mallory, Leslie Sparkes, Ally Boothroyd, Emily Tenwestined, Kelsey Chiappa

Wakeskater of the Year: Braden Ioi. Also nominated Tommy Bailey, Addison Farr, Brady Hicks, Scott Boysen, Vince Whiteman, Adam Fairbrass

Wakeboarder of the Year: Christian Primrose. Also Nominated Gavin Hicks, Robbie McMillen, Chris Sinkic, Andy Milovanovic, Dary Zneble, Mark Norris

Industry Influence: Muskoka Militia. Also nominated Basecamp/Scott Duke, Boarderpass, Sattelyte, Jake Thomas, Ralph Geronimo

Photo of the Year: Dave Sandford. Also nominated Alija Bos, Richard Roth, Travis Tedford, Vince Whiteman

Video of the Year: Drew Austin. Also Nominated Matt Mullholland, Jordy Lavery, Logan Enright, Vince Whiteman

Supporting brands that made this amazing night happen: Red Bull, Amsterdam Brewery, Tag Vodka, Holland Marsh Winery, SBC Wakeboard, Accurate, Algonquin Outfitters, Art School Skateboards, Crow’s Nest Barbershop, The Rail Yard Wake Park, Billabong, Boarder Pass, Boardsports, Buckeye Marine, Byerly, Capix, Dakine, Dunklevolk, Domino’s, Endless Surf, Fox, Hurley, Hyperlite, I/S Eyewear, Electric Visual, JBR Design, Jetpilot, Liquid Force, CWB, Mastercraft, Metab, Muskoka Woods, Nautique, O’Neill, Pride Marine Group, Quiksilver, The Ranch Wake Park, Ripcurl, Ronix, Sharpley Source for Sports, Spy, Summerski, Teva, Xcel, Kevin Beswick, Dave Brandsetter, My Package, Level Thirtin, Sanuk, Eventsing, The Boarding School, OWC, Ontario Wake Committee, Dave Tsuyuki, Sean Fleming, Erika Langman, Jono Boysen, Jay Poole, Leslie Sparkes, Shavonne Hasfel-Macintosh, Ally Boothroyd, Jason Petznick, G&G Electronics, The Wake Institute, prints from Alija Bos, Dave Sandford, Travis Tedford, Rich Roth, Vince Whiteman, artwork by Dan Hughes, Jordy Lavery, Shavonne Hasfel-McIntosh and the team at Red Bull 381 Projects.

This year the Ontario Wake Committee decided to switch things up a little and do a peoples choice vote only at The Ontario Wake Awards for the video part of the year. However, we felt it was only fair to give you a sneak preview.  Here are the top 5 finalists

Matt Mulholland: Rider DJ Oetting

Click here to view the embedded video.

Jordy Lavery

Click here to view the embedded video.

Vince Whiteman

Click here to view the embedded video.

Drew Austin

Click here to view the embedded video.

Logan Enright – Rider Gavin Hicks

Click here to view the embedded video.

Jordan Brown – February 22nd, 2013

Jordan Long – March 27th, 2013. Rail in lake ready to rock.

Kirby Kostuck – April 25th, 2013 Boarderpass Port Colborne first cable up and running

Dave Sandford -Rider Brad McEachnie, London, Ontario, Thames River Pull- Winch. February -3 water temp 34.

Jeff Corbett – April 27th bail with no wetsuit.

Rookie Wakeboarder of the Year

• Mackenzie Petrie
• Brayden Beswick
• Mitch Lowery
• Will Morris
• Matt Mullholland
• Sebastian Santacroce

Rookie Wakeskater of the Year

• Brad Grant
• Jessica Woosley
• Aaron Turek
• Matt Muholland
• Josh Benolio

Cable Rider of the Year

• Braden Loi
• Drew Austin
• Gavin Hicks
• Chris Sinkic
• Christian Primrose
• Erika Langman

The Legend Award

• Tiffany Tsuyuki
• Neil Brown
• Joel Adair
• Ryan Doyal
• Kyle Rattray

Female Rider of the Year

• Susie Mallory
• Erika Langman
• Leslie Sparkes
• Ally Boothroyd
• Emily Tenwestined
• Kelsey Chiappa

Industry Influence

• Basecamp/Scott Duke
• Boarderpass
• Muskoka Militia
• Sattelyte
• Jake Thomas
• Ralph Geronimo

Wakeboarder of the Year

• Gavin Hicks
• Robbie McMillen
• Christian Primrose
• Chris Sinkic
• Andy Milovanovic
• Dary Zneble
• Mark Norris

Wakeskater of the Year

• Tommy Baliey
• Addison Farr
• Braden Ioi
• Brady Hicks
• Scott Boysen
• Vince Whitman
• Adam Fairbrass

Video of the Year & Photo of the year – People’s Choice

Reminder that tickets are available online in advance, and a limited amount at the door. Doors open at 7:30PM for social, raffle, silent auction. Awards & video presentation start at 8pm.

Address: 381 Queen Street West, Toronto Ontario.

http://2013ontariowakeawards.eventbrite.ca/#

The third Annual Ontario Wake Awards black tie affair will be making its return to Red Bull’s 381 Projects in Toronto, on Friday, May 10, 2013. “We’re really excited to kick off the 2013 Ontario Wake season by recognizing our athletes, leaders and all the achievements that took place in our province this past summer,” says Jono Boysen, Ontario Wake Committee member. “Ontario Wake Awards is always a good time for everyone in the industry from athletes to brand representatives, and it really raises the stoke level for the upcoming season.”

The event is hosted by the Ontario Wake Committee, and acts as both an awards night and a fundraiser for wake programming in Ontario. Awards include Rookie Wakeboarder of the Year, Rookie Wakeskater of the Year, Cable Rider of the Year, Female Rider of the Year, Industry Influence, The Legend Award, Wakeboarder of the Year, Wakeskater of the Year, People’s Choice Photo of the Year and People’s Choice Video of the Year.

Event Details:
Tickets will be available online for $30, so don’t miss your chance to snatch one up before they are all gone! Tickets are available online at:
http://2013ontariowakeawards.eventbrite.ca/#

7:30PM Doors Open for social, raffle, silent auction
Awards and video presentation start at 8pm.

Contributions
The Ontario Wake Committee is looking for donations for the silent auction and raffle. All proceeds go towards Ontario Wake initiatives including The Roots Wake series. If you would like to support the cause please contact Erika.langman@gmail.com

SBC Wakeboard Photo and Video of the Year:
This year the Photo and Video of the Year will be selected through people’s choice vote during the event. If you would like to submit a photo or video please send a low resolution file or private vimeo/youtube link to Erika.langman@gmail.com by Tuesday, April 30, 2013.

Save the Dates:
The Roots Wake Series Boat & Cable Stops have been announced! Visit www.rootswakeboarding.com for details. The WSWO Wake Judging clinic date has been changed to Sunday, June 2. Details will be posted on www.wswo.ca

2013 Ontario Wake Awards Call for Contribution

After weeks of discussion, lots of planning, putting our heads together and making arrangements with venues, the Roots crew has finally nailed down all of the dates and locations for the 2013 tour. We are extremely excited to announce the official schedule of the 2013 Roots Wake Series! For the latest updates on the Roots check out rootswakeboarding.com and facebook.com/rootswakeseries, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @TheRootsWake.

The 3^rd Annual Ontario Wake Awards

Friday, May 10: Red Bull 381 Projects, Queen Street, Toronto

The Roots Boat Tour

Saturday, June 22: The Boardsports Open, Newmarket

Saturday, July 6: The Sharpley’s Source for Sports Open, Haliburton

Saturday, July 27: The Algonquin Outfitters Provincials, Huntsville

The Roots Cable Tour

Sunday, June 23: The Ranch Wake Park Open presented by Boardsports, Newmarket

Saturday, July 13: Boarder Pass Open presented by Endless Surf, Port Colborne

Saturday, July 20: The Rail Yard Park Provincials, East Gwillimbury

Special Events

April 20,21:  The Roots judging clinic, mandatory for all Ontario judges, Toronto

Saturday, June 22: Red Bull High Jump, night time kicker contest, Newmarket

Saturday, June 29: The Roots Pro show wakeboard demo, Brampton (TBC)

We’re also stoked to announce a few new categories that will truly set the Roots apart as one of the biggest and best grassroots wake series in North America.

NEW! Boat Categories:

NEW! Newbie Boys and Girls 8 & Under Wakeboard

Newbie Boys and Girls 9-12 Wakeboard

Beginner Youth men & women 17 & Under Wakeboard

NEW! Beginner Adult men & women 18+ Wakeboard

Intermediate Men and Women Wakeboard

NEW! Advanced Men and Women Wakeboard

Outlaw Men and Women Wakeboard

Amateur Wakeskate

Women’s Wakeskate

Outlaw Wakeskate

Cable wakeboard/wakeskate Categories:

Mini Boys & Mini Girls: 2002 or later (11 or under)

Boys & Girls: 1998 or later (15 or under)

Junior Men & Junior Ladies: 1994 or later (19 or under)

Amateur Men & Amateur Ladies: (20+)

Open Men & Open Ladies: No age restriction

Masters Men & Masters Ladies: 1982 or before (Over 30)

Veterans Men & Veterans Ladies: 1972 or before (Over 40)

To add to the mix of exciting news, the Roots committee will be hosting the Canadian Wakeboard Championships in Bala, Muskoka from August 22 to 25. We’re honoured to have the chance to host the nation’s best athletes, and looking forward to showing them what Ontario has to offer. Stay tuned for full event details, and get stoked because summer is almost here!

Summer is right around the corner which means one thing; Wake season baby! It’s inevitable, you can never escape the first-ride muscle spasm’s but you can definitely do a few things to speed up your recovery time. I’ve been around for a few years and have definitely noticed a trend – if you hit the water early season prepared, you get right back to where you were at the end of last season. Here are a few tips that will get you air-time bonus points:

#1: Hit the Gym: Regular strength training in the spring can have a huge impact on your riding that first month into the season. Three days a week starting in March is the difference between feeling sore and not being able to walk.

A couple good wake specific exercises are squats, wall balls, chin ups, knee ups on the highbar, lunges, bosu ball balance exercising and anything that will help strengthen your core.

#2:  Get into the Park on you Snowboard: Snowboarding transfers right over to wakeboarding and there is no better time to get in some sloppy, soft laps than in March. Your muscles will also get used to being sideways again.

#3: Make your Trick List Now: You know where you were at last season and there is no better time than March to get carried away on your summer trick list. Use that pre-season stoke to set some easy & hard goals. Include fun things like learning new grabs or 180 variations to add to your banger list. It will make your season a lot more fun in the long run.

#4: Do Yoga: Wakeboarders need flexibility to poke out their tricks. No flexibility = less style. Yoga will help you get that grab, poke the crap out of it and add that extra 180 at the end. It also helps prevent injury.

#5: Go Shopping and Support your local board shop: This one really has nothing to do with making your muscles feel better but at least you’ll look good on the water this spring!

OK – Now get out there. The Roots will be hooking up the first person who hits the water this spring with a sweet prize pack. Tag @TheRootsWake in a photo of you riding with the date on Instagram, or upload a picture to our Facebook page!

The prizing was over the top, and I want to thank each of you for all your contributions. Wide smiles were everywhere you looked.

Check out the action on SBC Wakeboard:  (Results from this weekend should be posted shortly as well)

http://sbcwakeboard.com/video_display/video:6373/The-Roots-Algoquin-Outfitters-Provincials

http://sbcwakeboard.com/video_display/video:6348/The-Roots-Sharpleys-Source-For-Sports-Open

http://sbcwakeboard.com/news_article?news_id=788

http://www.facebook.com/rootswakeseries   – Photo albums can be found here

The results for the overall series standings are also posted on Rootswakeboarding.com . Congratulations to the Series Winners Avery Spalding (Newbie Girls) , Shane Brandsetter (Newbie Boys) , Cameron Spalding (Beginner Boys), Samantha Jarrett (Beginner Girls), Brayden Beswick (Intermediate Boys), Jenn Evans (Intermediate Girls), Jordon Long (Amateur Wakeskate) Ally Boothroyd (Women’s Wakeskate), Susie Mallory (Outlaw Women), Gavin Hicks (Outlaw Men), Brady Hicks & Addison Farr (Tie for Outlaw Wakeskate)

A reminder that our last contest will be Sunday August 19^th in Port Colborne for the first ever Provincial Cable Championships. You will also catch the Roots crew volunteering at Wakestock and Canadian Nationals taking place in Montreal