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THE ONTARIO WAKE INDUSTRY
A Series by Heath Bell
Summer is finally here, the trees are colored with vibrant green leaves, the lakes beginning to warm and many of the season's wake enthusiast's are out there on their home lakes shredding up the glassy waters. Ontario certainly has one of the best wake scenes outside of the Orlando area. In fact many Ontario riders will call orlando home in the off season to break the ranks of pro or have a career in the industry continue training, attend schoolor just absorb themselves in everything wake.
In this series, SG will introduce you to many of the riders, companies and people who are are making a significant contribution to the progression of the industryin Ontario. You will hear from the insider's themsleves about where the industry is heading, who is leading the way in Ontario in respects to pushing the boundaries and progressing the sport. We also look at how women are fairing in the industry.
Ontario hosts some of the best contests from early July through late August. These events inlcude Rock the Wake, X Cup AmAssault Series, Wakestock, Canadian Nationals, Crew Challenge and various other throw downs. At these contests you see fierce competitors like Sattelyte riders Nick Harlos, Evan Reid, Zack Stone. The Level13 guys, Vince Whiteman, Mark Enns, Jesse Page. Gals like Laura Duke and Erika Langman, who really threw down as the only woman riding at the boardsports Urban Winch Jam.
In the five years I have been following Ontario's wake scene I have been impressed by the comradery of the people who go out to the contests, of the level of riding from young guns like Zack Stone and Robbie M. Each year there are new faces and new events to check out. There is a reason why it is one of the fastest growing action sports, and why less and less you have to explain what a wakeskate is! I also know it is companies like Pride of Muskoka, Billabong, Oakley, Buckeye Marine, Nautiques, Mastercraft, Boardsports, Mica, Dakine and Quiksilver are investing more in more in the quality of the events and the talent of the riders.
Check back weekly as SG brings you the best on Ontario Wake.
Next week we speak to the Rock the Wake crew. This contest is growing every year and these boys are bent on making music and wakeboarding happen.
Here is last years Wakeskate Action |
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