Reed Hansen – Wakeboarding Mag https://www.wakeboardingmag.com Wakeboarding Magazine covers the latest in wakeboarding gear, videos, tips, photos, boats, news, and so much more. Fri, 05 May 2023 21:44:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://www.wakeboardingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/wkb-favicon.png Reed Hansen – Wakeboarding Mag https://www.wakeboardingmag.com 32 32 Confessional w/ Reed Hansen https://www.wakeboardingmag.com/confessional-w-reed-hansen/ Wed, 18 Oct 2017 00:03:18 +0000 https://www.wakeboardingmag.com/?p=46703 A lot of people would be too embarrassed to tell a story like this, but the way I see it, everyone has probably done this at some point in their lives. The timing of mine, however, is beyond perfect. I was 16 years old, and it was the first time I convinced my parents to […]

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A lot of people would be too embarrassed to tell a story like this, but the way I see it, everyone has probably done this at some point in their lives. The timing of mine, however, is beyond perfect.

reed hansen wakeskate
Party Pooper WBM

I was 16 years old, and it was the first time I convinced my parents to let me travel to a contest without them. So not only was I getting to go to the Pro Wakeboard Tour sans parental chaperones, but I was also going to get to room with my older brother, Trevor, and his pro-wakeboarder friends that I had grown up looking up to. This was something I had dreamed about for years, and finally, it was here — my first day on my own.

The “pro” accommodations consisted of Trevor, JD Webb, Derek Grasman, Chris Law and myself sharing one room together. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was. It was just me and the boys for a weekend of pro wakeboarding. We spent the first night straight up killing it (at least, in terms of what my 16-year-old definition of “killing it” was). We stayed up late, watched movies, and kicked it with other pros in the hotel. I was in awe the whole time and probably had a dumb grin smeared across my face from ear to ear. It’s a night I’ll never forget.

The next morning, I was the first one up. I will never forget the feeling; it was pure bliss. I had finally arrived. I looked around at all of my new ­pro-wakeboarding buddies, and with both arms behind my head, I sighed and thought, This is the life.

As I did, I squeezed out a nice, normal morning fart. Except this was no normal fart. It was much more than a fart, and not the kind of “more” that can easily be cleaned up and carried off to the bathroom to be flushed away. This was the kind of more that immediately ran through my boxers. Yep, the kind that left me lying there in bed next to one of my idols (JD Webb) in a little puddle of my own feces.

At first, I had no idea what to do; my mind was racing trying to come up with a reason for this. I couldn’t believe I was about to ruin my first weekend away on the PWT with the pros by pooping the bed. But then I realized everybody else in the room was still passed out, so I did what I knew I had to do. I reached over to my bag, grabbed a towel, wrapped myself up, put my covers over the evidence, and hustled into the shower.

By the time I got out of the shower, the guys were getting up. I was nervous … especially when Chris Law sat on my side of the bed. I was agonizing over what I would say if one of them happened to pull the sheets back, or even smell something. I hoped the sheets covered it up enough. With sweaty palms and a racing mind, I stayed quiet. Somehow, nobody noticed. We left to get some food and go over to the event site for a bit, and by the time we got back, the cleaning ladies had come through and changed out the bedding. I was in the clear!

Nobody ever found out what happened that morning. In fact, they still haven’t. Those guys will all learn about my little accident by reading this. And that right there is my crappy story.

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Reed Hansen’s “Hands Team” https://www.wakeboardingmag.com/reed-hansens-hands-team/ Tue, 12 Jul 2016 22:44:26 +0000 https://www.wakeboardingmag.com/?p=46951 Remember Reed’s football-toss-to-tantrum video that went viral a couple of months ago? Well now the Hands Team is back with a variety of difficult and ridiculous challenges. Enjoy! Ronix | Supra | Rockstar | Hitcase | Performance | Fox

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Remember Reed’s football-toss-to-tantrum video that went viral a couple of months ago? Well now the Hands Team is back with a variety of difficult and ridiculous challenges. Enjoy!

Ronix | Supra | Rockstar | Hitcase | Performance | Fox

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Reed Hansen Wins 8th World Title https://www.wakeboardingmag.com/blog/wakeboarding-brand-channel/supra-boats/2015/09/24/reed-hansen-wins-8th-world-title/ Thu, 24 Sep 2015 19:09:00 +0000 https://www.wakeboardingmag.com/?p=51665 Hansen takes home his eighth world title.

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Supra Boats would like to congratulate #TeamSupraBoats Athlete, Reed Hansen (@reedhansen) for winning his 8th Wakeskate World Championship Title this past weekend at the Supra Boats Wakeboard World Championships Prestented by Rockstar in Portugal!

The conditions were not the most ideal, as the wind was unpredictable on the beautiful Lago Azul in Portugal. Reed pulled through and won his semi-finals heat and was going into the finals the next day! The following morning wake skaters took to the dock, everyone was going big behind the SE550 despite the choppy conditions. Reed was last off the dock and he had his work cut out, after falling twice on his first pass he was able to get up and stand up his entire 2nd pass with some of his more advanced tricks which placed him in 1st, for the 8th time!

Congrats Reed! Here are some photos from the event.  (This is also right after he had won wake skate trick of the year at the Wake Awards! Reed is on a roll and we are #suprastoked for him!)

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Results from the Nautique WWA Nationals! https://www.wakeboardingmag.com/blog/news/2015/08/17/the-nautique-wwa-national-championships-presented-by-rockstar-energy/ Mon, 17 Aug 2015 22:33:47 +0000 https://www.wakeboardingmag.com/?p=46165 Bummed you missed seeing Nationals in person in Miami? Well, you’re in luck, because Patrick Wieland just sent us over this drone video from the boat segment. It’s not the same as being there, but it’s pretty close. Check out the rest of the results below too! Enjoy! The Nautique WWA National Championships Presented by […]

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Bummed you missed seeing Nationals in person in Miami? Well, you’re in luck, because Patrick Wieland just sent us over this drone video from the boat segment. It’s not the same as being there, but it’s pretty close. Check out the rest of the results below too! Enjoy!

The Nautique WWA National Championships Presented by Rockstar Energy Awards 44 Titles at The Nations Largest Wakeboard Event****Lake Alfred, Fla. (August 16, 2015) – The nation’s largest wakeboarding event, the Nautique WWA Nationals presented by Rockstar Energy concluded today with 44 National Champions being crowned during the five day event held at Miami Watersports Complex. Harley Clifford took home the Pro Men’s title putting together the best run of the day earning a score of 95.67 to claim the title. With this win, Clifford clenched the 2015 Nautique Wake Series Championship behind the industry leading Super Air Nautique G23, after also earning titles in Australia and Waco, Texas.“I’m super stoked to win the Nautique WWA National Championships,” said Clifford. “This is the largest wakeboard event in North America and to know I came in and put in my best effort to claim the title is awesome.”The Pro Women’s division saw Nautique rider Meagan Ethell battle Dallas Friday for the title while in the Jr. Pro Men it was Nic Rapa claiming the championship.  In Pro Wakeskate, Reed Hansen nailed his run to take the victory.“Words can’t describe the feelings I have right now,” said Rapa. “It’s literally off the charts! I’m pumped to be crowned U.S National champion in Junior Pro and not only that, but finish 1st overall in the Nautique Wake Series! I can’t thank everyone enough for all the support.”Over to the Wake Park World Series, the traditional cable Pro Men’s Finals pitted riders in head-to-head competition with Tom Fooshee coming out on top after he posted stellar runs.  In the Pro Women final it was Meagan Ethell again, claiming the win.The Nautique WWA National Championships featured five days of intense competition at the Miami Watersports Complex with riders providing some of the most challenging and innovative runs in the history of the sport.Results****Nautique WWA National Championships Presented by Rockstar Energy****Miami Watersports Complex – Miami, Florida****Saturday, August 16, 2015****CABLE DIVISIONS****MEN’S PROFESSIONAL ****ONLY 1 ADVANCES TO THE FINAL ****Men’s Professional Semi-Finals – Heat 1 1. Pelot, Jake                                100.00              2. Hansen, Hunter                          72.00Men’s Professional Semi-Finals – Heat 2 1. Branch, Dylan                          95.50 2. Huster, Marc                              76.50Men’s Professional Semi-Finals – Heat 3 1. Powell, Chandler                    95.50 2. Saeed, Omeir                           94.50Men’s Professional Semi-Finals – Heat 4 1. Fooshee, Tom                        100.00 2. Brurnstein, Danny                    90.00WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL ****TOP 2 ADVANCE TO THE FINALS****Women’s Professional- Semi-Finals – Heat 1 1. Ethell, Meagan                         100.00 2. Lopina, Jamie                           90.00****HEAD-TO-HEAD ROUND OF 4ONLY 1 ADVANCES TO NEXT ROUNDHead to Head – Heat 1 1. Pelot, Jake                                100.00 2. Hanson, Hunter                         72.00Head to Head – Heat 2 1. Branch, Bylan                           95.50 2. Shuster, Marc                             76.50Head to Head – Heat 3 1. Powell, Chandler                    95.50 2. Saeed, Omeir                           94.50Head to Head – Heat 4 1. Fooshee, Tom                         100.00 2. Burnstein, Danny                      90.00Head-to-Head Semi Final Heats ****Head-to-Head – Semi-Final – Heat 1 1. Powell, Chandler                    98.00 2. Pelot, Jake                               92.00Head to Head – Semi-Final Heat 2 1. Fooshee, Tom                           100.00 2. Branch, Dylan                             90.00Head to Head Consolation Final 1. Pelot, Jake                                 95.50 2. Branch, Dylan                             94.50Head to Head Final 1. Fooshee, Tom                         96.50 2. Powell, Chandler                      93.50PRO WOMEN’S FINAL ****Pro Women’s Final 1. Ethell, Meagan            USA      98.00 2. Lopina, Jamie               USA      92.00BOAT DIVISIONS ****PROFESSIONAL WAKESKATE ****Professional WakeSkate – Finals 1. Hansen, Reed             AUS      77.33 2. Polterock, Austin                     71.67 3. Hampson, Danny        USA      56.67 4. Grubb, Brian                 USA      51.00JUNIOR PRO MEN’S FINALS ****Jr. Pro Men’s – Finals 1. Rapa, Nic                       AUS      85.00 2. France, Cobe                 USA      72.67 3. Soven, Jason                 USA      68.33 4. Schramm, Mac                USA      60.00 5. Watt, Lewy                      AUS      50.67 6. Hancock, Bryson             USA      38.33Women’s Professional – Finals 1. Ethell, Meagan           USA      89.33 2. Friday, Dallas             USA      87.33 3. Butler, Nicola             USA      78.00 4. Merritt, Raimi               USA      70.67 5. Mikacich, Tarah           USA      63.33 6. Leugner, Ashley           CDN     48.33Men’s Professional – Finals 1. Clifford, Harley         AUS      95.67 2. Smith, Dean              AUS      92.00 3. Flegel, Noah             USA      85.67 4. Soven, Phillip             USA      77.67 5. Hair, Austin                USA      71.33 6. Soven, Bob                USA      65.33As the organizer and sanctioning body of the Nautique WWA National Championships Presented by Rockstar Energy, the World Wakeboard Association would like to thank all our partners who make this event possible, including Nautique Boats, Rockstar Energy Drink, Fox, PCM Marine Engines, Ronix, CWB, Aktion Parks and the Miami Watersports Complex.For more information on the Nautique WWA Wakeboard and Wakepark National Championships, please visit: http://www.thewwa.com/nationals/For more information on the Nautique Wake Series including the Nautique Wake Series overall standings, please visit http://www.nautique.com/event/nautique-wake-series/About NautiqueCelebrating 90 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft is the owner of Nautique Boat Company, Inc., Aktion Parks, and Pleasurecraft Marine Engine Company. Nautique manufactures the highest quality, most innovative ski and wake-sports boats available worldwide and provides exceptional customer service experiences. To learn more about Nautique and its complete product line, visit www.nautique.com_.Find us at:www.Facebook.com/NautiqueBoats  www.Twitter.com/NautiqueBoats   www.Instagram.com/NautiqueBoats  _www.YouTube.com/NautiquesdotcomAbout RockstarRockstar Energy Drink is designed for those who lead active lifestyles – from Athletes to Rockstars. Available in over 25 flavors at convenience and grocery outlets in over 30 countries, Rockstar supports the Rockstar lifestyle across the globe through Action Sports, Motor Sports, and Live Music.For more information visit:www.RockstarEnergy.comFind us at:http://www.Facebook.com/Rockstar    www.Twitter.com/RockstarEnergy  http://www.Instagram.com/RockstarEnergy    http://www.YouTube.com/RockstarAbout the WBWSThe Wakeboard World Series will offer the largest payout the sport has seen in its 26-year history with a total of $425,000 to be handed out to the men and women throughout the series. This increase is just one of many avenues that the WWA have stepped up to further legitimize wakeboarding along with an increased focus on attracting media, sponsors, and consumers. This year’s Wakeboard World Series is the largest World Series in recent years, making it the only true global wakeboard series. The 2015 Wakeboard World Series will travel to four rounds within the United States as well as Mexico, Brazil, Canada, a return to Japan, and for the first time, the WWA World Championships will be held in Portugal.About the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department: Nationally accredited, a three-time winner of the NRPA National Gold Medal Award, winner of the 2013 Florida Governor’s Sustained Excellence Award and the 2009 Florida Governor’s Sterling Award for excellence in management and operations, Miami-Dade County Parks is the third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of 260 parks and 12,825 acres of land.  It is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the world.  Made up of more than just playgrounds and athletic fields, it also comprises out-of-school, sports-development, and summer-camp programs; programs for active older adults and people with disabilities; educational nature centers and nature preserves; environmental restoration efforts; arts and culture programs and events; the renowned Zoo Miami and the Deering Estate at Cutler; the Crandon Tennis Center, home of the Miami Open; golf courses; beaches; marinas; campgrounds; pools; and more.  For information about Miami-Dade County Parks call 3-1-1, or visit www.miamidade.gov/parks/.About the WWAThe World Wakeboard Association is the global leader in wake sports sanctioning. The WWA owns and operates the WWA Wakeboard World Series, WWA Wake Park World Series, WWA Wakeboard National Championships, WWA Wake Park National Championships, WWA Wakeboard World Championships, WWA Wake Park World Championships, WWA Wake Park Triple Crown, WWA Pro Card and WWA Rider Experience. With 27 affiliate countries worldwide, the WWA is a rider-formed organization dedicated to promoting and growing wake sports worldwide. It is the primary source for riders, event organizers and competitive standards. For more information on the WWA and its events, check out www.thewwa.com

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HITCASE iAdventure https://www.wakeboardingmag.com/blog/news/2015/06/25/hitcase-iadventure/ Fri, 26 Jun 2015 01:45:03 +0000 https://www.wakeboardingmag.com/?p=55728 I’ll be honest here, HITCASE is straight up awesome — and I’m not just saying that. I have one, and it’s so much more convenient than any other POV camera when it comes to a quick video capture. I already carry my phone everywhere, and popping it into the Hitcase is super quick and easy. Just […]

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I’ll be honest here, HITCASE is straight up awesome — and I’m not just saying that. I have one, and it’s so much more convenient than any other POV camera when it comes to a quick video capture. I already carry my phone everywhere, and popping it into the Hitcase is super quick and easy. Just take a look at the video filmed exclusively with HITCASE for iPhone. and you’ll see how much you can capture with just your phone and your HITCASE. Plus, Reed Hansen’s cameo is pretty cool too. Check it out!

WELCOME TO HITCASE iADVENTURE

HITCASE is a patented waterproof, shockproof and mountable protective case and accessories system that turns

the iPhone into a powerful action camera and the essential adventure companion.

The iAdventure video pairs our world class HITCASE TEAM of athletes and ambassadors, with one of the most

innovative and progressive action sports film producers in the world and gave them 4 iPhones and 4 days and

challenged them to put HITCASE to the test. Welcome to iAdventure.

FEATURED TALENT INCLUDES:

****Sean Pettit (Skier) | Brandon Semenuk (Mountain Bike) | Jamie Flynn (Wingsuit) | Reed Hansen (Wakeskate) | Amber Torrealba (Underwater)

“The HITCASE Team has worked really hard on our new iAdventure campaign and I’m really excited about our

latest product.” – BROOKS BERGREEN | HITCASE FOUNDER

Join in on #iAdventure by sharing your great HITCASE content with us and following our socials.

INSTAGRAM.COM/HITCASE

FACEBOOK.COM/HITCASE

TWITTER.COM/HITCASE

iAdventure

HITCASE

WE WORK • WE PLAY • WE LOVE • WE ADVENTURE

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Hitcase – Messages with Reed Hansen https://www.wakeboardingmag.com/blog/features/2014/12/02/video-hitcase-messages-with-reed-hansen/ Wed, 03 Dec 2014 00:00:13 +0000 https://www.wakeboardingmag.com/?p=50961 We love Hitcase. I have one personally and it’s wicked cool. It’s replaced my POV camera for most of what I capture nowadays. Although, what I capture on my phone is not nearly as cool as the stuff that Reed is capturing on his. Watch the video and you’ll see what I mean. Enjoy!

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We love Hitcase. I have one personally and it’s wicked cool. It’s replaced my POV camera for most of what I capture nowadays. Although, what I capture on my phone is not nearly as cool as the stuff that Reed is capturing on his. Watch the video and you’ll see what I mean. Enjoy!

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Battle Falls Video Released https://www.wakeboardingmag.com/blog/wakeboarding-brand-channel/supra-boats/2014/09/30/battle-falls-video-released/ Tue, 30 Sep 2014 23:09:00 +0000 https://www.wakeboardingmag.com/?p=50512 Supra Boats @Supra_Boats was stoked to be involved in the Wakeskate Tour finale again this year. The venue, Battle Falls, was the creation of Team Supra Boats World Champion Wakeskater, Reed Hansen @ReedAHansen. This years final stop went better than ever. Battle Falls always brings out the riders and progression. This video shows exactly how […]

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Supra Boats @Supra_Boats was stoked to be involved in the Wakeskate Tour finale again this year. The venue, Battle Falls, was the creation of Team Supra Boats World Champion Wakeskater, Reed Hansen @ReedAHansen. This years final stop went better than ever. Battle Falls always brings out the riders and progression. This video shows exactly how far wakeskating has come! Team Supra Boats Reed Hansen took 3rd, locking down three years of podium finishes at Battle Falls.

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Reed Hansen & Hitcase https://www.wakeboardingmag.com/blog/features/2014/09/16/video-reed-hansen-hitcase/ Wed, 17 Sep 2014 01:10:34 +0000 https://www.wakeboardingmag.com/?p=53942 Ever want to film some clips with your iPhone while you ride? Now you can. Hitcase keeps getting better and more convenient. Watch Reed Hansen demonstrate the usefulness of his Hitcase with stunning results. Enjoy!

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Ever want to film some clips with your iPhone while you ride? Now you can. Hitcase keeps getting better and more convenient. Watch Reed Hansen demonstrate the usefulness of his Hitcase with stunning results. Enjoy!

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Team Supra Boats Earns Top Spots In Most Competitive Classes At Wake Open https://www.wakeboardingmag.com/blog/manufacturers/supra/2014/08/28/team-supra-boats-earns-top-spots-in-most-competitive-classes-at-wake-open/ Fri, 29 Aug 2014 03:28:49 +0000 https://www.wakeboardingmag.com/?p=51808 Team Supra Boats @SupraBoats made a statement at the Wake Open this past weekend bringing home a first, a third and a second in three of the most competitive classes. Cory Teunissen obliterated the Jr. Pro Men with a difficult spin-filled run that earned him a perfect score. 6-time World Champion Reed Hansen earned 3rd place in Pro […]

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Team Supra Boats @SupraBoats made a statement at the Wake Open this past weekend bringing home a first, a third and a second in three of the most competitive classes. Cory Teunissen obliterated the Jr. Pro Men with a difficult spin-filled run that earned him a perfect score. 6-time World Champion Reed Hansen earned 3rd place in Pro Men Wakeskate at the Wake Open and earned 2nd in the overall standings. Supra Boats Sam Brown took second in Boys. Team Supra Boats is definitely primed for the season finale Rockstar WWA World Wakeboard Championships presented by Supra Boats. We are Supra proud of the entire team’s performance and can’t wait to see what they will do behind the all new Supra SE550 making its competitive debut at Worlds September 11-14, 2014.

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The Gravel Tour https://www.wakeboardingmag.com/blog/features/2014/07/02/the-gravel-tour/ Thu, 03 Jul 2014 02:22:13 +0000 https://www.wakeboardingmag.com/?p=55508 Have you heard of the Gravel Tour yet? If not, you should. This event is a lot more influential than you might think. Yes, it’s a local contest in Orlando with multiple stops, but it’s not just any local contest. Sponsored in part by the world famous proshop, Performance Ski & Surf, this series is […]

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Have you heard of the Gravel Tour yet? If not, you should. This event is a lot more influential than you might think. Yes, it’s a local contest in Orlando with multiple stops, but it’s not just any local contest. Sponsored in part by the world famous proshop, Performance Ski & Surf, this series is unlike any you have ever seen. In fact, I went undercover to give you the juicy details. Check it out!

What is the Gravel Tour?

We could answer this question for you, but it wouldn’t mean as much coming from us — so we went to the source. We caught up with Bill Porter, the owner of Performance Ski & Surf, and asked him a few questions to get you properly informed about this Orlando based grassroots competition series.

What is the Gravel Tour? How and when did it start?

Bill Porter: The actual events to the best of my knowledge started in 1999, but the name “Gravel Tour” didn’t start till the year 2000. Being a part of the original members of OWC — both Rene and Herb both wanted us to host events to bring new riders to the park and provide a venue to help foster the growth of wakeboarding — and now, looking back some 14 plus years later, I feel we have done that. I would say that a good majority of the top pro athletes competing have ridden in one of our wakeboard series, and for many, I think if you asked them, it helped shape their riding careers in some way.

“Gravel tour was a huge factor on my career in wakeboarding, not only did it allow me to understand the pressure of a contest at a young age, but it also gave me a chance to shine in front of an audience and potential sponsors.”— Adam Errington

What is your favorite part about the Gravel Tour?

Bill Porter: Seeing the progress of riders. When I go and look at the historical photos of the riders who have grown up in our events who have gone on to being the world’s elite riders. I take a great deal of pride in that, but beyond that knowing that I can impact the lives of families through our events. Its truly amazing to see the real family interaction that happens at a Gravel Tour Event — not only between single families, but many families who get together at the events to have a great time collectively. Thats truly rewarding, and for me, being able to also gain some really great relationships with some really great people who share a common passion in the sport we love to do!

Steel Lafferty and Daniel Powers — 1st and 2nd place

Do you have a favorite memory over the years that sticks out?

Bill Porter: Well, honestly there are a couple, but one of the most recent was having both Darin Shapiro and Shaun Murray ride head to head against each other in an exhibition. Mainly because these are two guys who have been so integral since day one in our shop and the sport of wakeboarding, and now some 14 plus years later they are back and riding amazing. It was like a time warp.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Bill Porter: The biggest thing is to take time to thank some of the people who really have helped make this event what it is. I’m sure I’ll forget some but here are some of the key ones in no special order: Danny Kennedy, Fred Rabe, Brad Smith, Randy Holihan, Travis Moye, Tim Jeffries, Dave Soria, Jim Powers, Kyle Rattray, Dave Soria, Chancee Cook, Danielle Holt, Herb O’brien, Rene Hoffman, Bill Yeargin, Walt Meloon, Jeff Husby, John & Nikki Worcester, Robbie Holihan, Danny Amir, Tony Teske, Joey Losson, Brett Hargrave, Eddie Beverly, and also my wife Sarah — she has been SO patient with me doing these through the years, and all the others again I may have forgotten.

Gravel Tour Stop #2 | Photo by John Liscomb

We plan to dive deeper into the Gravel Tour with some “secret shopper” style investigation to see what it’s like to attend one of the stops. Click the links at the bottom of each page to continue on through the article for more from behind the scenes, rider interviews and photo galleries. Enjoy!

Secret Shopper

So here’s where this got interesting for me. I went undercover and entered this contest myself to get the full experience. Having been living in Florida since 2010, I have ventured out a time or two to the Gravel Tour in the past, but I figured I’d refresh my memory to give you the most up-to-date information possible.

Photo by Andy Worrall

First of all, I had a lot more fun than I expected. Not that I thought it wouldn’t be fun, but I’m typically a wreck at contests. This one however, ended up being a great time on all accounts. I got to hang out with some people I hadn’t seen in a while and on top of that, I met some new people that I enjoyed getting to know.

Now let’s talk about just how crazy good the kids who ride the Gravel Tour are in comparison to anywhere else in the country. At any other local event anywhere else on earth, I would compete in the “Outlaw” division. I probably wouldn’t win (especially after falling twice like I did here), but If I landed all of my tricks, I’d have a pretty good chance at the podium, or even the first place spot. At the Gravel Tour in the heart of Orlando, however, I sit comfortably in the advanced division. The reason is because, frankly, I don’t ride well enough. You might see a 720 or a mobe or two in the advanced division on occasion, whereas, in the Outlaw division, if you don’t have a 900 or some mobe 5 variations, you’re chance at the podium is pretty slim. It’s like a local practice session for the Jr Pro Men to compete on a worldwide stage. It’s fun to watch and can be very telling for their successes during larger competitions throughout the year.

As for my riding, I fell twice but still managed to place third in my division. Regardless, the short set I had on that wake was a real treat. The wake was huge and clean with a transition that harbored an extremely large amount of water. After I rode, I just wanted to get back up and ride that wake again — So much fun.

Photo by Andy Worrall

Overall, I had a great time. Walking away from that event, I told myself that I’d make a point to get out to more stops as the season progresses. After all, I am still trying to progress my riding on a personal level, and there’s no better way to light a fire under your riding than to have a contest date on your calendar that you’ve got to be ready for.

The Riders

I caught up with a few of the riders from stop #2 and asked them a few questions about their experience. I tried to sample the market as best I could with the Outlaw winner, a first-time competitor, and an experienced Boys division rider. Get to know them a bit. Some of them may end up being big names some day.

Nic Rapa — 1st place, Outlaw division (overall winner)

Gravel Tour Stop #2 — Outlaw Podium | Photo by Andy Worrall

W: Tell us a little about yourself.

NR: My name is Nic Rapa, 17 years old from Sydney Australia. I started wakeboarding in October 2010. I’m currently living in Orlando Florida taking part in the ‘endless summer’. I like to wakeboard, other things I like doing are hanging out with friends and family, and just having fun!

How long have you been competing?

I started competing in 2011. I haven’t looked back since.

Who do you normally ride with?

I normally just ride with my mum, dad and sister, but if not it is with one of my best buddy’s Cory Harris.

What tricks have you been working on lately?

I have not only been working on new tricks but I have also worked on changing the way I ride like taking more tricks into the flats and poking things differently. I also have tried to maintain a unique style that separates me from other riders.

Photo by John Liscomb

Was this your first time competing in the Gravel Tour? How many stops have you competed in?

This was my 2nd time competing in the Gravel Tour as I also competed in the first stop and was pumped to take out the win in the open division in both events.

How does the Gravel Tour compare to other contests that you’ve ridden in?

I see the Gravel Tour to be a really fun event. There are a heap of kids there, and its always great to see the sport evolving and to have kids that look up to you wanting to see you ride.

What kind of tricks does it take to win the Outlaw Division at the Gravel Tour?

The competitiveness in the outlaw division is pretty intense, there are a few JR Pro men riders who really know how to turn up the heat. I think to win the outlaw division you definitely have to be confident with the tricks you can land, as well as knowing what the judges want to see and how I can be different as a rider. My run definitely went the way I wanted it to go. I landed a few mobe 5 variations as well as a toeside 900 to start off my run.

Photo by Andy Worrall

What made you decide to come to the Gravel Tour and compete? Who came with you?

I am living in orlando and the Gravel Tour series are on so I thought it would be good competition experience and a good way to start getting my name as a Wakeboarder out there. My dad made the trip over for the first 2 weeks of my journey and then had to go back home.

Do you plan to compete in future Gravel Tour stops and go for the overall win?

Most definitely! the Gravel Tour is definitely a cool event to be apart of.

What are your future aspirations in the sport? Does the Gravel Tour play a part in that?

My goal is to become a well known rider, but known for doing things differently and being cool to watch. I will still ride the Gravel Tour to start off my American wakeboard season.

Anything else you’d like to add?

A huge thank you to everyone who helped and is a part of the Gavel Tour event!

Photo by Andy Worrall

Jared Franco — Newcomer / 1st place, Advanced

Photo by: Andy Worral

W: Tell us a little about yourself.

JF: I am 17 years old, and am from Boca Raton Florida. When I’m not riding I’m either playing ice hockey, DJing at clubs, or working on my boat.

Are you related to James Franco?

Yes I am, my dad, grandpa, and great grandpa are all named James Franco, however, none of them are in the acting business.

Was this your first time competing in the Gravel Tour? What did you think?

My first time and first real competition. I was a little nervous at first, but after sticking my hard tricks it was awesome. The only other competition I’ve ever been in was a team contest. I definitely like the individual competitions better, and I look forward to competing in the rest of the tour.

What was your favorite part about the Gravel Tour? What was the most surprising?

My favorite part was having the opportunity to ride on the boat side of OWC, because no matter how hard the wind is blowing the lake is always flat. The most surprising thing about this stop was winning first place and not falling on any of my tougher tricks.

Photo by Andy Worrall

What made you decide to come to the Gravel Tour and compete? Did you bring anyone with you?

I’ve been working at home trying to get good enough to start competing, and saw that gravel had many different skill groups, so I decided to give it a shot. For Stop 2 I brought the whole fam, mom dad and sister.

Do you plan to compete in future Gravel Tour stops and go for the overall win in your division?

I’m already working on new tricks to throw in my runs at Stops 3 and 4, and if everything goes well, yea I’d be stoked over an overall win in the advanced division.

Tyler Worrall — Up-and-comer / 2nd place, Boys division

Photo by Andy Worrall

W: Tell us a little about yourself.

TW: I am 12 years old. I live in Clermont FL. I wakeboard almost every day but when I’m not wake boarding in like to snowboard, golf, kiteboard, ect.

When did you first start riding?

I learned how to waterski when I was 4 and then strapped on a wakeboard when I was 5.

How long have you been competing?

I have been competing since I was 6 years old and my first contest was Gravel Tour.

Who do you normally ride with?

I get coached by Trevor Hansen but I also ride with Clayton Underwood, Brandon Judd, and Billy Park.

What tricks have you been working on lately?

I have been working on getting my tootsie roll and tantrum to blind consistent.

Photo by Andy Worrall

What kind of tricks does it take to win the the Boys Division at the Gravel Tour? What tricks are typically seen in your division?

To win the boys division it takes a couple of 540’s, a few inverts, a pre mobe (inverts with backside 180’s), and some style. Normally in the boys division everybody brings there A-game and everybody has at least two 360’s and a few inverts.

What is your favorite part about the Gravel Tour?

My favorite part about about Gravel Tour is at the very last stop of the season when you get to pick a prize.

What are your future aspirations in the sport? Does the Gravel Tour play a part in that?

I hope to be pro one day. I think Gravel Tour helps me so much to get there because from the first stop to the last stop I progress so much!

Anything else you’d like to add?

For anybody that wants to start competing in wakeboarding, I would recommend the Gravel Tour to them for sure because it is such a awesome and fun contest!

Photo by Andy Worrall

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