Wakefest 2006

At Bernard’s Beach

By Micah Gaudio

                Wakesurfing might be the next big thing and the Lake has become known for its many festivals and competitions, but nothing is bigger than wakeboarding and wakeskating right now.

                The industry as a whole has become as captivating as the incredible boarders you’ve no doubt seen jumping over docks, flipping and twisting their way across the water. In fact, the industry has grown so much that top companies have spent millions of dollars getting involved with wakeboarding tournaments across the country. Check out up-to-date information on all the local wakeboarding events at www.smithmountainlaker.com/wakeboarding.html.

June 10 & August 5

Glass & Powder is back with the 2006 Mid-Atlantic Wakeboard Series. Started in 1999, the series is the longest running wakeboarding event on the East Coast. This will be the fourth year at SML. The events are structured more like festivals than competitive tournaments, so more emphasis is put on having fun and experiencing the sport, the products and the culture. Glass & Powder accomplishes this thanks to sponsors who contribute products so that each rider brings home more value in prizes than they spent to enter. In addition, Glass & Powder raffles off the large prizes. A rider could conceivably come in last place and still win a brand new wakeboard. Entry fee is $35. For more info, call 804.355.4441 or toll-free 877.We.Go.Big, or visit www.glassandpowder.com.

July 29

This is the second year for the largest wake event at the Lake. Last year brought more than 300 spectators and 100 riders and nothing less is excpected for 2006. Wake-N-Skate chose the beach at Bernard’s Landing for a change of venue and to accommodate a larger crowd.

There’s fun for the whole family, including a swimming area, music and food vendors. Don’t forget to bring a body board, you might be able to catch a wake into the beach. There are plenty of spaces for boat parking and vehicles can park near the beach with room to pitch a tent. You will be able to find great deals at the Wake-N-Skate mobile shop.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the fun lasts the entire day. The competition starts with Groms, Girls, Over 40, Wake Skate, Intermediate, Wake Surf Demo, Invert and Outlaw Divisions with a $500 prize for Outlaw riders. Judging will be handled again by a suprise Pro Wakeboarder from CWB.  All riders will get to hit the incredible wake behind a MB B-52 wakeboard boat. Each participant will also take home a goodie bag packed with prizes worth more than the $40 cost to enter.

                The My Star Sports Photography trailer will be there to capture your tricks and so you can see the results instantly with professional photos.

                The staff at Wake-N-Skate, SML’s only board shop, is now offering weekly clinics, daily lessons and one-on-one help in choosing boards and equipment. For more information, call 540.721.1941 or visit www.wakenskate.com.