liquidforce.com blog

Over the past few years, Nor Cal convergence has become the social event of the season for Nor Cal wakeskaters, and this past weekend, the ninth Convergence, was no different. Winching, boat sets, camping, and some other PG13 activities go down on the shores of the legendary Delta all weekend long.

In attendance for NCC9 were all the usual suspects, Grant Roberts, Keaton Bowlby, Brandon Rau, local Nor Cal shreds like Evan Gambetta and Mitch Lemos, and even the legendary Myles Vickers made an appearance. It seems Myles has gotten pretty handy with a camera and was kind enough to send us these few shots.

If you were there, you know you had fun, and if not, you definitely missed out. But never fear, NCC10 is right around the corner!

Grant Roberts

Keaton Bowlby

Grant

Keaton

Keaton

Sent in from some of our friends in the land of 10,000 lakes…

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – September 29, 2009 – Already fielding one of the most talented and diverse roster of wake athletes, Monster Energy Drink continues to put their support behind some of the most unique, fun events in watersports. They have helped make the Boardshorts, Bulls and Bikini’s “Texas Style” rail jam/bull-riding extravaganza one of the most anticipated events in and around the Dallas Boat Show, they have been involved with the Pro Team Challenge since it’s inception three years ago, they are a major player at Canada’s annual Wakestock mega-party and they have been an integral part in making the Liquid Force Brostock Double-Up Contest at Lake Powell one of the most star-studded and high-paying pro events of the year. This past weekend in Fort Worth, Texas, they unleashed a little something for the sports colorful wakeskate contingent.

The Monster Energy Trinity River Round Up was the creation of Texas’ busiest winchmiester, Clint Tompkins. Always looking for a sweet new spot to ride, Tompkins found what he was looking for on the Trinity River just south of downtown Fort Worth over three gaps that seem to have been built for shredding. Originally scheduled to be the one of the main attractions at the cities annual Mayfest celebration, the entire festival was cancelled by the health department due to a local “swine flu” scare.

The wakeskate event was rescheduled for September 19th and last weekend fourteen invited pro riders arrived in North Texas for a chance to session Clint’s secret spot. Four obstacles were constructed over the 24’ spillway; a fun box, incline rail, kicker and the Monster wall ride. It was a freeride format, pulled by a PWC and the best trick on each obstacle and over the gap would earn the rider $1000 for a total purse of $5,000.

The riders where divided into two heats and each would get two sets. Heat #1 included George Daniels, Aaron Reed, Matt Hooker, Travis Doran, Collin Gee, Andrew Pastura and James Balzer. The second heat featured Grant Roberts, Beau Parker, Charlie Hewitt, Steve Campbell, Stefan Schriewer, Dieter Humpsch and organizer Clint Tompkins. They all used the first rounds to feel things out and by the afternoon sessions, the hammers started to drop.

The event was judged by the riders so after a full day of skating, they all gathered to place their secret ballots and name their picks for best trick on each obstacle. The results where revealed later that evening at the Monster Energy after-party which took place at The Aardvark Bar and Grill - one of Fort Worth’s legendary live music and party spots.

South African, Dieter Humpsch worked the kicker all day progressing with each hit…first it was a back 180, then a back 360 and finally, the move that got him the win over Aaron Reed’s FS 360 – a clean switch TS 540 off the kicker. On the incline rail, Steve Campbell’s switch boardslide 270 out earned him $1000. Travis Doran and Andrew Pastura battled it out on the fun box but Travis blunt shuv was not enough to overcome Pastura’s 270 shuv to front board and Andrew took the win. On his first attempt at the gap, George Daniels landed a flawless frontside flip and locked up a grand. And last, but certainly not least…James Balzer and Clint Tompkins both laid out some sick tricks on the Monster Energy wall-ride but the riders thought Tomkins super clean 270 shuv front board was enough to take the win and earn him the final $1000 “Big” check.

Monster Energy’s Trinity River Round Up was unique for a couple of reasons. It was the first pro level wakeskate competition to take place over a spillway in a “natural” urban setting and the freeride format with no eliminations gave every rider an opportunity to compete from start to finish. Also, with cash offered for the “Best Trick” on each obstacle – there were five first place winners who each took home $1000 cash in addition to a custom forged TRR branding iron trophy. Initial feedback from riders, sponsor and fans has all been extremely positive and everyone is looking forward to next years event.

In addition to Monster Energy Drink, the Trinity River Round Up was made possible with support from Freeman Toyota/SCION, Woly Board Company FUEL TV, Time Warner Cable, Liquid Force Wakeboards and Signature Wakeskates. Media partners include iWAKE.com, Alliance Wakeboard Magazine, the Fort Worth Weekly and Wakeworld.com. For more information go to www.trinityriverroundup.com

Liquid Force team riders Bob Soven, Daniel Doud, and James Balzer joined the rest of their Body Glove teammates in Southern California this past weekend to take part in the 14th Annual Dive N’ Surf Redondo beach Lobster Festival. Body Glove, one of the title sponsors of the event, brought out the team to put on a wakeboard demo for everyone in attendence. A winch pulled the riders down the Seaside Lagoon as they hit an inclined flat bar rail and then a kicker. Not only did the wakeboarders treat the fans to some on-water action, but they also stepped into the fashion world, modeling all of the new Body Glove threads in a runway show. Make sure to look for the enitre team in the new Body Glove movie Slick City coming this spring! Big thanks to Dan “The Man” Evans for holding it down as always!!

North Carolina has a very short Autumn window. The weather seems to go right from a barley tolerable humidity to a mix of cold and rainy misery. The fall months are very nice and mild, though only for a short period of time before the dreariness moves in. Brothers Stephen and Ben Pierce have been making due with the weather year in and year out on Lake Norman outside of Huntersville, NC for quite some time. Both brothers are coming off a dual podium appearance at Lake Norman’s Wake the Lake competition hosted by Atlas Wake Series and Icy Waves Surf Shop. Ben took second in wakeskate and Stephen took first in Men’s Open, his 3rd victory of the year and first win at his home spot. With only one more stop to go at Wilmington’s Riverfest, I wouldn’t doubt that both boys will put together a run that will far outdo anything they’ve brought to the table so far including a recent phenomenal showing at Smith Mountain Lake’s Battle of Bull Run.

I made the drive across the state to visit with the Pierce’s at their lakeside home last weekend to see what Stephen and Ben had been up to. At the small hours of the morning, I made my way down the Pierce’s dock to their bright green Wakesetter. I’m not sure if it was the effects of a small caffeine overdose or the excitement of missing morning classes, but both boys were waiting and anxious to rip up the Norman glassiness. First on the water, still stuffing his face with doughnuts, Stephen decided to show us why he is considered one of North Carolina’s fastest progressing young riders. A true perfectionist, Stephen spent some time making his switch heel 7’s look godly, and executing what very well might have the most tweaked Batwing I have ever seen. After a formidable display of wakeboarding, Ben refused to let his brother outdo him as he showed us why he thinks different is better, if different means ‘awesome at wakeskating.’ Ben is a fast progressing wakeskater, rapidly adding and improving on some pretty tech tricks. With shear comfort and style Ben left few stones unturned in the wake of boat and ski alike. From varials to a 360 shuvs, it seems there isn’t a kick trick this kid can’t land.

After a solid morning session we hauled back to the house for a lesson in boat docking, some amazing chicken salad hospitality and a quick pep-talk from mom; then back on the quiet weekday water for more great riding. Stephen and Ben have made a great niche for themselves on Lake Norman, steadily progressing their abilities in their respective areas of their trade. After a few near death tube experiences we called it a day. Ben headed off to soccer practice and Stephen prettied himself up for school pictures. It’s always impressive when two athletes from the same family can progress together in a sport, it shows a strong family structure. It is truly evident that behind most great riders are amazingly supportive parents, and in this case siblings alike. The brothers are each other’s boat drivers and coaches, helping and encouraging when it is needed most. Spending the day with these kids illustrated the strength fraternal support provides, a bond no doubt instilled by great parenting. There seem to be so many cases like this in professional sports, some of the most notable cases not to far from home. A healthy competitiveness allows each to progress in his own area. In the case of the Pierce brothers you have two paradoxical areas of wakesports, both requiring equally tenacious attention to be successful. However, one does not necessarily threaten the other. Arguably, the lack of direct impact may hinder effective suppor, not so here, when Ben needs a little push Stephen helpfully shouts from the boat “just put bindings on that thing!”…bindings might have prevented the onslaught of kick flips that soon followed.

Thanks to Stephen and Ben, more than just NASCAR drivers will be coming out of Lake Norman. With the support of Icy Wave’s Surf Shop, a great family network and most importantly each other, Stephen and Ben Pierce will encounter nothing but success in their path through the world of wake. Be sure to check these guys and other great Mid-Atlantic riders at Wilmington’s Riverfest hosted by the Atlas Wake Series on October 3rd.– Jason Hudson

Hey Everyone!!!

I arrived in China on Wednesday night. I flew from Orlando - New York - Beijing - Hangzhou then caught a bus for an hour to my hotel.
My bags never made it out of New York (thank you Air China)

I had practice on Thursday and semi finals on Friday wearing Harley Clifford clothes as he rides for Oakley and riding his spare board 134 Watson with a pair of bindings and vest I borrowed from another girl rider, and Jeff Weatheralls rope and handle. I made it through to finals.

Finally at 430am on Saturday morning my bags arrived at the hotel, just in time for finals!!!!

I rode well and won the competition. I am heading to Shanghai for 3 days where we are touring the city, going to a Water park and visiting Oakley China. Sunday - Wednesday.

On Wednesday I fly to Liuzhou for the World Cup stop.

China is a very interesting country with Culture. I am really enjoying my trip and documenting on video, which wakegirls.com will be editing and posting my traveling experience.

I will keep you updated!!

http://www.alliancewake.com/skate/grant-roberts-interview/

Liquid Force is throwing a party this Saturday at House of Beer in Orlando, FL! Come hang out with Henshaw, Watson, and the crew. The bar will be playing your favorite LF wake movies all night long, they’ll be giving away tons of LF swag, and it will be a great time as always!

See you there!

Start Time: Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 9:00pm
End Time: Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 2:00am
Location: House of Beer $5 cover
Street: 13526 Village Park Dr
City/Town: Orlando, FL

link to facebook event page:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=155976941678