liquidforce.com blog

A few survivors in the office today….the rest of them will return next week with hopefully their full grown mustaches!

Here is some extra footage of Aaron Reed. The old guy has still got it!! And if you don’t have Washed Up Before We Were Has Beens, GO GET IT!!

extras reed from Aaron Reed on Vimeo.

Here is some extra footage of Danny Hampson that Aaron Reed threw together for your viewing pleasure. Remeber, this is all B Real footage, footage that didn’t make the actual video. This should tell how good Danny’s actual section is in Wash Up Before We Were Has Beens. If you haven’t seen the video yet, GO BUY IT!!! It is out now.

Extras Dan from Aaron Reed on Vimeo.

If you haven’t seen the new issue of Alliance Wakeboard, then surprise! (or no surprise) Tom Fooshee is Alliance’s 2010 Rider of the Year. In this video, Tom talks about what it’s been like for him coming up as a cable rider and now receiving the ultimate award in wakeboarding. Tom has a full interview and some amazing pictures in 10 year anniversary issue of the mag so make sure you check it out — it has been hailed as the best issue of Alliance ever.

Brace yourself for the shock of the century. This year’s Female Rider of the Year is… long dramatic pause…Amber Wing! Sorry, maybe you should have just braced yourself for a bad attempt at sarcasm. In all seriousness though, Amber Wing once again spent the year pushing the limits of women’s wakeboarding like only she can (and like she has done consistently over the past four-plus years). Amber is the only girl on the planet who can consistently land 720’s, and now she’s added a 900 and a Pete Rose to her satchel of maneuvers. Plus, her positive attitude and approach to the sport only adds to the presence she brings to the water. She’s heaps good.

Amber Wing – The first ever women’s 900 from OAKLEY on Vimeo.

Was there really any question as to who improved the most this year? Honestly? No there wasn’t, because Harley Clifford improved more this year than most professional riders have in the last four. Considering that last year Harley managed to be the youngest rider to win the PWT since Parks, that’s a pretty big statement. Seriously, what the kid can do with his wakeboard is jaw dropping. If you ever get the chance to watch Harley ride in person you will undoubtedly leave shaking your head in disbelief. Forget the contest results and unfair consistency for a moment and just pay attention to the tricks he can do and how smooth he makes them look. Whether it’s a toeside backside 180, a scarecrow 720, or a rodeo 1080, Harley’s riding has a fluidity to it that is nearly unmatched (especially with the more technical tricks). In reality, Harley is just on a different level (especially when you do factor in his consistency, which is unparalleled). We’d really just like to take this time to officially start calling him the Kangaroo Kid, and if you need more proof, just go on the internet and watch the 37 or so videos of him shredding over the past year and you’ll see exactly what we’re talking about.

SLICK CITY-Harley Clifford Section from Body Glove on Vimeo.

There is a strong possibility that Raphael “Raph” Derome is the best wakeboarder you’ve never seen before. For a few years there was always talk of Ollie Derome’s younger brother breaking out and making some noise on the scene, but until 2010 it never quite materialized. This year though, there was no mistaking it, and given the amount of young talent Raph is surrounded by (Bob Soven, Harley Clifford, Steel Lafferty, Daniel Powers, Trever Maur, etc, etc) that is saying something. Raph’s skills on a wakeboard are ridiculous, and that’s not just behind the boat. Anytime, anywhere, riding behind anything, Raph will shred. Hard. The kid has a smooth, technical style behind the boat, while still mixing in big air. He can jib, bonk, press and drop with the best of them. But where he his riding may shine most is on rails. Whatever way you look at it, Raph is one of the most well-rounded riders not just amongst his age group, but arguably in the entire world.

Raph Derome Rail shredding from still not famous on Vimeo.

Rookie of the year is described as the rider who moved into the limelight and received the true approval of his peers. Grant did both this year, and had time to grow a sweet mustache along the way. After being taken under the capable wing of Aaron Reed and Danny Hampson, he certainly paid his dues, and was rewarded with his first pro model from Obscura. Living on the west coast keeps Grant balanced and level headed, and he was also officially adopted into the legendary WSR crew this summer. Although Grant might play Call of Duty more then he wakeskates, his riding doesn’t show it. He is constantly pushing the envelope with his impressive skills behind the boat (wake-to-wake 540 anyone?), and his stand out section in Obscura’s team movie showcased his winching, rail and PWC skills, left most people’s mouths gaping. Frankly, we can’t wait to see what Grant does next year in his first year as an official pro.

BroStock 2011 from Liquid Force on Vimeo.