Flashback: 2006 Bakes NWI

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July 22, 2006 brought on early morning clouds that looked to dampen the day. However, the sun scorched through and changed the outlook from poor to perfect in classic Northwest fashion just as the riding was gearing up. The 2nd annual Bakes NWI Double Up comp was ready to kick off.The Northwest was out in force with the likes of Brent Starr, Nick Jones, Bret V, and other top riders vying for the glory of the day’s best rider. Lake Washington was up to its usual tricks, sending out a few extra rollers for the boys to deal with. Defending Bakes NWI champion, Nick Jones, started his day off right sticking a KGB and a solid Heelside 720. Following Jones, Brandon Robins went for a massive Back Mobe that easily could have taken trick of the day. Unfortunately for Robins, he was booted so well by the massive wake kicked out by the Malibu Wakesetter VLX that he over rotated and got an awakening from the floor of water below. Rider after rider took to the water as it became increasingly rough with each minute of the day.As the chop did its best to break up the wake, round two’s head-to-head format saw Nick Jones sticking more solid tricks and moving on…one step closer to holding onto his crown. Dave Isaacson also made his way into the latter round and faced off against up and comer Jeff Ward. Isaacson went big on his first two passes and then reappeared for a third double up in nothing but a banana hammock (AKA Speedo). Falling at the far end of the lake on his second pass, Isaacson “lost” his shorts, making for some oohs and more than a few ahhs as he passed by the crowd. Despite the speedo and two bad knees, he still moved on with his “go big” style dominating the competition format. The second round came to a close featuring a huge Japan Roll to Revert from Nick Ennen, and three solid tricks from a very consistent Bret van den Heuvel.With a break in the action, official Pro Tour announcer Nic Weinacker and local voice Matt van den Heuvel kept the party going on the mics with a few contests for some free swag which included a high five competition and a dance off. Band X35 jumped on the Car Toys Aftershock stage to provide some live beats as well, and the day rolled on.The final four came down to Nick Jones versus Dave Isaacson, and Nick Ennen versus Bret V, consequently the top four seeded riders coming into the round. Moving through to the Finals after competitive runs were Jones and van den Heuvel to see who would be named 2006 Bakes NWI champion. With only two tricks, the mind games started as Jones got to size up van den Heuvel who was first off the dock. Bret V started off with a Frontside 360 followed by a huge Indy Frontflip that made its own case for biggest air of the day. Showing no fear, Jones stuck a KGB, followed by a Backside off axis 360 that just missed the meat of the double up. In the end, the judges gave the credit and the crown to Bret V for his clean tricks and clear command of the wake.Thanks to Bill Baker and Bakes Marine Center, judge Rob Hyatt, announcers Matt van den Heuvel and Nic Weinacker, Sonja Scheffler, John Thorburn and the NMTA, Chris Craig for towing the comp, Funky Monkey radio, Car Toys and the Aftershock semi, Red Bull, CWB, Northwest Sessions, NWRclothing.com, Yorkatron, Summit Films, and all the riders and the people behind the scenes that brought the event together.

The 2007 Bakes NWI is shaping up to be a great event. This year’s competition will go down July 28, 2007 at Renton’s Gene Coulon Park. Check back regularly for updates.

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