We’ve posted 3 photo galleries from the 2008 BAKES Northwest Wakeboard Invitational. Check out the photo galleries and official recap if you haven’t read it already after the jump.

Thanks to all the riders, sponsors, and spectators that showed up and made this the best BAKES NWI thus far….

Last Saturday, July 26th featured some of the biggest; booted double ups ever witnessed in the Northwest as the 4th annual BAKES NWI competition took flight. In all, 11 riders took to the milder than normal waters of south Lake Washington at Coulon Park. Many of the competitors were familiar to the event with a few brand new faces mixed in.

This year’s event showcased the best riding ever seen for the 4th Annual Bakes NWI. Riders pulled out some insane tricks and showed that even in tough conditions, they were the best in the Northwest. Read up on the full breakdown … after the jump.

Yesterday afternoon, at Coulon Park in Renton on the shores of Lake Washington, Thomas Olson landed a toeside 900 in the finals to WIN his first BAKES NWI title against defending 2 time Champion Bret V. Everyone who showed up to watch the NWI witnessed a passing of the torch between these long time friends from Gig Harbor. Many folks know that Bret V has been a mentor and significant influence in Thomas Olson’s wake career to this point. The 4th Annual BAKES NWI had the teacher give way to the protege’ in the closest finals decision the event has ever seen…

Congratulations Thomas Olson… we are proud of you bro ! And thanks to all the other invited riders who threw down with style and showmanship. This had to be one of the best wake comps I’ve been to locally.

* Check back this week for a full recap and photo galleries from this weekends BAKES NWI.

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1st - Thomas Olson (Gig Harbor, Washington)
Sponsors : BAKES Marine, Northwest Riders Clothing, OBrien Wakeboards

2nd - Bret V (Gig Harbor, Washington)

Sponsors : BAKES Marine, Malibu Boats, OBrien Wakeboards, Straight Line

3rd - Sam Cole (Oregon)

Sponsors : Active Water Sports, Slingshot Wakeboards

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* Biggest Air - Bret V (Heelside Indy Front)

* Best Trick - Thomas Olson (Toeside 900 in the Finals)

2008 BAKES NWI Rider List :

Bret V (Washington)
Brandon Robins (Washington)
Nick Jones (Washington)
Sam Cole (Oregon)
Nick Cardoza (SW Washington)
Nick Haisch (Washington)
Jeff Fabiani (Washington)
Rob Carter (Central Oregon)
Hunter Graham (Idaho)
Zach Schneider (Oregon)
Thomas Olson (Washington)
Chris Craig (Washington)

* Come out and root on riders from all over the Northwest region this Saturday at Coulon Park in Renton @ 10am.

We posted a link to last years recap and photo galleries, as well as a link to the video that aired last night on King5 Evening Magazine featuring Thomas Olson. Check them out.

Our furry friend, Wake Wookiee, is back with another article. This time he “interviewed” Northwest Wakeboarding Legend Bret V.

“Along with being a first-class ladies-man and a world-renowned wakeboarder, Bret V can now add “great American novelist” to his resume. Gentleman, Boater, Scholar: The Bret V Saga is a triumphant story of how a middle-class white boy overcomes the odds and becomes a first-rate Gentleman, Boater, and Scholar—and along the way, learns a few things about the human condition. V is for Victorious.”

Read the entire “month” long interview that took place over email after the jump. .

Stopped by BAKES Marine the other day to say hello to a few friends. As I walked by Bret V’s office he said he was going to the Lake to demo the NEW ‘08 Malibu 23ft LSV Wakesetter. I was eager to see it in the water so I followed him to the lake and snapped a few photos. Take a look after the jump.

Check back for Bret V’s detailed outline showcasing the NEW features of the ‘08 Wakesetter. In the meantime, stop by the shop in Issaquah and say hello to local pro riders Bret V & Brandon Robins and the rest of the BAKES crew.

It is once again time for a unique look into the mind of our resident Wookiee from www.WakeWookiee.com. In this installment, we find out about what it takes to make the rarely discussed “Quintuple Up” happen. With the proper conditions, equipment, a little luck, and some research…you could possibly learn to make this oddity of wake a reality.

This instructional comes complete with custom illustrations to give you the most for your time of learning. Enjoy the article…after the jump.

This weekend Koppert Lake is hosting “Freeriders Ball”, a two-day Wakeboard Tournament. A number of Northwest Riders are slated to ride in this comp. Current list of riders confirmed : Mike and Nick Ennen, Mike and Nick Cardoza, Bret V, Rob Carter, Alex Scagliotti, Sam Cole, Silas Thurman, and Jared Eygabroad of Scratch Films. The competition has divisions for all riding levels with different categories for each ability. Remember, this is an all weekend event so bring your family and friends to watch the best talent from around our region compete.

Our friend Eric Sund, who is on site Koppert Lake Staff, will be showing videos on a projector screen Saturday night for entertainment, and he invites everyone to campout and enjoy the festivities.

Check out the “Freeriders Ball” Flyer for event details after the jump.

Check out the BAKES NWI Photo Galleries.

The 2007 Bakes NWI Double Up event was once again a success building on last year’s popularity and reputation as the premier event for wakeboarding in Washington State. Drawing in the top talent from the region, the Bakes NWI saw large crowds and large action with riders getting boosted all day long.

Have a look back at the action from our vantage point as official media partner of the event. Come back tomorrow for a full photo essay of the action on and off the water.

Read the WakeboardNorthwest.com recap … after the jump.