2010 Northwest Riders Wake Series :: 1st Annual Wakeboard Event

This event was fun…and I’m not just saying that because it was our event. I had a blast. Greg had a blast. Our volunteers had a great time. The riders enjoyed it. We also heard the same from Monroe locals (except for that one angry fisherman), the Monroe Parks Department, the City of Monroe Mayor and staff, and on and on. It was fun because all of these people made it just that. Thank you. Anyone that came out and supported us…you are appreciated.

We are sifting through tons of images which we will post here on the BLOG in the coming days. Rhys Logan (rhystomahawk.com) came out to snap photos and will have them for sale for those that were asking/interested. Until then have a look at the edited video Rhys put together and read on …

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.

___________________________________________________________________

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

___________________________________________________________________

* 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.

This year in the absence of the Pro Wakeboard Tour Stop, which normally invades Portland in Mid-July, The Tige Pro-Am stepped up to fill the void. It is unfortunate that the PWT dropped Portland because fans and riders alike seemed to look forward to the last stop in Portland with enthusiasm and anticipation. So if you are unaware of the comp this weekend out at Blue Lake Park go check it out and support the riders. Known Northwest native riders slated to compete include Alex Scagliotti, Rob Carter, Aaron Rathy, Silas Thurman, Thomas Olson, James Balzer, and Evan Park.

All the event details are listed after the jump as well as a link to the event website and a google map of Blue Lake Park.

Last weekend was the annual right of wake passage in the Northwest somewhere between Portland, OR and Seattle, WA (Koppert Lake). The AWS Spring Classic always draws some great local talent and this year had the likes of the Cardoza brothers, Bret van den Heuvel, Sam Cole, Thomas Olson, and others. The event is more or less a kick off for the season. Most riders wore drysuits or hefty wetsuits, while a few “trunked” it and paid the price with some frigid water temps.

Full results … after the jump.

It’s here! Scratch Films fourth release, “Godspeed,” is now available at premier board shops everywhere. There are still some upcoming video premieres (including one at Central Washington University on Friday, April 4th). Go out and grab a copy now. The film was shot at multiple locations from multiple trips around Washington, Georgia, Idaho, and elsewhere. The film stars: Nick Ennen, Robby Carter, Jimmy Wolfe, Brett Lee, Chris Craig, Brandon Lee, Rhett Whatley, Mike Cardoza, Sean O’Brien, Thomas Olson, and Travis Propst.

Read more … after the jump.

As you may or may not have already heard, Northwest staple Chris Craig recently took the “initiation” many a wakeboarder does with the first major injury of his career. He did a number on his knee that ended his season back in October. We asked Chris about the knee and where he goes from here. Have a read … after the jump.

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with W.I.T. Production’s front man Spencer Norris and ask a few questions about his upcoming film “One Eye Shut.” Norris has been filming with some of the Northwest’s top talent as well as some rippers from Florida and other areas across the US of A. The film is the follow up to his freshman effort “The Arrival” and by the looks of it, will be a great addition to the young filmers resume.

Check out the full interview … after the jump.