Wake & Ski

So with 4 rounds gone and only the finals remaining.  Here are the current points totals.

 Talk about close

JUNIOR MEN 2 

JUNIOR MEN 1

LADIES DIV 2

LADIES DIV 1

MASTERS 2

MASTERS 1

OPEN MEN

OUTLAWS

Final stop 11th September at White Rose

See you there 

After the weekend extravaganza over in Hull it was back down to business at Calmwater Bay in Knaresborough. This is the penultimate stop and as such is the one where the final scores will start taking shape after this stop the hopes of podiums at the awards could be gone. The tour bus arrived at bang on 9.00 to be greeted by Mandy and Keith ever ready as always  The sun was breaking through and the site got set up quickly for the first Rookie riders to take to the water  Once more all divisions were full and with people now travelling from all over the UK competition is getting tighter In the Junior men div 2 Jack Wright and Ben Edwards continue their rivalry even though newcomer to the tour Davy Overmeer is causing quite a stir just pipping Ben into 2nd place and hot on the heels of Jack  so watch out Mr Wright.

In the Ladies division 2 current leader Roz Scott extended her unbeaten run though, once again Lauren Knowles was close behind and will be gunning in the finals were sure.

Ladies division 1 saw Katie Bachelor once again make the trip up North to challenge Megan Barker and oh what a job she did taking the honours and putting a little pressure back onto Megan to step up to the plate in the finals Nancy Creedy who is improving steadily with each stop is hot on the heels of Megan too.

Masters division 2 saw Steve Thompson looking pretty, with injury forcing out Gary Crabtree, the baseball bat incident was an accident says Steve, George Wright MIA although again Steve claims nothing to do with him!!  However Jon Burke had other ideas and on home water landing a sweet tantrum and completing both passes with a ion of turns and grabs managed to topple Steve and left him planning his next move like some sinister Bond villain!!

Junior Men 1 and young Ed Blundell who has been unstoppable so far this year, was not at his best, meanwhile Jonny Lodge rode an amazing set including scarecrow, tantrum, elephant amongst others to take the gold, much to his delight and his folks!!

Masters division 1 is always one of the most hotly contested and this year is no exception,  with the top 3 spaces being fought for by Billy Clough, Mike Heaton and Ronnie Hart, all Mike needed was a first place to put him in pole position,  however an awesome display of riding from Ronnie THE HITMAN Hart got him gold edging Billy Clough into 2nd place and Mike into 3rd.

Open men division and newcomer Matt Williams who has been in fine form, was once more.  Adam Oldfield who has struggled to hit his finest, struggled again, but managed to grab 2nd place.

The Outlaws is where the big guns go off this year, and we have seen some awesome riding.  Current Leader Carlos Fandango went huge once again sticking some sweet moves including what seemed to everyone the worlds largest tantrum.  However with Elliot Lux in good form it looked like he may be toppled.  However coming awake from his day long sleep Kurt Graham burst into life, a magnificent first set saw some of the most technical tricks of the day with the crowd and sunshine behind him he rode superb, taking the gold!!

A big thanks to the organisers and sponsors Fox Clothing, Xtreeme Gene, MasterCraft Boats UK, Alliance Magazine, Watersports World and of course Wakeboard UK!  

So we have a month off and then on 11th September it&rsquos final time at White Rose WSC in Brigghouse,  which were all looking forward to.

See you there

Good news Ladies and Gentlemen,  thanks to Perry Lux you can view lots of images of Rider League this year at the following link http://wakeandskiboatsuk.dphoto.com

We will be posting all the stops as the seaosn goes so keep an eye out.

After the long, hard, harsh winter, the wait was over.  The wakeboard season was finally here.

Tees Barrage was the all new venue on this years circuit.  The morning started very cold and wet.  The Rider League crew arrived on site at 8.30 closely followed by Michael from MasterCraft Boats UK with the hot of the production line 2010 X-2.

They very quickly converted the club site into an event site and the first of the riders started arriving.   This years new format allowed for the new rookies to get time on the water and a few practice sets for the early risers.  The weather started to change for the better and we even saw the sun making an appearance.

With the P.A. in full swing the boat crew doing a sterling job the main event was ready to start at 12.00.  We had riders in the following divisions Rookies, Ladies, Junior Men 2, Junior Men 1, Masters 2, Masters 1, Open  Men and Outlaws. The new format allows an extended run with a further fall allowed,  this meant riders were going big and trying some big stuff. The junior men division saw Jack Wright and Ben Edwards going head to head against each other,  a very close battle but in the end Jack Wright coming out on top. In the ladies with the addition this year of Megan Barker and Nancy Creedy into the division things were going to be tough for the existing ladies.  Sure enough Megan Barker went out and showed no signs of slowing down on mission to get to the top of ladies wakeboarding.  Nancy Creedy was back on her heels and showing an accomplished side to her riding,  watch this space as the season unfolds. Into the Junior Men division and we saw a few newcomers to the tour in form of young Ed Blundell and Joel Sayer,  both riders at West Midlands Waterski and showing great form behind the awesome X-2 wake.  Ed Blundell taking honours just ahead of Jonny Lodge. With competition the fiercest in the Masters division,  this year it has been split into 2 divisions with the plan being that top spot of div 2 will be promoted to Masters 1 for the 2011 season!! So div 2 pitched 4 riders against each other, and with George Wright picking up an injured ankle it paved the way for a battle at the top between Steve Hardman Thompson and Martin Webb.  A close battle was on but an elated Steve Thompson took top podium spot with Calmwater Bays  Jon Burke taking 3rd. Masters division 1 saw the old warriors Mike Heaton and Billy Clough resuming their on water rivalry, along with newcomer Ronnie Hart who rode very well pushing into 3rd spot.  Billy just managed to edge out Mike for the top points. Open men saw the top 2 spots being dominated by newcomers Matt Williams from West Midlands taking gold and local hero Scott Penman taking silver.   Nick Horsfall rode very well to get into third place. Then with the day drawing to an end it was down to the last division, Outlaws. Elliot Lux and Carlos Fandango showed the crowd some great riding but the top spot this time went to southern rider Luke Thomas from Isis in Reading with a huge run going big with some great technical tricks. With the sun shining for the presentation there was the prizes given out and thank yous given to this years tour sponsors.  MasterCraft Boats UK, Fox Clothing, Alliance Magazine, Wakeboard UK, Xtreeme Gene, Watersports World.  These people have all contribute to the overall tour this year and there are some great prizes up for grabs for the overall tour winners, including vouchers, holidays, and clothing./ppOnce again this year the existing team of supporters Brian Rook, Mike Clarke, Perry Lux, Ryan Davis amongst others did us proud on the day.  Tees Barrage and in particular Ian Robson and Mike Cook did a great job being the host for the day. So we will see you June 5th and 6th for the 2 stop party weekend at Billabong and Welton Waters.

Wake and Ski Boats UK Rider League is back for 2010,  it gets a facelift, an extra stop, a party weekend and an whole new venue and thats just for starters.

Now in its fifth year this tour goes from strength to strength, and for 2010 we welcome some new sponsors to our existing ones.  MasterCraft Boats UK are once again assisting in providing the pulling power for each event,  including the UKs premier of the all new MasterCraft X-25. Watersports World will be providing prizes and support at each event,  in addition we welcome Fox Clothing as the official clothing sponsor, providing prizes at each event and some cool vouchers for the overall tour winners.   Those great guys at Xtreeme Gene are also providing some prizes, including a few great Wakeboarding holidays in the sun!!  All of this and the tour is fully supported by Wakeboard UK!

For 2010 we are re-introducing the morning Rookie division,  open to all ages and genders, this division is for those riders who have just started wakeboarding or who need some coaching to get them doing more than just riding.  With a maximum entry of 7 riders, each rider will get an extended set getting just one chance to impress the judges.  With some great prizes up for grabs for the overall titles, consistency is going to be the key!

The cost of entering has also been reduced for those committing to the whole tour,  see the below package options. 

The dates for the tour are as follows

May 9th  (Sunday)  Tees Barrage    Teeside

June 5th and 6th   Party Weekend  Billabong Watersports  /  Welton Watersports

July 10th   Calmwater Bay  Knaresborough

September 11th    White Rose    Brigghouse  Finals

So get your entry forms in asap,  package option runs out at the end of April.

Then the final date for your diarys will be October 23rd for the grand awards ceremony, once again to be held at the cedar Court Hotel

So check out the details below on how to enter and we look forward to seeing you there, whether entering or coming to enjoy the day!!

ENTRY FEES

Rookie Training is £ 25.00 per stop  if entering all 5 stops package price of £ 100.00 payable prior to end of April 

General Rider League £ 20.00 per stop entered

5 Stops package £ 70.00 if paid in full prior to end of Aprilbr

3 Stop package £ 45.00 if paid in full prior to end of April

Please make cheques payable to Wake and Ski Boats UK

No entries accepted without correct payment at time of booking.

All entries must hold 2010 WUK Riders Pass available through Wakeboard UK for   £ 10.00 

If any of the packages taken, WUK Riders Pass will be included.

Return completed entry forms with correct payment to:

Simon Waring

Wake and Ski Boats UK

19 Moat House Square

Thorpe Arch Estate

Wetherby

LS23 7BJ

01937 842791       E-Mail  sales@wakeandskiboats.co.uk

YOU MUST BE A CURRENT MEMBER OF EITHER BWS OR WAKEBOARD UK TO ENTER ANY TOUR STOP!

After a very cold, harsh winter, things are starting to pick up pace for the new season.

Here at Wake and Ski Boats UK we have been very, very busy.  With our clients boats tucked up in bed for the winter we are now on with servicing and valeting etc.  So if you are wanting your boat serviced then get it booked in ASAP for a range of Pre Season Service options.

The main thing we have been doing is building our new showroom,  hoping to be ready to move into in the next month we have built a purpose made showroom right next to our 5000 square foot workshop / storage facility.  Keep an eye on this site for more details as we approach the season.

After all the hard work and emotions. 

The Season as come to a close,  but all is not lost as once again we are to host for the third year the inaugral awards ceremony.

After last years success Cedar Court in Harrogate have requested our presence again,  so on the 7th of November the Rider Leaguers best will gather to honour the winners and have a jolly good old night out.

Open to friends and family we expect to be at full capacity and tickets are available on a first come first served basis. 

Lots of fun and games will be expected along with music from the infamous X-Stars.

Tickets are £ 22.00 for adults and £ 10.00 for children under 12./ppContact Wake and Ski Boats on 01937 842791 or e-mail sales@wakeandskiboats.co.uk   

After a closely fought season in many divisions, the day of reckoning had arrived.  The early morning mist shone over the fabulous location of Calmwater Bay in Knaresborough.  The team of Keith, Mandy, Howard, Reeba, Mike, Angie and Will were there early and got the site prepared.

The delicious smell of BBQ bacon was in the air, as the MasterCraft X-2 arrived with the first riders already waiting.  The sun had broken through the mist and a wonderful day was looking likely has top international judge Graham Creedy arrived.

So with the boat crew in place, riders ready, the finals were go!!   The morning practice sets went underway nicely with everybody riding hard for the running order. The sun was shining and a lot of anxious riders near the top of the table were starting to feel a little pressure.

In the final sets of the afternoon things heated up even more.  With no Lauren Grundy in Junior ladies the 2nd place overall was a very closely fought out battle between Tabz Nixon and Nancy Creedy.  Nancy who has competed at many competitions this year and has improved so much, just pushing herself that little bit to take 2nd place behind tour winner Megan Barker.

Junior men 2 saw newcomer Max Simpson entering his first ever competition competing against tour winner and awesome rider Jack Wright.

Ladies saw a welcome return to top spot for Zoe Oldfield formally Costigan and 2007 champion, pushing Rachel Clark into 2nd place.  Rosemary Scott was delighted with her run to take a podium 3rd.

Then it was onto the fiercest, most competitive division, the Masters.  In a big shock, normally mister consistent Mike Cook having a terrible run and coming in last place, possible meaning a slip from 3rd place overall.  Mark Dodgeson had a fantastic run putting the pressure on leaders Billy Clough and Mike Heaton, and in an unexpected run Steve Hardman Thompson went huge on everything and scored some big tricks to compete for a podium.  So when it came to the prize giving, Steve was in 3rd Mark took 2nd and Billy Clough knocked Mike Heaton into 4th place meaning overall champion once again is Billy Clough.

In open men, Paul Swain nursing an injured ankle was determined to ride to get some points and stay in contention for the overall, but with newcomer Liam Horsfall riding superb and Adam Oldfield showing form,  keeping top spot overall was going to be difficult.

Sure enough Adam did enough to take the crown and the top spot on the day, with brothers Liam and Nick Horsfall taking 2nd and 3rd.

Junior men 1 saw Adam Grundy riding spectacular to pip Johnny Lodge on the day, and with a welcome return for Charlie Long making the step up from Junior Men 2 he managed to knock Johnny into 3rd with an awesome run. However with fine form all season Johnny will take home the honours overall.

In outlaws the shock news was that favourite Carlos Fandango was in Spain and would not make it for the finals.  This left the way clear for Elliot Lux to take the overall, but not without stiff competition on the day from Andy Harris who rode awesome for the capacity crowd to take the days gold.

A big thank you to all involved in the tour, the sponsors of Wake and Ski Boats UK in association with MasterCraft Boats UK, Watersports World, Wakeboard UK and Alliance Magazine.  And on the day Fox Clothing had come up with some great prizes and had a massive input into the event so huge thanks for them.

Last of course was a big thank you to the organisers and volunteers Graham Creedy, Billy Clough, Adam Oldfield, Brian Rook and Mike Clarke who make it all possible along with the members of each hosting club.

So see you in 2010 for the 5th anniversary year of Rider League!!

This weekend sees the fourth and final stop of Rider League.

Calmwater Bay in Knaresborough are the fantastic host site and the forecast is hot, with hot action on the water also.

Each division could still go to anyone with the competition fierce.  So get yourselves down to Calmwater Bay to check out the action this saturday. 

This coming weekend sees the Kneeboard Nationals taking place at Humberbridge Ski Club.   The 40th Anniversary MasterCraft Pro Star 197 will once again be doing a sterling job pulling the event with Brian Rook at the helm.

Wake and Ski Boats UK will be there offering advice and support to the event and spectators on behalf of MasterCraft Boats UK as well as the legendary X-Stars performing on the saturday night.

So get yourselves to Humberbridge Ski Club for a great weekend of action on the 12th   

What a day, the sun shone and shone despite the forecast and previous few days weather.

A full field once again and a couple of newcomers,  the site of Treeton was buzzing from early on.  With competitors arriving early and the Treeton faithful getting the bacon butties on nice and early!

The site was set up and the MasterCraft X-2 arrived.  So straight to the action with the Junior ladies practice / qualification set.   With Treeton rider Lauren Grundy showing great improvement from last year, she was going to make it tough on Megan Barker.   Abi Sawyer from Treeton eventually agreed to enter making it a very full division.

We also had a full Junior Men 2 seeing the return to the tour of George Daly up against Jack Wright and Ben Edwards.

Dan Jordan who had been coaching at Treeton on the Friday hung around to be one of the judges for the day, along with Graham Creedy,  both did a sterling job with the hot conditions throughout the day.

Thanks to great driving and jetty marshalling we got through the first sets by 2.00 pm and we were ready for the competition.

A few surprises had been thrown up with Lauren Grundy pushing Megan Barker into 2nd place at the interval, with some great riding and showing fine form.  A total of 33 riders took part in the competition, with Calmwater Bays Kim Utting injured the open ladies division was about to be opened wide,  with no Zoe Oldfield  Rachel Clark would have the chance to increase a dominant lead at the front.  Rosemary Scott showing great improvement pushing her all  the way.

In junior men 1 newcomer Greg White dominated the field and showed great Outlaw potential perhaps for the next stop.   Rivals Adam Grundy and Johnny Lodge were difficult to separate but Adam just edging him out.

Masters saw a change in the top 3 finally, with George Wright landing some kind of invert which we named the Air Supply,  absolutely delighted with his performance he loved the 3rd place podium finish!!   Billy Clough managed to take top spot away from Mike Heaton meaning the last stop at Calmwater Bay on the 26th of September gives them everything to play for.

In open men the absence of Adam Oldfield would mean a great chance for Paul Swain and Ryan Davis to capitalize and make the division theirs.  However Nick Horsfall had other ideas and rode superb in the 2nd set to take top spot, so still all to play for at the finals.

So at about 4.30 it was time for an increased outlaws division.  With a return for Andy Harris all eyes would be on him to see if he could put himself back in contention.  No Jorge Gill, but with Luke Thomas making a return to Rider League it could be anybodys. Andy rode awesome stomping some great spins and inverts till ending his second pass with a huge stack which had the capacity crowd at Treeton cringing.   But when it came to the podium he had done enough to just edge out Elliot Lux into 2nd place,  Luke taking 3rd and Carlos Fandango taking the 4th spot after a decent first morning set not at his best in the afternoon. At the end Dan Jordan decided to cool down and get wet and did a freeride demo much to the delight of the crowd going huge on a number of moves and looking very stylish.

With the awards wrapping up the day, and thanks to Billy Clough and Gary Crabtree for the MasterCraft X-2, thanks to the sponsors of MasterCraft Boats UK, Watersports World, Monster Energy Drinks, Alliance Magazine, and of Course Wakeboard UK.   Treeton for being superb host, and Brian Rook and Mike Clark for once again doing a sterling job of driving.

3rd stop results

Jr Women

1. Megan Barker  33.00

2. Lauren Grundy 30.00

3. Nancy Creedy   26.00

4. Tabz Nixon       20.00

5. Abi Sawyer 15.00

6. Chelsea Waring  9.00

7. Hannah Waring   5.00

Ladies

1. Racheal Clarke  18.50

2. Rosemary Scott 12.00

3. Gillian Hall        9.00

Masters

1. Billy Clough  35.00

2. Mike Heaton  28.00

3. George Wright  26.00

4. Mike Cook      24.00

5. Gary Grabtree  17.00

6. Gareth Robinson 14.00

7. Jon Burke         12.00

8. Steve Thompson 10.50

9. Mark Dodgeson  9.00

Jr Men 1

1. Greg White     50.00

2. Adam Grundy 32.00

3. Johnny Lodge  24.00

4. Ben Daly          7.00

Jr Men 2

1. George Daly  29.00

2. Jack Wright   13.00

3. Ben Edwards  8.00

Open Men

1. Nick Horsfall  27.00

2. Paul Swain        15.00

3. Ryan Davis        9.00

Outlaws

1. Andy harris        40.00

2. Elliot Lux           36.00

3. Luke Thomas     34.50

4. Carlos Fandango 30.00

This Saturday sees the 3rd strop of Rider League take place.

Treeton in Sheffield are hosting the event and were already near capacity of entries. Dan Jordan is making the journey and hosting a coaching day on Friday prior to the event, then will be staying around to judge the event and maybe do a demo ride.

All the regulars will be there so make sure you get down to Treeton where we have booked the sunshine.

Wake and Ski Boats UK Wakeboard Rider League 2nd Stop.

After much expectation the 2nd stop of Wake and Ski Boats UK Rider League was here.  The well hidden venue of Lound Ski Club, were the very welcoming host for this event.  Nestled away in the tiny village this club is a haven for the boat owning members who own the club.

With 2 dedicated lakes for boat use, caravan park, fully stocked bar and club house, there really was no better location.

Everyone arrived on site nice and early to be welcomed by the warm smell of bacon and sausage on the BBQ.  A riders briefing was held for the new riders to the tour, including 7 from the host club whilst the boat crew of Brian Rook, Billy Clough, Mike Clark, and Gary Crabtree got the water side things ready.

After a few delays the event kicked off at around 10.00am.  7 divisions and 40 riders would be taking part over 2 rounds during the day.  A lot to get through, even by top international Judge Graham Creedys standards.  The weather was kind although overcast, the tunes were pumping and the food and drink flowing thanks to Lound’s great hospitality.

By 2.00 pm all 40 riders had completed the first round and running orders were being put together for the final round.  Some great riding had taken place and few not so good first sets for the likes of Adam Oldfield, Open men, who after what looked like a heavy night struggled to tame the wake of the MasterCraft X-2.  In open men newcomer and local boy Ollie Fryatt was leading the way and setting the standard.

So after a quick lunch, it was back onto the boat and on with the days event.

Junior ladies as always were up first, and Megan Barker once again proving unstoppable, even with the return of Lauren Grundy and a much improved Nancy Creedy snapping closely at her heels.

Junior Men Division 2 made a return, even with only 2 riders in the form of Jack Wright, and Ben Edwards, on the day Jack Wright running a great pass to take gold.

Junior Men 1 saw a much improved Johnny Lodge in the 2nd round going huge and throwing 3 inverts to take gold, just ahead of Adam Grundy who now has mastered is first invert and will be sure to up the ante in his home stop on 25th July at Treeton.  Oliver Akid did not have the best of passes and had to settle for 3rd place.

Ladies and the honours once again went to Rachel Clark, but newcomer to the tour Kim Utting once again pushing her all the way with little in it.

With just 3 divisions left including the hotly contested masters, the boat crew took a break and enjoyed the sunshine whilst we had it.  By now most of the members of Lound had come to view so a good crowd had gathered, waiting for the action.   Dropping on the days events was an old RAF fighter plane doing a fly by courtesy of Mr Duker which came in so low, we could have hooked a line on the back!

So with the X-2 loaded it was on with Masters,  Mike Heaton carrying on his George Foreman return to form with a stunning run to just edge out last season’s winner Billy Clough once more.  Mike Cook once again showing a dependable run to take bronze, but whilst Billy and Mike Heaton are riding like they are, they could open up quite a lead at the front.  Mention to Jon Burke who in only his 2nd stop jumped half way up the rankings with a fine effort.

Open men and  with 6 Lound Rider’s being the unknown quantity, a return for last season champion Nick Horsfall and the poor morning form of Adam Oldfield, it was anybody’s guess.

Paul Swain showed improvement to challenge for podium place, Nick Horsfall went out and showed the reason he was crowned king last season, with some great graps, and spins, newcomer Ollie Fryatt went out and thrilled his home crowd with huge Tantrum, Back Roll and spins a plenty. 

However when it mattered, Adam Oldfield had one of the best runs seen going huge and landing 4 inverts to take a return to Gold Spot.

So onto the big guns, the Outlaws and with the absence of Andy Harris it was time for Jorge Gill, Carlos Fandango and Elliot Lux to try and carve out a good gap.  On the day  there was no comparison, with Elliot and Carlos both struggling a little, young Jorge Gill was the clear winner with a storming pass that got the crowd buzzing as we entered the final stages.

Once the boat was cleared and crew watered it was time for MC of the day Simon Waring to do the honours and thanks.  Firstly a big thank you was given to Lound for there superb facilities being available, then of course the boat crew of Brian Rook, Mike Clark, Billy Clough, Gary Crabtree and Perry Lux who all did a sterling job.  A big up to Graham Creedy who as always had the arduous task of separating the riders.  Finally Peter Ibitson the chairman of the club gave a big thanks to the organisers and riders for bringing a well groomed event to their club and expressed the hope of a return next year.

So onward and upward and roll on the 25th July where Treeton in Rotherham are the host of the 3rd stop, where the final league tables will start coming together.  See you there!!

Welton Waters near Hull were the first host of the season for the 09 Wakeboard UK Rider League Tour.

Saturday May 23rd was the date and we hoped for good conditions.  Well it wasn’t raining on the morning as riders started to arrive, and the water looked good.  With a few changes to the format for 09 it hopefully meant a more relaxed day, with the practice set limited in time and the competitors limited in numbers we hit the water once the MasterCraft X-2 kindly provided by Billy Clough and Gary Crabtree arrived.

6 divisions were represented with the Master’s men once again proving the mostly contested.  Outlaws division had also grown with 4 entrants.  The practice sets were underway to qualify for position in the afternoons competition.  It was plain to see that all riders were a little tense and nervous, all having not done much riding due to the start of the season.

In the Junior Ladies we saw a new youngest rider with newcomer Hannah Waring aged 10 ( just )

The practice sets were wrapped up about 1.30 and Graham Creedy had the hard task of grouping the riders,  but with the difficult decision done it was time to start the comp at 2.00 pm.

Junior ladies rode first and with 5 ladies in the division fighting for podium, all eyes were on Megan Barker, last season’s victor. She was showing no signs of slowing down,  going huge wake to wake’s and putting in a good variety of grabs and tweaks to make top spot.  Close battle for 2nd place between Rider League regular Tabz Nixon and Nancy Creedy,  but in the end Tabz just managing to outplace Nancy into 3rd.

Junior men saw a much depleted division,  so come on you junior men!!
With Olli Akid and Johnny Lodge entered, last season’s runner up Jorge Gill, now and Outlaw was brought in to make the division.  This gave both Johnny Lodge and Olli Akid the chance to make some points before the other junior men compete at the next stop.

Johnny Lodge was very entertaining showing the crowd his no fear style of riding and frolics, which secured him 2nd place,  oliver Akid just missing out on a back roll which would have seen him take 2nd I’m sure.  Jorge Gill on his warm up for Outlaws took gold.

Ladies saw 2 new entrants in the form of Gillian Hall and Kim Utting.  Both very nervous but holding it together for the day,  we also saw a welcome return for new mum Zoe Oldfield ( was Costigan ) who only 10 weeks after giving birth to little Parkes ( yes that’s right Parkes ) was riding for the first time.  All riders did very well, but it was jubilant Rachel Clark who took top spot, followed closely by new girl Kim Utting who narrowly beat young mum Zoe into bronze spot.

Masters was the fiercest division with hardly anything between the top 5 riders.  As always Mr Cool himself Mike Cook was on form and riding well, last season’s winner Billy Clough was hoping for a good set and did well landing a good selection of 180’s and back roll.  However the day belonged to Mike Heaton 2007 overall winner who showed a return to form like Muhammad Ali sticking a back roll and tantrum to take top spot.  Newcomer to the tour Mark Dodgeson also upped the anti with the first Master’s Raley so I’m sure eyes will be on him for the next few stops.

Open men saw Adam Oldfield’s expected easy win taken away by Luke Thomas who had come up from the south to enter and having spent winter training rode amazing, and well worthy of automatic upgrade to Outlaws for next stop.  Adam took second place from tour newcomer Paul Swain who is another entertaining character to have on the tour.

Outlaws saw Jorge Gill and Elliot Lux making the grade from last years Juniors and proving they were here to battle it out with Andy Harris who has spent winter wrapped in bubble wrap in an isolation chamber?  and Carlos Fandango who has been bullied into entering the tour.  The riding was first class from all riders, but it was a welcome boost for Carlos Fandango to take top spot with an astonishing run that had the crowd going wild.

So with all results in, it was time to calculate and give out the prizes and thanks.  A huge thanks to Graham Creedy and Wakeboard UK who as always was there to support and judge.  Big Thanks to Alliance Magazine for supplying prizes for the stop and supporting the tour, thanks to Billy Clough and Gary Crabtree for offering the boat for the tour and to Brian Rook and Mike Clarke for driving all day.

Thanks were also said of supporting sponsors MasterCraft Boats UK, and Watersports World.  

So with that all done the first stop of the Wake and Ski Boats UK Rider League Tour is done,  next stop Lound in Retford on the 20th of June.

Results:

Junior Ladies

1st  Megan Barker 
2nd  Tabz Nixon
3rd  Nancy Creedy
4th  Chelsea Waring
5th  Hannah Waring

Junior Men

1st  Jorge Gill
2nd  Johnny Lodge
3rd  Oliver Akid

Ladies 

1st  Rachel Clark
2nd  Kim Utting
3rd  Zoe Oldfield
4th  Gillian Hall

Masters

1st  Mike Heaton
2nd  Billy Clough
3rd  Mike Cook
4th  Mark Dodgeson
5th  Gary Crabtree
6th  Simon Hogg
7th  George Wright
8th  Colin Almond
9th  Steve Thompson
10th  Jon Burke

Open Men

1st  Luke Thomas
2nd Adam Oldfield
3rd  Paul Swain
4th  Ryan Davis

Outlaws

1st Carlos Fandango
2nd Jorge Gill
3rd  Andy Harris
4th  Elliot Lux

November 2008 and Wake and Ski Boats UK is born, led by the former management team of MasterCraft GB.

With a re-location to Thorpe Arch Estate, Wetherby and a independant, unbiassed slant on the Wakeboard and Ski Boat market.

Our aim is to offer all options open to any potential purchasers of a new or used boat. Assisting them in carrying out their purchase. Whether it be for a boat from or through us or one of their dreams they have seen elsewhere. With a passion and in depth 20 year knowledge of the industry, we aim to deliver the top class customer service our old customers have come to expect, with addition of a whole new range of services coming on hand.

With our history and heritage steeped in MasterCraft Boats, we are pleased to announce our associationship with the new UK distributors MasterCraft Boats UK based in Preston. With over 20 years experience in this marketplace, Wake and Ski Boats UK are excited about working alongside MasterCraft Boats UK to help them maintain there strong presence in the North East of England. Working closely with the local clubs of the region offering on site servicing and repairs. In addition Wake and Ski Boats UK will be organising the regions Rider League Wakeboard Tour in conjunction with Wakeboard UK, which will once again see over 50 riders compete head to head in over 5 divisions for the prestigious titles.

Also with the North East hosting 3 of the 4 MasterCraft Kneeboard tour stops, Wake and Ski Boats will be assisting at these great family events too.

So keep an eye on www.mastercraft.co.uk and www.wakeandskiboats.co.uk for more information.

Rider League is back for the 2009 season. Wake and Ski Boats UK in association with MasterCraft Boats UK, Wakeboard UK, Watersports World, and Alliance Magazine are organising 4 stops of this highly successful tour. With a strict limit of 40 riders per stop, each rider will receive a 2 stop practice session in the morning to determine the running order, and the finals will be played out in the afternoon, much the same as last year. With a few new riders already signed up and more wanting to enter it is a strictly first come first served affair. Anyone interested in knowing more can contact Wake and Ski Boats UK on 01937 842791 or e-mail sales@wakeandskiboats.co.uk.

Will Carlos Fandango return, will anyone be able to topple Andy Harris, these are the questions in the Outlaw division which for 09 has got a little bit bigger with Wake and Ski Boats UK rider Elliot Lux throwing the gauntlet down to all outlaws. This young rider came 2nd in the UK Nationals last year and is determined to prove himself in the big boys field.

Meanwhile in the Masters division Billy Clough returns to defend his title against the usual suspects of Mike Cook, Simon Hogg and the other guys. In the Ladies division Laura 'Totally Awesome' Blissett is retiring from this years tour leaving the field open. Open men may well see Adam Oldfield return to glory, although with pre season training going well he may make the grade to Outlaws. The junior ladies will be no quiet division with Megan Barker, Nancy Creedy, Tabz Nixon back to battle it out against each other.

So with divisions for Junior Ladies through to Outlaws there is something for everyone, so check out the dates and venues and if your up for a great day out then make sure you attend at least one of these great events, even if just to watch the action on the water and spend a great day chilling at the side of the lake.

These all important dates / venues are:-

• May 23rd - Welton Waters - Near Hull
• June 20th - Lound Ski Club - Retford
• July 25th - Treeton - Rotherham
• September 26th - Calm Water Bay - Knaresborough

So keep an eye on www.wakeandskiboats.co.uk for more info or why not join the facebook group to keep up to date with all the action on and off the water.