The Lancashire Wakeboard Club

Expect to see more Wakeboarding and Wakeskating events in more extraordinary places. Thanks to Tim Woodhead at Industry Wake Parks UK.

Industry Wake Parks is the UK distributor for Sesitec products which includes the revolutionary System 2.0. The System 2.0 is being used as a commercial tool to operate wake parks and at events to enhance the wakeboard action.

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It seems practically impossible to make a decision when choosing new gear. We’re presented with an obscene amount of choice these days, but what’s worse you can make a decision then struggle to get hold of anything that satisfies both you and/or your wallet.

With technology flowing in by the truck load your constantly left feeling like you ought to upgrade… Quad Concave, Hybrid Flex, Biolite Core, Glass Rope sidewalls, LIQUID RAILS, AIR Ride Chassis… what is this? Space travel?

We are certainly picking up the bill for all that research, design and testing. I mean you can easily spend over £700.00 on a new set up that’s before a handle, line and vest. OUTRAGEOUS! What average kid has that amount of cash and even if they did, why not pay for full membership at a cable or jump on eBay with a few pals and go four ways on a Fletcher? I bet they’d still have change for an old board and a tank of juice. After all it’s the amount of riding, not what you’re riding.

Looks like the manufactures definitely listened in marketing class too, as it appears they didn’t even make enough to go round last year, leaving pros without. I’m not convinced they’ve strived to make a durable product either. I hope it’s because I’m riding more. But equipment seems to deteriorate much quicker these days. Ok, we’re not asking for bombproof stuff, but products that will at least last until payday.

One of our riders snapped a month old board doing backrolls behind the boat. But the warranty was voided because he hit a slider or two at the cable. Fair enough it wasn’t a grind base, but I’ve eaten cheese that’s taken more thrashing than that, and it still tasted fine.

At the end of the day it’s down to personal preference. If you’re comfortable and enjoying it then it’s the right board for you, forget what anyone else says.

James Buck

We recommend a few retailers who particularly aim to help rather than sell these are:

Watersports World

Bargain Boards

LLWB

Tucked away over on Lancashire’s east border rests a lush body of water, sheltered by surrounding hills and fresh countryside. Whitworth Water Ski & Recreation Centre boasts some of the best facilities for water skiing and wake boarding in the North West.

Situated on Cowm Reservoir, the established British Water Ski and Wakeboard Club is home to a fleet of wake & ski boats including a 2009 MasterCraft X1 kicking up a rather addictive wake.

You’ll be delighted to hear we bring you reduced rates to Non-Members! Quote ‘THE LWC’ when you make your booking to receive 15min sets for just £20. (Saving £9)

The X1 performs well with hardly any ballast in. However over the next few months we will be there every Wednesday running the boat fully loaded with coaches onboard at no extra cost.

What’s more you can check the webcam before you set off to see how flat it is.

See you Wednesday, Don’t forget you’re IPod.

THE LWC

The Loch Stock Rail Jam was a huge success, with over 20 riders of various levels competing for five medals using three winches on four different obstacles. Spectators gathered on the beach beneath the glorious sunshine, probably wondering what an earth was going on.

From the moment the winches fired up the standard of riding was intense, and the level of progression seen throughout the Jam was phenomenal. Riders who had never hit rails before were seen riding away from solid 50-50s along the slider and huge 180’s off the incline.

Ben Howells and James Bowler both had some good hits however Scottish Stu took the Wakeskate victory to for his textbook moves on the C-Rail and his impressive shuv off the 12m Slider.

Windermere Defiant Tom Lomax took some heavy slams trying to Ollie into Boardslide; he got crowned ‘The Monster Trucker’ but impressed us with his commitment and his ‘do it faster, harder, better’ attitude. He ended his run on a good note by jumping over the Slider, despite all the heckling from the side.

Mike Bibby set a high standard early on showing he can ride rails as good as he builds them.

Kurt Graham, Ben Howells and Jimbo’s hits were rather impressive. We witnessed some big presses and 270s both on and off, but towards the end of the jam the benchmark got lifted as Robin Coats began hurling Scarecrows off the incline. This pushed Wakeboard rail novice JJ to try a front flip off it. After speeding the winches up Robin stomped it and as the night rolled in, the party commenced.

Winners took home medals, Tees and custom wakeboards signed by most people at the event, two of which have Unlimited Riding at Loch Lomond Wakeboard so thanks to Ray and Gordy for sorting that.

THE LWC would like to thank the winch drivers and everyone that mucked in on the day and made it all run smoothly. And big thanks to MCs: Gylen, Lomax & Jimbo for keeping the crowd informed and somewhat entertained all weekend.

Also special thanks to Bibby for all his time and efforts and without his tools, skills and wisdom the rail Jam would NOT have happened as good as it did.

Simon Shepherd took a well deserved 1st place overall. It has been by far the best Loch Stock, and the perfect end to the 2010 tour. THE LWC look forward to next year already and we have some big ideas in the pipeline.

After a good lie in and a chilled out session on the winch we headed out for an evening boat set and it was nice to actually see other people ride without the pressure of the comp. James Hackney busted out some big inverts, and Jimbo threw a Backroll and 2 huge Raleys. JJ decided he was riding at 85feet and Mike was so close to landing his first heel Backroll. Robin got Lomax chucking some promising toe backrolls and after a few hours of coaching and driving he busted out some huge tantrums way into the flats.

As always we felt sad to leave such a homely place. But you’ll be pleased to know we’ve left a part of us behind. That’s right 40foot slider is officially owned by Loch Lomond Wakeboard so if you feel like you missed out then why not take a trip up and give that C-rail a bash too. Ray and Gordy also have big plans to upgrade their fleet of wake boats, but for the rest of the season Becky Hall and her beautiful Malibu Wakesetter VLX will be living on the Loch offering Pro Coaching behind a Pro size Wake!

James Buck

You’ll be pleased to know we are sponsoring the Loch Stock Rail Jam and at the final stop this weekend at Loch Lomond Wakeboard. Our floating slider will be making its debut appearance, which is not only perfect for beginners and skaters but its shear length should keep you entertained all day long.

We’ve got two winches and a whole bag of prizes, nothing serious. Judges will be looking for commitment, style and progression. So if you’ve never hit a rail before, this is the perfect opportunity to show up some riders who have, and push them to try even harder.

The cost will be £5 to enter or £10 for entry and unlimited winching all weekend. (The money will help to cover some of the prizes, medals, materials and expenses to transport the obstacles) Coaching can be provided for all levels, so don’t be put off. . .

To arrange accommodation contact: Ray at Loch Lomond Wakeboard

To enter the Final boat competition go to: Loch-Stock.com

Or to find out what its like – Just Go!

THE LWC

A few weekends ago a few of us decided to road trip down to Abersoch for a sniff at some surf. We chucked the wakeboards in on the off chance that the sea may be flat enough to ride.

On the way down we stopped off in Bangor and hooked up with Cai Hughes at his bar Piranha Lounge, (and yes it does have piranhas.) We chilled out watching some wake DVDs and got introduced to a few local riders, among them was a dude called Rob Bartley who had just bought Cai’s boat.

Before we knew it shots and cocktails began to emerge from the bar. After a while we made our way to the local night club where we got Rob pissed up on goldschlager and convinced him it was a good idea to take his new boat out for a spin on the Menai straits the following day.

I’ve often heard people say its too dangerous to go wakeboarding in the straits because of sand drifts, differential tides, whirlpools and all kinds. However I can confirm that this is not true and I’m shocked that more people aren’t riding their from our end instead of the trawl to Abersoch. Don’t get me wrong the currents are probably quite dangerous but if you’ve got a life vest on and a boat picking you up it’s totally worth the risk. It’s about £120 launching pass for the year or £15 for the day. There are no speed restrictions or swimmers and apart from the salt the water conditions are awesome. We each had a set on the X2 to clear the hangovers, followed by lunch and another pint in the pub.

We said our goodbyes and headed over to Abersoch for a walk along the beach. You suddenly remember why so many people don’t mind travelling the hundreds of miles that it takes to get there and why those wooden beach huts costs more than your average 3 bedroom house. The scenery is amazing!

Abersoch Beach

On the next day (Sunday) we fuelled up with a Full English and made our way to hells mouth despite a poor report. The waves were only about 2 feet high however that was enough. It felt so good ride on the open water with just you and the board, no nonsense. We headed home with sunburnt heads.

The end
James Buck

Random Wales Trip - May 2010

The Lancashire Wakeboard Club

Do you remember your determination and enthusiasm trying to stand up on a wakeboard? Do you remember the pain you felt when you first accidently dipped your toe edge? And can you remember the pleasure and relief when you first jumped across the wakes?

Well truth is, the sensation of progression exists no matter how good, bad, and young or old you are. It’s the main reason why people are so addicted to action sports.

I see too much energy wasted on frustration and anger. Riders rush into trying things before they are ready, and then most give up because they continue to fail.

I’m not saying you need to go and try 1080’s. If you’re happy riding where your at, that’s more than adequate, but if your not, and your getting hacked off because you’re falling and crashing without learning, then you need to, ask… Why?

David Leak - Smiles in the ship and on the water (always)

Your mates in the boat offer the best encouragement and motivation. Tutorial videos are great for theory and technique. Trampolines are ace for getting your head around the physical motions. Photos, DVDs, magazines, media, and people provide the inspiration!

In previous years some LWC riders have been fortunate enough to have pro-coaching with the likes of Kath Moore and Chris Woodhead.

Fundamentals – Commitment - Mechanics – Success

Maybe you don’t come away with a new trick that session, but in the long run you’ll have a better understanding and awareness of where you and your buddies are going wrong.

Approach and styles vary from each rider, and don’t forget there are various ways to get dragged around: boats, jet skis, winches etc etc. Mixing with other crews and other wakes on other lakes really makes a positive impact on your riding and your social life. And wakeboard competitions and festivals bring alike people together and help push things into perspective.

Cable parks and System 2.0’s may be seen as a completely different manner of riding. Some cable riders have never been behind a boat. This might come as a shock to some. “Wakeboarding with no wake… What’s all that about?”. On the other hand some boat riders have never been on a cable, and maybe they aught to.

The born and bread British 20 year old Nick Davis started riding cable as a teenager. He has made his mark all over the world proving his talent and innovation in both cable and boat events, taking 1st place time and time again.

LWC weekend at Sheffield Cable Park - Summer 2009

Some may see cable as a substitute for people who can’t access or can’t afford to ride behind boat, however you can’t take away the fact, Cable has evolved into a sport of its own, Bringing elements of boat riding, kite boarding, snowboarding and Skating together. As a result, this has created a welcoming, affordable, environmentally friendly riding atmosphere which should not be overlooked or looked down on.

But remember there’s more to wakeboarding than just landing tricks and progressing. Its about Friends and families having fun together! Personally for me, there is nothing better than being in a crammed on a boat a sunny day filled with beers and laughs.

“It’s the journey you take… there is no destination” – James Buck

Keep up to date with the latest in Wakeboard & Wakeskate News….

June last year we caught up with the Loch Stock tour at their second stop in Dumfries. We then attended the third and final stop at Dunfermline which was a huge success for us, with certain LWC riders finishing high up in the Open Men’s category.

Hooper hits the floating pontoon - Des Sterland Photo

This unique Scottish wakeboarding and wakeskating event has snowballed into three weekend stops, in a festival style format which could potentially spread all over the United Kingdom in the next year or so.

If you fancy a fresh deck or some new bindings, and would rather try before you buy, Raymondo from Loch Lomond will have a full liquid force demo kit for you to try out (Its likely that LS riders will get discount) he might even chuck in a hamburger.

Boy or girl… Whether you, ride, rode or don’t you’ll defiantly enjoy a weekend north of the border. The Loch Stock crew cater for all, from face paints and coaching to pontoon sliders and 4am drunken piano sessions.

LS2 2009- Sam Filsell 1st Ailsing Grace 2nd Jenny Parker 3rd

With sponsors including Liquid Force, MasterCraft and enough free Relentless to terrify Satan, you can appreciate these highland dudes really aren’t messing around.

Get involved!

The LWC