Date: 7/29/01
Author: Tim Goodman

Tim Goodman

Wakeboarding, for all intents and purposes, does not exist in Turkey. I have been riding here in isolation for over three years now and have been doing everything I can to get the word out about this wonderful sport that I love so much. I've basically been riding with one other guy for most of that time. Only recently have any of our efforts to raise awareness about this sport managed to get a few others hooked which has, to my knowledge, formed the entirety of the wakeboarding scene in Turkey.

Small in numbers we may be, but we are as devoted and as aware of the love of wakeboarding as riders anywhere. The differences are many, but the similarities are as clear as the waters of the Aegean Sea. The love of the ride and the addictive feeling that comes from that love transcend distance and space and give us all that common ground from which to relate, respect and get to know fellow riders from around the world.

Turkey is a land of extremes. Seventy-five years young, the Republic of Turkey has made leaps and bounds to westernize its culture. However, what the fathers of modern Turkey failed to recognize is that culture and history are inseparable. Culture is derived from history and tradition, and 624 years of Ottoman history cannot be shrugged off in a mere century. The contrasts between the modern Turkish culture and its Ottoman past are evident in every aspect of life. Now, add Islamic values and a secular government and the stage is set for the present day state of affairs at the crossroads where east collides with west. The only country to sit on two continents, Turkey is a proud strong nation with massive potential for economic growth. Having left third world status, getting caught up in the corrupt practices of days gone by, while entering developing world status, The Republic of Turkey is almost on the road to becoming an economic power in the region. If, that is, they can get their house in order.

I have yet to find any signs of any other serious wakeboarding in the land of the Turk. I have traveled the Mediterranean Coast to the South extensively and have yet to see another wakeboard, much less any riders. I have heard of people riding at some holiday resorts down south, but I am convinced that these are just the same "pull for a price" operations that you find here on the west coast. That is not our gig. We ride religiously here on the Cesme Peninsula. We ride for the love of the sport and we ride hard. The evolution has been slow due to our isolation, but it has been picking up lately. As our level of riding has progressed, so has our need for equipment that is up to par. I am on my third boat now, and we are fully kitted as far as boards, bindings, phat sacks, handles, a tower... you name it. We had it all delivered from the States. It's a far cry from three years ago when a 40 horsepower motor, a rope and some sandal bindings were all we needed to have a great day on the water. Now all we lack is one of those beautiful wakeboard boats, as the current state of the economy makes that next to impossible for the time being.

The Cesme Peninsula is located just west of Izmir. We ride on the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea. Our days on the water always start with a search. We are hunting the glass and, in the Sea, it is not always a successful search. There is usually some glass to be found, and when there isn't, we ride the chop and hope for the wind to drop. One phrase that you will hear on my boat is "Get kitted...we've ridden worse." I know what some of you people in the States consider chop, and let me tell you that when we get your size chop, we are stoked! We ride every weekend and try to make it down for a mid-week set whenever possible. Andrew, the guy that I've been riding with for about two years, travels a lot to Russia and the former Soviet states. I shoot off to see friends and party in Britain, France and Spain quite often in the winter, but when we're here, we're riding. If its cold, put on a wetsuit and if its not, then wonderful. The Sea is actually the most calm in the fall and early winter months. Last year, December was excellent.

So here we are. No board shops, no tour, no other crews, no lakes, no instruction, no professionals, no boat dealers, no cable parks, no clinics, no magazines, no demoing equipment, no inboards, no grass roots events, but all the love. That's the real beauty of this sport isn't it? No matter where you are in the world you know that there is an entire community of people that share the love for this wonderful feeling we call wakeboarding. It's worldwide and it's pimp! It is already a wake world...you gotta dig it!

In closing I would just like to thank Glass and Powder Board Shop, and Adn2000 for their wonderful service. Punch a couple of keys and they'll have your gear to you in less than three days...gotta love worldwide shipping. I cannot forget The Wakeboard Camp. These guys have their act together and, along with the Kyles, showed me a most wonderful week of riding while I was back in the States. And last, but most defiantly not least, Mike Rogers and his Shackle Boots; the most wonderful bindings in the entire world. Thanks Fellas. You make all the difference.

If you ever find yourself in the Land O' Turks and are looking for a pull, drop me a line. I'd be happy to take you out for a ride. You can find me on the Wake List, and if not, you'll find me on the water.

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