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5 Best Free-Riding Wakeboarders Of All-Time
I was just curious as to who everyone considers to be the best free-riding wakeboarders of all-time, and why. I haven't heard this discussion in quite some time, and I thought it'd be interesting to get people's opinion given how the sport has changed so much in the last couple of years.
Here's my two cents: #1 - Danny Harf #2 - Parks Bonifay #3 - Harley Clifford #4 - Phil Soven #5 - Darin Shapiro |
Replace #4 Phil Soven with Randall Harris... I would be content with that list
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Scott Byerly, Shaun Murray, Ben Greenwood, Parks, Danny Harf.
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I don't know if I'd say "best of all time", but my favorites to watch these days are Rathy, Benny G., Harris and lately Josh Twelker and Trever Maur.
-in no specific order. |
1. Lon
2. Level 10 gymnast 3. cisco 4. nick the mastercraft fanboi 5. tige guy with tramp stamp |
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1. Randall Harris: most stylish rider ever, goes bigger than anyone except Darin
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fW4NrQ_ncHU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> 2. Darin Shapiro: A freak! Balls of depleted uranium. Goes scary huge. Did tricks others wouldn't dare attempt even when he was years past his prime. If I was set the challenge of learning to ride like any of the riders on this list (not that I could ever come close, obviously), I'd be most intimidated by Darin's riding. Watching the video below is awe inspiring and terrifying. I can't imagine the falls he must've taken over his many years of riding like this :eek: <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/AeA-Sys08eg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> 3. Harley Clifford: Most complete, well-rounded rider ever. Oozing style, dizzying tech, and goes huge. Does the hardest tricks in wakeboarding, period. Pushing wakeboarding to a whole new level that not even Phil Soven can match. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Gxa2Mz5Qr5E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> 4. Keith Lyman: Goes huge, clean, smooth style. So unique! No one but Randall has ever ridden like him. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zpSa17MLGWY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> 5. Dean Smith: Less tech than Harley, but makes up for it with amplitude and style <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tHs4LLqv_RM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> |
1) Keith Lyman
2) PB 3)Gnarley Clifford 4)Rathy 5)Benny G Wood |
In terms of being the best of their contemporaries, the further back you go the easier it becomes to see the picture. All number 1's in my book.
Scott Byerly Randy Harris Shawn Murray Aaron Rathy Danny Harf |
Needs to be more of a top10 than 5
Top of the list for me is Murray.... nobody executes a smoother and seemingly effortless ride than him. Fill in the rest after that. |
^Murray is so smooth he could put a tumbleturn, a huge whipped powerslide, and a million fun little things he does into a contest run, finish it barefooting, and still place top 5. I'd have to say my top 5 (in no order) are:
-Murray -Benny G -Watson -Harley -Rathy |
If we are taking in terms of "free-riding" then i would go with..
#1 Randall #2 Greenwood #3 Lyman #4 Murray #5 Harley Notice 1-4 have been around for a long time in terms of the wakeboarding world. I think thats due to the fact that riding is making a movement that is geared towards technical competition type riding. (minus Twelker and the delta guys that i believe are still trying to advance free riding). However if you watch a video of Harley its hard not to have him on the list. its all in the eye of the beholder..like the thread though |
1. Randall, Randall, Randall
2. Harley 3. Shapiro 4. Dean 5. BennyG |
Harley
Randall PB Harf Lyman |
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Lyman competed for years, he just didn't do very well at it.
Twelker takes common tricks puts them in a blender and pours out something new. All the ingredients to a grabed HS/FS 5 are there, but his interpretation is truely innovative. I am a big fan of both. |
for an "all time list"... can"t be without the God Father, The Hook, Scott Byerly
Byerly Randall Parks Murray Lyman deffinately tough to pick just 5 though |
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Yes, but he competed several more years with limited success as a professional. I was responding to your comment, "free-riding Lyman-esque rebel who's above competitions." He wasn't above competitions, he just did not do well at them and so he is not well known as a competitive wakeboarder. He was there on Fridays, just not many Saturdays or Sundays.
Also, this is not a negative comment. I am not good at contests either and I have always been impressed with Lyman's amplitude and style. |
Lyman
Randall Harf SOB Benny G |
If you want to check-out a good free-rider look to Zucky. He is 50, rides a soft board without fins (behind the boat) and looks as good on the water as in the air. He is a great rider, totally under the radar at least in the Western Hemisphere. (He would be in my top 5)
There are a few web videos of his riding, but if you want to see an awesome section look up "Ensamble". It is a Japanese video from the mid 2000s. |
Do you guys really think Dean has good style? He's sick and goes huge, but he's not fluid, and I've always thought of him as a hucker that just goes for it. I see people here and there commenting that he has good style......it always trips me up though. I'm not trying to take anything away from him as a rider. I just wouldn't put him next to Lyman, Benny G, Murray etc. in terms of style. His wakeboarding looks impressive, just not particularly good in the sense of style.
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I do respect your opinion of harley pushing free riding though, and im excited to see what he has for the future of wakeboarding. |
Harf
Benny G Ruck Lyman Oshea In no particular order. I also think PB and Vandall are sick, they just arn't my favoraite to watch right now. Harley is also the man, he just wins to many contests to be the right answer. |
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/COThs7Ab2Do" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Quote:
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Murray
Byerly Shapiro Randall Adam Wensink |
Also, I'd just like to say one more thing about why I like Harley's riding so much. He's figured out and taught himself the most efficient ways to produce and control rotation in the air, be it vertical, horizontal, or both. When you watch him spin 9s or mobe 5s, it doesn't look nearly as "hucked" as when other people do it. Watching him do these tricks in slow motion is like poetry. He's in complete control the entire time and he makes it look easy. There is no flailing and no wasted motion. He charges up a huge amount of energy in the line and in his shoulders and gives one strong yank on the handle to unleash it in a particular direction, and then he lets this energy carry him effortlessly through the rotation(s). This is especially evident with his crow 7 and whirly dick. His wake to wake backside 9, an insanely difficult trick that no one else can do, looks even smoother than his frontside 9. He puts it down softly as if it was a simple backside 180. It's just ridiculous.
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Boy I am going to Date Myself in no order.
IGOR Reoutt Parks of Course Randall Corey (Cordell) Kraut RIP Mark Kenny RIP |
i think nick davies should be somewhere on that list..
idk if any of you seen him bulls**t around at the park but its pretty remarkable |
Ya, it's interesting that nobody's picking cable riders. I feel like I don't yet know enough about cable riders to pick a top 5 for them.
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no bodies picking the OG's
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Of all time
1. Byerly 2. Tommy the tooth (horrell) 3. PB 4. Shaun murray 5. Harf today 1. Vandall 2. Benny g 3. Twelker 4. Harf 5. Oshea |
in no particular order:
Randall Byerly Greg Nelson Parks Josh Smith Consolation prizes: Benny G Lyman Ricky G |
Forgot about Josh smith. He's all time. Like a west coast byerly. He knocks Thomas off my list. Necrason deserves mention here too!!!!!
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The thing about Dean Smith is he isn't the most fluid rider, but his style is one of his own (imho), the dude doesn't do everything perfect and frankly I think that it's super sick. He is a fantastic rider, but we also have to realize, this guy isn't going to be landing super smooth, he is absolutely boosting. I don't know about you guys, but when I go past wake to wake i'm definitely not landing super smooth, there is simply too much compression. As for my list, there are simply too many that I really look up to in this sport to name or rank them...
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1 Randall Harris
2 Shaun Murray 3 Keith Lyman 4 Darin Shapiro 5 Chad Sharpe Honorable Mentions Dean Smith Parks Bonifay Scott Byerly Benny Greenwood Danny Harf TECH WIDZARDS Harley Clifford Phil Soven Aaron Rathy Rusty Malanoski Andrew Adkison |
obviously top 5 is too tough for us. Perhaps if it were top 10???
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Byerly, Harris, Murray, Lyman.
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Byerly
Horrell Igor Nelson Schmaltz Staker Heavener Murray |
Here's the reasoning for my picks:
#1 - Danny Harf -On any given day he could throw a mobe 7, double-invert or one of multiple 1080s in his arsonal. He is in my opinion the best spinner out there, landing tricks like TS BS 9s and the 1260 (which is arguable the hardest trick ever landed... but you could argue the double-mobe). I think he's got pretty decent style too. I just think he's the most well-round boarder out there IMO. #2 - Parks Bonifay - although he's generally taking it pretty easy these days, back in his prime he was doing: whirly 7s, the 1080, different mobe 540 variations, and about 5 different double-invert variations. He did all this with wakes that weren't as big, and equipment that was probably twice as heavy. He's proven he can compete with the best of them on the rails. He's not a cable rider, but some how he's still landed tricks like double S-bends to blind. His "triple-up whip tricks" have yet to be matched also. He's the only person to land a double-invert with a handle-pass. And as i mentioned already, the double-mobe could be argued the hardest-trick in wakeboarding. #3 - Harley - can do a lot of the hardest tricks ever landed, with consistency!! He's already invented a number of tricks, and we'll keep pushing tricks that haven't been done. I think he has the potential to go down as the best of all-time at this rate. It's hard to tell now days though with all the new talent. #4 - Phil Soven - although I don't care for his style, and am not a fan at all, I think it's hard to deny the impact he's had on the tech aspect of the sport. People are just starting to figure out some of the tricks that he's been doing for years now (crow 7, whirlydick). There are still tricks that he's done that nobody else has (dum dum 540, moby dick 7, etc). #5 - Shapiro - In my opinion, goes bigger than anyone! Not only that, but he also has a few tricks in his bag that no one else has done (orbital 540s, speedball). He is the only wakeboarder that I know of to attempt a triple invert. I would put Muarry right behind these guys. He's got awesome style, is extremely creative with his tricks, and can also go huge! He can also throw down tech with tricks like the KGB5. I actually just saw him at the boat show. He threw an AIR s-bend to blind on the system 2.0 which was a highlight for me. However, I think he needs to add a couple big bangers to his list of tricks before i would put him in the top 5. Once he stomps a 1080... or double-invert.. or mobe 7, I would have to re-consider. I would also say that Rusty has made a strong case that he's one of the best. If this was a list of who has the best style, my list would be a lot different. However, style is a subjective thing and only one aspect to wakeboarding. Anyways, that's just my opinion.... |
Good reasoning, but what mobe 7 does Danny Harf have?
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HebrewHammer, Danny is throwing down crow 7s now... and maybe more we don't know about yet. When I watched Defy, there was about 5 or 6 tricks in his section at the end that I've never seen him do prior to watching that video. I won't ruin it for ppl who haven't seen it though.
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Damn! I'll have to pick that up.
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Nice to see Horrell get some love. I had the privilege to go to his wakeboard camp/his parents Ski School back in late 90s and was amazed by how fluid he was. He, without question, deserves to be on the all time list.
As with many of the most stylish riders, their video sections hinted at how stylish they really ride. I think Zucky really highlights a completely stylish rider. It is all of the little things in between each trick. That said I don't disagree with most of the lists but I'd love to see some complete sets by guys like Harley etc |
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I don't know about best but fun to watch ride,
Randall Dean Lyman Murray Cook |
Some of these lists make me want to hurl!
1. Lyman 2. Vandall 3. Ricky G 4. Oli Derome (sp?) 5. Dean Smith |
too damn many haha all inspirational. deromes, and a couple other (youngins) that i dont think were mentioned but strait rip... adam errington and bob soven
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that video of zucky doesn't do him much justice. Here is a better one although the quilty is poor cuz it looks like it was taken in the 90s because of the binds/board he has on( shows it at the end).
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JFDKXB81YRs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> |
1. Parks Bonifay
2. Nick Davies 3. Harley Clifford 4. Randall Harris 5. Ralph Derome |
What are some good videos to buy with Randall in them?
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hahaha at that Zucky vid @ 1:34 .... double up pwnage
He sure is a great rider tho. |
Nintzel got it right!! Igor and Kenney are a couple of my favorite riders ever!!! I'm also a huge fan of Josh Twelker. That kid is ridiculous!!
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Collin Wright needs to be added to this list!!!!
I agree Harley does some insane stuff, but I feel like his style is not as rad to watch as people like Murray, Randall, Dean,etc.,etc.... He is definitely a GREAT rider, but there is a lot more out there than just throwing down hammers after hammers and getting super tech. I would much rather watch gnarly BS 180 to the flats than a whirly 5 that just looks like it is for a contest pass. This is purely opinion though. I just think that there are a lot more other riders out there that should be on the top 5 free riders list than Harley. (not bashing him at all he shred for sure!) |
Agree on Collin Wright, one of my personal favs. Not sure if you've watched Harley enough...he's pretty frickin' good at both...look at 5:00+ in this vid for example:
<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/28529922?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe><p>Soven and Harley from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user6654793">iwake.com</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p> |
BTW, does anyone know where there is a video of Soven's Dum Dum 540? It's like the one trick I've never seen... kinda interested to see it!
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I've already stated my top 5, but after reading through this, I'm surprised Gator hasn't gotten a mention. His old video sections when he's riding a squirt are amazing.
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'but there is a lot more out there than just throwing down hammers after hammers and getting super tech.'
I would consider a well-executed BS 180 into the flats a 'hammer' as well. Check out the TS BS 180 off the double up in the vid BRHanley posted above. Wait a minute - Hanley? Harley? Hmmm..suspect |
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Also, the people knocking Harley's style should take a good look, because he has some of the most stylish pokes, tweaks, shifties, and backside 180s in the game. He's more stylish than a lot of the so-called "style riders" that people worship, but he gets overlooked just because of his "technical wizardry." Also, Harley can style out tech tricks better than any other rider. That's the true measure of style in my opinion. Anyone can poke out a backside 180, but only the best can poke out a handle pass kgb or a heel 9. |
I guess the question doesn't make sense. So are you asking the top 5 best wakeboarders of all time? Because every wakeboarder "free-rides" and by the look of most answers, this is the case. To me, a free rider makes his mark and/or money without winning contests.
Top two that belong so far above everyone else is Byerly and Gator. Next is the westcoast guys; Schmaltz, Smith, Nelson, Wright, and obviously Randy. Lyman, Randy, Greenwood, Watson, Cook, and O'Brien are the newer guys. Murray somehow can qualify but should not be in the top 5. Parks doesn't count, he won it all before he took it to another level. Same with Harf, Shapiro, etc. Harley is not a free rider because hes better at both contests and freeriding than anyone else. |
How famous was Byerly before he made his mark in competition?
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The only reason i wouldnt nominate Harley is because every video of him feels the same. while his talent is amazing, and the runs he puts together in contests and on the open water are absolutely insane. but when I think of a freerider, I don't like to be able to predict every next trick he's going to do... 4 fs 9's, whirlydicks back to back, crow 7s, kgb 5, and handful of ts3's and back 180's, then usually ending on a bs 9... It just seems like even his video sections are contest runs.
That being said, my list would go... 1. Darf 2. Parks 3. Deano 4. Watson 5. Benny G |
Oh man... It'd be so much easier if it were "Contemporary" favorites. If you go All-Time, this gets way more complicated, and the scope has to be widened up a lot. My list if we're going All-Time list, accompanied by brief thoughts, would be (no order here)
Harris- He's been around for ages and still riding like no other. Lyman- A massive talent that's earned fame and his following through his style and amplitude. (Also a true Patriot I might add) Parks- There's not much you couldn't say about Parks. Invented how many tricks? Innovated the sport. Has done INSANE things on his wakeboard that others haven't. Danny Harf- An all around wakeboard legend and somebody who continues to push the envelope. Murray- Just makes everything look fun and also goes massive. Honorable Mentions: Byerly Shapiro Greenwood |
I had thought about Gator, but I dont think he had the staying power to be considered a top 5 freerider of all time. shoot, when was the last time Byerly was even considered a wakeboarder? and look how many people still list him as a top 5 freerider!
I would put Schmaltz and Colin Wright ahead of Gator. although, his hoochie and front flip to fakie were bigger than anyones back then. Byerly was well known within the "wakeboarding" industry before his "world record" run at nationals in like 1996. I think that was his first contest on his flight 69 as well. |
"Also, the people knocking Harley's style should take a good look, because he has some of the most stylish pokes, tweaks, shifties, and backside 180s in the game. He's more stylish than a lot of the so-called "style riders" that people worship, but he gets overlooked just because of his "technical wizardry." "
You're forgetting the many other shredders before him. The ones that invented the tricks Harley is throwing, and styled them out before him. Don't get me wrong at all Harley shreds and is an amazing all around rider. Top 5 is hard I keep making my list longer and longer. It's hard to narrow it down to just 5. |
Hands down no competition, this guy takes the cake! Tobi Rittig, he has the coolest stlye I have ever seen. So fresh and so much fun to watch
http://vimeo.com/30531918 heres another video http://vimeo.com/16235569 |
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You definately have to go back and look att some of the legends.
Jason Callen (westsidarider) is so right. But it's hard to pick 5. The way Thomas Horrell rode when he was wakeboarding was so stylish. Everyone of these guys had their own style and pushed the sport so hard. besides Horell my top names is Byerly, Nelson, Schmaltz, Randall. I want to put in more names but you asked for top 5 |
1 Randall the Vandal
2. byerly 3 Harf 4.Murray 5.Parks 6 all the new school boarders are awesome but they cant get the nod overthe people who created and pushed the sport and the tricks that these kids are now emulati and yes at times surpassing. *honorable mntion Sean Obrien never met the guy dont know who he is but from all the videos ive seen here on WW this guys might b the most underated and less known badazz of all time ?? |
Sean is a true badass and an excellent human being. He goes super huge and does big worms and osmosis tricks that not a lot of guys are doing.
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