I am trying to get a feel for where wakesurfing is growing and where wakesurf events might be successful.

OHIO! <IMG SRC="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":-)" BORDER=0> <BR> <BR>and we hardly go out a day in tennessee without seeing others surfing <BR> <BR>(Message edited by wakesurf_ohio on October 22, 2008)

ive had the privelige of organizing 5 events over the last two years,in beutiful downtown austin teaxs..the first had 26 riders,second 30 something and it steadily went up, 46 riders was the most amount..this last weekend we had our waketoberfest on lake travis and 46 competed. <BR> <BR>then Ohio,those guyz and gals up there have got the stoke no doubt!

Virginia is definitely very active as far as surfing goes. Smith Mountain Lake or Lake Gaston would be a good spot to hold an event I would imagine. <BR> <BR>(Message edited by kook on October 22, 2008)

Dennis, there quite alot of wakesurfing here in Texas. I see more and more people surfing almost everytime I'm out on the water. I would be more than willing to put in the legwork to help organize more contests around Texas if you like Dennis. <BR> <BR>I've also been starting to speak with some guys in Colorado about a possible series getting going there after getting quite a few requests about a possible surf series or AWSA surf series in Colorado. <BR> <BR>(Message edited by bac on October 22, 2008)

thanks everyone, Keep them coming. Looking for about 12 venues for an event next summer.

Well you can count on me for help in Texas. As Waterdog said, I also think Austin would be the best spot to go for a venue in Texas. The Barrel Boss contest a couple weeks back had a little over 50 riders if I'm not mistaken and everyone in attendance was stoked about the location and the turnout.

Columbus Ohio had more podium finishes at the 2008 World Wakesurf Championship (4) and NWL/AWSA Nationals than any other areas.

We have about 5 or 6 boats on our lake that wake surf pretty seriously but I don't have an occasion to get on other lakes very often to see what they're like. We surf year round and all put over 80-100 hours each on our various boats surfing. Of course we have Inland Surf here in Washington in addition to three major manufacturers of wake boards and wake surf boards.

Yes Austin, Ohio and Washington are already on my list. Interested in Virginia and Colorado though.

i know there are alot of people here is northern california that never wakeboard. all they do is surf

I just moved back from Austin, TX- most definitely a hug blow up there. Every time we were out we would see more and more surf boats along side us. <BR> <BR>Am in Las Vegas now, and still getting a feel for the surf community, but I think it is growing here too. I don't think they have been exposed to a lot of different "high end" boards, I have seen a few Inland Surfers, but need to get more boards out here. <BR> <BR>I think we could get a lot of people out to the lake if we had an event. It would really help it grow here with some sponsors bringing out some boards to look at see some boats sacked out to surf!! Let me know if you need any help this way!

Bring an event to Washington!... that would be sick

You have a volunteer on deck in Orlando

There are people surfing on my lake, Lake June, in Florida, but my boat is the one most often out there. Frankly, it is disappointing that competitions are nearly nonexistent. With the great weather and warm water you would think that there would be a lot more going on than states up north. <BR> <BR>I would love to help and support something.

if i was to guess it would be <BR>ca, tx, fl.

Ditto, on the Wash. State comp. We need some events up here, I believe there would be a great turnout. Maybe Active Watersports could help get involved. (Koppert Lake).

Second on the Virginia, woot!

Go Idaho! Big lakes and lots of surfing! <BR>Duffy

An Idaho event would be awesome too... tons of lakes and tons of surfers

Colorado! I was hoping to try and organize an event here in Colorado next year.

Throwin' one up for Idaho, maybe on your way to Washington, Oregon stop off in Idaho, definitely a nice amount of surfers.

Another vote for Idaho!!! Surfing is really growing in popularity in the Boise area. I surf year around, as long as we can get the boat in.

Ice is that a BSU flag on Lucky Peak? Go Broncos! That's my almamater. <BR>Sue

cali, is good its still 90 degrees out here and the water is still warm

Another vote for Idaho! There are a lot of surfers. Count me in to help organize an event.

I would help organize an event in Idaho. I'm sure we could get some prizes from the local pro shops. One of my favorite places to surf is the Snake River near Lewiston, Id and Clarkston, Washington. There are parks right on the river for spectators to view the action. The current in the river seems to make the wake bigger. If anyone was really brave they could come surf the Clearwater. It's cold (around 56) in the summer, but it's almost always glass and has more current than the Snake.

Good point Sue! I also have connections with quite a few reps here in Texas for various companies and I'm sure I could try and see about possible sponsorship help and definitely prizes. Excellent idea Sue! I'm gonna go ahead and start sending some emails to my friends and see what kind of ball I can get rolling in that arena

Here's one for Utah, but not on sundays! Ha HA HA HA

We definitely need an event in WA! We have a lot of riders and some local events but nothing that I know of as far as contests goes.

<i>By MR G. (08tomcat) on Saturday, October 25, 2008 - 7:56 pm: <BR>Here's one for Utah, but not on sundays! Ha HA HA HA</i> <BR> <BR>I'm all about having the events on Saturdays NOT Sundays

I'd say Utah as well. <BR>We have M&amp;M watersports here which was the top Centurian dealer last year(I think). If you have seen their website you know how dedicated to surfing they are. I'm sure with their help you could get an event to fly here.

There are quite a few wakesurfers in SE Michigan, but we don't get the extended season like you guys in CA, TX, FL, AZ, etc. Skier's Pier (www.skierspier) is one of the largest dealers in the area, and they sponsor events all summer long. I haven't seen any wakesurfing, though; just mainly wakeboarding. I purchased my boat from them, but I keep it up in northern MI on Lake Charlevoix. I haven't seen many wakesurfers up there, though. The only other boat I have seen wakesurfing is someone with a red &amp; white X-10. I gotta believe there have to be a lot more avid surfers in the area. I would really like to see an event like this on Lake Charlevoix. It's a perfect lake for wakesurfing. Huge, deep and not very crowded.

Bring some to washington!

The first step and probably the most important is securing the venue. Watching wakesurf events is a bit like watching grass grow <IMG SRC="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":-)" BORDER=0> Being able to see both sides of the wake, and NOT require a boat is paramount for spectators. <BR> <BR>Once the perfect site is found, then it's on to figure out the cost and other hoops. THAT is where local effort would help immensely. Take for example the Castaic event we just hosted. The lagoon required us to provide proof of additional insured for the State of California and the County of LA in the face amount of 2 million each, plus we had to secure two of their lifeguards and a boat for the day, all of this on top of the rental of the lake itself. <BR> <BR>Sometimes the local authority will require documentation be sumbitted with the permit. Again using Castaic as an example, we had to draft and submit plans for parking, crowd control and litter removal, along with the completed application and the permit called for an in-person presentation of these plans to a panel 10 days before the event. <BR> <BR>Admittedly, LA County is a bit strict in it's compliance measures, but many local authorities have some such requirements. Being able to determine if the costs and requirements can be reasonably met is something that needs to be determined well in advance of the planned event date. Not to mention scheduling. All that said, local assisatance in finding suitable venues and the special use permit requirements would be a huge help for anyone staging an event. <BR> <BR>So anyone interested in my litter removal plan details? <IMG SRC="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":-)" BORDER=0> <BR> <BR>The Association will provide no less than 4 useable waste reseptecales. A litter removal officer will be charged with the responsibility for insuring the actions detailed in this plan are followed. There will be named at least two (2) litter control assistants from the membership of the Association. Participants at the event will be reminded to use waste receptacles and informed of their location. Litter control officers and assistants will police the venue and remind event participants of the need for litter control. Subsequent to the event, the Litter Control officer and assistants will walk the venue, removing any remaining litter. Waste receptacles will be removed from the venue within 48 hours of the conclusion of the event. <BR> <BR>In practice it becomes: Dude! Pick that up and throw it away! <IMG SRC="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":-)" BORDER=0>