Dave, <BR> <BR>The Pro Wakeboard Tour is not advertising an Irvine stop this year. What's the low-down? Is this related to the Carlsbad Lagoon news? <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR> <BR>Bruce

Bruce, <BR> <BR>Not related to Carlsbad Lagoon. More related to the absence of the Vans Triple Crown, so there are 3 less total events this year. Portland changed from a VTC event to a PWT event... that's why. Personally, I wish there was the Irvine event still, but that's just me. <BR> <BR>Mike

I think Irvine no longer being a tour stop is related to several factors, 1 as Isler said is there are 3 less events on the WSM schedule. Overall the the crowd turnout at Irvine was far less than the other locations, and the cost of the facility was much higher. You also addd to that a dirty/dusty facility, that was a long ways from anything and almost didnt have enough water to have an event last year. Dont forget you also have X-games in at Long Beach, so there is going to be pro wakeboaring in the LA market, why throw a 2nd party if you on a limited budget. If or when X-games moves out of LA you may see a PWT or other event, but dont forget plenty of other large markets have never had a pro stop.

Money sems to be the big factor here, unfortunately it seems PWT wanted a big return and that didn't work out. I'm not sure why more people didn't show up, I was there. Yea, the water was low but there was enough. As far as being a long ways from anything it's visible from a major artery, the 241. There's no way PWT can compete with X-games, although I'm sure there were plenty of fans that went to both. I thought the Irvine stop was great last year. <BR>It's unfortunate that the SoCal crowd has to travel to see the pros. <BR>Maybe Josh can work something up in Carlsbad. <BR> <BR>(Message edited by breadbutta on March 28, 2005)

See you in Reno Bruce. <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/biggrin.gif" border=0>

More likely at the X-games. <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/proud.gif" border=0>