frustrating

Here's a link to a video made by a guy who rides at one of the lakes I frequent during the summer:

www.dirtytshirt.net

It frustrates me to no end seeing these guys out with no vests on for 3 reasons:

1: The obvious, setting a bad example for kids as it is a busy lake (in a national park.

2: The guy who made the video, Steve, "runs" a "school" there; that is, he markets himself and gets paid for lessons. I really don't like the way he represents the sport to the masses there.

3: I'm worried about the repercussions for everyone who uses the water there if they do have a serious accident.

I also do some coaching there but it is basically for one of my dad's clients and his family and whoever he decides to bring out. I feel bad taking his money because I get to ride all I want anyways, pretty good setup for me I must say. But I really don't want to get lumped in with these guys. They're terrible drivers, will ride with no spotter, get high before and while riding, it makes me mad. BUT what can I do? Or am I just being a wakeboard snob?

I'm more concerned about the guy smoking.

Videos like this, the Tiger situation and everytime a Pro athlete gets a DWI, carrys a gun to a club, kills a hooker, etc is a great opportunity to explain to your kids that though a pro/semi-pro athleate may be phenominal in their specific activity it does not mean you should emulate the rest of their life too.

There are plenty of pro-rider's method grabs that I try to pull-off just about everytime I hit the water, but off the water those guys simply don't have their acts together. Off the water I look to others for inspiration: Investment=Charles Schwab, Career=My first boss and Home=My dad. All of those guys have faults too. (I would bet the Schwab's method grab is probably lame.)

This is a great opportunity for you to explain to the youth that you coach, "Yes that dude shreds, but he may not be shreding much longer unless he puts on a vest."

In defense of the athlete's, you can't expect anyone to be great in every category. Everyone has their faults and make silly decisions. I always wear a vest, but could be better at buckling up when I drive around the block.

The fact that they could get paid for "teaching" wakeboarding is scary to me. Could care less about the rest, they're not up in my business

Deep Bay (where most of the film was shot) is where I learned to board. I've rode with Garth, Garrett, and Kendall for a long time now. I met Steve Langston two summers ago up at Clear Lake. I felt the same way as you.... what is this guy doing giving lessons and out there without a vest. Never told that to his face, so Steve if you're checkin out wakeworld I guess this will give us some discussion material this summer. He's definitely a decent guy to chat with but I don't support his stand to ride without a vest. On the other hand he's doing a great job of promoting the sport which I do appreciate. Mbsteez, I don't know if you've ever met Steve but definitely don't hesitate to talk to the guy he'll take the time to talk you.

Originally Posted by beretta5spd

Deep Bay (where most of the film was shot) is where I learned to board. I've rode with Garth, Garrett, and Kendall for a long time now. I met Steve Langston two summers ago up at Clear Lake. I felt the same way as you.... what is this guy doing giving lessons and out there without a vest. Never told that to his face, so Steve if you're checkin out wakeworld I guess this will give us some discussion material this summer. He's definitely a decent guy to chat with but I don't support his stand to ride without a vest. On the other hand he's doing a great job of promoting the sport which I do appreciate. Mbsteez, I don't know if you've ever met Steve but definitely don't hesitate to talk to the guy he'll take the time to talk you.

Yeah, I went to high school with Steve, have partied with him, he's ridden at my lake and I with him on Clear quite a bit. I tend not to call him about riding anymore for all of the above mentioned reasons. I'm with you, great guy to chat with, disagree with lots of stuff he does on the water. But I suppose thats the way it is with lots of people in all aspects of life. Some of the other guys in that vid I have other opinions about but I digress.

Beretta, where do you ride now? When I'm at Clear I'm usually on a yellow VLX.

I can't bwleave I watched the video!!

do people not pull their shorts down in Canada?

Originally Posted by wakeparent

I can't bwleave I watched the video!!

ME EITHER! That was horrible.

Well played Skiboarder - Agree with everything

There's a lot wrong with what they're doing, and not a lot you can do about it. I agree I wouldn't want to be lumped in with the image they're portraying either. I think it's a great teaching tool too. Yes, they shred. But it's way more than the trick list you can throw down.

I know some guys who absolutely throw down, but don't get many pulls, because of their attitude, on and off the water. It's rough for them, but I get more pulls wit a small bag, a good attitude, and a willingness to help with everything, including gas $ (which I consider BEFOREHAND - not when asked about it and I only have a 5 spot) than just being a good rider.

I guess my advice would be to keep riding, but put it out there, that you're not associated with them. You ride, that's the only connection anyone could have between you. Otherwise, just keep doing what you're doing and if somebody asks why you don't ride with them, let them know.