Thanks to all who came out to the X's Wakefest 2008 this past Saturday in Knoxville, TN. We had a great turnout in riders, spectators and girls getting down to practically nothing to win our X's bikini contest. Like most wakeboard events we said it would start early in the a.m., but we managed to be on what us Knoxville wakeboarders call "wakeboard time." Which is a fancy way of saying we were late getting started, but nonetheless we eventual did.
By noon we had live local bands including Verona, The American Plague and The Third Grade Haters playing loud, our Advance division battling it out behind the 08' MasterCraft CRX, hot pizza being served while Heineken Light was being poured. Our divisions, from Intermediate to Outlaw, rode for over $3,000 cash and prizes included a seven-day trip to Orlando with flight, hotel, a seven-day pass to Orlando Watersports Complex and a three-day boat pass.
The Intermediate and Advanced divisions rode behind the new center console boat provided by MasterCraft, the CRX, which to everyone's surprise had a big wake that left several over-rotating the easiest of tricks. The Expert and Outlaw divisions rode behind the 2008 Pro Tour boat, MasterCraft X-Star/40th Edition, which also proved to live-up to its name with an overwhelmingly large wake.
Pro wakeboarders Keith Lyman and Zane Schwank were on hand all weekend, following the free wakeboard clinics, helping out with judging, driving and putting on, and partaking in a little side exhibition for everyone including some great bare-footing by Zane himself. As the bands played throughout the day more and more boats packed in along the riverfront of Volunteer Landing.
After announcing our Intermediate and Advanced division winners we went straight into the bikini contest, which was judged by Keith, Zane and regional Atlanta Liquid Force rider, Kyle Wells. The winner was the University of Tennessee's very own Margaret Dell who took home $500. When the bikini contest had come to an end the riding continued with the Expert division.
Following, the Expert division had around 10 guys go head-to-head with two hits off the double-up to go as big as they could go. Winner of the event, Kyle Wells, threw down two solid hits and took home $300 for his ride back to ATL.
After the double-up contest was over we had our last and final set, the Outlaw division. With only two entered riders going for the chance to win $500, plus a big trip to O-Dubs on the line, these Knoxville locals didn't want to settle for second place. Both Justin Jenkins and Daniel Walden threw down great runs, but in the end it was Justin who walked away with first, leaving Daniel with second place.
As the day was coming to an end the crowd was thrown plenty of give-a-ways, riders were crowed, and Zane and Kyle took another pass for the ending of a great Southern Style tournament. Big thanks to all the riders, spectators and local area sponsors of this event.
Also thanks to the following:
Judges
Keith Lyman, Zane Schwank, Kyle Wells, Charlie Fethe. Jackson Arms, John Mills, Justin "Judge" Jenkins
Drivers
Zane Schwank, Travis Powell
Announcer
The ever so funny Ryan Jones. Don't quite your day job, but if you do you can always work in radio!
94.3 The X
Brian Case, Shane. Look forward to working along side you guys when we bring the Pro Tour stop to Knoxville.
Tee Shirts/Logos:
Michael Branning & Michelle Bowling Thanks for all that you guys do for the wakeboard sence here in Knoxville and for all the help with KnoxWake.com *
www.labelindustries.com American Boat Center/The Wakshop
For putting on such a great event like always. Ride Local, Buy Local.
MasterCraft Boat
Big thanks to Chris Owens, Mr. Crutchfield and Mr. Dorton...Thanks for the use of the Pro Tour X-Star and for all your support for our local sence here in Knoxville.
All X' Wakefest Sponsors
KnoxWake.com
American Boat Center
The Wakeshop
Mastercraft Of Knoxville
Papa John's
The Board Room
94.3 The X
Heineken Light
Also to anyone else who helped with setup/break down this event, we thank you!
***** We encourage you to stop by one of our events if you're ever in the Knoxville or Chattanooga area. In Knoxville we have events like our weekly rail jam, boat shows, clinics with big name pros like Lyman, Watson, Schwank, Harf, just to name a few. We also have video premiers for all the new wakeboard videos, lake meet and greets, wakeboard contest, NWL, INT, Rockin the Docks, Fire on the Water and other great events. Please visit
www.knoxwake.com (Knoxville) or
www.chattwake.com (Chattanooga) for more information or to find a pull. We hope to see you soon! *****
-Pics from the event-
KnoxWake pics:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/knoxwake/sets/72157605754673462/ Keith Lyman clinic pics:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/knoxwake/sets/72157605791701787/ Allan Mueller ALM Photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/almphoto/collections/72157605789036302/ All KnoxWake.com event pics:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/knoxwake/sets/ 
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