Ideas for new PWT stop

Lets get some real valid suggestion for a few new tour stop locations. A few things that should be included in a location are,
Great Water.
Viewing area.
Vendor area.
Parking area.
Close to Airports.
Close to Lodging.
Preferably not on large lake with uncontrollable boat traffic and rollers.

Lake Merrit...Oakland

We could have an antibacterial shower ready to go when they get out.

Shasta

Disney Land.

Kaesen were would you do this at Shasta that would allow for viewing from land and nice vendor area that can also have controlled access.

Disney Land? not World? where would that be at?
Disney world is back in Orlando and that doesn't push the sport to the masses very well.

Would it be possible to have an event at Marine World?

I know that there would be a lot of logistics to work out but it has a great veiwing area and it would introduce the sport to a large group.

Orlando, Orlando, Orlando !!!!
Barnett Park,at Fl State Fair Grounds would be awesome.

The Delta- There are any number of sites that might work. Closing off a road and a slough shouldn't be a problem.

Sorry I meant World.

Seems like a good idea in my head. Maybe have it during the ESPN week they might even show a 3 second clip on sportscenter or something.

Good idea Matthew... Marine World would be ideal IMO..

Why not back at the Precedent in Indianapolis, IN? They had the pro tour stops there a few years back and the conditions were always perfect when I was there.

Marine world would be great. It would certanly help with exposure.

It sure seems to me that there has to be a few small private ponds that could support a PWT stop. Like I said Long Beach Stadium or even Marine World. Disney World during ESPN week would be cool. But does ESPN and World Pub have a conflict? I know that ski shows go on all over the midwest what about places they ride?

Dont forget that a pond is not all that is needed.
Parking and viewing are important as well.

(Message edited by dadthedriver on July 10, 2007)

(Message edited by dadthedriver on July 10, 2007)

Ben, everybody always talks about wanting new stops but yet no one ever does anything about it. I remember talking to Chris B. about looking into the Colorado River in front of the casinos and it really seemed like a great idea. I don't know if anybody ever followed up with it or not. Laughlin does have some large no wake zones that could easily be turned into a wakeboard course. Plus in front of the Casinos might draw some large crowds. Of course there are hotels and a decent size airport across the river. Plus Vegas is only 90 miles away if people were to choose to fly in there. Also the hotel rooms are actually really cheap if someone were to get it set-up with a casino. The casinos can also promote for the event. I think it would work.

These river parks and things are exactlly what I am talking about. I know there are alot of places out there. Just everybody complains and no one does anything about it. So I am trying to do a little research and put together some real valuable information for Bish and others to look at. I want to do as much of the leg work as I can so that when it is presented to them it will be useful information. I want nothing but great things for the Tour so that the sport can grow on many levels. I just beleive that with some better venues it could be better all the way around.

(Message edited by dadthedriver on July 10, 2007)

Replace Kelowna for another Canadian site. Montreal, in the Olympic rowing basin. Built in stands and glassy conditions. The Canadian Nationals were held there a few years back. Also, drinking age of 18 and big party city in the summer.

Ben, you've been to the colorado river. Its warm almost year round. The casinos are always putting on events and Bish was the one who actually confronted me about it cause I lived there. This is were AJ rode for years and alot of the boys you see on the tour have ridden there many times. It would take just talking to the right people. I think it would be a great stop early in the year so that visitors don't get turned off by the extreme heat. If the city will help with traffic the water can be awesome even if the wind were to pick up. Plus look at the attraction of what the Casinos have to offer. Lodging, food, gambling ect. If done right this could end up being one of those stops that everybody looks forward to every year. Kelowna is a fun place to go visit but the water has always been terrible. This could offer the same type of fun but would have much better riding conditions and is easy to get to. Californians pour into this area every weekend all year long. Wakeboarders from all over the west come out to the river just because of everything Laughlin has to offer. What a fun stop it would be. I say anybody who likes the idea call Bish and let him know what you think. The Idea of a Laughlin stop was already firmly planted in his head and maybe this is exactly what we need for a newer and fresher tour. Or even Nationals or Worlds.

Gerrn Lake in downtown Seattle would be a very nice venue, In a park, grass seating with shade, goog viewing for the whole course, major airport and 1 star to 5 star hotels, and plenty of vendor area. It is closed to power boats year round with the exception of the WA. INT opener every April. This is a great site. INT head man Rick Stocks would be the right guy to get the down low from.
Peter, Delta is a good water way but I would question if it could support parking, hotels, vendor area, Oakland is the closest major airport. 8,000 people and no shade.

My bad, Green Lake park, not Gerrn

second the Montreal Olympic Basin for a Canadian venue. Meets all the prerequisites above plus the Beach Club is not too far away...primo spot.

Laughlin all the way, that would be a great place to have a stop, When I lived in So Cal I was there every other weekend!!

Lake Union in Seattle I have always thought might be decent. It is a no wake lake, there would be viewing either by anchoring or at Gas Works park. Plenty of parking and tons of viewing and vendor room there.

When AJ was growing up him and I went out to the Luaghlin area so often that we decided to move out there. It really is an awesome place for boarding.

Tempe, AZ!!! Either before June or after Sept.

Luaghlin would be a great. I know when Tony and I rode out there it was great water all the time. Right in front of the casinos was a great area with grass and glass just need to get together with the right people.

Anybody that agrees with Laughlin should call and let Bish know how they feel. I believe he knows who to talk to out there. Maybe this can happen.

Traverse City Michigan. We have the great lakes...what can I say. Traverse City has plenty of shore line already set up for viewing. Have tow bays that are shielded from wind for the most part. Lots of parking..lots of space for vendors to set up. plenty of food and hotels establishments....it is a tourist type of area. plenty of other activites and sites to see. Absolutley beautiful backdrop. Have pro beach tournaments there every year...it is just awesome. Look it up on the map and do searches on the web and you will see ehat I am talking about.

Kennewick, WA. It holds hydroplane races every year. They mark off a section of the Columbia River. The races attract a ton more people than wakeboarding does, so you don't have to worry about there being plenty of room for viewing, parking, and vendors. Plenty of lodging and 15 minutes from the Pasco airport.

i say long beach marine stadium. good water, good area, lots of room for fans, close to LA, and you can privately rent out the whole place for around $1,200 a day.

I think one of the best ways to grow the sport is to bring it to places that love and except the sport with open arms. By bringing it to an area were per capita the highest rate of people you participate in wakeboarding by riding or having boats to allow people with out boats of thier own to ride. The per capita part is important because that leaves open the door for people to learn about the sport, which is as adictive as they come. This would be done by the buzz created by so many current riders talking about the event and those who would bring friends for the first time. This place is Ca and Fl. The delta is one of the best places in the world to ride the bay area's population is larger than any city in the states and access is at most 2 hours and thats from the southern tip of the bay area. Airports sacramento and oakland are less than 1 1/2 hrs away. The marketing of this event would be easy due to the word of mouth buzz that would be created by posting it alone on wakeworld 80% of the people on here are from california. and posters at all of the marina's in the area. With a 1,000 miles of water ways I'm sure we can find the perfect place. Oh ever heard of boardstock???? something like 30-50k people attend this is in clear lake ca.

80% of the people that go to Boardstock, go to party, not to watch pro wakeboarding. I love the Delta, it just dosen't set up right for a tour event.

thats the thing though its not supposed to set right up. Thats the problem to grow this sport that i love! its going to take some out of the box thinking and doing. attendance is made up of population sure some people would travel from other states to see events but not as much as people would travel when its a short drive away. in california the number of people that wakeboard is much higher than any other state. Florida is a close second. People= money i thought i saw a thread that the prize money is small especially for women and jr's. Ya 30k people to party is more like 10k goe just to party but they also spend big bucks on boards, clothing, sunglasses etc. hmm to me that sounds like gold for hl,lf,ronix,gator, dc,sessions,quicksliver,vonzipper, spy. more sells for them means more money for prizes and sponsers.We need to have a mix of these events to solve the overall picture. And as a laid back sport isnt a good time always a plus?? There are some venues that would bring this in. Honestly the best idea so far is probally laughlin. marine world is great too but wouldnt have the hands on feeling of hitting the water a short time after the event to try what your favorite riding just landed!

(Message edited by nsolis220 on July 10, 2007)

DIRTY SOUTH MISSISSIPPI YALL

PEARL RIVER

Randy, my vote is with you, Green Lake in Seattle. 30 min from SeaTac international airport, hotels 1-5 star, everything from greasy Mac to gourmet restaurants. birthplace of Starbucks not to mention home to Hyperlite, CWB, Liquid Force etc etc

I really like the Long Beach Idea. Green Lake would be nice as well. Laughlin would be fun also. That would either add or replace the sites now being used. Those areas would cover alot of the west and be an easy loop for the Ops crew to haul the gear. Put Portland in there and it would be a great west coast swing

I like this thread. I have spoken with World Pub folks about this in the past and they are always looking for good spots.

I personally like venues that offer more than just the wakeboard event. Sure a lot of the people there are doing other things during the weekend but that is a plus. It is hard to watch wakeboarding non stop for two days and most people I know like the other activities. It definitely draws a larger crowd which should mean more sponsor money and more money for the riders. I think they could shut down other activities during the finals and direct people to the water to watch the last 8 riders or something like that.

I think the ideal venue would be one where there are lots of casinos and therefor a lot of people or in a decent city size during a festival. Something like downtown Indy over race weekend on the river or Seattle's Green Lake with some type of Music festival. There was a tournament in TN last year called between the bridges but the roll back off the concrete walls was bad. It has to have good water. What music festivals are held near or on a body of good water?

Speaking of Tennessee, how about Memphis, specifically a downtown site during Memphis in May? I hear there are always a couple people there eating bar-b-q anyway, and you have the airport, parking, and lodging. The biggest drawback would be whether enough people would put down the beer and ribs long enough to watch!

Laughlin would be great. The only problem I see is the airport is tiny and has very limited flights. Most people would have to fly to Vegas and rent a car. Those of us that live in Vegas would not have a problem with this at all!

The Delta area does hold a lot of different locations that would lend to viewing and parking. Up on the Sac River in Old Town Sac where Wet Wednesday's are held would be a good location. Sac airport is 10 min away and every hotel chain you can think of is there. It has plenty of restraunts and tourist attractions. The hold large events in Old Town every year and I think with enough planning and estimated dollars that would be brought to the area it could be done.
The problem with the Delta Area is shutting down waterways is almost impossible to do. You can do it but it takes a lot of coordination and involvement with the Coast Guard to do it. The other issue is depending on where you go with the event (county wise) poses other obstacles that need to be addressed and elevated costs to make county offices happy with events. I think this is why you see a fast declining number of events in California. The state and counties see it more of a burden.

An awesome venue would be in tempe town lake. The lake doesnt allow motorboats but I bet we could pull some strings and let them allow it. This lake is right in the heart of phoenix, and a neighbor to asu = parties. there is seating areas all around the lake and almost every weekend there is some sort of event going on close to the lake on mill street. This could be a huge step for arizona because the wakeboarding scene in already big in the area and it has potential to grow even more. Everytime I drive by this lake it is glass and I always think of how awesome it would be to board with the sun devils stadium in the background. The only things i dont know is how deep the lake is and im not sure how well waves dissipate. This could be an epic location.

(Message edited by bhileman on July 11, 2007)

The Laughlin area always has something going on. And it does'nt matter what time of the year. Casinos are always packed. The hr and 15 min. drive from Vegas is not a big deal. The way that the river is formed is perfect for boarding. Although there is a current the water goes flat almost immediately after each pass. It is possible on a good day that the water would be glass for the comp. The only problem I see is if everybody flew into Vegas, many may stop at one of many casinos and lose all there money. And then show up in a bad mood.

I just looked at Tempe Town Lake. It looks like a great spot except that the lake is surronded by a vertical concrete wall that will cause horrible rollers.

>>Precedent in Indianapolis, IN<<

I second that

The Precedent in Indy is a great place. They used to hold nationals there. Great crowds and lots to do. I wonder why they stopped using that place. Way better then Kenosha, WI

I have been at the kenosha stop for the last three years, and I wouldn't mind having it there for the NEXT three years. That is one of my favorite stops. The people rock, the sports complex is accomodating for the dodgeball/basketball tournaments.

The Precedent was an awesome venue but the ownership changed and there were issues with the insurance. It is not that the tour didn't want to hold their events there. We have some great memories of those events. Remember the Scuba Tour?And I loved the host hotel and the go carts place.

(Message edited by teamvaldez on July 11, 2007)

Brett, tempe town lake has already been tried back in 2001 they held the big air challenge there. the pros were complaining because the concrete retaining walls sent the rollers back out into the lake after one pass the water was crap. They used to hold the phx pro am out at firebird but it was the same weekend as boardstock so the turnout was never that great from the pros

Robyn, I agree the Kenosha Stop is a great venue. Now just get the weather to behave and we will have it made.
It is amazing how many of these little private lakes like the one in Kenosha are more then willing to allow power boats on there lakes for a event like ours.

We have one just outside of fresno in a small town called Chowchilla that has Power boat races on it every year and draw about 30,000 people. just in a 10 minute coversaion with the city they would be more then happy to have something like the PWT take place there.

Green Lake in Seattle would be a great place as Randy has already pointed out.

I think if Kenosha was promoted more in the Chicago market you could really increase the draw. It is less than an hour away. I wonder why they don't do things with radio stations or something to get more people out to the site. The only way you know about these tournaments are if you stay up with them which means really hard core riders and WW people. How many cities have you been in and maybe staying or eating just around the corner from the site and NO ONE has any idea their is a tournament going on. In Kelowna people two towns over know that don't even wakeboard.

Kenosha, Acworth, Ft Worth were not bad sites or OWC. I have never been to Portland or MN so I don't know how the water is. Reno is pretty cool if the wind doesn't pick up. Should be great in August.

So there are two issues here. One is finding the right spot and the other is then promoting it.

Kenosha, Acworth and Ft Worth (when there is no rain) are great. The stops in MN and Portland are also great venues. The community opens up their arms to the wakeboarding world and embrace them. You really just have a hard argument with turning your back on 30,000.00 spectators. Now being that the wakeboarding isn't the primary function there, how much of the admission actually goes to the tour. And if it does, does it help float those sites that don't bring the spectators in?
As was said on a previous thread, the tour is open to any input by people who are motivated to help and are open to change if is a good thing.
Good Job Ben!

So the goal is to "push the sport to the masses". Try Central Park, NY. I hear they have fat wallets up there. Don't worry that they don't have many places to ride or where they'll store a new boat.

What you need to work on is the format. David Hair touched on some ideas. Have a half-pipe demo or live music, but mostly anything that fills the gap of the stop-n-go action that is a pro wakeboarding event.

I remember the ski tournaments at Ivanhoe (downtown Orlando) back in the day. The best part for me was watching guys flip out on the hydroslide or the barefooters come blazing through between sets....and later, those pioneers on the skurfer. Fill the gaps. Have a boat take a pass then some guy flipping on an air chair or hell, even bucking some funny looking punks on a tube in the chop....meanwhile a reggae band is wailing in the background. Get creative. Maybe the old guys in the crowd would be somewhat more interested if you mixed in some other water sports.

OWC is an alright venue for viewing and has other activities on site, but it's also out in the sticks and the slope is a pain and sucks for the vendors. Notice how the crowd was much bigger when the PWT was at Cranes Roost in Altamonte years ago and there is no cable to ride or mini bike track. Location. You have a huge market here like NSOLIS pointed out so something ain't right when you can't attract an audience.

Placid Waters in Allendale, MI. Working on it right now.

being a nationals lurk, I love that we finally have a professional wakeboarding (and WAKESKATING!) event in wisconsin. Personally, I love the site. There's a mellow mellow pitch which I think helps with spectating (in comparisson to island lake park, or whatever the MN site was) and it's located near the larger cities. Furthermore, it coincides nicely with double up del noche. that being said, I just want anyone who cares to know that I love the event and it will be a sad day for me when it leaves lake andrea. I feel lucky that it was there for three years and I hope they will continue to visit...

And as a spectator at nationals, it was also pretty sweet to see teamvaldez cheer on the other boys in the same division that her sons ride in.

Good sites. Indy did rock but the crowd wasn't huge. I think that has to do with how it is promoted (or not promoted). I saw Kelowna pics and the rollers were huge. I am surprised no one got hurt. I agree- take it out of Kelowna and make it a demo or something, not a PWT stop with points on the line. I am sure that is why Rusty fell twice. Why can't they put in barriers or something?

Back to the origonal post, Is Bell Aqua a shallow lake? it could fit the critera if it's deep enough.

is bell aqua that man-made lake in sacramento? The name feels familiar and i think it's actually been used on the tour in years past. It's definitely been used for the malibu just ride series.

Yep...not sure if it was used for a tour stop, but it was the home of the Malibu Open for a couple of years. I'm sure it's hosted other events as well.

Randy, Bell aqua would be great. Just up the road. I will check on its depth. W will be there on the 28th

(Message edited by dadthedriver on July 11, 2007)

I'll throw in the Oklahoma River in downtown OKC.. 5 minutes from the airport,hotels and resturants. No traffic jams plenty of parking and viewing area is great. They are holding the Dragboat Nationals there this weekend. And it is centrally located. Runs about 15 feet deep and is calm 99% of the time. I've been to several of the other stops and this one is hands down better than most. Plus it's only 15 minutes from the house....they held a local tournament here the past 2 years that drew more than most pro stops. check out www.skiokc.com for pics and info.

"Lets get some real valid suggestion for a few new tour stop locations."

Last time N.E. 96' (Got the autographs to prove it) PARKS, BRENDAN JOHNSON (sp) and SHAPIRO took the stage... and some hot wake chicks...got to dig up the mags to see the photos...

BRING IT BACK TO N.E. YA CHEAP BASTIDZ

(Message edited by zuka666 on July 11, 2007)

Bell Aqua is WAAAAY too shallow. Plus there's no real good place to throw double ups.

Bell Aqua is only about 4 feet deep at best. What about Paradise lakes in Bakersfield? INT Nationals have been there for the past several years. It is a fantastic site. They dug out the lakes, and everything is 10 feet deep. No real way to throw double ups though.

Another lake that use to have huge tournaments back in the day is the Berkeley Aquatic Park that Cal Berkeley and the Berkeley Ski club use. Every time I go by it is glass and has more than enough room to accommodate the crowds and vendors. It is a shame that events have gone away from there.

How about Chattanooga, TN, its got a great waterfront area.



(Message edited by bcoppinger on July 12, 2007)

what about Lake Elsinore?

Elizabethtown KY is a great site with a lake Freeman Lake in the middle of the town

Joe I'm with you. Kennewick, Washington would be the absolute perfect place for a PWT stop.

Great Water - We can block off a portion of the river where we have hydroplane races every year. Water is great 75 percent of the time.

Viewing area - Columbia Park runs for miles with long grassy area's, bleachers right on the river.

Vendor area - MORE than enough room for vendors. Let's just say we would have a hard time gettin enough vendors to fill the place up. TON of room.

Parking area - Parking for miles.

Close to Airports - 15 minutes from the Pasco airport and and an hour a half from the Spokane airport.

Close to Lodging - More hotels than really needed..

The columbia River on the Kennewick side is the perfect spot. I'll see if I can get some pictures in the next couple days to show you guys what I'm talking about but we could easily make something work down here. We have all the resources and could use the publicity with the community of wakeboarding. I want to organize some kind of contest here myself but haven't really gotten around to that yetl; or have any idea how to get that started. Again, it's the perfect spot!!

I am wondering how many of you that have been to the PWT stops that have been held on open water ways like lakes and things believe the roller problem is an issue. I believe that if the event is held on a open waterway it is unfair for the riders that have the clean water compared to the rider that gets to go after the 30 foot Day Cruiser goes by and sends rollers everywhere. I think the events would be better at locations that the traffic can be controlled. Just my opinion let me know what you think.

Tempe Town lake does allow motorboats for certain events. I've skied in that lake at nationals when I skied in college. They had wave breakers along the shore and It was flat all day. That would be a killer spot. Plus the bars are right there.

Get on that BEN

Kennewick, although open I would have to agree may not be a bad spot. They have a great park with great viewing there and have also held some INT comps. I don't think I have ever seen the river get rough at all out their either.

Hey Allen thanks for the support buddy

Hey Ben, get on it. As long as it's before june or after August, 116 with no shade is warm.

I agree Ben, not to mention the best ridding will come out with better conditions and that's what we all want to see. A controlled area is a must. It sucks Tempe Town lake has such a bad back wash problem it would be a great venue with everything they would need to host an event. It's hot enough to ride here from late March to October with nothing on. Everyone bring a tube or two and we'll tie them all together along the wall, that should help. lol

Hey Ian, how have you been? If you need a third give Larry a call. sorry for the hi-jack

Gordie, blew out my knee last friday at Bartlet, first appointment today at 2, Larry is more than welcome anytime, I'll give him a call. Every friday morning at Bartlett there's always a open spot, see ya

Looks like there are some great spots. Someone mentioned public lakes. I agree- you have to have no boat traffic or roller. Even Acworth had some of those. And it isn't fair. One guy has glass and the next rollers from a cruiser.

Chatanooga- Too much roll back on the river. last year's "Bridge to ridge" was really bad water.

Whatever happened to Altamonte Springs in Florida...that was a great spot.

I dont think Paradise Lakes would work too well. having the private homes right there is ok for the smaller INT events, but to have a PWT event there would be a problem. plus parking would be an issue, the airports are a little ways away.
but it is an A+ location for the smaller events!
I dont remember what the lower lake at castaic is like for vendors, parking and views. there is a ton to do around the area though, and the hotel rooms are abundant.

I always thought the lower lake at Castaic would be awesome. Trees and grass. I know when wakegames was out here last year, they drove by and saw it, but didn't know what became of it.
The water conditions did get real choppy as the day went on, but nice site for sure.