Board Series Takes Flight by Nicole Maurer There was cold, pouring rain, white caps, thunder, extreme heat and weeds n' algae but we never went home. Nothing stopped the series, not even a change in site due to a lot of driven boarders and dedicated volunteers. Our first stop was Sagamo Park in Gravenhurst, sponsored by The Muskoka Store. It started out a bitterly cold and wet day, so our numbers were fewer than we'd hoped for. However, we eventually changed sites, the day cleared and we ended a good day at Logjammers, where food was excellent. Thanks to our sponsor, The Muskoka Store and Rob Garriock, who did a lot of work on their behalf, as well as judged and ran the Clinic; Jake Thomas, who also taught the clinic and judged; Jen Boehm and Bill Reeves, our Drivers from the OWSA Pro Clinic Team and our other team of volunteers: Cyd Onions, Dave Black, Katie Mills and Matt Gryniewski. It was great to have Ralph Geronimo from O'Brien come out, as well as, Colin Ellis who came out to do a demo. Stop #2 - McClintock's Ski School in Cambridge. Weather again proved not to be on our side, but boarders came as the day cleared. Jake decided it was necessary to change the pitch on the prop due to the density of the weeds we were experiencing, but Bill and Jen weren't so convinced, even though Jen experienced the vegetarian menu herself. Eric found it a good day to do some quality control testing of equipment and realized he may need to go back and see his supplier. Thanks to Jeff & Sherron McClintock for donating their boat and being our host sponsor and to Donna McKenna and her establishment, 'Old Marine Restaurant' for a great dinner. Much appreciation to Liise Keeling for some fancy driving, Jake Thomas, instructor and judge, Bill Reeves and Jen Boehm, OWSA Pro Clinic Team Drivers; the injured timer/horn blower Erin Jarvis; Matt Gryniewski and Nat Acland for doing registration and Shawn Maxwell for running the dock. (Board fever has hit Shawn and next year, she'll be sure to compete, it's now in print, so no excuses). Destination: Cottage Country - Clevelands House. Stop #3 Waterskis, Etc Open. A record 39 participants and one hot, blistering day - awesome! Sun, fun and great boarding by all. Colin Ellis swung by and showed us all how to get some big air time. Many thanks again to my most excellent volunteers - Jake Thomas and Rob Garriock, instructors and judges, as well as instructors Erin Jarvis and Jeff Barnes, registration gurus Cyd Onions, Dave Black and Karen Weber, dock (beach) starter Katie Mills and Paul Jurbala, Executive Director of the OWSA, who came to help out. And, of course, many thanks to David Brandstetter for promoting the event so well, helping out (someone take that mic away from that man) and having his store, Waterskis, Etc. sponsor the event. Dave - next year Canadians here we come. Last but not least, thank you to Cleveland's House for their hospitality as site host, putting on a delicious meal and their helpful staff. Time to head a little south. Stop #4, Welland Water Ski Club, sponsored by Ski Pro Shop. One more day I was glad to have replaced my leaky old yellow rain slicker for a drier more modern version, though I found out it's not waterproof, if you are entirely immersed in water. In other words, watch out for algae covered boat ramps. The rain eventually cleared and a lot of familiar faces hopped on their boards. If Jen ever needs a hat in the shape of a wakeboard handle, she'll know to call up Steve. Watch out for slingshot handles, Jen. Next year, we'll also know to keep results well out of sight of individuals with big eyes and quick hands. The day ended a success with ut first outdoor BBQ. Great driving Jen, thanks, as it was a long, wet day, and thanks to Deryck West for his help wherever he was needed. (Our volunteer entourage not quite as big in following). A huge thanks to Andy & Jane Jackson of the Welland Water Ski Club for letting us use their great site and for all the help from them and their crew. Many thanks to Andy Huber and his store, Ski Pro Shop, for sponsoring the event. Back to the Muskoka's and the final stop before the Ontario's. Stop #5, our 2nd year in cahoots with Schreiner's Ski and Sport and site host, The Best Western Hidden Valley Resort. Luckily, another good day for shredding and a large group of boarders came to strut their stuff before the series end. Bryan took his arm to new extensions, a trick, however, not to be repeated at home. Luckily, it wasn't too serious and he recovered in time for the Ontario's and he officially became part of the Hyperextension Club joining Jake and Erin; membership is now closed - thanks. By now, we had quite a few regulars on the circuit, but were happy to welcome Mark, Mark and Troy from Peterborough. Hope to be in your neighbourhood on the series tour next summer. This tournament proved you could be 6 or 40+ and take some lessons and then shred to your ability in the tournament. For all the great parents who came to many of the events - how about a Masters Division next year? Follow the example. Thanks again Matt Gryniewski, Nat Acland, Cyd Onions, Dave Black, Rob Garriock, Jake Thomas, Erin Jarvis, Jen Boehm, Bill Reeves and Paul Jurbala for all your hard work. To Shawn Cunningham, his staff and the Best Western Hidden Valley Resort, once again, thank you for being great hosts. Thank you to Bab's Restaurant for hosting our dinner and awards and, of course, thank you to Arlen and Arent Schreiner and their store, Schreiner's Ski and Sport, for being sponsors again. Went to Safari just the other week and saw the kangaroos and talked to the chimpanzees and they said, 'hey brother, if you want a thing that's hip - do the wakeboard'. So down the road they all came to the watering hole (training site) of '93 World Wakeboard Champ, Jeremy Kovak, to participate in the first Ontario Wakeboard/Kneeboard Championships sponsored by Surf Paradise. It was a beautiful day and most of the group of boarders from the series were there to make their mark. Everyone put in a good showing - perhaps some personal bests. O'Brien rep, Ralph Geronimo ended off the series by showing us he too can board - way to go. A successful Ontario's and series ended off at Kovak's with an amazing BBQ cooked up by Randy Kozar and his wife. What a feast! Many thanks to Dave & Sandy Kovak for being such great site hosts, and to George Morrison and his store, Surf Paradise for sponsoring the event, along with Ralph from O'Brien. As well, many thanks to the volunteers at the Ontario's - Jake Thomas, Erin Jarvis, Matt Gryniewski, Nat Acland, Jen Boehm, Bill Reeves and Paul Jurbala - the whole event ran like clockwork, thanks to you guys, a great team - I'll be calling you next year, so don't go far! I would like to especially thank 5 people who not only were at most of the tournaments, but did a lot of work during the off season to make this series fly - thanks to Jake Thomas, Paul Jurbala, Matt Gryniewski, Cyd Onions and Rob Garriock - your help has been invaluable. Last, but not the least, congratulations and thank you to all the boarders who participated in the clinics and tournaments in this summer's series. There was a real sense of community, sportsmanship and fun - that's what it's all about - plus there was awesome shredding. Thanks - and I'll see you all again next year on the series circuit. Look out for into about the '96 Season - come board, help out or just come and watch the Shredders Go for Big Air!