On September 17, IcyWakes Surf Shop and SouthTown Riders present “Wake the Lake” 2011 at Vinnie’s Raw Bar on Lake Norman. Lake Norman’s premier annual wakeboard and wakeskate competition, is switching things up this year and going back to “for locals by locals.”

All monies collected through sponsorships and/or registration fees will go back into making this event successful. The competition will bring approximately 60 riders and over 1,500 spectators from all around NC and surrounding states to vie for trophies, prizes and cash. Riders practice the whole season just to be ready for Wake the Lake, but attracting some of the best local riders is only part of the reason for this tournament’s success. Add to the mix a great venue (Vinnie’s Raw Bar and Grill), committed riders, crowd participation, and an organized contest and you get the greatest annual wakeboard and wakeskate event ever! Be sure not to miss!

• Where: Vinnie’s Raw Bar on LKN, Mooresville, NC
• When: September 17th, 2011
• 1 day competition
• Spectators can watch the competition from land or water
• Admission is Free for spectators
• Rider Registration: $45
• Pre-register atwww.icywakessurfshop.com andwww.southtownriders.com
• All riders receive a free official “Wake the Lake” event tee with registration
• Family Friendly
• Giveaways
• Riders of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to come out and compete, we are all about just having fun
• 6 Competitive Divisions (Grom, Wakeskate, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Open)

Need Additional information?

IcyWakes Surf Shop / www.icywakessurfshop.com / 704-895-7873

Southtown Riders / www.southtownriders.com / 704-837-0950

And, for the uninitiated:

Wakeboarding is a surface water sport which involves riding a wakeboard over the surface of a body of water. It was developed from a combination of water skiing, snow-boarding and surfing techniques. The rider is usually towed behind a motorboat, typically at speeds of 17-24 miles per hour, depending on the water conditions, board size, rider’s weight, type of tricks, and rider’s comfort speed.

Using edging techniques, the rider can move outside of the wake or cut rapidly in toward the wake. Jumps are performed by hitting the wake and launching into the air. This can also be done by hitting a kicker (a jump). There is also the slider (a rail bar) in which a rider approaches and rides along keeping his balance. Once a rider improves in the sport, he or she can progress to tricks high in the air. As the rope tightens, the rider gains speed and momentum toward the wake. When the rider goes airborne, the tightened rope launches him. While in the air the rider attempts to do tricks. Tricks vary from beginner to intermediate.

Wake-skating is a relatively new concept to the world of water sports. It is similar to both water skiing and wake boarding. One of the biggest differences is that wake skating boards have no bindings to hold feet to the board. People with experience wake boarding or water skiing may be able to adapt their skills to wake skating. Experienced wake skaters can perform many of the same tricks as skateboarders.

Being on the water has always felt good to me, even as a child, and it feels ever better since September 11, 2001. The destruction of the World Trade Center’s twin towers and the murder of more than 3,000 innocents reminded us that we need the government to provide for our national defense – that’s in the constitution – but if you sometimes feel like life is just one big TSA pat-down, then I recommend boating.

And, in addition to airport and other government hassles, we have what is called the “nanny state.” I just read where New York’s health department wanted to outlaw day camp games like wiffle ball, kick ball and Red Rover? Too risky, you see. Fortunately, wiser heads prevailed.

The government-knows-best people are always looking for ways to curtail personal freedoms. Food police want to outlaw Happy Meals and require calorie counts. At one Chicago school the students can no longer pack a lunch and bring it to school

If that is the way civilization is going, heaven help us. It’s time to escape to the water just like Huckleberry Finn and Jim. They escaped on a Mississippi River raft, Jim from slavery and Huck from society’s attempts to “sivilize” him.

I call water “the wild blue wonder” and for me it is the very symbol of freedom. Looking at an expanse of water is nice but, let’s be honest, you’re not going to get that special feeling just by looking at it. You need to be on the water.

People list lots of reasons why they like to go boating. They like to fish, or paddle, or go fast, or go slow. They like being close to nature. They like fresh air and sunshine. They like the sound of the paddle, the sound of the sails, the sound of the motor. They like being with friends and family away from the reminders of life’s ever-present chores. Memories are made of this.

Today, a lot of busy people are deciding chartering a yacht is the way to go. Then you and your family and friends can really get away from it all because your boat has, hubba, hubba, beds and a kitchen.

Some people even opt to see the USA in a boat. For example, you actually can cruise protected water – barrier island channels, canals, bays, and rivers – from Fort Myers Florida to New York City, Montreal, Chicago, New Orleans and back again to Fort Myers. That’s called the Great Loop Cruise. It’s a long way and it takes a long time but you know what? A TSA agent will never pat you down or ask you to pose for a camera that removes your clothes.

I think boating is in our DNA. It’s why when we were toddlers we floated a toy boat in the tub. It’s why boy scouts graduate to sea scouts. It’s why my husband-to-be, Vic, built a teenager’s sailboat and made sails from old bed sheets. Today, it’s why we operate a charter boat company in paradise.

Be a good citizen, but don’t let them “sivilize” you. It’s a great feeling.

Barb Hansen manages Southwest Florida Yachts, yacht charters, and Florida Sailing & Cruising School, a liveaboard yacht school. Contact her at info@swfyachts.com, phone 1-800-262-7939 or visit http://www.swfyachts.com/

The parade will start at Channel marker D-7 at 6:00 pm and cruise to Holiday Harbor for a viewing and voting for best boat by the spectators at Rusty Rudder. Participants are required to attend a skippers meeting at the club house of Lake Norman Yacht Club at 5:00 pm.

For questions please contact Pete Marriott at marriottpete@gmail.com or 704-562-6720 or visit http://www.lnyc.org/ for more info.