TheWakePlace.com – We shot this video on the 6th of May, and both of these guys had only been learning air tricks for less than a week. I think this was Bob’s 3rd or 4th time out and Harleys 3rd. Either way, these guys are learning multiple tricks a day, and Bob has even taken his SBends to a triple. This was all the lead up to that, and just a few shots from one evening out with the System 2.0’s. Matt Hickman and the Wake Park Project are really paving a new direction in the sport. We have plenty more to come from these guys soon….
The season opening for European Wakeboarding couldn’t have been better. At Red Bull Wake The Line more than 7,000 spectators saw incredible wakeboard action on a new level performed by top riders from all over the world. The obstacle setup included a massive quarterpipe at the end of the run and offered a platform for tricks never seen before in wakeboarding. Towed by Sesitec’s System 2.0 straight-line cable, the four pools in the stadionbad of Cologne made a total of 320 meters of wake heaven. In the superfinal, Keith Lidberg showed the best performance, winning ahead of Germany’s Bernhard Hinterberger and Shawn Watson (USA). (more…)
The TXMC Wake Park is now open and ready to ride! The new cable system, the Sesitec System 2.0, was first displayed to the public at the 2008 Surf Expo in Orlando for the Red Bull Wake Lab and is now at Texas MasterCraft’s private lake. Unlike a regular cable system that goes in either a clockwise or counterclockwise circle around a lake, the Sesitec System 2.0 is connected between two towers 700′ apart and goes down and back the same line. When the rider gets to either end of the cable system, he or she simply cuts out on edge and and makes a large arc and then the cable pulls the rider back the opposite direction. If you have never seen the Sesitec System 2.0 in action, click here for to learn all about it.
But what makes the TXMC Wake Park an actual wake park are the new obstacles for wakeboarding and wakeskating. Pat Panakos from The Projects Camp and The Wake Park Project in Orlando, Florida, has built both of the current features and is currently building a new box that is sure to be the talk of the town. Each of the features are completely boxed in so that riders cannot get hung up on them if they fall, greatly reducing the risk of injury. Currently, there is an incline box with each side of the box making a 45° angle with the water and a kicker that is perfect for learning to spin.
Every rider at the TXMC Wake Park is required to wear both a Coast Guard Approved (CGA) life jacket and a helmet. If you do not have your own CGA life jacket or helmet, both are available to rent or buy through the TXMC Pro Shop.
Each session on the TXMC Wake Park cable will be purchased and scheduled online through www.TXMCwakepark.com, much like the lessons for Sasser Wakeboard School. Each session lasts 15 minutes, so make sure you get to the TXMC Wake Park lake at least 15 minutes early so that you have time to put on your board, bindings, helmet, and CGA life jacket! Reserve your time call TXMC proshop at 817.589.7547 to schedule a session.
For commercial installations, Red Bull chooses Sesitec System 2.0 to power their ground-breaking events. The Wake Park Project provided two Sesitec System 2.0′s to power the Red Bull Wake Lab, the most innovative event in wakeboarding. Running side-by-side, the System 2.0′s pulled the world’s top riders over a massive wake park obstacle with rails and ramps designed and built by Pat Panakos of The Wake Park Project. Check out the video recap below…
Red Bull Wake Lab, the biggest and most innovative wakeboarding event ever devised, splashed down in Tempe Town Lake during the Circle K Tempe Music Festival on April 3rd and 4th.Over two days, more than 25,000 spectators experienced some of the nation’s top wakeboarders showing off their best tricks on the “Wake Lab,” a one-of-a-kind floating cable wake park designed by Pat Panakos and towed by two Sesitec System 2.0′s setup side-by-side.
The first day of competition got off to a rocky start as 50 mph gusts of wind caused two of the qualifying rounds to be postponed.But Saturday brought clear skies and calm winds, and an early start allowed the event to get right back on track.At the end of a day of tight competition, four riders walked away with awards – Aaron Rathy (Most Progressive), Adam Errington (Best Trick), Parks Bonifay (Best Line) and JD Webb (Best Overall).
“Red Bull Wake Lab Tempe was hands-down the best wakeboarding event I’ve ever participated in,” said wakeboarding pro JD Webb. “From the perfect weather to the huge, supportive crowd and the amazing, challenging structure, I was happy to just be involved, let alone win ‘Best Overall.’”
The 36 competing athletes were a combination of pros hand-selected by Parks Bonifay, X Games Gold medalist and event co-creator, along with up-and-coming riders from across the country who competed in regional qualifiers to earn their spot in the event.
Red Bull Wake Lab made its debut in Orlando, FL in September 2008, and was an instant success with riders and fans alike.Created as an experiment to see how far the boundaries of the sport of wakeboarding could be pushed, the groundbreaking event seeks to “evolve” the sport of wakeboarding. Influenced by the design of the modern skateboarding skate park and snowboarding snow park, a massive cable wake park was specially designed with the goal of taking wakeboarding somewhere it had never been before. The result, dubbed “The Wake Lab,” allows riders to perform sets of tricks that were once impossible, raising the sport to new levels.
In order to evolve the sport and create new experiences for riders, a new technology needed to be introduced to take full advantage of the revolutionary wake park structure.This came to fruition when the “The Wake Lab” was coupled with the Sesitec System 2.0 overhead cable system courtesy of The Wake Park Project.No boats are needed to tow the wakeboarders, as this revolutionary cable system allows athletes to take two full runs (back and forth) across the wake park’s various rails, pools, sliders and 15-foot wall.The system made its US competition debut at Red Bull Wake Lab in Orlando.
Best Trick – Adam Errington – Backside Lipslide, backside 270 out on the quarter pipe
Best Line – Parks Bonifay – Switch boardslide backslide 450 to front board, 90 out on the M gap, backside lipslide over nose slide on the angled hubba ledge
On April 3 and 4, the city of Tempe will play host to the biggest and most innovative wakeboarding event ever devised as Red Bull Wake Lab descends smack dab in the middle of Tempe Town Lake. Created as an experiment to see how far the boundaries of the sport of wakeboarding could be pushed, the groundbreaking event will take place in conjunction with the Circle K Tempe Music Festival. Influenced by the design of the modern skateboarding skate park and snowboarding snow park, a massive wakeboarding wake park was constructed to include a mix of hand rails and transfer rails, ramps, an elevated floating pool and a 16-foot high quarterpipe. The result, a massive floating skate park, dubbed “The Wake Lab,” allows riders to perform sets of tricks that were once impossible, raising the sport to never-before-seen levels. And don’t expect to see any boats on the lake towing the riders; a revolutionary cable pulley system, the Sesitec System 2.0, will tow athletes back and forth across the lake and the Wake Lab’s various rails, pools, ramps and quarterpipe courtesy of The Wake Park Project.
FRIDAY, APRIL 3rd:
4:30p: Doors Open to Public
4:30p-6:30p: Pro Wakeboarding Demonstrations
5:30p: Red Bull Air Force Skydiving Demo
SATURDAY, APRIL 4th – COMPETITION SCHEDULE
Noon: Doors Open to Public
12p-3p: Quarterfinals Competition
3:15p: Red Bull Air Force Skydiving Demo
3:00p-4:00p: Semifinals Competition
4:45p: Red Bull Air Force Skydiving Demo
5:30p-6:30p: Final Round Competition
8:15pm: Awards Presentation
Invitee List:
1. Parks Bonifay
2. Aaron Rathy
3. Oliver Derome
4. JD Webb
5. Keith Lidberg
6. Collin Harrington
7. Shawn Watson
8. Shane Bonifay
9. Chad Sharpe
10. Danny Harf
11. Adam Errington
12. Tom Foshee
Qualifier List:
1. Gabe Lucas
2. Yannick Tibo
3. Trevor Hansen
4. Robbie Jacques
5. Rusty Malinoski
6. Erik Ruck
7. Philip Soven
8. Mike Ennen
9. Kevin Henshaw
10. Jimmy Lariche
11. Tino Santori
12. Pat Panakos
PRE QUALIFIER LIST:
1. Jimmy Wolf (Ariz.)
2. Benjamin Christensen (Ariz.)
3. Norbert Vasko (Hungary)
4. Mike Schwenne (Fla.)
5. Kyle Rattray (Fla.)
6. Kris Salteski (Fla.)
WILDCARDS:
Scottsdale, Arizona Qualifier
1. Kaesen Suderhoud (San Diego, Calif.)
2. Larry Taylor (Glendale, Ariz.)
3. Kyle Alberts (Orlando, Fla.)
4. Tyler Killingsworth (Canyon Lake, Calif.)
WILDCARDS:
Sacramento, California Qualifier
1. Justin Fisher (Cannon Lake, Calif.)
2. Robbie Carter (Chico, Calif.)
Competing Red Bull Wake Lab Athlete Bios:
Parks Bonifay
Discipline: Wakeboarding
Hometown: Lake Alfred, FL
Residence: Clermont, FL
- Set a Guinness world record at 6 months as the youngest person to ever to water ski
- Has a koi fish named Billy Ocean
- Part owner of Ronix wakeboards
In 1996, Parks Bonifay won the inaugural wakeboard competition at the X Games. He was 14 and hasn’t stopped pushing the limits since. Known for combining flawless old-school technique with radical, 21st century creativity, he just keeps getting better and better. Parks is the first rider to be captured on film stomping a 1080 and the only rider to throw the double-back roll cab mobe. He has taken wakeboarding to both the tropic and the arctic—throwing down jibs on icebergs off the coast of Canada and pulling into one of the world’s most notorious surf breaks at Teahupoo, Tahiti – on his wakeboard! He is a five-time Pro Tour champion and was Wake Boarding magazine’s Rider of the Year in 2003 and 2004. With his fearless exploration into the uncharted frontiers of ocean wakeboarding, he’s leading the progression of his sport, a story that will be told in the documentary chronicling Parks’ evolution due out in 2009.
- Gets his adrenaline rush from bungee jumping and skydiving
- Won U.S. Nationals in 2005 with broken ribs
Adam Errington takes his role as one of wakeboarding’s fastest-rising stars in stride. The 2007 Rookie of the Year improved his competitive and creative edge to finish 2008 ranked fourth overall in the Pro Wakeboard Tour standings. If the rapid success brings increased expectation and anxiety, Adam doesn’t feel it. “I’m the type of person who does well under pressure,” the 20-year-old says. “I don’t get stressed out. I like competition.” And competition likes him. In 2008, Adam racked up podiums, including third at the Wake Games and first at Wakestock in the United Kingdom. When not competing, he has appeared in videos like Red Bull’s Blackout and Sean Kilgus’ Drive, traveled to Australia and Panama, and taken up skydiving. This season, Adam hopes his relaxed and smooth riding style will garner him a top-three spot on the Pro Tour as well as more videos and photo shoots.
JD Webb
Discipline: Wakeboarding
Hometown: Anna Marie Island, FL
Residence: Auburndale, FL
- Featured on Discovery Channel’s Stunt Junkies
- Was given the key to the city of Orlando, FL
- 2008 Rail Rider of the Year
Wakeboarder J.D. Webb has already won some of the biggest prizes in wakeboarding and holds a world record for biggest gap jump on a wakeboard— more than 70 feet over the Lake Eola fountain in Orlando—but he’s already got his eyes set on bigger prizes. For starters, this 2004 Rookie of the Year wants to take Rider of the Year honors from his friend and mentor Danny Harf, and he’d like to claim the Pro Tour title on his way there. “My first goal is the same as it ever was—to help the progression of wakeboarding, whether it’s inventing new tricks, getting new people into the sport, or taking down the Pro Tour title, and to just really ride my best all year,” says J.D.
TheWakePlace.com – System 2.0 was first seen by the mainstream public at the RedBull Wakelab. The whole idea behind the cable is that you can make use of much smaller areas of water, and still run a full speed cable. Whats amazing about this system, is that you keep going backwards and forwards down the lake without stopping. We headed down to the Projects to get a closer look at the system and see what its all about. We caught up with Parks, Meagan Ethell and Nicola Butler who were there to session the cable.
Nick Davies On The System 2.0 – So Nick Davies is back in Orlando for a bit, and we have been traveling around a little and shooting with him. A few days back we headed down to the Projects and the Sesitec System 2.0 cable, courtesy of The Wake Park Project guys and Matt Hickman. With Nick being one of the best cable riders out there, it was a fun time watching him try out the new system. We will have more from Nick over the next week, and with any luck – more from the System 2.0!
Red Bull Wake Lab is set for Tempe, Arizona on April 4, 2009. Check out this new teaser video, then click to Sesitec’s System 2.0 to see what’s powering the event and towing wakeboarders across the floating cable wake park.
After testing out the prototype of the Sesitec System 2 in Germany, we instantly knew that this system was going to have many different roles.We’ve been talking about setting up the System 2 in the snow since its conception, and now we did.Sesitec owner Christen Lerchenfeld went over to the Vivaldi snowboard park [Vivaldi Park Ski World] in South Korea and helped our friends from HydroTrax set one up at the base of a snowboard run.What a great way to make use of the flat land around snowboard resorts.Put in a small table top and a hand rail and now you’ve turned your unusable area into a snow park. It’s the perfect way to get some good one-on-one instruction sessions.It was brilliant, everyone had such a good time and it seems the snow resort wants to make the Sesitec System 2 a permanent feature.The boys from HydroTrax are currently doing a tour of snow resorts in South Korea, and there is talk of snow resorts in the U.S. wanting the same thing from The Wake Park Project. Watch for more System 2 snow park setups near you in 2009.
I am the Managing Partner of the Revolution Cable Watersports Park located in North Fort Myers, Florida.Our cable park opened about 4 months ago after approximately five years of permitting and construction. The cable system located at our site is a used Ski Rixen cable that was originally installed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.It was operated in that location for approximately 25 years.In 2006, we purchased the cable and disassembled it in North Carolina.We then transported it to North Fort Myers, FL. Once it was here, we purchased replacement and upgrade parts to bring the system up to the most current standards.
The upgrade parts were purchased directly from Ski Rixen and Cable Park Controls, LLC.When we purchased our used system, the only cable park consultant in the United States was working with Ski Rixen.This gentleman was also the owner of the used cable system so to our knowledge we could only order upgrade parts from Ski Rixen. So we put the order in and moved forward.Also the system is the first and currently the only system to have a US manufactured control system.Our case is very unique because we purchased the used system.Today the German made control systems have been significantly improved.
Between the time we purchased the used cable and our first operating day, two companies were formed two distribute and aid in the planning and installation of cable systems in the United States.Those two companies are, “The Wake Park Project (Sesitec Cable Systems)”, and “Cable Wake Parks (Ski Rixen Cable Systems)”.I have met the owners’ of both distribution companies and I would like to pass on a strong recommendation to The Wake Park Project.
Currently I have not done any business with Cable Wake Parks, but I have purchased replacement cable parts from The Wake Park Project.In doing business with this company I felt that I was their most important customer.Phone calls were returned in a prompt manner, parts were shipped at a fast rate, prices were very reasonable and extra time and effort was put in when I had a problem that shut my cable down for two days.During the time that I was down, Christian von Lerchenfeld, the owner of Sesitec Cable Systems (located in Germany), quickly diagnosed my cable system problem via email and an on-site visit, and then provided the required replacement parts needed to get the cable back into operation quickly.Matt Hickman and Pat Panakos (owners’ of the Wake Park Project) also visited the site when we were down and assisted in the diagnosis and ultimate solution.After my recent experiences with Matt, Pat, and Christian, I have no questions about who to order cable replacement parts from in the future.If I was looking to build a new cable park, I would request quote from both distributors, but I would heavily weigh the excellent service and treatment I was given by Christian, Matt, and Pat.
Recently I was also treated to a test ride on The Wake Park Project’s newest product named “System 2.0.”I am so impressed with the system that I have made it a top priority to purchase and install a System 2.0 on site.This product is extremely innovative, safe, and inexpensive when compared to similar products or a new cable system.I feel that if I were back in the planning stages 5 years ago, and the System 2.0 was available, then I would have put it into our site plans from the start.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at anytime.If you are looking into building a cable park, I look forward to welcoming you to the family of cable park owners.
Sincerely,
Nick DiMasi
Managing Partner
Southern Boarder, LLC dba Revolution Cable Park
North Fort Myers, FL 33917
“In 2003 the Revolution Cable Park idea was spawned. Today it is a reality. The cable system is a Ski Rixen Model, with 5 towers and runs in a normal counter-clockwise direction. The park encompasses approximately 20 acres and includes a 3/4 mile nature trail along one of the most pristine wetlands in the area with the addition of 270 recently planted native trees and 4,200 native plants.
The cable is operated at approximately 19 miles per hour allowing riders to wakeboard, kneeboard, ski or wakeskate. 7 riders can be on the system at one time, if you fall while riding, it is just a short swim to shore and walk back to the start dock where you can be riding again in minutes.
The system is run by the use of electricity and does not require any gasoline for operation. You will be surprised by the ease of riding on the system and the lack of engine noise when compared to riding behind a boat. In addition to those positives, the use of the cable system infuses 5 tons of oxygen per year into the lake water which helps the plants and fish as well as clarifies the water.
Our goal at Revolution is to ensure that all riders have a safe and fun time. We pride ourselves on being family oriented. So stop by, check us out, and let the fun begin.”
New video of the Sesitec System 2.0 on Alliancewake.com. Check out Collin Harrington, Chris O’Shea, Clay Fletcher, Nate Perry, Josh Kirby and Andrew Adkison as they attack the new Sesitec System 2.0 at The Projects during a wakeboard and wakeskate session. Click here to watch the video now!
The System 2.0 is essentially a straight-line two tower cable system that can compliment full size cable wake park setups for events or as stand-alone rail parks. But the System 2.0 can also be used for private backyard setups because it is the first cable system that is actually portable. And unlike other two tower systems, System 2.0 was designed specifically for wake sports and provides a continuous ride—meaning that you won’t have to drop the handle or stop after one pull down the course. The System 2.0 is perfect for teaching water sports beginners, and is amazing for advanced rider training. To read more about the ONLY two tower system that combines portability, safety and versatility for commercial applications CLICK HERE.
TheWakePlace.com crew headed down to the Projects to get a closer look at our new innovative straight-line cable, the Sesitec System 2.0. They caught up with Parks Bonifay, Meagan Ethell and Nicola Butler who were there to session the cable. Coach Mike Ferraro actually taught Meagan (11 years old) her first Raley during the filming. Click here to watch the High Definition video of the System 2.0 session.
To learn more about the Sesitec System 2.0 and building your own cable wake park, visit our System 2.0 page.
Texas MasterCraft now has a Sesitec System 2.0 installed on their private lake right behind their shop. We’re working closely with Texas MasterCraft’s owner, Jimmy Harvell, to develop his onsite Wake Park. This is the first phase of his Wake Park Project, so stay tuned for more info…
After two full days of preperation and safety checks, Pat Panakos, Matt Hickman, Jimmy Harvell, Clint Tompkins and Brian Sasser took test rides while Christian von Lerchenfeld of Sesitec dailed in the control box. Special thanks to Jimmy Harvell, David Humpfrey, Brian Sasser and everyone at Texas MasterCraft for helping us make the installation of the Sesitec System 2.0 so smooth.
As the only commercial provider of wake park rails and kickers for wakeboarding and wakeskating, we are developing our 2009 Wake Park Obstacle packages to optimize your wake park project. Visit our obstacles page and learn more about our unique construction methods and dedication to quality.
Be sure to check out the Red Bull Wake Lab event powered by Sesitec’s System 2.0 on Fuel TV, in November 2008.
I recently had the chance to catch up with pro wakeboarder Tom Fooshee about cable parks. Tom’s amazing talent on the water both behind the boat and on a cable have taken him across the globe. Here’s what Tom had to say about the world of cable wakeboarding.
Hickman: One question I always want to ask pro cable riders, or any cable rider for that matter, is would you be riding a wakeboard if there wasn’t a cable around you?
Fooshee: Of Course! Wakeboarding is so much fun whether its behind a boat, winch or cable. I grew up riding behind the boat and I still love it. Although, I was hooked on the cable after the first time I rode it.
How many parks around the world have you been to?
I have been to about 15 cables worldwide, which is not very much at all compared to people that live in Europe. I do have to say that practically every cable I have been to I have met someone that had a boat and wanted to ride, or met people that you can ride with that will help push your riding. It’s great! Out of all of them, what three parks are your favorite and why?
I do have to be a little bit cocky and say that TSR is my favorite. We got it all, great kickers and rails, good looking girls and bikinis and the pop is just amazing. Of course I would say this because its home too, haha.
CWC [Camsur Watersports Complex] — What can you not say about this place? It’s a wakeboarder’s paradise in one of the world’s most beautiful areas, the Philippines. The cable has the best rails at any cable park, the pop is money at all spots on the cable (which is pretty rare), 6 towers, and the Gov. [L-Ray Villafuerte, Owner] is one of the coolest people I have ever met.
Wasserski Langenfeld — Located in Germany, this park had 3 different cables with a fourth one on the way. They have a big cable with some killer rails, and great pop at almost every corner. The other two cables are smaller with rails in them too. The best in Europe from my experience.
From a rider’s perspective, how do parks overseas differ from parks here in the US?
I think that there are two different opinions from people overseas. I feel that some of them know the rich wakeboarding history and progression of the sport that has occurred here in the U.S. So tons of them want to come here and shred our cables because of how unique and different they are.
I also think though at the same time they have got their own thing going over there. They might not care about what’s going on at our cables. It’s a kind of a good thing, those guys concentrate on what they like to do and see. It’s different from here but in a good way.
If you could build your own cable park anywhere in the world, where would you put it?
I think the Gov pretty much already did that, haha. I would like to see one in SoCal. The west coast has a great scene and vibe with wakeboarding. The hills of southern California provide such sick scenery too.
There are three types of cables out there; 4, 5 and 6 tower cable systems. What’s the difference on the water?
From what I have noticed is that four tower cables tend to have a very loose feel. It will tend to sway a little more and they don’t quite pop as well because the cable doesn’t feel as “tight”. But with a four tower system, it feels like handle passes are much easier because of how “loose” the cables feels. Five and six tower systems feel very similar to each other depending on the size of a cable. If it’s a bigger cable then a six tower cable provides so many areas on the cable to pop air tricks. If the cable is smaller, a five tower will feel just about right. I have ridden a short six tower cable and the pop off the water enables you to go very big but it is very difficult to do handle passes on them.
Of course, rails and kickers are a big part of the cable park experience. What do you think the perfect combination of rails and kickers would be?
CWC in the Philippines is that perfect combination. Seriously, they got it going on.
Let’s say there was a park that was only allowed one obstacle. If you had to pick only one rail, kicker, wall-ride, etc… what would it be/look like, and why?
I would design a 30 foot long hip that has a rail on top. This way you could use the upslope as a kicker and gap over the rest of the hip and learn to slide the rest of the obstacle in so many different ways. It would be an obstacle that you could both learn kicker and rail tricks on.
Tom Fooshee shredding on the cable… Photo: Matt Hickman
Tom Fooshee’s Bio Age: 23 Years riding: Cable, 4 Boat, 6 or 7 Hometown: Austin, Texas Favorite cable move: “A big fatty. It’s what Kyle Reed and I call a front blind mobe done the really hard way; huge front flip tail grabbed to a super late backside 3. Ahhhh… so hard, but it looks so good.” – TF
Wakeskater Nick Taylor took first place during stop #1 of the 2008 Byerly Toe Jam. He was recently at the Camsur Water Sports Complex in the Philippines and this video shows what Nick had to say about the perfect cable park setup…
This is my first blog of the year. I’m excited about the current state wakeboarding. Finally after 13 years of pushing the rail side of our spot, it is starting to become mainstream. For the last seven years I have been running the Projects Wakeboard and Wakeskate Camp and now I get to help people start their own wakeboard facility through the Wake Park Project. My current project is the Camsur Watersports Complex (www.camsurwatersportscomplex.com) in the Philippines. It is the brain child of Lray Villafuerte. He is giving me the opportunity to design his boat lake, winch park and put rails on the cable lake. So far the boat lake is 80% complete and should be in use by early April. We stacked the cable full of rails, boxes and booters. We just started the winch park and have some surprises for you. I can’t disclose too much, but I can say with a team like The Projects, Sesitec cable systems, Abox Fabrications and the CWC all under the Wake Park Project umbrella, well the future looks good for riders and park owners alike. I will be heading back to the states soon and there seems to be a lot of interest in starting wake parks back home. I can’t wait to get started building peoples dream parks.
