Freerides - Past and Present

[WaveDemon]

I agree... "Daytona" should NOT be a model for every freeride that happens in this sport. Just get together and ride and forget about sponsors and all the hoopla till it's warranted. W/ that said, I am happy about what it has turned into and I have no complaints at all. Just keep things in perspective and have fun most of all... Freerides are not about the sponsors and free stuff, it's about the comradory, riding, learning new stuff, partying w/ friends and meeting new ones... all that stuff is just icing on the cake..

agreed, with that said we need another localish get together. I always liked the surfslut rides the most. sebby, daytona, secret spot w/e. I haven't done that in a really long time. I think the last 2 day ride I went to was when the party was at roberts house on the pontoon boat on dry land.

 

[Conquistador]

Although we are following the Daytona model more than any other, we have little choice but to do so in order to even get a big crew to ride without worry of getting shut down in Va. Beach. Dealing with a city of our size (the biggest in the state) we have to play by their rules & that means bringing in a special event. No matter what we try or how big we do or do not get, we maintain the spirit of freeride & nothing is more important than bringing friends together & doing what we love to do. That is ride.

I had a blast at the Daytona and Cleveland freeride this year! Not to mention that the race crowd at Lake Anna was awesome too! When you get a group of guys together who like to ride & the opportunity is there, it's hard not to have some fun. I believe that this is the reason that the Wavejunkies are thriving right now. We're growing & getting younger! Our average age two years ago was probably around 30 or even a little higher, but I'd venture to say, with the addition of so many riders 18-23 years old since, the current average age is closer to 25 than 30.

 

[Nascency Chris]

agreed, with that said we need another localish get together. I always liked the surfslut rides the most. sebby, daytona, secret spot w/e. I haven't done that in a really long time. I think the last 2 day ride I went to was when the party was at roberts house on the pontoon boat on dry land.

wasn't that the flip off? man that was some good times...i don't remember what i was talking about at the end of the night but it sure was funny (at least to me lol)

and yes, jet sking has this way of pulling some true AMOD's, with moon being the ringleader...

i think its sick what some rides like daytona can do in terms of giving something back...but when was it decided that every ride needed to do that?

i will say, one thing that soured my stomach a bit was when i was approached to sponsor a ride and was told that no free product would be needed from me, just money...i think some people got the wrong idea along the way...

that being said, can't wait for daytona, the church of the wonky cross, and some good old fashioned fun (with a raffle, sick trick contest, food, vendors, models, circus bears lol)...i keed i keed

 

[ski4]

I agree... "Daytona" should NOT be a model for every freeride that happens in this sport. Just get together and ride and forget about sponsors and all the hoopla till it's warranted. W/ that said, I am happy about what it has turned into and I have no complaints at all. Just keep things in perspective and have fun most of all... Freerides are not about the sponsors and free stuff, it's about the comradory, riding, learning new stuff, partying w/ friends and meeting new ones... all that stuff is just icing on the cake..

agreed
there is no reason why some free swag can't be mixed in with the rides and not take away the spirit of " hanging out"

and whats more
if we can raise money and or awareness about something outside of jetskiing
that's great and makes us seem responsible

 

[ski4]

I agree... "Daytona" should NOT be a model for every freeride that happens in this sport. Just get together and ride and forget about sponsors and all the hoopla till it's warranted. W/ that said, I am happy about what it has turned into and I have no complaints at all. Just keep things in perspective and have fun most of all... Freerides are not about the sponsors and free stuff, it's about the comradory, riding, learning new stuff, partying w/ friends and meeting new ones... all that stuff is just icing on the cake..

agreed
there is no reason why some free swag can't be mixed in with the rides and not take away the spirit of " hanging out"

it's not like the sponsors of these events are dictating how things run or what not, they are just getting some free ( and needed ) advertisement and making some lucky riders happy


and whats more
if he can raise money and or awareness about something outside of jetskiing
that's great and makes us seem responsible


and as far as geting permits and all that stuff
i guess anytime you have a large turn out for something it's a needed evil
not sure what to say about that

the only way to avoid all of thes regulations and laws is to keep the rides really really small
then you have just what we have every weekend we get together and ride in cleveland. not that it's bad

fun breeds crowds
it's a catch 22

 

[WaveDemon]

wasn't that the flip off?

I think you're right. good times.

 

[WFO Speedracer]

Heres the catch 22 on that though,if the freeride promoters are not having to spend all their time looking for sponsors and applying for permit,having food catered in,trying to raise money for causes I think there would be more rides.More rides closer to me is what I am looking for, the big events have really gotten too big,its becoming more like work and less like fun.With gas prices being what they are,the closer the rides are the better,This freeride series Gil is talking about makes a lot of damn sense to me,I know I am not the only one either.

 

[GDFL]

agreed
there is no reason why some free swag can't be mixed in with the rides and not take away the spirit of " hanging out"

and whats more
if we can raise money and or awareness about something outside of jetskiing
that's great and makes us seem responsible

I think that trying to copy Daytona, even in a small fashion, is what makes these rides go in cycles. It takes a tremendous amount of effort to put together a ride like that and most people aren't really up to the task, especially year after year. Nick has done an awesome job of keeping this ride going at such a level for several years now. I love the Daytona ride and the whole experience, but it is almost like the superbowl of rides. There are only a few other rides that seem to work well with the full production format. I like those rides and I also really enjoy the rides that are 5-50 people getting together with little or no coordination.

The bigger rides are almost a double edged sword. It's a bit scary to try to go out and do your thing when there are so many people zipping around, not really used to how things work. There were a few complaints this weekend of riders being completely oblivious to others and cutting right through setup wakes and smooth water. With good waves and good weather, the peak ride times at Daytona can be almost dangerous. It's not going to stop me from coming and riding, but it does make it a little less relaxing to ride.

I say that you should plan a ride and let it be whatever size it wants to be. You can't really force a ride to be a certain size. Just go with the flow and be happy with the experience.

 

[AdamOntario]

actually Darin the FSF this past saturday at ipperwash was a not a good turnout, about 20 skis after everyone bailed but apart from minor issues with my ski an almost perfect ride (did I mention it was flat), perfect to finish the season. couple of us were standing and talking in the moonlight till about 10 pm after we got of the water in practically darkness.

Nick, hopefully we (me, wife, buddy and wife) to daytona in Jan. but unfortunately can only fly out since three of us cannot take more than one day off.

 

[ski4]

gdfl i agree with you 100%

and myself , being one with social anxiety, lol
would prefer a small group to a huge turn out.
i hate having to watch my back all the time, or having fear of getting landed on.

im just saying ......
if something is fun and successful ,
people will come . and i do enjoy seeing all the talent and other skis for ideas etc.

i think in a way dj has fasioned the cleveland ride after daytona
he enjoys organizing ,and putting forth the effort it seems
.
more power too him !

each year has been bigger . i don't know if that's good or bad!

i just show up to ride

 

[GIL]

I think that trying to copy Daytona, even in a small fashion, is what makes these rides go in cycles. It takes a tremendous amount of effort to put together a ride like that and most people aren't really up to the task, especially year after year. Nick has done an awesome job of keeping this ride going at such a level for several years now. I love the Daytona ride and the whole experience, but it is almost like the superbowl of rides. There are only a few other rides that seem to work well with the full production format. I like those rides and I also really enjoy the rides that are 5-50 people getting together with little or no coordination.

The bigger rides are almost a double edged sword. It's a bit scary to try to go out and do your thing when there are so many people zipping around, not really used to how things work. There were a few complaints this weekend of riders being completely oblivious to others and cutting right through setup wakes and smooth water. With good waves and good weather, the peak ride times at Daytona can be almost dangerous. It's not going to stop me from coming and riding, but it does make it a little less relaxing to ride.

I say that you should plan a ride and let it be whatever size it wants to be. You can't really force a ride to be a certain size. Just go with the flow and be happy with the experience.

well spoken. Setup wakes were impossible this weekend just because 1/2 the riders there did not know what a setup wake was. LOL More times than not, I would 180 back into my wake only to nearly head on another rider. I AM NOT COMPLANING because it is at these rides where the newbies lose there newbie virginity. As for the SEVERAL near head on collisions in the air behind the boat??? That almost sucked azz several times. The next ride I hold and there is a boat, there will also be an air horn and a 1 minute lecture BEFORE the boat goes out. Everyone would jump left to right until the entire line of skiers were on the opposite side and then all skiers go from right to left. The sh it of having a line on both sides and 2 guys riding up the middle dam sure wasnt working. All in all-great time was had by all, beach carts still suck azz, and I am sore as hell and smiling non stop.

 

[keefer]

This weekend a Smith did remind me of the early days in Lanier. Just a few peeps from here and there showing up to have some fun both on the water and after hours. I counted 35 boats on the water and a few more on trailers on Saturday. I like the big rides too but the smaller one seem to have a more relaxed atmosphere.

 

[Cliff]

well spoken. Setup wakes were impossible this weekend just because 1/2 the riders there did not know what a setup wake was. LOL More times than not, I would 180 back into my wake only to nearly head on another rider. I AM NOT COMPLANING because it is at these rides where the newbies lose there newbie virginity. As for the SEVERAL near head on collisions in the air behind the boat??? That almost sucked azz several times. The next ride I hold and there is a boat, there will also be an air horn and a 1 minute lecture BEFORE the boat goes out. Everyone would jump left to right until the entire line of skiers were on the opposite side and then all skiers go from right to left. The sh it of having a line on both sides and 2 guys riding up the middle dam sure wasnt working. All in all-great time was had by all, beach carts still suck azz, and I am sore as hell and smiling non stop.

one rider liked to have ruined a lot of peoples day, maybe more. its all fun and games until someone gets hurt, like you said, almost happened more than once

 

[madscientist]

permits, insurance, food, shirts, cost alot of money.

shirt purchases, raffle tickets, and partcipation fees recoupe this and hopefully provide some funds to donate to a local charity.

we broke even this year and that was w/ 35 skis and about 50 attendants.

was fun as hell though and i am working on next year now

 

[WaveDemon]

I wouldn't change daytona motosurf but this is how most rides should be...

http://208.101.59.66/showthread.php?t=5787&page=20

no sposors, just guys showing up from hours away and having a good time.

 

[D Slicker]

D SLICKER outlaw ride baby. 2nd Year no sponsors or prizes just hanging, ridding and having some adult beverages at night = FREE RIDE..... Anyone who missed it missed out.

 

[skinnyman]

My first Freeride was 04 Texas Ride
I meet some great friends from all over the state
Since then I have been to several small state rides 30 or so.I have also been to Daytona 06-07,Pismo 06-07 As a kid I used to dream of traveling across the nation meeting people and riding MX.
Freeriding has made that happen.

The smaller rides are like riding with you crew at the lake for the weekend.
Big rides are going to a event,soak it up ride a little and enjoy the lifestyle.

Im glad I have a option

 

[yamasaki]

agreed, with that said we need another localish get together. I always liked the surfslut rides the most. sebby, daytona, secret spot w/e. I haven't done that in a really long time. I think the last 2 day ride I went to was when the party was at roberts house on the pontoon boat on dry land.

like a wise man once said....we did it our way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:headbang:

 

[Big Kahuna]

Hey Adrian, you need to break out the thread about jumping boat wakes.... At lanier, because it was the same guys over and over, we had a system, left to right, right to left... several times Adrian and I tried to get people to one side, but it did not work, we just pulled out of the mess......



Nick, when it comes to the Big Mac rides, you got it going on. Yes, there have been some hiccups and situations that were not handled as well as they could be, but with every ride, we learn what to do better. Look at the Raffle format, every year it seams to get smoother and smoother. Keep it up.

 

[SJBrit]

Hey Adrian, you need to break out the thread about jumping boat wakes.... At lanier, because it was the same guys over and over, we had a system, left to right, right to left... several times Adrian and I tried to get people to one side, but it did not work, we just pulled out of the mess......



Nick, when it comes to the Big Mac rides, you got it going on. Yes, there have been some hiccups and situations that were not handled as well as they could be, but with every ride, we learn what to do better. Look at the Raffle format, every year it seams to get smoother and smoother. Keep it up.

Funny thing is, I was looking at that thread earlier. I'll give it a bump.