Wakesurfers hang ten at Lake Pueblo
By Nick Jurney, The Pueblo Chieftain, Colo. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Saturday, that rule was temporarily waived while the cove served as a playground for the inaugural Colorado Wakesurf Open sponsored by the
"As far as I know, it's the first time a boat-involved water sport has been held on the lake here," said
Though the participation numbers were somewhat low for the first-ever
The format for the competition was a bracket-style, head-to-head contest in which riders scored points based on tricks and ability to ride the wake during two, minute-long rides between buoys roughly 1,000 feet apart.
The amateur division, in which less-experienced riders performed surfs and board slides -- and one successful 360-degree spin -- featured the brother/sister duo of Kyla, 16, and
"I just started this past summer . . . I was given a board and tossed in the water and I really just loved it," Kyla said. "I just have fun being in the water. It's boring if you just sit around all day."
Cody's favorite part? Launching off the wake into the water when he's finished his ride.
"It doesn't hurt when you fall," Cody said, laughing. "There's tons of tricks you can do with your style; It's all good."
Another brother/sister pair,
"We just wanted to come out and
support the first Colorado Wakesurf Open," Michael said. "We're just so excited that the sport is growing and we are starting to have more contests in
Although only 16,
Saturday's event was the first time the young star had ever competed against men, she said, but she held nothing back as she performed airs, bottom turns and ollies while going head-to-head with the likes of her brother and the event organizer Ohrdorf.
"I'm really excited to compete against boys for the first time; usually it's separated," Concienne said. "I feel pretty good about my (first) run . . . The lip of the wave is a little different than I'm used to, but the rest is about the same. It's really fun out here, there's a real relaxed vibe to it."
Ohrdorf said getting approval from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife board took some time, but he sees no reason the event can't continue to grow in the future.
"I had to jump through a few hoops (to get the special event permit and insurance), but the board was easy to work with," Ohrdorf said. "I was hoping for a little better turnout, but every event has to start somewhere. Hopefully we can double our numbers next year, and we're looking to add in a wakeboard contest to go with the wakesurf aspect."
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