Claiming back to back victories in any event is impressive. When all four wakeboard divisions replicate the success from the year before, it is even more of a rarity. Drop that feat in the majestic waters of Robin Lake,  at the 64th Nautique Masters Presented by GM Marine,  in an event that attracts the most elite boat riders in the game, you can only be more in awe. Finally, sprinkle in the fact that the Men’s Pro winner has only been invited a few times, is more than a boat only rider, and isn’t always one of the favorites to win, you get a result that will likely never happen again.

Read Next: More 64^th Masters Coverage

One year ago, on Memorial Day weekend, Meagan Ethell claimed her 7th Masters title after a tough battle back from an injury that had the potential to sunset her legendary competitive career. In her 15th year being invited to the prestigious event, she secured her 8th winner’s ring with her classic switch and regular spin combos, composed and smooth riding style, with grabbed technical tricks like her indy roll to blind on her way back to the dock. All of this as a “veteran” competitor at the young age of 27, Ethell continues to exhibit the gameface and the dedication to fend off the Zahra Kell’s of the world, who seems to win most events she enters as of late.

If Massi Piffaretti’s victory in 2023 wasn’t one for the ages, his repeat in 2024 makes his accomplishment that much sweeter. A few years ago the question was posed, “can you win a pro event without multiple double flips and 1080s?” While more than capable, Piffaretti chooses to let his personal touch on wakeboarding shine through and separate his runs from the field. 3 impressive rewind tricks, solid spins and some relatively stock mobe 5’s stomped in some challenging conditions all totalled up for a winning run against some of the best boat riders in the world who failed to stand up their runs. A toe-side frontside 540, rewind 360 off of a hefty double-up was just….”chef’s kiss” as his fellow countrymen and women might say.

Jr. Riders Shion Takaiwa and Giulia Castelli showed how they are following in the Pro winners’ footsteps. Japan’s Takaiwa executed flawless Massi-type tricks, adding late grabs to technical spins and making rewind tricks flow in a contest run. On the Jr. Women’s side, you would be hard pressed to find a competitor that hasn’t looked up to Ethell and her gracious, winning ways over the years. She also just happens to add another Italian flag to the top of the podium, which undoubtedly added an extra smile to Piffaretti’s face.

The post Winning Back-To-Back: The Spirit of Wakeboarding Champions appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

The highly-anticipated Finals Day at the 64^th Nautique Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard Tournament presented by GM Marine concluded with the world-record setting Ski Nautique and award-winning Super Air Nautique G23 pulling the world’s top water ski and wakeboard athletes to the coveted Masters Titles. The spectators of Robin Lake were treated to a display of unparalleled talent as their favorite athletes etched their names into waterski and wakeboard history. 

The Super Air Nautique G23 provided perfect passes for the Pro Women’s Wakeboard finalists. Meagan Ethell (USA) defended her Masters title and stood up her run with a flawless performance. This was Ethell’s 8th Master’s Title. Meagan was followed by Nautique team athlete Zahra Kell (AUS) and Eugenia de Armas (ARG), respectively. 

The Pro Men’s Wakeboard final showcased the creativity and innovation that define the sport at its highest level. The crowd went wild as the G23 pulled Massi Piffaretti (ITA) to his second consecutive Masters Title. Second place went to Nic Rapa (AUS), and the third spot on the podium went to Guenther Oka (USA). 

Read Next: Previous Nautique Masters by GM Results

Results for other towed watersports events can be found below.

The day began with Team Nautique athletes dominating all three spots on the Pro Women’s Trick podium. Anna Hunter (USA) claimed her 3^rd Masters title in the Pro Women’s Trick division, scoring 10,540 points. Neilly Ross (CAN) scored 10,300 points to take second, and Erika Lang (USA) took the final spot on the podium with 10,120 points. 

During the Pro Men’s Trick division, the Ski Nautique pulled Martin Labra (CHI) to his first Masters Title with a score of 11,810 points. Martin was followed by Matias Gonzalez (CHI) and Joel Poland (GBR), respectively. 

With more Masters Titles than any other woman in history, Nautique team athlete Regina Jaquess (USA) earned her 10^th Masters Title with 4 @ 11.25 M in the Pro Women’s Slalom division. “It’s an absolute honor to win my 10^th Masters Title behind the Ski Nautique as a Nautique athlete,” said Regina. “With 14 wins, Andy Mapple and Freddy Kreuger are tied with the most Masters Titles, so it’s an insane feeling to be so close to holding as many Masters Titles as these two legends.” Nautique team athlete Neilly Ross (CAN) secured second with Paige Rini (CAN) taking third. 

Pulled by the GM Marine powered Ski Nautique, Cole McCormick (CAN) was crowned champion of the Pro Men’s Slalom division running 5.5 @ 10.75 M. After Cole, it was Will Asher (GBR) skiing to second place, and Stephen Neveu (CAN) in third. 

During the Pro Women’s Jump final, Hanna Straltsova (USA) soared 52 M (171 ft) to victory. The Ski Nautique pulled Brittany Wharton (USA) to second and Aliaksandra Danisheuskaya (USA) to third.

This unforgettable day on the water got even better as the men hit the water for the Pro Men’s Jump division. Joel Poland (GBR) emerged victorious jumping and impressive 68.2 M (224 ft). Nautique team athlete Ryan Dodd (CAN) took the second spot on the podium, and Florian Parth (ITA) was third. 

Congratulations to all of the 64^th Nautique Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard competitors for their hard work and determination, and thank you to the fans, vendors, and sponsors for their unwavering support throughout the tournament. 

About Nautique Boat Company

Nautique is celebrating its 99^th anniversary of delivering excellence in the marine industry. A subsidiary of Correct Craft, Nautique has been on the waters of the world with a passion for innovation since 1925. Delivering the very best waterski, wakeboard and wakesurf boats on the market, Nautique continues to drive progression with their award-winning technology and dedication to building the highest-quality boats imaginable. New technology, performance innovations and attention to detail are the cornerstones of what makes the Nautique brand the industry leader. Through the Nautique Cares initiative, employees and athletes dedicate themselves to not only making a difference on the water, but to extend their support to people in need around the world. The world’s best ski boat, world’s best wake boat, and a company that cares. To learn more, visit nautique.com.

About Correct Craft

Celebrating 99 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft is a Florida-based company with global operations. Focused on “Making Life Better,” the Correct Craft family includes Nautique, Centurion, Supreme, Bass Cat, Yar-Craft, SeaArk, Parker, and Ingenity boat companies, Pleasurecraft Engine Group, Indmar Marine Engines, Velvet Drive Transmissions, Mach Connections, Merritt Precision, Osmosis, Watershed Innovation, and Aktion Parks. For more information, please visit correctcraft.com.

The post 2024 Nautique Masters by GM appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Memorial Day weekend is a time to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and if you are in the watersports world, you know it is also time to tune into The Nautique Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard Tournament presented by GM Marine. An event steeped in tradition, receiving an invitation to compete at Robin Lake at Callaway Gardens can be the pinnacle of one’s athletic career. To win a Masters champion ring can cement one’s name in the history books.

The two wakeboarding athletes that came out on top had two very different experiences with the Masters over the years, however they each overcame very disruptive injuries and surgeries to put themselves on top.

Meagan Ethell captured her 7th Masters title marking one of her most memorable victories. A successful shoulder surgery, rehabilitation and a year’s worth of work paid off when she reminded the wakeboard world that the Queen is not ready to give up her throne. Fending off the up-and-coming competitors is not getting any easier as Mary Morgan Howell, Eugenia de Armas, and Jamie Lopina improve their level of riding with each event. 

On the men’s side, one of most likable riders in the sport came through with his first Masters win. Italian Massi Piffaretti combined his unique approach to the sport with his technical proficiency and landed a run full of rewinds, 900’s and mobe 5’s. Piffaretti has only received the invite to compete at Callaway Gardens a handful of times, but capitalized on his new approach to contests this year.

“My crew and I all have the tricks to take the win. It is all about who has it on the day” said Piffaretti. It was his day for the win and his day of reckoning as he had his first boat contest win since his 2 and a half year battling a serious injury. “With all of my time off I really focused on the mental side of competing. I used to be such a head case in contests, but I realized it is all about the love of the sport and focused on why we are all out here.”

Full results of the 63rd Nautique Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard Tournament presented by GM Marine here: Nautique Masters 2023: Course Records Broken!

The post Ethell Retains Crown While Piffaretti Garners First Masters Win appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

The 63^rd Nautique Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament presented by GM Marine finished today at Callaway Gardens with the worlds best waterskiers and wakeboarders taking home Masters titles. The award-winning Super Air Nautique G23 pulled Masters champions to unbelievable performances.

The crowds gathered to watch the best riders in the world during the Pro Men Wakeboard division, when the PCM and GM Marine powered G23 took to the water. In the end, it was Massimiliano Pifferetti (ITA) riding flawlessly to take his first win at the Masters with Sam Brown (AUS) coming in second place and Team Nautique athlete Cory Teunissen (AUS) in third place. Tyler Higham (USA) rounded out the Finals heat coming in fourth place.

Team Nautique athlete Erika Lang (USA) continued her weekend of incredible skiing when she set a course record and took home the win during the Women’s Trick division. Erika scored an amazing 11,030 points to earn her spot on the top of the podium. After Erika, it was Giannina Bonnemann Mechler (GER) taking second place, with Team Nautique athletes Neilly Ross (CAN) and Anna Gay (USA) rounding out the Final round.

In the Pro Men Trick discipline, Team Nautique athlete Pato Font (MEX) won his 4^th Masters title behind the Ski Nautique. During the finals today he posted a new course record and a score of 12,470. “I’m so excited to be able to win my 4th Pro Masters title here at Robin Lake!” said Nautique Team athlete Pato Font. “I’m thankful to be able to represent Nautique Boats here at Callaway Gardens.” Pato was followed by Joel Poland (GBR), Louis Duplan-Fribourg (FRA), and Pablo Font Corona (MEX) respectively.

Pulled by the GM Marine powered Ski Nautique, Regina Jaquess (USA) was able to put together incredible passes to take home the win in the Pro Women’s slalom division after running 3.50 @ 10.75m. Jaimee Bull (CAN), Team Nautique athlete Whitney McClintock Rini (CAN) and Allie Nicholson (USA) rounded out the rest of the field.

Robin Lake delivered epic conditions during the Pro Men’s Slalom finals where the massive crowds saw Nate Smith (USA) earn his spot on the top of the podium after a runoff with Will Asher (GBR). Following those two were Thomas Degasperi (ITA) and Adam Sedlmajer (CZE) rounding out the Pro Men’s Slalom division respectively.

The Super Air Nautique G23 wake was perfect during the Women’s Wakeboard Finals where the many on hand witnessed Meagan Ethell (USA) capture a Masters title with Team Nautique rider Mary Morgan Howell (USA) following in second place. Eugenia De Armas (ARG) placed third and Jamie Lopina (USA) in fourth.

The crowds gathered to watch the best riders in the world during the Pro Men Wakeboard division, when the PCM and GM Marine powered G23 took to the water. In the end, it was Massimiliano Pifferetti (ITA) riding flawlessly to take his first win at the Masters with Sam Brown (AUS) coming in second place and Team Nautique athlete Cory Teunissen (AUS) in third place. Tyler Higham (USA) rounded out the Finals heat coming in fourth place.

Spectators cheered for the Pro Women Jump finals behind the Ski Nautique. During the Pro Women’s Jump Finals, the crowds watched as Hanna Straltsova (USA) flew 173 feet to victory. She was followed by Aliaksandra Danisheuskaya (USA), Regina Jaquess (USA) and Valentina Gonzalez (CHL) respectively.
 
The Pro Men’s Jump Finals concluded the weekend’s events where the crowds gathered to witness Team Nautique athlete Ryan Dodd (CAN) win yet another Masters title after jumping 223 feet behind the record-setting Ski Nautique. After Ryan, it was Joel Poland (GBR), Freddy Krueger (USA) and Jack Critchley (GBR).

About Nautique Boat Company: Nautique is celebrating its 98^th anniversary of delivering excellence in the marine industry. A subsidiary of Correct Craft, Nautique has been on the waters of the world with a passion for innovation since 1925. Delivering the very best waterski, wakeboard and wakesurf boats on the market, Nautique continues to drive progression with their award-winning technology and dedication to building the highest-quality boats imaginable. New technology, performance innovations and attention to detail are the cornerstones of what makes the Nautique brand the industry leader. Through the Nautique Cares initiative, employees and athletes dedicate themselves to not only making a difference on the water, but to extend their support to people in need around the world. The world’s best ski boat, world’s best wake boat, and a company that cares. To learn more, visit Nautique.com.

About Correct Craft: Celebrating 98 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft is a Florida-based company with global operations. Focused on “Making Life Better,” the Correct Craft family includes Nautique, Centurion, Supreme, Bass Cat, Yar-Craft, SeaArk, Parker, and Ingenity boat companies, Pleasurecraft Engine Group, Indmar Marine Engines, Velvet Drive Transmissions, Mach Connections, Merritt Precision, Osmosis, Watershed Innovation, and Aktion Parks. For more information, please visit correctcraft.com.

The post Nautique Masters 2023: Course Records Broken! appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

The first Supra Boats Pro Wakeboard Tour event of the season kicked-off in Groveland, Florida, on Saturday, May 20.

There, the world’s best boat riders took aim at the overall titles in the Pro Wake, Pro Surf, and Jr. Pro Wake divisions. With the 2022 champions each returning in healthy form, there is always an added layer of pressure to make a statement at the first tour stop and let the field know that they are there to defend.

Perhaps the most experienced at rising to the occasion is last year’s overall Pro Wake champ Cory Teunissen. A consummate professional, Cory secured the top seed in the finals and landed a clean run with 3 double flips, a 1080, backside 9 and a few mobe 5s and frontside 900s for good measure. Past overall champ, last year’s runner up and the man most likely to make Cory’s day more difficult, Supra team rider, Nic Rapa, was unfortunately taken down by an injury sustained in training up for the first event. The Cory and Nic battle that we have grown accustomed to seeing will have to wait.

Cory’s day was not a walk in the park by any means.

“Tyler Higham’s run could not have been done any better” stated Pro Wake Tour driver and wakeboard legend Trevor Hansen. “He landed a run that he had never put down, even in practice, stomping a toe-side backside 900. He was so close on his double-up but didn’t ride it away” Hansen continued.

Pro Wakeboard Tour Finals Results Stop #1

1. Cory Teunissen: 93.33
2. Tyler Higham: 91.33
3. Fynn Bullock: 87.67
4. Massi Piffaretti: 85.33
5. Maxime Roux: 80.67
6. Shota Tezuka: 73.67

The final trick could have been the difference in the first and second place spots. 

There were new faces in the mix making noise with first time Pro division competitors Maxine Roux and Fynn Bullock making the finals. Bullock, who competes at a high level in snowboarding as well, made his first pro podium placing 3rd. 

Junior Pro Wakeboard Finals Results Stop #1

1. Beaux Wildman
2. Shion Takaiwa
3. Daniel Johnson
4. Noah Bollard

Beaux Wildman, who is making a name for himself on all types of water sports equipment, made the finals in both Jr. Pro Wake and Pro Surf. Wildman took the victory for Jr. Pro wake and took the first step towards repeating his overall title. 

Youngster Jett Lambert took the win in Pro Surf, riding well beyond his teenage years and holding off the top 3 overall finishers in 2022. 

With the high-flying action on the water and on land with the BMX and Freestyle Motocross demos, the Supra Boats Pro Wake Tour proves to be the place to go to have your mind blown. Stop #2 in Acworth, GA comes up in a few short weeks (June 10)  and with the level of riding continuing to elevate, this season will be one to stay tuned in to. 

Pro Wakesurf Tour Finals Results Stop #1

1. Jett Lambert: 95.67
2. Taylor Swanson: 94.00
3. Camron Swanson: 78.00
4. Beaux Wildman: 71.67

The post Pro Wakeboard Tour 2023 Stop 1 Groveland appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Follow a few of La Familia members on a 6 day trip to Italy captured by Daniel Miles, featuring Massi Piffaretti, Josh and Brandon Harris.

“Here’s a behind the scene of our trip, we got to hit Wake Paradise and Turin Wake Park before heading to Milano for Red Bull Wake The City, thank you Red Bull Italia and crew for the good times! Enjoy.” – Massi

The post La Familia Italy Trip appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Wakeboarding Podium

The performances at August Lakes today in Katy, Texas at the Pro Wake Tour powered by Supra Boats were the best many have ever seen. The stellar conditions at this man made facility and an amazing wake from the Supra Boats SA 550 created the perfect platform for the professional and junior professional wakeboarders as well as the professional wakesurfers to put on an incredible show.

Learn about the PWT digital qualifier!

In the Pro Wakeboarding Final, Sam Brown led off the line up of the 6 rider final with some of the biggest names in the sport including Rapa, Teunissen, Oka and Pifferetti. After the first set of runs in the best of two run format, Cory Teunissen was sitting solidly in the top spot, then came Sam Brown’s final run. Sam kicked off the second round by putting down a line that was so prominent almost every rider on the dock proclaimed him the winner before they even took their second run. For Sam’s last move he landed a Nuclear Ole 720, a move that he had only landed once before and it had never been done in a contest.

Pro Wake Tour Marketing Director, Devin Tatro said, “The riding was absolutely incredible at this first event and it’s so good to be back to live – in person events, there is nothing quite like it.”

In addition to the performances, the wakeboarding and wakesurfing fans came out in droves to be a part of one of the first live wakeboarding events to return. The huge crowd helped to push the athletes to deliver their phenomenal runs.

The kick off of the 2021 Pro Wake Tour Powered by Supra Boats also carried an International field with winners from Australia, Switzerland, and the United States. Between the quality of the conditions and this diverse field the Pro Wake Tour is setting the standard in 2021 for professional wakeboarding and wakesurfing events.

Finals

• 1 Sam Brown – 90.00
• 2 Nic Rapa – 84.33
• 3 Cory Teunissen – 80.66
• 4 Fynn Bullock – 70.66
• 5 Guenther Oka – 62.00
• 6 Massi Piffaretti – 34.00

Semi Finals

Heat 1

• 1 Guenther Oka – 77.66
• 2 Fynn Bullock – 73.66
• 3 Cory Teunissen – 62.33
• 4 Jake Pelot – 50.00

Heat 2

• 1 Massi Piffaretti – 81.00
• 2 Nic Rapa – 74.33
• 3 Sam Brown – 69.66
• 4 Tyler Higham – 65.33

Quarter Finals

Heat 1

• 1 Massi Piffaretti – 68.16
• 2 Guenther Oka – 63.50
• 3 Shota Tezuka – 59.66
• 4 Thomas Herman – 53.33

Heat 2

• 1 Fynn Bullock – 68.33
• 2 Tyler Higham – 67.66
• 3 Luca Kidd – 45.00
• 4 Ulf Ditsch – 36.66

Heat 3

• 1 Cory Teunissen – 78.33
• 2 Sam Brown – 62.66
• 3 Jake Hill – 55.66
• 4 Mike Dowdy – 41.66

Heat 4

• 1 Nic Rapa – 73.33
• 2 Jake Pelot – 66.33
• 3 Noah Wildman – 57.66
• 4 Tony Iacconi – 49.33

In Pro Wakesurfing the 3 time Pro Wake Tour Champion Sean Silveira put down what is likely the most technical, smooth, and stylish wakesurfing competitive run ever landed. The shape of the Supra SA 550 wake was absolutely spectacular which allowed these guys to stomp nearly perfect runs. Right behind Silveira were the technically strong Swanson Brothers from Arizona. These three may very likely be in every final this year.

Three-time Pro Wake Tour Champion Sean Silveira ( 91.66) won the wakesurfing podium, while brothers Taylor Swanson (left, 70.00) and Camron Swanson (right, 64.33) came in second and third, respectively.

Wakesurfing Podium

Pro Wakesurfing Finals

• 1 Sean Silveira – 91.66
• 2 Taylor Swanson – 70.00
• 3 Camron Swanson – 64.33

Pro Wakesurfing Semi-Finals

• 1 Camron Swanson – 92.00
• 2 Sean Silveira – 91.66
• 3 Taylor Swanson – 87.00
• 4 Beaux Wildman – 84.00
• 5 Nick Parros – 75.00
• 6 Parker Payne – 70.66

In the Jr Pro Final, Swiss born Jamie Huser was the standout for the day with a dominant win in the semi-finals and solid win in the final heat. Parker put pressure on him in both rounds to keep him honest. Look for these two to be pushing each other to step up all season.

Jr. Pro Finals

• 1 Jamie Huser – 74.66
• 2 Parker Swope – 71.66
• 3 Cody Hunnicutt – 56.66
• 4 Tanner Higham – 46.00

Jr. Pro Semi-Finals

• 1 Jamie Huser – 78.33
• 2 Parker Swope – 67.33
• 3 Tanner Higham – 59.83
• 4 Cody Hunnicutt – 53.67
• 5 Daniel Johnson – 47.00
• 6 Alex Albin – 38.33
• 7 Brett Powell – 33.33

Congratulations to all of the Pro Wake Tour athletes for your incredible riding, specifically our three event champions – Sam Brown, Sean Silveira and Jamie Huser. Don’t miss the next Pro Wake Tour event in Birmingham, Alabama on July 10th!*Pro Wake Tour Partners*

In addition to title sponsor Supra Boats, the Pro Wake Tour is sponsored by: Indmar Marine, Roswell Marine, Boatmate Trailers, PTM Watersports, JL Audio, Gatorstep, Zero Off, Acme, Fat Sac Ballast Systems, Connelly, Liquid Force, Zulz Bags, Leus, Apex Canvas, Universal Products, Transhield, Marine Products International, Piedmont Plastics, and BH Electronics.

About Skier’s Choice Inc.

Skier’s Choice, Inc. is the manufacturer of Supra and Moomba performance inboard wakeboard, wakesurf and waterski towboats. Supra has been a leader in the inboard industry since 1981. The Supra brand is synonymous with innovative styling, luxurious interiors, highest construction quality, and unsurpassed wake performance. The Moomba brand delivers quality and performance far above its class. Moomba offers the best wake performance technology and none of the fuss. The company is privately held and is based in Maryville, Tennessee. Skier’s Choice encourages all boating participants to learn and follow safe boating practices. There are risks associated with boating and water sports activities. Be mindful of the risks, familiarize yourself with the environment, know your limits and conduct yourself accordingly.

About Alliance MultiMedia

The Pro Wake Tour is powered by media partner Alliance MultiMedia; @alliancewake, alliancewake.com & Alliance Wake Magazine: wakeboarding and wakesurfing’s movement and lifestyle. Known globally as the leader in watersports media, Alliance puts our readers and viewers at the most incredible destinations and events with the world’s best athletes and sport influencers. Check out alliancewake.com

About Wakeboarding Magazine

With an emphasis on high-quality photography, in-depth interviews with top riders and reviews on all the latest gear, Wakeboarding inspires its audience with fun and relevant content, anchored by expert boat analysis, quality instruction and how-to features. Its mission is to lead, connect and inspire by enlisting the talents of the most experienced professionals in the industry across multiple media channels. For more information, visit wakeboardingmag.com.

For more information please visit – prowakeboardtour.com or email Chris Bischoff – Chris@prowaketour.com

The post 2021 Pro Wakeboard Tour: Stop 1 Results appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Massi Piffaretti is one of the most iconic riders of his generation, both on the water and off. He’s got a style and skill level that is distinctly his own, and over the years he’s continued to push the boundaries of what’s possible, as well as what looks cool. Tweaked out grabs between the legs back in style? Massi. Never-been-done rewind variations? Massi. Fast shades and bad mustaches? Massi.

Of course, what makes Massi stand out even more are his Italian roots and his “Pizza Boy” personality. So when acclaimed videographer Dave AV hit us up to let us know he could get a flight from the UK to Italy for dirt cheap back in October, we told him he had to go. “Cara Italia” is the result, and as the Italians like to say, it’s “molto bene.”

Big thanks to Ronix and Malibu for helping make this project happen.

The post Cara Italia – Massi Piffaretti in His Homeland appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

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I finally brought it upon myself to make it happen, and then explored the area further, wherein I found some other epic spots to ride. This little stretch of river was really a scenic gold mine for a cool, wakeboarding trip. And nobody had ridden some of these spots before. It was finally time to assemble a crew for a few days of sessioning the Philly scene and capturing it all for the magazine. Massi Piffaretti and Gordon Harrison were tapped for the trip along with the legend Parks Bonifay. The boys linked up with local grom Kira Lewis and sessioned the sickest spots the Philly area had to offer. These are the results of a long held dream finally coming to fruition.

FDR Skatepark

Funny enough, the last place we thought of was the first place we hit to shoot photos, the world renowned skate spot: FDR Park. Known for decades in the skate culture as one of the elite skateparks in the States, this spot is run and maintained by the local Philly skate community. It is in a continual state of growth and expansion with new features always being added to the layout. Respect is mandatory. If you arrive with it you can skate to your heart’s content. Fail to show it and the local skaters make sure your visit is a short and inhospitable one.

“What a great first stop, the legendary FDR skatepark right from the airport. I’d seen it in videos and magazines, but to see it in person, you understand why it is so well-respected. There’s a lot of history, it’s got some grit to it and people just shred there.”

Gordon Harrison

The Boat Graveyard

During our exploration of creative places to shoot we came across what can only be described as a post apocalyptic marina. All the docks, aged through time, are still in place. So too are the boats, some 60 in number, that are still tied into their slips. They share another unique description: every one sits below the waterline, sunken where they’ve been tied up for decades.

“It is one of the more bizarre things I have seen on the water. Every boat is there, every slip filled. And it looks like they’ve been there for 40 years, like it was put on quarantine or just left to rot away. Just rotted wood and jagged metal everywhere with no signs of life.”

Parks Bonifay

The Abandoned Cruise Ship

Once deemed the “Fastest Cruise Ship” of its time, the SS United States has sat mothballed in port for 20 years. Aged and decrepit, its usefulness has long gone past until Massi got the idea for a cool shot angle.

“It was crazy being next a ship that big, intimidating and scary. And it was all about the proper timing in that narrow canal. We only had one chance to get the shot before the water was ruined.”

Massi Piffaretti

The Secret Spot

Seclusion can be a wakeboarder’s best friend, and having a riding spot all your own is what we covet as riders. Kira and I have just that sort of spot tucked away on the Jersey side of the river, a meandering waterway with plenty of good riding (should you know where to look) and, equally as important, very little boat traffic. With few of these spots existing in our area, we are hesitant to share its location because of our own selfish riding interests.

“We’ll see another wakeboarding boat maybe two or three times a season, but that’s it,” noted Kira about this hidden gem. But sharing it with our guests was something we were happy to do, and some great moments came from it. “My favorite part of their visit was being at our riding spot, getting off under the bridge and being with Bear while he shot Gordon doing huge double ups under the bridge. “

Shredding the Schkuyll

Hiding in plain sight is the Schkuyll (pronounced skoo-kill) river, a meandering waterway that goes from the northernmost point of the city and runs 30 miles through downtown and eventually flows into the Delaware. Every seven miles are dams that partition the river into separate compartments. The section we sessioned over two days offered some amazing and dynamic backdrops starting with shredding through oil refineries and their elongated stacks belching steam nonstop. Moments later you’re in a quiet, treelined channel going underneath a train trestle long abandoned and emblazoned with graffiti. Before long you’re cruising straight through downtown Philly with skyscrapers and congested expressways flanking either side of the river.

“The changing of the scenery in such a short time was just amazing,” commented Gordon Harrison. “I was out there riding and there was something new around every corner. I was completely gassed from riding so long, but I just couldn’t stop. I knew we were getting epic shot after epic shot and everything looked different.”

This stretch of the river ended at a waterfall, where the highlight of the trip ultimately went down.

The Waterfall

“Man, this place looks like something out of ‘Game of Thrones’ for real,” said Parks as he soaked in the scenery surrounding the cove. The far side was marked by a rocky ledge leading to a treefilled hillside. The near shore was a slow rising hillside, historical buildings along the waters edge while in the background stands the massive Philadelphia Museum of Art, whose Roman-inspired beige stoneface structure dates back to 1876. Separating the shorelines stands a 10-foot tall waterfall we approximated to be a thousand feet long. The original concept was to use the cove for some double up’s, but the boys devised alternative ways to use the terrain.

We tied a few lines together giving us 160 feet to work with and Massi was the first to session the waterfall. “I wanted to jib a branch that was sticking out over the edge, but we had to figure out how to get into that tight of a spot,” said Massi. “We finally figured out the angle and I hit it a few times and was stoked. But definitely the highlight of the whole trip was Parks wall-riding the waterfall.”

Bonifay knew he was on to something special when he first laid eyes on it.

“When I saw it I thought this would be a cool place to do a big whip around and take a good shot at going up the waterfall. After taking a good look I thought you might be able to get to the top, if you got whipped in just right. We just worked on which boat angle would be best to approach it. The whole thing was just a weird setup but we knew if everything came together we could get something cool. So on my last attempt I came in and took an extra hard dig at it and was able to get all the way to the top. I did a bunch of carves up on the lip of the waterfall for 500 feet and then jibbed a log and dropped back down the waterfall just as the boat turned before hitting the rocks on shore. It was sketchy and epic!”

“I love having those experiences, getting to session something that was unexpected. Usually that’s when you get the best stuff, when you make something come together. We never anticipated doing that, but we just showed up, tied the ropes together and rolled with the punches. Those are the best things that happen on a trip, when you just show up and wing it.”

Cheesesteak King

Like coffee to Seattle or deep dish pizza to Chicago, Philadelphia is known for a local delicacy: the Philly cheesesteak. They start with shaved beef grilled and served on Italian bread, with cheese and fried onions as staple items. But from there they widely vary from place to place, and Parks set some lofty cheesesteak goals for his visit.

“Well, first of all I knew I was going to have a lot of them while I was there. I’ve had Philly cheesesteaks before, and I know they differ from cheesesteak place to cheesesteak place. So I wanted to hit up some of the more notable places to see how they differentiate their steaks. I wasn’t looking for the best one, I just wanted to see how many different types I could have. I had some with cheese whiz. I had some with provolone. Some with fried onions some without. All different ways. My goal was seven cheesesteaks in 4 days. I only got six, but I still chalk it up as a win. I feel I did good about my effort.”

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