In its first couple years on the CWS schedule, Myrtle Beach never seemed to be that big of a deal. We'd have a decent turnout, but nothing really extraordinary would ever happen. In fact, this contest came pretty close to not happening at all. Due to sponsor issues, the event was on the chopping block as late as April of this year.
 
Oh, what a difference a few months make.
 
Centurion and Eastern Sales Company stepped in to fill the void of towboat sponsor and with help from longtime supporters Sail and Ski Connection, the Myrtle Beach event ended up attracting the largest rider turnout ever in CWS history.
 
For the second time, the crew at The Boathouse Bar and Grill were our gracious hosts and we took full advantage of their facilities. There was a volleyball net, big grassy viewing areas, and even a large stage, which featured a full living room suite, a big screen TV, a DJ, and yours truly posted up on a couch with the mic.
 
This is a pretty cool time of the season; although it's still anybody's game, the overall standings are starting to get interesting. It's only the third event, and you can see riders like Chad Glenn, Clay Martin, and Matt Kirk making some repeat trips to the podium. In fact, Jimmy McClure is dominating the novice division with a so far undefeated season. Emylee Wright is putting a ton of pressure on defending women's champ Kara Austin; is this the year that the queen is de-throned? And it looks like Cary Kalamajka and Tim Boyer are going to be at each other's throats all year in the wakeskate division.
 
Okay; let's just take a minute and talk about the pro division. This was by far the deepest talent pool our pro division has ever seen. Adam Fields has been untouchable for well over a year now, but he had some serious contenders trying to get that cash purse this year. Austin Hair, Josh Palma, Scott Hopkins; they all had Adam in their crosshairs, but somehow, Adam's not even fazed and he pulled out of Myrtle Beach $1,000 richer. Dude's riding on point and he's got his eye on a third consecutive CWS season title. In fact, nobody else has ever won the overall title in the pro division. Can he be stopped?
 
Nashville's only a few weeks away. See you there…
 
The Grand Strand Wake Jam was brought to you by Centurion, Eastern Sales Company, Sail and Ski Connection, UGP, Hyperlite, Dragon, Indo Board, and Buywake.com. Check www.carolinawakeseries.com for current standings and details on upcoming events.