In preparation for the final stop of the Byerly Toe Jam starting tomorrow, let’s look back real quickly at the whirlwind of a summer it’s been. Three stops, across two countries, qualified 10 riders to join six previous champions at this weekend’s event. Of course, just looking at the results you only get part of the story, so here are some of my favorite moments (and photos in the gallery) from each stop.

Stop One: The Projects, Bithlo, FL

This is always the stop that sets the stage for the season. Riders come out of the woodwork and new tricks are a given. This year Andrew Pastura turned heads with his incredible technical riding behind the ski, and an unknown named Gib Gibbons threw the first varial heel in competition. Behind the boat Reed Hansen landed an indy finger flip, which would become his signature trick of the season. It was also a bit of a comeback story, with Danny Hampson having the best run of the competition in qualifiers, including a bigger spin off the incline.

Stop Two: Texas Ski Ranch, New Braunfels, TX

The Texas stop is a general highlight of the Toe Jam tour for me personally. It’s just such a fun location, with tons to do besides watching the contest, and margaritas on tap. But it also showcased some of the best cable riding, ever. The best run of the event belonged to Stu Shinn, who’d already been knocked out of contention for the win at that point. He didn’t fall once and threw just about every trick in the flats and some other bangers on the obstacles: kickflip, backbig, fs flip, varial flip, shuv off the kicker and a 360 flip to cap it off. It earned him a slot in the finals, along with Andrew Pastura, whose overall riding, and shuv tricks over the wall ride, were another spectacle to be seen.

Stop Three: Wasaga Beach, Canada

This was the first time Toe Jam went international, and it was definitely a culture shock. Once everyone had gotten used to loonies and kilometers though, some sick riding went down. Danny Hampson finally earned his finals invite, with a stellar performance behind the boat. Wake-to-wake late shuvs, big spins and well, just all around amazing riding. Danny had also helped Aaron Reed and Scott Byerly hand dig a pool gap, which hosted a best trick contest on Saturday afternoon. Yan Lecomte took home a big screen tv and $500 for his frontside 360 out of the gap.

And that brings us up to date. The schedule is set, the rider list is confirmed, and everything starts tomorrow at the Projects. Here’s everything we know so far. Be sure to stay tuned to Alliance Wakeskate for real time results, daily photos, stories and videos all weekend long.

Invited Riders

Brian Grubb – Past Champion 04,05,07
Clint Tompkins – Past Champion 05
Aaron Reed – Past Champion 04
Brandon Thomas – Past Champion 06
Reed Hansen – Past Champion 07
Ben Horan – Past Champion 07
Nick Taylor – Qualified at Stop 1
Andrew Pastura – Qualified at Stop 1
Ross Gardner  – Wildcard from Stop 1
Brett Little – Qualified at Stop 2
Stu Shinn – Qualified at Stop 2
Steve Campbell – Wildcard from Stop 2
Danny Hampson  – Qualified at Stop 3
Jeff Engen – Qualified at Stop 3
Chris Kallas  – Qualified at Stop 3
James Balzer – Wildcard from Stop 3

The Projects & OWC, Orlando, FL
Daily Schedule of Events

WEDNESDAY, SEPTMEBER 17
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm    Toe Jam Registration @ The Projects
5:00 pm    Mandatory Riders Meeting

THURSDAY, SEPTMEBER 18
Rail Finals @ The Projects
9:00 am – 11:00 am        16 Riders – Head to Head – top 1 transfers
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm        8 Riders – Head to Head – top 1 transfers
2:00 pm – 2:30 pm        Semi Finals – Head to Head – top 1 transfers
3:00 pm – 3:15 pm        Finals – Head to Head

FRIDAY, SEPTMEBER 19

Boat Finals @ The Projects
9:00 am – 11:00 am        16 Riders – Head to Head – top 1 transfers
11:00 am – 12:00 pm        8 Riders – Head to Head – top 1 transfers
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm        Semi Finals – Head to Head – top 1 transfers
1:00 pm – 1:30 pm        Finals – Head to Head

Winch Finals @ OWC
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm        Heat 1 (Round of 4)
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm        Heat 2 (Round of 4)
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm        Heat 3 (Round of 4)
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm        Heat 4 (Round of 4)
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm        Finals – Head to Head


SATURDAY, SEPTMEBER 20

Cable Finals
10:00 am – 12:00 pm         16 Riders – Head to Head – top 1 transfers
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm        8 Riders – Head to Head – top 1 transfers
2:00 pm – 2:30 pm        Semi Finals – Head to Head – top 1 transfers
3:00 pm – 3:15 pm        Finals – Head to Head

4:00 pm             Awards Ceremony

This schedule is tentative and subject to change.

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