2013 TN Wakefest by TNT Watersports

TN Wakefest 2013 was put on by TNT Watersports and was located at Pates Ford Marina on Center Hill Lake. The main sponsors were Bud Light Lime and Tootsie’s Apple Pie Moonshine who both provided a total of $15,000 to support the event. Other sponsors included Pates Ford Marina, Key Springs Winery, Malibu Boats, Nautiques, Hyperlite and Ronix. $5,000 of the sponsorship money went to the Folds of Honor Foundation who supports spouses and children of soldiers killed or disabled in service to our country. The other $10,000 went to the Pro Division prize money. We had over 75 riders from 9-and-under to Pro. There was an amazing amount of spectators at the “boat only access” tournament (about 200 full boats, 20 houseboats) Phil Soven, Brad Smeele, J.D. Webb, Matt Sims, Austin Hair and about 10 more pros rode in the tournament. Due to bad weather both heats in the Pro division had to be pulled in the rain. And even with the weather we still had about 100 boats that stayed and watched the action. Phil Soven got first winning $4,500 then Matt Sims gave him a run for his money and came in close second winning $2,500 and Brad Smeele got 3rd winning $1,500. Both nights, after the tournament, everyone was able to go back to Pates Ford Marina and party together at Fish Lips Bar and Grill. This was the best TN WakeFest we have had to date and we already have sponsors that are committing to double the prize money next year!! We need to give a big thanks to Andrew and Luke Trantum (owners of TNT Watersports) and all the friends that help, for making this one of the best local wakeboard tournaments in the country.

All photos by Tyler Woods