The List 2016 – The Ugly
“Come here often?” Photo: Rutledge
Crowds (or lack thereof)
Spectators bring the energy, stoke and atmosphere to your favorite contest. Unfortunately in recent years we have seen more more friends and family of riders than fans at some of these events. What gives, dear consumers of wake? These contests provide access to the best riders in the world, who are not only awesome to watch, but even more awesome to interact with. Who doesn’t love to hangout at a lake, drink a few cold ones and watch some insanely talented wakeboarders show off? In a time with social media and advertising everywhere those shorelines should be packed with spectators. Trust us, watching in person is way better than on that tiny screen in your pocket.
“Not here, but here!” Photo: Cortese
Injuries
There isn’t a bigger downer in wake than a rider going down with a bad injury. Well, that and the local cops trying to shut down your fireworks party at BROstock, but that’s a story for another time… Put simply, injuries suck. Every year there are a number of riders that succumb to the never-ending pursuit of the injury bug, but this year seemed extra harsh. With Harley Clifford and Meagan Ethell going on the DL, it was the first time the top male and female riders in the sport sustained season-ending injuries mid year. Other injured riders this year include Josh Twelker (broken ribs and collarbone), Oli Derome (torn achilles), Jeff McKee (shoulder), and Sophie Hogben (knee), Tony Carroll (knee), among others. Get well soon, shred brothers and sisters, and screw you, injuries!
#accurate
Whining
Yeah, yeah, yeah, we just whined about injuries, but this is different. We’re talking about you guys who can’t get off the Whaambulance (yeah, we went there) these days…
“All these sponsors are pulling out… WAAAH!”
“Wakesurfing… WAAAH!”
“What happened to the good-ol’ days…? WAAAH!”
“The Bluetooth in my boat stereo keeps breaking… WAAAH!”
We get it, things have changed. But you know what? We’re all still riding. We’re all still hanging out on boats or at parks with our friends. We’re all pretty lucky getting to do what we do. And if it still sucks so bad, then be proactive and do something to help make things better. But please, stop whining in front of everybody, you’re becoming Captain Buzzkill.
“Riding can wait… FORE!!!” Photo: Cortese
Coasters
We see you out there. You pro riders coasting along, not really doing much anymore these days. Snapchat is filled with your week in Miami with bottle service at the club. Your boat is all over Instagram… being used by your friends and not you. Face it, you’re coasting. You’ve lived the good life and now you’re enjoying some finer things. But the problem is you’re wasting space. There are groms out there chomping at the bit to push the sport and make their mark, only your coasting ass is blocking their path. Maybe it’s time to swallow some pride and admit to yourself you haven’t learned a new trick in years. Pass the torch and help the next generation take the sport to the next level.
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Hmmm… wonder who these coasters are?
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Coasters protect wood
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You really want people to go to PWT events? Get a grip Rutledge, that shit has been wack for far too long, and people are responding. The coasting does need to stop, you know who you are, give it up old farts you're not wanted anymore. also, fuck wakesurfing
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Be cool if someone would actually name a coaster. You boys want to speak out against it but none of you are wiling to put your money where your mouth is.
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Parks, watson, harf, rusty, colin harrington maybe?, has lariche done anything really cool or new recently?, and kinda jd webb although he does some cool stuff
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JD is not a coaster at all. He just got 2nd in the <5 contest, places well at traditional contests, and has put out great video parts the last few years.
Collin Harrington has moved more into video production and behind the scenes work.
But as for coasters… Adam Errington.
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Dowdy blocked me on Instagram yesterday. I was just trying to give him a subtle hint that his new Instagram persona is going to make the Ugly List for 2017. Either that or #SuperDoucheoftheYear. Can someone relay that message?
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Knchmd you are a pussy
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Shawn Watson is the king of coasters. Or rusty.
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This is hilarious
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Should your beef be with whining coasters who don't bring all their buddies to contests, or an industry of enabling companies?
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the coasters don't ride in contests any more…
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they also shouldnt be taking up "roster spots" on board teams
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Watson is definitely the king of all wake coasters. That guy hasn’t done anything recently and his riding hasn’t progressed in 10 years
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I would say that the coasters aren't going to walk away from the ground work that they have already laid, and are now reaping the rewards from.
Also, if these new guys want to take their spots then all they have to do is create something that is more appealing than the product that already exists.
I would still prefer to watch Watson ride than 95% of these new cable rats.
But on the other hand, if it were me in his position i would still be pushing the envelope. Or am i already doing that? Who am i?
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fuck the haters….can we get a High Life 2?