THAI TRANSFER

Daniel Grant back 270 transfer @ TWP
photo: Wojciech Kalka 2013

REMOTE WAKESKATES FLIP TRIP

remote philippines trip from yan lecomte on Vimeo.

CWC and Republic Wake Parks do it again, and have been doing it since 2006!!! The place is a breeding ground for progression. This is some of the heaviest wakeskating ever done at any wake park in the world. SO SICK!

MARC ROSSITER

Marc Rossiter from RAW on Vimeo.
FACT: the best dude to ever ride rails for Ronix Wakeboards...

DYLAN MILLER GONE

Dylan Miller Gone from Spencer Norris on Vimeo.

YEAH, YOU.

"YEAH YOU!" FULL MOVIE from Jon Vital on Vimeo.

There's a resurgence happening in the Phillies at one of the world's best wake parks. The CWC is regaining its prominence as the original destination wake park tucked far away from any conventional travel route. It's being rediscovered by both a new generation of riders and seasoned filipino adventurers. It's been four years since my last visit, and I'm now finding myself inspired yet again to make the trip and rediscover a place I once called home for months at a time. YEAH YOU!!!

THE TIMMINS (WAKE PARK) PROJECT

photo: www.thedailypress.com

In looking at this historical picture of Timmins, Ontario, it pains me to know how different it looks today. Gone are trees and parks, replaced long ago by bare sidewalks and parking lots. The city bares no shame in letting itself go. Of course there are greater forces at play here that certainly contributed to this decline after decades of economic turbulence. Still, the most damaging deficit our city will ever face is a lack of imagination and vision - it has been the collective will's failure to change the status quo for commonplace in this city. 

While I don't have all the answers, I do have at least one and that is to build Northern Ontario's first wake park in the heart of Timmins. We are talking about a real investment into this community for something that will pull people back into the city’s core, establish a new tourist attraction for the area, and promote an active lifestyle. 

We see incredible potential and a vision to help create a sustainable future for Timmins. By utilizing new technologies, innovative design, and upholding high environmental standards we believe a wake park works to enhance our public waterfronts in a very responsible and respectful manner.

As such, the Timmins Wake Park Project is more than just a good business idea or destination. It represents a movement to better this community, and to understand that the change we want to see in this community must come from within. There is no use in believing that outsider agencies are the answer - governments and multinationals DON'T LIVE HERE - BUT YOU DO.  

SO THINK COMMUNITY. ACT LOCALLY. We got this... 

Sincerely yours,

- J.B. 

Gillies Lake Summer 2014

WILL MARSHALL

Introducing Will Marshall to Hélas Caps Canada (2013) from kadencedist on Vimeo.

Surely I heard his name, but could never put a face to it. That all changed though with the release of Top's Aspect:Ratio. After holding down the closer in Top of the World's first skate team video in nearly a decade, Will Marshall is getting his due!

WILL MARSHALL [ASPECT:RATIO] from [ASPECT:RATIO] on Vimeo.

NYJAH: FADE TO BLACK

hmmmm k.Some kids took Tony Hawk Pro Skater on N64 very seriously.WOW!

BOWL-U 2013

Craig Bowl-U 2013 part. from craig beaulieu on Vimeo.

Craig Beaulieu is that dude who couldn't wait to finish high school and be on his way to Whistler. After filming with Alterna Films for the last few seasons with heavy parts in Elektro, Knockout, and 13 O'Clock, Bowl-U set out on his own last season with stops here in Ottawa and even back in our home town of Timmins, Ontario. ENJOY!

Lavigne Blvd. - Timmins, ON.

MAX & MASSI pt. II

The Ping Pong Show part 2 from Maxim van Helvoort on Vimeo.

MAX AND MASSI

The Ping Pong Show part 1 from Maxim van Helvoort on Vimeo.

REVISITING BEN LECLAIR IN THAILAND

Two Weeks in THAILAND from Johny Bonney on Vimeo.

To celebrate Ben Leclair's "official" signing to Slingshot Wake, thought I'd take a trip down memory lane. Two years ago Ben was fortunate enough to travel to Thai Wake Park with myself and Yan Tibo. We happily took him under our wing on the other side of the world. It was during this trip that I first came to notice the true potential of this kid - especially out of his comfort zone back at the Derome wake park in St-Zotique, QC. Between the three of us, Ben had no troubles logging footy and getting shot after shot! Consistency and style is something rarely a package deal nowadays, luckily this kid has worked hard on both fronts. ENJOY!

BANGARANG!!!

BANGARANG full movie from nowamean on Vimeo.
This video has been getting a lot of love as of late- as it should. ENjoy!

BLI BLI WITH DA BOYS

Gowake Bli Bli from Jacob Vinall on Vimeo.

SUPER TYPHOON HAIYAN CLOSING IN

photo: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2013/11/06/super-typhoon-haiyan-hits-category-5-an-extremely-serious-threat-to-philippines/

Super typhoon Haiyan, a category 5 storm, is closing in on my beloved Philippines as we speak. It's the biggest storm on the planet this year and its heading straight for a place I hold very dear to my heart. Barring some sort of miracle, Haiyan is set to swipe the CWC in the province of Camsur. To make matters worse, there's a bunch of holmies there now gathered for a recent international contest. Hopefully they can all make it home before shit goes buck, and for those staying behind hopefully you can stay high and dry my friends. BE SAFE!

SOPHIE HOGBEN

Sophie Hogben Summer 2013 from sophie hogben on Vimeo.
This little aussie ripper puts the boys to shame.

RON TREMBLAY

Ron Footy 2013 from ThaCoop on Vimeo.

NAZARÉ EL LOCO

Nazaré Blow Up from SURFPortugal Mag on Vimeo.

CHRIS OSHEA'S SUMMER TRAILS pt.1

Chris O'Shea's Summer Trails from Josh Robinson on Vimeo.
One of my favourites! CHRIS O'SHEA EVERYBODY!! respect.

THE BANAUE RICE TERRACES SESSION

A+ for effort, but can we please get a wakeskater who is able to give a fair and accurate portrayal of how far wakeskating has come and how good some wakeskaters are these days. Sorry Red Bull but the year is 2013, and we all know that this stunt would have been better served by the likes of someone like Nick Taylor, Reed Hansen, Ben Horan, etc., etc., etc....

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

DOWN THE WRIST from Sebastian Simm on Vimeo.
Yes this guy can shred, but what I want to know is where is this wake park!? I'm gonna guess somewhere in Europe for sure...

OLLIE PROP & JOE JITZU: MAKIN' MOVES

DOMINIK HERNLER: NICE TO MEET YOU

Have You Met Dominik Hernler? from Alliance Wakeboard Magazine on Vimeo.

MANU RUPP

Manu @ Quest ATX from Ryan Jones on Vimeo.
Taking a few test laps at yet another super sick brand new wake park in Arlington, Texas!

GETTING THE SHOT

Behind the Shot-Graeme Burress from Graeme Burress on Vimeo.

NOUS SOMMES TNG!

We are TNG from sylvain antoine on Vimeo.
1. I need to visit TNG
2. shout outs to my french cousins Sylvan, Bertrouse, and Bobo
3. You should probably visit TNG

KEVIN HENSHAW

HENSHAW from Ioda Media on Vimeo.

THE DEBUT TRAILER #2

THE DEBUT - Trailer Two from THE DEBUT on Vimeo.
Wakeboarding has never looked better. 

RAPH DEROME: STRANGE OVERTONES PT. III

Strange Overtones Part 3 from still not famous on Vimeo.

BATTLE FALLS TEASER

SLINGSHOT 2014

2014 Team Edit from Slingshot Sports Wake on Vimeo.

BARCELONA!

Barcelona! from Marvin Kalter on Vimeo.
Marv Kalter putting the fun back into wakeboarding one edit at a time! BARCELONA!!

TOP FAMILY CELEBRATES LIFE AT TWENTY

Today, Top of the World celebrates 20 years.

I remember my first encounter with Top, but it was not in Ottawa – shit I hadn’t even been to Ottawa yet at this point – No. It was on Rosemarie Crescent in Timmins, Ontario.

The year is 1998 or so, and my friend Co Gougeon introduces me to my first skateboard. Cool shit I say. From there it became all-consuming: videos, clothes, music, magazines, hanging in da streets, rebellion, and stickers. Yes, stickers!!

“Top of the World” seemed to be Co’s favorite sticker; it was everywhere. Not only that, we’re talking Top hoodies, hats, and t-shirts to boot. If I didn’t know any better, surely the kid was sponsored. So finally I ask him “ Yo Coco, what is Top of the World?”

“It’s a skate shop in Ottawa. Dionne's brother, Eric, works there.”

Fortunately for us, Eric Dionne is Timmins family also, born and bread. As such,Timmins always had a strong connection to the shop and the brother who never forgot where he came from.

 ***

I’ve been lucky enough to be part of the Top Family for a few years now. After befriending Glen and Linda Goodwin back in the Great Canadian Pumpkin Years along with Chris Giles at Shoreline, I became an adoptive member of the family. Nowadays I'm team captain for Top of World's Reach for the Top Wakeboard & Wakeskate Excellence Program - the honour bestowed upon me by none other than Eric and Sam Francis. 

Real talk though those few years spent with the Goodwin's became my anchor to Ottawa. It would be very difficult to imagine my life in Ottawa without Top of the World. 

They’ve aged with grace and humility; and, after all these years it has never once lost sight of a founding concept: family.

And tonight it’s time for one of the biggest family reunions you will ever attend in your life! BLESS!!

Here is to you TOP, happy twenty! CHEERS!

***

To Glenn, Linda, Chris, and Eric -Thank you.

TOP x SHORELINE 2007

LAKEY PETERSON - PRO SURFING BEAUTY

A JIBTOPIAN: GRAEME BURRESS

Graeme Burress @ Jibtopia Wakepark from Graeme Burress on Vimeo.

JUDGEMENT

After 6 weeks, I finally put together my edit for the upcoming "Rip Curl Judgement 2013" online video contest. It was a collaborative effort between myself and my good friend Craig McCallion. 

Having being one of the 12 invites for this year, I was humbled and super eager to get this project underway. I immediately called Craig and asked if he would put it together. Luckily for me he agreed to it, and from that conversation we knew already what the concept would be. 

Given that we both live a busy life between home, work, riding, and everything else in between; we understood the challenge in finding the time to pull this off - especially with already summer in full bloom. With limited opportunities, I chose my filming sessions wisely and focused on getting the shots I wanted to showcase. 

Needless to say that I did keep things pretty simple, and that's just the way it is sometimes. Let's just say that the video probably won't be garnering a video of the year nomination anytime soon, but I think the emphasis I place on style and quality will speak for itself. 

The edit will be released on September 3rd  as part of the Rip Curl Judgement 2013 contest on www.sbcwakeboard.com. 

But there will be a special screening this Thursday, August 22, 2013 at the KEE TO BALA (Muskoka, ON). This will be the official kick off to the 2013 Canadian Wake Championships so don't miss it if you happen to be in the Muskoka area.

*** 

SPECIAL THANK YOU:

Craig McCallion

Justin Bonney

Kelly Mascioli

Kelly Othmer

Mark J. M. (@ captivatecreativestudios.com)

Brandon

Eric Dionne (Top of the World)

Jeff McKee (Slingshot)

Nate Benson (Billabong)

Julien Derome

Babylon Nightclub

WEB EDIT SEASON: RATHY & KAESEN

It's that time of the year where a slew of web edits are being released ahead of the 2013 Transworld Wake Awards which take place every year at Surf Expo. Here are some worthy candidates from Aaron Rathy and Kaesen Suyderhoud...

Aaron Rathy - The Tribute from Spencer Norris on Vimeo.

Incognito from Joey Arcisz on Vimeo.

HANSON & HAMPSON

this too though..


Danny Hampson - Graceland from Liquid Force on Vimeo.

#cablenats13

Yan Tibo backside 270 transfer. Pointe Calumet, QC.

photo: Johny Bonney

BILLABONG PRO TAHITI Aug. 15-26th

2013 Billabong Pro Tahiti Teaser from Billabong on Vimeo.

2014 SLINGSHOT ROCKETSHIP

Slingshot Rocketship (Trailer Park Trev & Dyl Mill) from Dustin O'Ferrall on Vimeo.

RAPH DEROME: STRANGE OVERTONES Pt. 2

Strange Overtones Part 2 from still not famous on Vimeo.

THE BOOMBOX DIARIES 08.08.13

BOOMBOX DIARIES
-music lovers unite-

HIP HOP + JAZZ + SOUL + FUNK + DANCE + POP

AUGUST 8th 2013 x BABYLON NIGHTCLUB 317 BANK ST.
19+ DOORS 11PM x 5$ AFTER MIDNIGHT ($3 before)
LIVE MUSIC x DANCE PARTY x DRINK SPECIALS

Featuring:

DJ ACRO (Ottawa)
TOP OF THE WORLD x NIXON x RAISED BY WOLVES

BRENDAN COLAMECO (Timmins)
DRUMMER EXTRAORDINAIRE (formerly of NEVEREST)

OLLIE PROP & JOE JITZU (Timmins)
JAZZY BEAR RECORDS

FOLLOW THE LEADER

Follow 2013 from FollowMeNow on Vimeo.

BOB'S DREAMLAND

I haven't posted anything in over a month. Time to dust off the 'ol keyboard and get back to it, and what better way to get at it than with this absolutely insane video from BOB BURNQUIST...

This was filmed in the comfort of his own backyard. I remember playing Tony Hawk's Pro Skater on Nintendo 64 in which Bob Burnquist was a player who could chose to be. It's unbelievable to think that what was possible in a video game is now being done in real life. Beauty of it all though has to be Bob's smile throughout the video, after all these years he's still pushing the sport beyond what was ever thought possible when mega ramp skating was first introduced just a few years ago. His style and creativity is second to none.

THE JUDGEMENT

I was fortunate enough to be invited to compete in the second annual Rip Curl Judgement video contest. Essentially I've got four weeks to put together a dope edit that will go up against 15 other riders to see who's video is most impressive. I've enlisted the talent of Craig McCallion from Half Cab to stitch it all together. Up for grabs is 2000$ in prize money for best video, and 1000$ for the top people's choice video. 

We've got a few ideas up our sleeve, the only challenge will be time of course. But we got some preliminary stuff out of the way last night and filmed the video's intro at Babylon Nightclub, in Ottawa. Now it's time to get on the water!

VIVA LA TEXICA! Pt. 1

Viva La Texica: TSR + Wake Nation from Slingshot Sports Wake on Vimeo.
Ben Leclair getting his due with the Slingshot team in Texas. 

DOWN UNDER

Some the best dudes doing the best things DOWN UNDER in AUSTRALIA...

Down Under 2013 from That Film Guy on Vimeo.

SUMMER SIX PACK! episodes 1+2

Slingshot is bringing a solid six pack of video edits to the party this summer. Episode 1 "Decade 1.6" features Jeff McKee who has been wakeboarding for the last 16 years, and is still finding new ways to keep it fresh and fun! Episode 2 "Viva la Texica" features a group of misfits, including my dude Ben Leclair, touring around Texas in an RV, nuff said. ENJOY!

Decade 1.6 from Slingshot Sports Wake on Vimeo.


Viva La Texica from Slingshot Sports Wake on Vimeo.

RETENTION: THE WAKESKATE TOUR (stop #2)

(Josh Zentmeyer backlip. Photos Ian Reid)

Wakeskating continues to capture my imagination and leaves me in complete awe every time. I know I always say that, but just check out the full story from the Wakeskate Tour's most recent stop: RENTENTION.

RAPH DEROME: Strange Overtones Pt. 1

Strange Overtones Part 1 from Liquid Force on Vimeo.

BRADEN IOI

Braden Ioi is keeping things rolling this spring with a fresh new Toronto winch edit to help us all get back into the swing of things. It's been one hell of a year for Braden after taking home the 2012 National Wakeskate Title, placing 4th at the Worlds, helping resurrect Levelthirtn wakeskates,  and most recently being named the 2012 Ontario Cable Rider of the Year. And I don't think he's done yet folks. Enjoy!

DROP THE GUN

Drop the Gun Teaser from Andrew Adams on Vimeo.

Never have I been so stoked to be riding Slingshot...Shredtown has taken it to another level yet again. Creativity. Risk. = PROGRESSION.

BIG AIR À LA WAKEBOARD

Leave it to Red Bull to come up with this new wakeboarding discipline. Big air contests have always been a little scary for wakeboarders given that you could boost 20-30 feet off a kicker but then drop straight to flat. OH MY KNEES! But fear no more with the coming of Red Bull's "Rising High" which will feature a massive snowboard style step up jump with a transition landing. Check it out!

PORCUPINE FLOOD RAILS

My brother Justin sent me this photo from Timmins on Tuesday. Once a year this rail becomes possible due to high waters and spring time flooding on Porcupine Lake. Although there is no video footage, my bro said he had a great time hitting this thing both ways. Unfortunately for us, water levels are dropping quickly so looks like I'll have to wait another year before getting my turn!

(shout outs to the driver - TRAVIS DESORMEAUX)

GONE WINCHIN' w/ HALFCAB

get the full story at halfcab.ca and wake2wake.ca...

TUBULAR!

TUBULAR from Andrew Adams on Vimeo.

MOMENTS: BYERLY TOE JAM

2013 Moments at Byerly Toe Jam from PATRICK WIELAND INC. on Vimeo.
More from the 2013 Byerly Toe Jam...

10 YEARS STRONG - BYERLY TOE JAM

Progressive people doing progressive things...

The Wakeskate Tour

WARNING: THIS VIDEO CONTAINS SOME EXCELLENT MANOEUVRES. GET STOKED.

Graeme Burress II

Graeme Burress Spring 2013 at BSR from Matic Media on Vimeo.

∆Follow Pat!

pic: Chris O'Shea @livesimple

Stoked to have stumbled upon this pic of my ozzy mate Pat Riordan! Met this cat on my last trip to the CWC back in 2009. Very nice to see he still ripping and riding Slingshot. (he was one the first riders I ever met riding Slingshot all those years ago). This pic comes from a recent road trip with the Follow wake team wherein they toured around Australia with the likes of Chris O'Shea, Oli Derome, Mitch Langfield, and countless other dope Australian riders. Peep the teaser...very good things coming from this crew.

Follow. Team Trip Teaser from |TheBlueCircle| on Vimeo.

Raph + UNIT Parktech

Raph Derome has become the latest rider to get his shot at designing UNIT Parktech's newest signature feature. No surprise he designed something that will allow for a range of options and different lines. Consisting of an elbow rail, wall ride, a spine kicker, and a rooftop pipe; a very technical feature that will challenge any rider who tries to dial it!

The Dream.

Just another dude from Spain..

Sawe Oualiti / CWC AND REPUBL1C 2013 from sawe oualiti on Vimeo.

Ya, just another dude KILLIN' it at your local wake park! HA!! For real though, this kid from Spain has got some dirt on his style and making it look extra grimy for y'all. All this video makes me want to do is ride wake parks, go back to the Philippines, eat shit loads of rice, and reside at the Green Earth Cafe in Naga City. Well done, my dude Sawe Qualiti!

Going public

Survery says...

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Didier Godbout and Justin Loiselle - 2013 Coors Light/St. Sauveur Challenge

After winning last year's Coors Light/St-Sauveur video challenge, Didier and Justin are at it again with this very touching story based on a true story...

BANG-A-RANG!

BANGARANG TEASER from nowamean on Vimeo.
So stoked to see this group of Canadian shred head street heads getting some love from the snowboard community. They are what's good with snowboarding these days. Check 'em!

Orphans

Orphaned Clips from PATRICK WIELAND INC. on Vimeo.

Good footage should never go to waste! and I LOVE THIS SONG!!

THIS TIME AROUND

This Time Around from PATRICK WIELAND INC. on Vimeo.

It was back in 2006 that my brother and I planned our first trip to the CWC and the Philippines. I've been back four times since, and chances are I'll make it five soon enough; especially after watching This Time Around. 

Every visit to the CWC was unique, different, and amazing. In 2007 I was introduced to a whole new facet of wakeboarding, and discovered paradise. In 2008, my trip was cut short because of a broken ankle. In 2009, I filmed some of my best riding to date, and discovered Sesitec's System 2.0. In 2010, I returned with my brother and swam with whale sharks.

It was obvious that we all knew that the CWC was a very special place, and it's very cool to have been apart of the movement described in this film. This Time Around has given me an amazing feeling of nostalgia and inspiration to keep evolving as a rider. Salamate Po! and cheers to all my CWC homies all over the world!! One love.

Please enjoy...

This Time Around: COMING VERY SOON!

This Time Around: Coming 2/20/13 from PATRICK WIELAND INC. on Vimeo.

Mike Dowdy à la double

Most of this stuff contained in this video should be kept for the gymnastics floor. Don't get me wrong, mad respect for the degree of difficulty absolutely; but the aesthetic value doesn't score well here at all with me. But maybe I'm just a little freaked out that kids are throwing doubles wake-to-wake. Shit, I remember when a rider would achieve God status after landing a toeside nine for krypes sake...my oh my the times have changed!

OTTAWA x TECHNINE

OTTAWA from FODT/COLE TAYLOR on Vimeo.
and they say nothing exciting ever happens in Ottawa...

OH MY.

Mount Real w/ SEB TOOTS

Seb Toots Montreal snowboarding run from Seb Toots on Vimeo.

Phuket Wakepark by Daniel Grant

Daniel Grant -> Phuket Wakepark from 21Rope.com kimyongil.net on Vimeo.

Thailand's newest cable park with Thailand's best rider: Daniel Grant. Very dirty. Very good. Very good.

Graeme Burress

Graeme Burress '12 from Matic Media on Vimeo.

Cable parks are breeding a whole new generation of riders. The talent pool for wake boarding is about to get a lot deeper in the next few years with wake parks seemingly going up everywhere these days. For instance check out Mr. Burress out of Wake Nation Cincinnati. Nice enough style for real, but the kid needs to lose the sunglasses...

Toronto!

1. boat show

2. Full of Beans - freshly roasted on Dundas W.

3. CNE + Toronto bike tour w/ Dana

4. Bike Polo

Trippy Triples!

Not my style, but you can't deny how insane of a trick this is...

Toronto Boat Show!

Kelly Slater at 'Soupbowl'

Slater in the Soupbowl from I DO VIDEO ART on Vimeo.

Kelly Slater shreds 'Soupbowl' located at Bathsheba, on the north east corner of Barbados. Had the privilege to visit this spot on Christmas Day! HEAVY. 

January thaw

+11 on January 12th is my kinda snowboarding weather! 

Stair Masters w/ Didier Godbout

Didier Godbout Stairs Masters from BROTHERSFACTORY.COM on Vimeo.

Collin Harrington x 2012

Collin Harrington 2012 from Collin Harrington on Vimeo.

Surf. Wake. Skate. and Jumping out of planes is what Collin Harrington can do best. Not to mention his ability to capture it all and put it together very neatly...very fun, very good.

Rhum home johny.

(the last wax, and a few more waves.)

IN TRANSIT --> after 10 days of catching some "knucks", drinking rhum, holding it down with family, attending the best wedding, and loving that sunshine --> back to Canada I go - not before a one night layover at Trinidad's airport. "YEA MON!!"

I leave Barbados in love with surfing again, stretching on the daily, hungry for more dolphin fish, reading some incredible books, and ready for what's next. Truth be told I'm in good shape for 2013. So let's hope all goes according to plan and we can start building some wake parks real soon.