Saturday was about more than football for the 23 people who dragged 70-feet behind a boat and launched from the waves into the air at Lake Wauburg Saturday.
The Gator Wake and Ski Club held UF Wakefest 2010 to raise money for their upcoming trip to San Diego, where they will defend their title in the Jack in the Box College Wakeboard Nationals.
The event was free to the public on Lake Wauburg, which is 8 miles south of UF campus on Highway 441.
Food, merchandise and raffle tickets could be purchased on-site with prizes including T-shirts and tickets to the Wakegames in Orlando on May 1 and 2.
For a fee of $20, 23 members and non-members alike competed in wakeskating or wakeboarding at the novice, intermediate or outlaw levels.
Brandon Brouil won the intermediate level and Ryan Mocerino won the outlaw level, the highest level.
The winners received wakeboarding boots and grips.
Wakeboarders are strapped onto their board by boots while wakeskaters simply balance on their boards, similar to skateboarders.
Last week the club competed regionally, qualifying to compete in San Diego on May 15 and 16.
Club president Matt Morgan said Saturday’s activities were more relaxed. The stakes weren’t high and the atmosphere was one of “playful competitiveness.”
Morgan, an electrical engineering junior, has been wakeboarding for about seven years and said he loves the chance to get out on the water.
“It’s the thrill of it,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun. You get to hang out on a boat all day.”
Athletes are judged based on the tricks they pull off, their style on the water and in the air, as well as the height of their jumps and flips.
Carolyn Fortson, a senior chemical engineering student who will be entering the competition in San Diego undefeated, admitted the sport can take some time to master.
“It’s a hard learning curve,” she said. “It’s easy to pick up but difficult to get better.”
But sophomore biology major Lauren Protzer doesn’t think the difficulties of the sport should turn people away.
“It’s the best feeling,” Protzer said. “Being out on the water, being on a boat with your friends.”
The event raised between $500 and $700, said Cori Lorelli, a member of the Gator Wake and Ski Club.
UF students interested in giving wakeboarding a shot can take advantage of the professional instructors at the lake for free, by calling and scheduling an appointment, or by checking out the Gator Wake and Ski Club at their Facebook page.
