WAKE THE DESERT 2015
Stop #2 on the Endless Wave Tour
San Angelo, TX - The 16th annual Wake the Desert and 2nd stop on the Tige Boats Endless Wave Tour, concluded this past weekend with massive waves and huge airs. The constant water level and convenient facilities at San Angelo’s Lake Nasworthy made for the perfect venue. These ideal conditions allowed some of the best riders in the world to perform at their full potential and compete for a portion of the $25,000 cash purse.
Wake the Desert continues to show its dominance as Texas’ longest running and largest wake event. This year was no exception, as a record-setting crowd watched the sold-out show.
On shore spectators could be found, cheering on their favorite rider from the spectacular viewing opportunities, shopping for a new pair of shades, eating at one of the fantastic food vendors, playing a game of corn hole, or enjoying the company of their friends.
The event began on Thursday with wake surfing clinics from Pros Chris Kinsey and Chris Wolter. Riders of any skill level could sign-up to learn from 2 of the best riders in the business.
Friday offered younger riders and amateurs a chance to compete for their place on the podium.Junior riders Perry Morrison and local Brayden Dempsey demonstrated the talent of the young up and coming riders, performing airs and 360’ as they battled for the Juniors Division win.
The sun broke on Saturday to the Semi-Pro and Longboard Divisions and continued until all the pros had their chance to compete. Crowds witnessed some of the most technical skim style riding on the planet in the Pro Men’s Skim Division and Aaron Witherall of Washington was seeded first going into the finals.
Sunday did not disappoint and the riding was bigger and better than ever. Chris Kinsey and Chris Wolter battled it out in the Pro Men’s Surf Division, both throwing a huge aerial assault and wowing the crowd with their ocean-inspired riding style.
The wakeboarding was an impressive show of skill and control. Outlaw rider Jefferson Langley threw a huge grabbed front flip, a crow mobe, kgb, a dum-dum, and a pete rose for the win in his division. Brad Allen finished second with multiple 720’s, a grabbed backroll to blind, grabbed crow mobe, and a tootsie roll.
Photos by: Tim Marek
Results From WTD:
Juniors:
1st - Perry Morrison
2nd - Brayden Dempsey
3rd - Jessie Garcia
Amateur Women Surf:
1st - Korinn Woodard
2nd - Megan Miller
3rd - Brianna Bostow
Amateur Women Skim:
1st - Erika Sos
2nd - Zoey Montgomery
3rd - Gentry Slayde
Amateur Men:
1st - Kyle Woodard
2nd - Thomas Garcia
3rd - Jarrett Scribner
Master’s Women:
1st - Kitty Sos
2nd - Barbara Concienne
3rd - Dianna Kendall
Master’s Men:
1st - Buck Dempsey
2nd - Tony Fussell
3rd - Eddie Valverde
Longboard:
1st - Todd Johnson
2nd - Aaron Witherall
3rd - Chris Kinsey Jr
Semi Pro Women Surf:
1st - Jennifer Concienne
2nd - Hana Darwin
Semi Pro Men Skim:
1st - Michael Concienne
2nd - Drew Drennan
3rd - Cody Reichle
Semi Pro Men Surf:
1st - Hunter Clement
2nd - Mike Viland
3rd - RJ Garcia
Pro Women Surf:
1st - Ashley Kidd
2nd - Raleigh Hagar
3rd - Allison Sos
Pro Men Skim:
1st - Dom Lagace
2nd - Aaron Witherall
3rd - Chad Sharpe
Pro Men Surf:
1st - Chris Wolter
2nd - Chris Kinsey Jr
3rd - Zane Montgomery