Date: 8/21/03
Author: David Williams

Related Items:
So Cal Wakeboard Event Photo Gallery

MC Josh Cantor

I first got into wakeboarding back in the mid-90's. There was a series of events in San Diego called the San Diego Grand Prix. It was put on by a guy that showed more devotion and love for the sport of wakeboarding than anyone I'd ever known. He eventually left the area when he moved to Florida and became the editor of Wake Boarding magazine. It was a sad day when Jeff Barton left town and that tournament series came to end.

Since then, however, someone else has picked up the torch and run with it. Josh Cantor has filled Jeff's very big shoes with a set of events that have not only become legendary in the southern California area, but nationwide as well. The So Cal Wakeboard Event has become the largest amateur event in the nation and Mr. Cantor has been recognized by the National Wakeboard League as the event coordinator of the year for 2002 and should be a shoe-in for 2003 as well.

Early morning practice line-up (click to enlarge)

The So Cal Wakeboard Events are much more than just wakeboarding tournaments. Josh Cantor has pooled all kinds of clever ideas and helpful people to put together an event that hardcore wakeboarders, first timers and everyone in between can enjoy. The family environment encourages fun for everyone, not just the riders, and plenty of activity both on the water and off.

At any given event you might find such beach activities as sand castle building contests, tug-of-war, dance contests headed up by Josh himself and the DJ that he hires for every event, hula hoop competitions and much more. The most recent event, on August 10, included a horseshoe tournament with a $110 purse and a 100-foot slippery slide that ended up in the waters of Mission Bay. I'm proud to say that I successfully navigated the entire length of the slippery slide at blazing speeds and teamed up with Josh's father, Greg, to take the horseshoe tournament.

Mosh pit...the dance contest goes bad (click to enlarge)

The So Cal Wakeboard Events have been hitting Fiesta Island in Mission Bay, San Diego three times a summer for the past five years. They're all one-day events put on with some great sponsors including Wakesports Unlimited. These sponsors make sure that the raffle at the end of the day is ridiculously stocked with giveaways from binding slime to clothing to life vests to wakeboards. The raffles may be long, but almost everybody walks away with at least one freebie.

As a special treat for the last event of 2003, Shaun Murray stopped by with his Back Yard Tour rig and most of his family in tow. He signed autographs and wowed the entire beach with an incredible run on the water despite some breezy conditions. He even went so far as to donate the board off his feet, a brand new 2004 Hyperlite Temet, to the raffle, making the day pretty special for the eventual winners, the Cady family.

Outlaw Sean Canaday - Fashion airs are commonplace...and sometimes required. (click to enlarge)

The emphasis of the So Cal Wakeboard Events is always focused on fun for everyone. It's a great place for riders to come out and experience their first tournament because it's a low stress environment, which always makes it easier for a beginner. Despite the laid back attitude, you'll still find some incredible riding and some serious competition. The latest event featured over 100 riders, 17 of which were featured in the Outlaw division. Outlaw riders included big names like Chris Williams, Cheryl Newton, Gretchen Hammarberg, Damian Klaas and many other local rippers, some as young at 13 years old.

Although the So Cal Wakeboard Events are finished up for 2003, I recommend that anybody even close to the southern California area make the trek out to one of these events in 2004. I can't imagine anybody walking away from these events without having an incredible time.

The legendary 100-foot slippery slide (click to enlarge)

If every city around the world had a guy like Josh Cantor taking the initiative to put together a series of events that benefit the local community, such as the So Cal Wakeboard Events, there wouldn't be a whole lot that could slow the growth of wakeboarding. If you've got a Josh Cantor in your area, make sure you let him or her know how much you appreciate what they give to the sport and do what you can to help them out. If you don't have a Josh Cantor in your area, look in the mirror. Maybe it's you. Time to get to work!

When I told Josh that I would be writing about his events, in true Josh Cantor fashion, he insisted I include his contact info for anybody that has any questions about putting on an event in their area. So you can get in touch with Josh at joshcantor@hotmail.com.

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