On a less than chilly night in south Florida, 18 of the industry's top wakeboarders and wakeskaters came together to compete at the legendary Ft. Lauderdale Aquatic Complex for Red Bull Wake of Fame. A place that is known for setting world records and hosting gold medal swimmers, shutdown its three pools and connected them with a variety of features and a cable system that strung across the 82-year-old complex. The athletes were able to ride from pool to pool, showcasing their best skills and tricks on a series of obstacles including rails, quarter pipe, stall wall, corrugated pipe, kicker, and a giant elevated gong that's noise energized the crowd when the athletes tagged it. Broken into two disciplines, it was German native, Nico von Lerchenfeld who took gold for wakeboarding and Florida boy, Reed Hansen, who brought it home in wakeskating.

"This is one of the sickest events I've been to so far," says seventeen-year-old, Nico. "The system is making events like this possible. My dad actually invented this system so I really have to thank him for that. Those set ups in the pool with the rails and the different lines you can hit were super fun." He was able to take the title of Best Trick and beat out Kevin Henshaw who took the silver and Red Bull athlete, JD Webb who earned the bronze, with a front-lip-back-side-270-out on the oversized step-up ledge. It was Reed's front varial flip that gained Best Trick in the wakeskate category and helped him take the lead over Nick Taylor who placed second and Andy Pastura in third. Red Bull Wake of Fame's innovative format brought these dynamic water sports to such a unique setting thanks to the pioneering Sesitech Cable System 2.0 - a straight-line cable system that provides a continuous ride. This pioneering system eliminates the boat so outside-of-the-lake locations can be utilized for competitions.

"It's really fun to bring this to the masses," says JD Webb. "It was challenging because the pools are really small and you're kind of rushing to go back and forth so you can get everything lined up and the right line to hit the rails well. It was really a lot of fun." The athletes were judge on three criteria for Red Bull Wake of Fame - execution, intensity, and composition. Two contestants went head-to-head during each round in a bracket style format leading to the finals. Since the number of wakeboarders exceeded the number of wake skaters, a semi-final round was held. Industry leaders Shawn Perry, Scott Byerly, Collin Harrington, and Erik Ruck judged the competition.

The night's 12 wakeboarders and six wakeskaters were hand selected to compete in this innovative new format competition. The line up included the likes of Red Bull wakeboarders Parks Bonifay, JD Webb, Adam Errington and wakeskater Brian Grubb. Alongside them were Nico von Lerchenfeld, Kevin Henshaw, Reed Hansen, Nick Taylor, Andy Pastura, Steel Laferty, Ollie Derome, Keith Lidberg, Shane Bonifay, Ben Horan, and Brandon Thomas.

The Byerly Toe Jam is the most prestigious wakeskate contest of the year. To win a Toe Jam discipline in front of all your peers is easily the greatest accomplishment in wakeskating. Toe Jam has been growing bigger and better each year. This years 7th Annual Toe Jam is going to be quite the show as well. Just the way that the contest is setup alone will be interesting. There will be qualifying for each discipline, Boat,Cable, and Rails. Only a select numbers of riders will qualify for the Finals which will take place on September 11th.

Usually Toe Jam has numerous stops through out the summer and happens early in the summer. This year Toe Jam is happening at the end of the season. Other than boat contest and Obscura Championships there really hasn't been any contest this year on a professional level. Most riders have been busy filming for video parts and traveling. It will be interesting to see how riders who have not been riding contest this summer will do against riders who have. Toe Jam brings out everyone to compete, from your winchers like Ben Horan to your boat riders like Brian Grubb.

Some of the riders who stand out to possibly win this year:

Reed Hansen- I wouldn't be surprised if Reed sweeps the entire contest. Behind the boat Reed is un-matchable with consistency. Behind the jetski and on rails Reed is right at home. Under the Cable Reed will have no problem putting together an insane run. Winning the winch contest will be hard but Reed could easily do it.

Andrew Pastura- The dark horse. Andrew can throw down some insane lines when he feels like it. If Andrew has a good run he could easily win the Jetski rail contest. Andrew is also very comfortable at OWC cable park and if he plays it smart he could easily make it onto the podium. Andrew is also right at home behind the winch where he has been spending most of his summer.

Ben Horan- Winching monster. Put a gap, and two rails on each side and Ben will have no problem taking home the win.

Nick Taylor- Nick loves riding behind his Sea-Doo at home and will look right at home behind the jetski and on the rails for the rail contest. Nick has also been know to do some dancing under the cable.

Brian Grubb- Boat Master! The boat discipline grubb will shine and will probably end up battling Reed Hansen once again for the win.

Brandon Thomas- Brandon Thomas a past 3 discipline Toe Jam winner. Winning all 3 disciplines in one weekend, being the first wakeskater to ever do it. B.T. is always a top contender so keep an eye on this guy.

George Daniels- George has been riding really really well at the Cable lately and ill be really surprised if George is not in the top 3. George is also a ninja behind the jetski and boat.

There are so many amazing wakeskaters this year and it will be very interesting to see what happens over the next week. Stay tuned for all the results, pictures and video!

Have you ever wanted a chance to wakeskate with a professional wakeskater? Well nows your chance to ride with one of the originators of the sport, Hyperlite team rider Brian Grubb. He will be out at the Carlsbad Lagoon Tuesday June 29th hanging out, and giving some instructions, and possibly a demo ride from the man himself.

We will be starting at 11am and going until 3pm. This is a wakeskate only event. This is going to be real casual just a little thank you from us to you. There is no cost for your ride. Just your undying loyalty to Wakesports and California Watersports. For more info call wakesports at 858-277-5757

Rockstar Winch Jam Rider Information
Toe Jam Stop #1

Orlando, Fla. "The world's premier wakeskate series is ready to begin, with the Rockstar Winch Jam set to go off at the Orlando Watersports Complex in Orlando, Florida on April 23-24. This event will coincide with the WWA Air Nautique Wake Games during the kickoff of the King Of Wake Series, which also includes a wakeskate boat event.

Riders will appreciate the new format allowing winch hits down into the lake as well as a reverse direction from lake up into the Rockstar pool. Semi-finalists will be challenging for six open spots into the 12-man finals. Six other spots are already reserved for past Toe Jam Champions. The Rockstar Winch Jam title will be awarded for "Best Trick."

Past Champions (already qualified)

Brian Grubb
Brandon Thomas
Aaron Reed
Clint Tompkins
Reed Hansen
Ben Horan

Thursday, April 23
Practice: 4-8 p.m.

Friday, April 24
Qualifying: 2-4 p.m.
Semis / Finals 7-9 p.m.

For more information, including registration, go to http://byerlytoejam.com

Riders must register on line at http://www.byerlytoejam.com/2009/?page_id=7 by Wednesday, April 22 or pay a late fee on site and register during Thursday's Practise session.

Next Event Of The Toe Jam Wakeskate Series:

Rockstar Rail Jam
The Projects Friday&Saturday; - May 8&9