This past weekend Erie Surfboards put on a benefit wakeskate rail jam at their secret surfboard factory. Amy Root a young girl from New Symrna was hit by a car early in the morning on the way to the bus and is currently in the hospital but getting better. Tons of locals and friends came out to support Amy's family and a great cause.

The pool gap was a great sight for spectators to check out wakeskating. A lot of people still have never seen wakeskating so its great when people get to see it showcased properly. Big time pros George Daniels and Brandon Thomas even made it out to participate in the rail jam. Everyone had a fun time riding and trying to get the best trick down the gap. There were some great crashes as well as people really pushing their selves. Overall it was a great way to spend the day and a great way to help someone else who is in need. Big thank you to all the volunteers and sponsors of the event.

The 2009 Byerly Toe Jam: Stop 3 went down Saturday under the looming dark sky and with lightning threatening to shut it down in Orlando, FL at the Correct Craft Factory Lake. The morning started off in full force with riders fighting for the 8 qualifying spots in the main event of 16 riders.

The Natique wakes were dialed and looking monstrous. Up and comer Andrew Fortenberry impressed the judges with his large arsenal of wake 2 wake tricks including a perfect Toe Side Shuv to indy. Australian rider and new hyperlite catalyst team rider Chris Kallas also showed the judges how they do it down under with an impressive run from a rider who is known for riding behind a aluminum dingy in the croc infested rivers of OZ.

The main event started off with George Daniels, Andrew Fortenberry,Chris Kallas, Grant Roberts, Dieter Humpsch,Ross Gardner and Matt Manzari all qualifying. Just getting into the main event is tough enough but with Toe Jam veterans like Brandon Thomas, Brian Grubb, Reed Hansen and Nick Taylor waiting for the qualifiers the toughest part is riding against some of the best wake to wake riders in the world. The wind was picking up and the clouds started rolling in. Everyone knew there was high chance of thunder storms but that didnt stop Ross Gardner from throwing 2 huge front big variations wake 2 wake. Dieter Humpsch also was on point going huge and poking out a huge backside 180.

Semi Finals started off after a slight rain delay. The boats were back on the water and riders at the ready. Brian Grubb, Reed Hansen, Grant Roberts, Brandon Thomas, Stu Shinn, George Daniels all welcomed the sun as it finally shined down on the quarter finals. The crowd was on its toes as Brandon Thomas and roomate Brain Grubb threw down perfect runs behind the boat stomping everything. Reed Hansen revealed his newly invented frontbig method finger shuv that is still mind boggling to all the witnesses. Stu Shinn riding his new CWB wood concave prototype was riding well with his classic style that he's known for.




Author:Patrick Wieland
Check out exclusive pictures of the event and video.


Quater finals started out with Brandon Thomas vs Reed Hansen and Grubb vs Stu Shinn. This was the dream finals for the sport. 4 of the best wake riders in the world competing against each other for the slot in the finals. Brandon and Reed both had very similar runs including front bigs and late shuv but, Reed landed a clean backside 360 narrowly defeating BT. Stu shinn just couldnt pull it together against grubb going down on a front big and backside 360. Grubb just had to land a clean run and he would be heading to the finals.

As the action heated up so did the Florida heat. With the sun out in full force Grubb and Reed went head to head for the coveted Toe Jam wake title. Leaving nothing on the shelf both riders threw everything they had. Reed landed 3 different 360 variations and a late shuv but left room for Grubb to slide by with his stylish wake 2 wake tricks including a clean nose grab 360.

Grubb took home the win and credited his success to his riding partners Brandon Thomas and Chris Kallas pushing him to land new tricks and getting them on lock. Adding to his already huge amount of career wins Grubb showed the world why he is one of the best boat riders in the world.

The Next and Final stop of the 2009 Byerly Toe Jam Series is at Orlando Water Sports July 4th. Come out and Support the guys finish up the series.

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