This was a huge event for me on so many levels.
Happy Ross!
Carl and I launched our new business Champion Timepieces...
My newBlowsion builtFP Jet Skis FP1 powered by DASA , full of Cold Fusion components and covered in Hydro-Turf was debuted.
I got to spend time with the people that got me started in the sport, and great old friends I have not seen in years.
The guy that not only taught me how to ride, but started the Daytona Freeride 10 years ago Nick Foederer on the left, with Liquid Mililtia's own Ryan Smith
And went for a few fun little rides on my new waterscooter.
Here is a great video from Seth Zaluski that really does an incredible job of capturing the event!
Daytona Freeride 2014 from Seth on Vimeo.
Overall, it was an absolutely incredible event and time. In the 10 years this event has been running, Nick has figured out how to make it bigger and better each and every year without losing the soul of the event that makes it so great.
Mark Gomez flipping in the pool!
The biggest difference this year for me is the incredible level of the riders. It used to be in years past that the few pros that came in would be clear standouts from a standpoint of ability and equipment. Now there are tons of pro level riders, and the rest of the crew is just really good and on great equipment. It is a real testament to how this sport is progressing. Below is a pic of one of the "non pros" Jonathan Eastes showing what the Michigan crew can do.
Jonathan Eastes doing work!
And while we are talking about the guys from frozen climates who ride for the pure love of it, here is a quick shot of a guy who I certainly to aspire to be like. Freeride legend, and pro BMX god Mark Murphy...
Murph!!!!!
Of course there are still MAJOR standouts in the pro ranks. Most notably for me are Zack Bright, Mark Gomez, Jake Bright, Tanner Thomas and the Lawlor brothers. These guys all pushed really hard in mere inches of water and were major standouts.
Zack Bright
Turns out Gomez rode more places than just the pool!
Jake Bright...only due in North America doing this trick!
This event from a riding standpoint was a huge success for me, and that is due mostly to this crew
The crew you see here is Jordan Fielder in front, Zack Bright, Jake Bright, Erik Karn, and Jack Bright. Jack, Zack and Jake drove the Burn USA rig all the way across the country with my new prized posession, that Jordan and Erik not only built, but busted their ass all weekend keeping the boat looking absolutely perfect. They would have been wrenching on it as well...but they built it so well they didn't have to. Thank so much guys for making this trip happen and go so well!
