Looking for practice ride in LA

[thtrog]

Tige Owners, I will be taking my son to INT Nationals and would like to hook him up with a practice round near Baton Rouge on Monday 10/8 or Tuesday 10/9. We are traveling with one of our friends, were both Tige owners, and he and his daughter are competing also. Three NC riders would really appreciate it if they could get on the water before the competitions.

[chpthril]

Awesome dude, make us proud

We want to see some pics when ya'll get back.

[ragboy]

Tige Owners, I will be taking my son to INT Nationals and would like to hook him up with a practice round near Baton Rouge on Monday 10/8 or Tuesday 10/9. We are traveling with one of our friends, were both Tige owners, and he and his daughter are competing also. Three NC riders would really appreciate it if they could get on the water before the competitions.

I am sending my wife and daughter, wouldn't mind a practice run either for my daughter, pay for beer and gas!

[spharis]

The problem is the area the comp is being held is a private lake. I don't know if Bennet's is allowing anyone on the water, and I doubt they will. My boat doesn't throw the wake you guys are used to, but if you are OK with the wildlife, I'd be more than happy to hit the Basin or Amite (not a preferable area) some of the days you are here. The levels in the Basin should be good to go by that time frame, and you can experience the never ending glass of Lake Pelba.

Are any of you taking an extra day or two to hit up some 1790-1850 millionaire homes. I would recommend a ride up to St. Francisville (not far from where you will be) to check out some of the haunted homes (The Myrtles), and look at the grandeur of the pre civil war plantations. Should probably make a run over to Mulate's in Breaux Bridge, too. I think every celeb and every tourist in the world has headed there for real cajun food and fun. Be sure to bring a business card to decorate the wall. I'll build a gallery of my last visit for ya'll to look at...one sec.

[spharis]

http://www.wakeboatworld.com/stfran/

[thtrog]

Spharis, Thanks for the post today. We've been out on the lake today and I'm just getting the chance to reply. If it works out I'm sure your boat would be great for a practice run.

The pictures were awesome - I'm not sure how much time we'll have for sightseeing, but do plan to take a tour of Magnolia Plantation. We're leaving on Sat the 6th and heading back home on Sun the 14th, between missing school and work we won't be able to extend our stay any longer.

Thanks again for the offer; Bennett's is only offering practice runs on Sat and Sun. I'll let our friends know about the potential ride with you and will be back in touch. How would be the best way to contact you? Thanks

[spharis]

I am online everyday nearly all day, we were hitting the Oxbow in Alexandria today. I am whipped. Send me an email or get in touch through here. swpharis at gmail dot com.

[sparky216]

Wow that is a big spider............

[thtrog]

We're off!

We're leaving for INT Nationals tomorrow - since we have the weekend we're heading West to Memphis and South towards Baton Rouge. Got our last practice in on Tuckertown Lake yesterday afternoon - 84 degree day in NC and the lake was like glass. Spharis, I left my cell number on your email - give us a call if you get over to Bennett's one day. Newbie to posting pictures, but hope to do so when we return. Later.

[spharis]

We're leaving for INT Nationals tomorrow - since we have the weekend we're heading West to Memphis and South towards Baton Rouge. Got our last practice in on Tuckertown Lake yesterday afternoon - 84 degree day in NC and the lake was like glass. Spharis, I left my cell number on your email - give us a call if you get over to Bennett's one day. Newbie to posting pictures, but hope to do so when we return. Later.

I am planning to make it at least one day maybe two with my boy.

I found out recently that LA isn't even in INT; Bennett's was the only location that offered what INT was looking for so they came here. Top notch location you'll be at........and just think it'll be on an LSU victory week once we finish killing Florida.

[ragboy]

My daughter Ashley will be there in Women's novice. I sent her with my wife.

[spharis]

Are they going to remain the entire length of the comp? Saturday?

[ragboy]

Yes.

[thtrog]

INT Final Results

We're back and had a great first time trip to the INT Nationals - a well organized and great LA hospitality. My son Benjamin, 13 years old, finished 5th in the Jr. Novice division. This is only his second season wakeboarding and first year competing in INT.

He was really disappointed that he didn't make the podium, but I'm very proud of him. He did not hold back anything and went big on all his tricks. He laid out his run himself and only had one 360 surface trick, with all others 2 wake grabs and 180's. On his second pass he lost balance and fell on a TS Indy - coming back to the dock one trick short and no wildcard points. To top it off he left his bag of clothes at the Hotel in LA, which had his NC competition bib, boardshorts,.....which they never found for us.

Here are a few pictures of him practicing before we left - these pictures were taken from a chase boat on Tuckertown lake in NC. He's determined to ride as long as possible this fall to get ready for next year, so we'll be back on the water this weekend. There are other INT pictures posted in the general discussion area - I was busy taking video and haven't gotten still shots yet from friends.

Benj 022.jpg

Benj 025.jpg

Benj 030.jpg

[ragboy]

Yeah, my kids want to keep going out also. It has rained all week, but next week looks like some clear days to get out for us. I guess I gotta by some wetsuits.

Nice grabs by the way.