Articals & TESTIMONIALS
Above the Wake
NORM SCHULTZ APR 11, 2023
MYK CRAWFORD – STOCK.ADOBE.COM
From Washington’s Radar Lake to Center Hill Lake in Tennessee and beyond, wakeboarding now includes more than 3 million followers and is triggering boat purchases by many families, especially those with teenagers.
Once considered an obscure addition to the family of water sports, wakeboarding is now called the fastest growing water sport in the world. Initially called “skurfing” and invented in Australia in the ’80s, the sport was renamed in the ’90s and continues to grow in popularity. It’s particularly appealing to young people and, as such, plays into the research that reveals if youngsters are introduced to boating, particularly as teenagers, they will likely be our future boat buyers.
While builders like Nautique, MasterCraft, Heyday and more than a dozen other brands build today’s wake boats, a less recognized name that is instrumental in introducing wakesurfing to thousands of newbies is Aktion Parks. A subsidiary of Correct Craft, Aktion’s Orlando, Fla., Watersports Complex is among the largest in the nation and introduces thousands of wakeboarders annually to this water sport.
The Orlando facility also deserves recognition recently being named the Water Sports Industry Association 2023 “Wake Park of the Year.” This honor is bestowed upon the wake park that exemplifies excellence in all aspects of wakeboarding, including community involvement. And to that very point, we highlight their recent outreach, a partnership with Above the Wake.
Above the Wake is a non-profit organization that offers watersports lessons to individuals with autism. To Correct Craft’s credit, this initiative has been ongoing for the past nine years. During that time, hundreds of riders on the autistic spectrum have been introduced to and learned to ride wakeboards, kneeboards and tubes.
Tom Hart, executive director for Above the Wake, highlights the organization's top objective this way: "Our goal at Above the Wake is inclusion, and inclusion is about creating opportunities for individuals to participate. This Orlando Watersports facility plays a huge roll in meeting that need by introducing individuals to successfully enjoying water sports.”
“Like anything else that introduces families to any aspect of our boating lifestyle,” says Jim Armington, founder of Buckeye Sports Center. “We see the importance and long-term value for all of us in programs like this one in Orlando and it models for us the value in finding ways to be involved in our own community here.”
The Above the Wake program, and the facilities and lessons tailored by Orlando Watersports to each riders' skill level, provide a unique opportunity for individuals with autism to learn and experience the thrill of watersports, and it surely deserve an appropriate call-out.
Moreover, whether or not efforts like this one leads to even one future boat sale, it should encourage every marine dealer, everywhere, to find ways to give back in their community.
From Washington’s Radar Lake to Center Hill Lake in Tennessee and beyond, wakeboarding now includes more than 3 million followers and is triggering boat purchases by many families, especially those with teenagers.
Once considered an obscure addition to the family of water sports, wakeboarding is now called the fastest growing water sport in the world. Initially called “skurfing” and invented in Australia in the ’80s, the sport was renamed in the ’90s and continues to grow in popularity. It’s particularly appealing to young people and, as such, plays into the research that reveals if youngsters are introduced to boating, particularly as teenagers, they will likely be our future boat buyers.
While builders like Nautique, MasterCraft, Heyday and more than a dozen other brands build today’s wake boats, a less recognized name that is instrumental in introducing wakesurfing to thousands of newbies is Aktion Parks. A subsidiary of Correct Craft, Aktion’s Orlando, Fla., Watersports Complex is among the largest in the nation and introduces thousands of wakeboarders annually to this water sport.
The Orlando facility also deserves recognition recently being named the Water Sports Industry Association 2023 “Wake Park of the Year.” This honor is bestowed upon the wake park that exemplifies excellence in all aspects of wakeboarding, including community involvement. And to that very point, we highlight their recent outreach, a partnership with Above the Wake.
Above the Wake is a non-profit organization that offers watersports lessons to individuals with autism. To Correct Craft’s credit, this initiative has been ongoing for the past nine years. During that time, hundreds of riders on the autistic spectrum have been introduced to and learned to ride wakeboards, kneeboards and tubes.
Tom Hart, executive director for Above the Wake, highlights the organization's top objective this way: "Our goal at Above the Wake is inclusion, and inclusion is about creating opportunities for individuals to participate. This Orlando Watersports facility plays a huge roll in meeting that need by introducing individuals to successfully enjoying water sports.”
“Like anything else that introduces families to any aspect of our boating lifestyle,” says Jim Armington, founder of Buckeye Sports Center. “We see the importance and long-term value for all of us in programs like this one in Orlando and it models for us the value in finding ways to be involved in our own community here.”
The Above the Wake program, and the facilities and lessons tailored by Orlando Watersports to each riders' skill level, provide a unique opportunity for individuals with autism to learn and experience the thrill of watersports, and it surely deserve an appropriate call-out.
Moreover, whether or not efforts like this one leads to even one future boat sale, it should encourage every marine dealer, everywhere, to find ways to give back in their community.
To read more visit the original article here at this link below.
www.tradeonlytoday.com/columns-blogs/above-the-wake
Original Article by Trade Only Today at tradeonlytoday.com
www.tradeonlytoday.com/columns-blogs/above-the-wake
Original Article by Trade Only Today at tradeonlytoday.com
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ATW Testimonials:
"Above the Wake is one of the most AMAZING groups that I have encountered. My son had the most awesome time learning how to kneeboard, paddle boarding and wakeboard. Thanks to ATW and OWC and their Autism event last weekend; my son is still super excited and can't wait for another ATW event. Thanks for all the great people who put this event together. See you for the next event." - Nicole Tambini
First of all WOW, what an experience! Tom Hart, Above The Wake and staff did an amazing job. The Above The Wake event was a fun filled day of water sports, food and fun activities for families with children of special needs. From wake boarding, paddle boarding, and tube towing this event by far has been one for the books. My son Isaiah had an amazing time and a great big smile from ear to ear thanks to Tom and his team. In life some days are better then others however, good days for families with special needs children and adults are very far in between. Thank you Tom and your hard working team for providing a joyful, fun filled day in our lives.
PS. Keep us posted for the next event.
Sincerely,
Rolando, Lisa, & Isaiah
PS. Keep us posted for the next event.
Sincerely,
Rolando, Lisa, & Isaiah
Above the Wake helps autistic kids
get active through wakeboarding
Photo courtesy of Above the Wake
Teresa Bergen
April 27, 2023 1:06 PM PT
Not every person wants to participate in every sport. But shouldn’t there be lots of opportunities for all sorts of people to try new activities? That’s what Tom Hart thought when he decided to teach autistic kids to wakeboard.
“We can introduce something super awesome to kids and give them opportunities that other people may not have ever allowed them to have based on a diagnosis,” Hart explains in a video interview on his website Above the Wake. “So we’re looking past the diagnosis and allowing kids to just be awesome.”
Teresa Bergen
April 27, 2023 1:06 PM PT
Not every person wants to participate in every sport. But shouldn’t there be lots of opportunities for all sorts of people to try new activities? That’s what Tom Hart thought when he decided to teach autistic kids to wakeboard.
“We can introduce something super awesome to kids and give them opportunities that other people may not have ever allowed them to have based on a diagnosis,” Hart explains in a video interview on his website Above the Wake. “So we’re looking past the diagnosis and allowing kids to just be awesome.”
Photo courtesy of Above the Wake
Hart founded Above the Wake in 2014 and serves as executive director. This year will be the company’s ninth season, and Hart has some big activities planned.
“We are Michigan-based so we don’t technically start until June,” Hart told Outdoors Wire. “However, April is National Autism Awareness Month and it was important for us to host an event.”
On April 2, more than 60 participants showed up at the Orlando Watersports Complex in Florida. You can see Above the Wake’s summer schedule here. Some events are part of Cable4ACause, an initiative Above
the Wake started in 2016 to promote inclusion in the sport. Cable parks in other states participate as well.
As the website puts it, “Our kids are able to do the activities that neuro-typical children do, sometimes an invitation is a powerful tool.” Upcoming events at Action Wake Park in Hudsonville, Michigan, and West Rock Wake Park in Rockford, Illinois, only cost $10 to participate.
Hart founded Above the Wake in 2014 and serves as executive director. This year will be the company’s ninth season, and Hart has some big activities planned.
“We are Michigan-based so we don’t technically start until June,” Hart told Outdoors Wire. “However, April is National Autism Awareness Month and it was important for us to host an event.”
On April 2, more than 60 participants showed up at the Orlando Watersports Complex in Florida. You can see Above the Wake’s summer schedule here. Some events are part of Cable4ACause, an initiative Above
the Wake started in 2016 to promote inclusion in the sport. Cable parks in other states participate as well.
As the website puts it, “Our kids are able to do the activities that neuro-typical children do, sometimes an invitation is a powerful tool.” Upcoming events at Action Wake Park in Hudsonville, Michigan, and West Rock Wake Park in Rockford, Illinois, only cost $10 to participate.
Photo courtesy of Above the Wake
Two factors planted the seed in Hart to start Above the Wake: a lifetime of summer water sports at his family’s lake house and five years working with children in summer camps. “I have coached and been involved in youth sports since I was a teenager and well into adulthood with my own children,” Hart told Outdoors Wire. “During college, I did an internship teaching swimming lessons to children with autism. It was one of my most memorable times in college.”
Later, he learned about a program teaching autistic people how to surf. “The light just clicked that this was something I could do on lakes with kids and adults living with autism. And I have not looked back since.”
Two factors planted the seed in Hart to start Above the Wake: a lifetime of summer water sports at his family’s lake house and five years working with children in summer camps. “I have coached and been involved in youth sports since I was a teenager and well into adulthood with my own children,” Hart told Outdoors Wire. “During college, I did an internship teaching swimming lessons to children with autism. It was one of my most memorable times in college.”
Later, he learned about a program teaching autistic people how to surf. “The light just clicked that this was something I could do on lakes with kids and adults living with autism. And I have not looked back since.”
Photo courtesy of Above the Wake
Of course, wakeboarding is not the easiest sport for anyone to learn. And neurodivergent folks face extra challenges. Hart’s most useful teaching tool turned out to be the ZUP Board — an all-in-one board that you can kneeboard, stand, and surf on.
“It was a game changer for Above the Wake,” Hart said. “I can build confidence, create positive experiences, and then transition to wakeboarding. The ZUP Board has been the secret of our success getting our people on the water. We introduce children to water-based activities through paddle boarding as well. It is low intensity and a great start to the other services we provide.”
Of course, wakeboarding is not the easiest sport for anyone to learn. And neurodivergent folks face extra challenges. Hart’s most useful teaching tool turned out to be the ZUP Board — an all-in-one board that you can kneeboard, stand, and surf on.
“It was a game changer for Above the Wake,” Hart said. “I can build confidence, create positive experiences, and then transition to wakeboarding. The ZUP Board has been the secret of our success getting our people on the water. We introduce children to water-based activities through paddle boarding as well. It is low intensity and a great start to the other services we provide.”
To read more visit the original article here at this link below.
https://outdoorswire.usatoday.com/2023/04/27/above-the-wake-autistic-kids-wakeboarding/
Original Article by USA TODAY SPORTS and reposted by OutDoorWire
https://outdoorswire.usatoday.com/2023/04/27/above-the-wake-autistic-kids-wakeboarding/
Original Article by USA TODAY SPORTS and reposted by OutDoorWire
Post Event Article
By: Houston Buckley
Leave Your Fear at the Dock:
Leave Your Fear at the Dock:
Above the Wake and OWC are Busy Changing Lives
Orlando, FL – It was a beautiful, sunny Saturday in April at the Orlando Watersports Complex as an energized group of volunteers prepared to start an event. The University of Florida’s wakeboarding club (along with a few other collegiate riders) joined forces with some of the top professionals in wakeboarding to help an Above the Wake event. Above the Wake is a non-profit organization located in Bay City, Michigan and is run by water sport enthusiast and avid wakeboard junkie Tom Hart. Above the Wake specializes in teaching children with autism different water sport activities. The activities they offer include wakeboarding, paddle boarding, knee boarding, and many other activities designed to educate special needs children on the joy of water sports. The motto for Above the Wake is “leave your fear at the dock” and on April 11, 2015 the only fear on anyone’s mind was “am I having too much fun?”
The whole purpose of Above the Wake is to show children with autism that no matter what you think you cannot do, you can do it. The event itself was a reflection of the vibes that the wakeboard community around OWC promotes daily, and the men and women involved created a special atmosphere for these kids to learn. The event started at 8 a.m., which is two hours before OWC begins spinning their cables. However, for the first two hours of the event the Above the Wake crew had the park to themselves, which allowed the professional wakeboarders on hand to interact one on one with the kids and teach them how to ride cable. Megan Ethell, Jamie Lopina, Raimi Merritt, Taylor McCullough, and Shaun Murray were all eager to help the children understand the thrill of wakeboarding. At first, some of the children were timid and almost hesitant to enter the water. Shortly after the professional riders arrived and the children stepped onto their wakeboards there was nothing but smiles all day. Many of the athletes (including the collegiate volunteers) had never worked with children with autism so the experience was one like no other.
After a long morning of hardcore shredding and good vibes the kids took a break for lunch before cruising over to the boat lake for a few hours of paddle boarding. The paddle boarding event was very family friendly, and many of the children got to paddle alongside their parents, which created an awesome experience for everyone involved. “Fitting eight people on one paddleboard with everyone standing up was definitely a highlight for me,” said Gator Wake president Dixie Smith. The paddle boarding was just a taste of what the children were about to experience at the boat lake. Shaun Murray paid the kids a visit and strapped on his wakeboard to give the kids a taste of what awesome looks like. The Nautique G21 that OWC has on site was packed full of kids, parents, and spectators as well as a giant tube that put the kids right next to the action. “It was rewarding not only for me but also to see professional wakeboarders take time out of their schedule and share the sport with children with Autism,” said Robert Schwartz.
The boat set ended in good vibes, and Shaun returned to the dock to sign autographs, take photos, and bring smiles to the faces of every child he met. “The boat set ended in good vibes, it’s still such an amazing feeling even a couple of days after the event,” said Tom Hart, the Above the Wake Executive Director, “if you weren’t there you just don’t get it, I still get chills thinking about the event and replaying the event video.” The kids were so stoked about what they had just seen that they almost forgot about the raffle that had been going on all day. To raise money for Above the Wake there was a raffle table set up all day that included brand new wakeboards, bindings, t shirts, stickers, and anything else a wake junkie could dream of. The children were all given swag bags that included gifts from the event sponsors, and many of the kids won awesome prizes in the raffle.
Above the Wake and the volunteers that dedicated their time to the event did something incredible at OWC that day. “Watching children who never even knew about the sport of wakeboarding at the beginning of the day go from scared and frozen on the dock to taking laps around the park with some of the top pro riders in the sport with giant smiles on their face made all the work we did to put on this event worth it,” said Robert Schwartz, one of the event coordinators. On that beautiful Saturday in Orlando twenty lives were touched in a positive way by wakeboarding, and those twenty children lived the Above the Wake motto: leave your fear at the dock.
Orlando, FL – It was a beautiful, sunny Saturday in April at the Orlando Watersports Complex as an energized group of volunteers prepared to start an event. The University of Florida’s wakeboarding club (along with a few other collegiate riders) joined forces with some of the top professionals in wakeboarding to help an Above the Wake event. Above the Wake is a non-profit organization located in Bay City, Michigan and is run by water sport enthusiast and avid wakeboard junkie Tom Hart. Above the Wake specializes in teaching children with autism different water sport activities. The activities they offer include wakeboarding, paddle boarding, knee boarding, and many other activities designed to educate special needs children on the joy of water sports. The motto for Above the Wake is “leave your fear at the dock” and on April 11, 2015 the only fear on anyone’s mind was “am I having too much fun?”
The whole purpose of Above the Wake is to show children with autism that no matter what you think you cannot do, you can do it. The event itself was a reflection of the vibes that the wakeboard community around OWC promotes daily, and the men and women involved created a special atmosphere for these kids to learn. The event started at 8 a.m., which is two hours before OWC begins spinning their cables. However, for the first two hours of the event the Above the Wake crew had the park to themselves, which allowed the professional wakeboarders on hand to interact one on one with the kids and teach them how to ride cable. Megan Ethell, Jamie Lopina, Raimi Merritt, Taylor McCullough, and Shaun Murray were all eager to help the children understand the thrill of wakeboarding. At first, some of the children were timid and almost hesitant to enter the water. Shortly after the professional riders arrived and the children stepped onto their wakeboards there was nothing but smiles all day. Many of the athletes (including the collegiate volunteers) had never worked with children with autism so the experience was one like no other.
After a long morning of hardcore shredding and good vibes the kids took a break for lunch before cruising over to the boat lake for a few hours of paddle boarding. The paddle boarding event was very family friendly, and many of the children got to paddle alongside their parents, which created an awesome experience for everyone involved. “Fitting eight people on one paddleboard with everyone standing up was definitely a highlight for me,” said Gator Wake president Dixie Smith. The paddle boarding was just a taste of what the children were about to experience at the boat lake. Shaun Murray paid the kids a visit and strapped on his wakeboard to give the kids a taste of what awesome looks like. The Nautique G21 that OWC has on site was packed full of kids, parents, and spectators as well as a giant tube that put the kids right next to the action. “It was rewarding not only for me but also to see professional wakeboarders take time out of their schedule and share the sport with children with Autism,” said Robert Schwartz.
The boat set ended in good vibes, and Shaun returned to the dock to sign autographs, take photos, and bring smiles to the faces of every child he met. “The boat set ended in good vibes, it’s still such an amazing feeling even a couple of days after the event,” said Tom Hart, the Above the Wake Executive Director, “if you weren’t there you just don’t get it, I still get chills thinking about the event and replaying the event video.” The kids were so stoked about what they had just seen that they almost forgot about the raffle that had been going on all day. To raise money for Above the Wake there was a raffle table set up all day that included brand new wakeboards, bindings, t shirts, stickers, and anything else a wake junkie could dream of. The children were all given swag bags that included gifts from the event sponsors, and many of the kids won awesome prizes in the raffle.
Above the Wake and the volunteers that dedicated their time to the event did something incredible at OWC that day. “Watching children who never even knew about the sport of wakeboarding at the beginning of the day go from scared and frozen on the dock to taking laps around the park with some of the top pro riders in the sport with giant smiles on their face made all the work we did to put on this event worth it,” said Robert Schwartz, one of the event coordinators. On that beautiful Saturday in Orlando twenty lives were touched in a positive way by wakeboarding, and those twenty children lived the Above the Wake motto: leave your fear at the dock.