We had a chance to catch up with Christine of the Arizona Wakeboard Association. She discusses everything from the benefits of the AWA to the finer points of competitive wakeboarding.

Fanster: What is the Arizona Wakeboard Association all about?

Christine: The Arizona Wakboard Association (AWA) is about promoting the sport of wakeboarding. Although we pride ourselves in providing a save environment for competition, we also help with rail jams, learn to wakeboard clinics and the general promotion of the sport in AZ.

Fanster:What are the benefits of membership in the AWA?

Christine:There are many benefits of being a member of the AWA. I think that one of the best is that it is a great way to meet other riders and/or families with similiar interests. Also, many of our local sponsors offer discounts on equipment and merchandise to AWA members, which is a great perk.

Fanster: How many members are in the AWA?

Christine: The AWA currently boosts over 100 members with an average of 50 riding per event.

Fanster: How many AWA competitive wakeboarding events are there in a year?

Christine: Although the number of competitive wakeboarding events can vary from year to year, we have averaged 6 competitve events for the past several years. We have also held numerous fun events such a wakesurf contests, charity rides and learn to wakeboard days.

Fanster: What is the format of a competitive wakeboarding event?

Christine: Basically we have 8 divisions for riders to choose from: Grom (11 & under), Masters (35 & older), Women, Wakeskate, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced and Outlaw. Two judges score each rider against other riders in their division based on three catagories: composition, execution, intensity. In layman’s terms it is basically what you do, how you do it and how big you go.

Fanster: What AWA events are upcoming?

Christine: There are two events remaining for the 2008 season. Mastercraft of AZ and O’Brien are hosting the July 19th event and Century Marine and Liquid Force are hosting the August 23rd event.

Fanster: What different locations are events held?

Christine: The majority of our events are held at Lake Pleasant’s Two Cow Cove. However, we have been fortunate enough to hold events at several of the private ski lakes such as San Tan Lakeside Community and Spring Mountain Ski Ranch.

For more information on the AWA please check out our website www.theawa.com.