Bad Boy Discovers Wakeboarding's "North Shore"
By Bad Boy Press Release
Bad Boy Brands International presented the first Bad Boy Wakeboard Pro International Meeting at Lago Tarumá on Rio Preto in the middle of the Amazon Rain Forest. The event was specifically intended to provide the world a first-hand look at the Brazilian "Secret Spot" for wakeboarding.
Rio Negro is a tributary to the Amazon River that derives its name from the dark color of the water. This dark color is provided by the trees and plants of the deep forest which makes the water highly acidic. While this doesn't sound so great for swimmers or divers, wakeboarders interested in getting some air are thrilled.
The acid in the water of the Rio Negro makes the water more dense and heats up faster during the day. The density provides a wake with more pitch that literally launches the wakeboarder into the air.
Collin Harrington commented on this effect, saying; "The wake picks you up so fast...I suddenly realize I'm in the air and think 'quick, spin around' or do whatever trick I intended to pull off."
Simultaneously, the trees and jungle of the Amazon Rain Forest provide a shelter from high winds and blown-out conditions rarely occur.
The event was specifically important to the local riders, city of Manaus, and state of Amazonas, as the arrival of Collin Harrington (US - PWT), Chris O'Shea (Australia - PWT in US), Clayton Krause (South Africa - IWSF/WWC) and Morgan Krause (South Africa - IWSF/WWC) marked the first time in over 20 years that foreigners have competed on the river.
Brazilian champion Jorge Chalub placed third in the meeting after pointedly explaining the pressure of being last year's winner: "It is the greatest amount of pressure. Everyone wants me to win. I have to turn off my phone and I am unable to look at email or instant message because all of them are full of messages from friends, family and fans."
The winner of the contest, Clayton Krause, was followed in placement by his twin brother Morgan. The two had incredible passes in the contest, showing the crowd what international competitors can do. Both Clayton and Morgan were thrilled by the contest and the time they spent in this paradise. Clayton had only one regret: "I really wanted to fish for some Peacock Bass, or what the locals call 'Ticunaré' - oh well, next year."
Collin Harrington and Chris O'Shea were quite favored to win, but a few bumpy rides caused by some inconsiderate boaters killed their sessions. Collin actually came in 4th place at the end, but both he and Chris commented that just the opportunity to ride in these incredible conditions was more than worth the trip. The two intend to spend the next 5 days filming in the Amazon Jungle along with photographer Joey Meddock. Look for some incredible shots in the next issue of The Standerd Wake Quarterly.
Bad Boy has been at the forefront of radical sports since 1982. Since then, hundreds of athletes have worn the Bad Boy logo with pride, as they pushed the limits of their sport and the status quo. Bad Boy has been a part of the action lifestyle culture in Brazil since 1992 and continues to support new and amazing athletes from all over the world.
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