A Resolution to Shred

January 1st, 2009 | Articles

Reading over the write-ups on Danny Hampson, the 2008 Rider of the Year in Alliance Wakeboard Magazine I was particularly touched by something my good friend, Tony Smith, wrote about the reasons that make Danny the ideal candidate for the award. In Tony’s opinion, beginning riders have it better than the pros because “it’s human nature to sink into complacency the more you do something…But beginners haven’t worn thin on either wonderment or dedication. They still have the visible shine of not being able to make it through a day without a good ride, and the tunnel vision to make it happen.” And according to Tony, Danny Hampson’s greatness results from the fact that he has found both again.

I’ve only been wakeskating for a couple of years now and already I can relate to what Tony said. I learned to wakeskate in South Miami in a system of canals that leads right to the Homestead Landfill, a huge mountain of human waste products. When I first started riding do you think I cared about the random items of garbage floating in the water alongside of me? Hell no! I didn’t care what I rode behind, if the water was cold, choppy, or disgusting. I just wanted to ride! But as time has passed I’ve had days that were beautiful, sunny, perfectly glassy and someone will call and say “Hey want to ride behind my Nautique?” And I’ve turned it down because I’m tired, hungover, or “I’ll ride tomorrow.” Lame, I know. I’m not proud of it, but it’s true. Anyone who’s been wakeskating for years and says that they haven’t turned down a similar opportunity is a damned liar.

With 2009 arriving quicker than I ever imagined (didn’t we just celebrate New Years 2008?) I’m faced with a sad realization. You see, after graduating from the University of Miami in May of 2008 I gave myself exactly one year off from school to work and wakeskate. But come August of this year I plan on returning to school to become a doctor. So each day that passes brings me closer to the end, to the day when I can no longer justify making wakeskating one of the major focuses of my life. They say that when people are diagnosed with a terminal illness they gain an appreciation for all the remaining moments of their lives. That’s how I feel. Suddenly with the realization of the end being so near, I’ve regained my desire to be out on the water as often as possible. Why let one day go by without doing the one thing I love most? So I’ve made it my New Year’s resolution to get out there and make the most of these next few months. I don’t want to just ride. I want to push myself, work on new tricks, and do something that scares the shit out of me at least once a week; essentially become a force pushing women’s wakeskating towards a new level. And you can and should hold me to it. Or even better: JOIN ME!

Come on ladies (and gents). Why should it have to be the beginning or the end for us to feel that drive, for us to push ourselves and appreciate every moment to the fullest? Shredders like Danny Hampson and Steph Wamsley didn’t get where they are through complacency. There’s no reason why I shouldn’t have shredded my frickin face off two years ago, six months ago, three weeks ago, or why I shouldn’t do it tomorrow. The end of my wakeskating days may be near, but yours are not! So get off the internet, put your shoes on, grab your deck and get on the water! As we enter 2009 together, heed my warning: don’t let complacency overcome your enthusiasm. Get out there and live the dream! Live it like you were dying.

Author: Lacey

Lacey Menkin is a contributing writer from the sunshine state of Florida. She is a contributing writer for many different wake media channels and she has a beautiful love affair with wakeskating.