Tranquility at the Lake

September 16, 2009

Floating in the water, strapped in a Jet-Pilot lightweight lifejacket, the freshest board shorts, and the most elite wakeboard. Comfortably numb in the lukewarm lake water, not wanting to be anywhere else in the world. Enjoying every split-second available to me in while I strapped into my wakeboard the water while the boat idled before take off with everyone else inside the boat watching. Noticing the cold spots switching to a warming sensation touching my hot skin that has been baking in the afternoon sun. The boat is started and everyone is excited for this amazing day at the lake. Music blaring out of the speakers and subwoofers in the boat and on top of the wakeboard tower set the absolutely perfect mood; in which, was a very overwhelming feeling. The vibes of relaxation and ecstasy start to unfold with the peaceful melody of Bob Marley. As the current of the water carried me closer and closer to the end of the rope and further away from the boat straightening out for take off—I found a brief moment in life where everything in the world was perfect. With my friends and family embracing this special moment in life where “the real world” of everyday work and school does not exist. It is the rewarding feeling that assures me all the hard work that is done throughout the year all had pays off. It does something to me that I can’t explain. Thinking about all of this in a span of less than 30 seconds, the boat moves slightly forward which tightens the rope. With my hands gripped firmly on the handle and my wakeboard slightly out of the water ready to ride. Trying to signal the driver and yell over the loud music, I yelled loudly, “Hit it”!!! The throttle was removed from neutral and switched into gear, throwing gasoline to the heart of the engine that lies comfortably between two giant fat sacks (contains water filled from the lake to create a larger wake for the wake boarder) that twisted the propellers creating a loud noise. The force of the boat pulled my body and board weight out of the water, first try as always; in which, I switched to my riding stance to goofy or right front forward, left foot back. Naturally carving the tender wake, steadily mobbing from left to ride, heels to toes, spraying an abundance of water into the air having a fucking blast. With the biggest smile on my face, I prepare myself for this run; which consists of: Clearing the wake, butter-sliding (grinding the wake), stylish grabs, 180-degree spin, and when I am having a good day a 360-degree spin. In the background I could hear a song playing through the tower speakers by Rage Against The Machine, “ People Of The Sun”. My previous emotions and feelings all turned to pure adrenaline once I envisioned what tricks I planned to stomp. Fashionably and stylishly, I cut hard and hit the wake, backside (with my chest open to the boat) in front of everyone, I felt as if I was on top of the world… it was this feeling of tranquility at the lake.