4th ‘Wake Milton’ ready to make a splash
By JOHN BASSETTI
lake milton
Wakeboarders, wake up!
Would you prefer buying a pair of shoes online or in person at a store?
Online, you say. What if they don’t fit?
So why would you trust online shopping when searching for a piece of wakeboarding equipment?
Getting the right fit for the foot is important, whether on land or sea.
Saturday’s Fourth annual “Wake Milton” will be an opportunity for the public to purchase, participate or spectate.
The event’s prime objective is to showcase amateur talent from the tri-state area, beginning at 9 a.m.
The site will be Lake Milton’s picnic area off Milton Commons Boulevard.
“It’s kind of like snowboarding on the water,” said Bonnie Stone who, along with her husband, Dan, operate Water’s Edge Board Shop, the “Wake Milton” organizer.
Competitors of all ages in four categories will perform in the event, which has drawn an average of 60 riders and between 100-200 spectators in its first three years.
The wakeboarding divisions are beginner, intermediate, advanced and outlaw, which is the pre-pro stage.
“This is an all-skill levels event,” Bonnie Stone said. “For a grassroots event, the support has been impressive.”
Stone also said that representatives with Liquid Force and Hyperlite have also taken note of the attention.
As northeastern Ohio’s only dedicated wakeboard shop, Water’s Edge promotes the sport of wakeboarding and its lifestyle. Water’s Edge is the exclusive dealer of Liquid Force, Hyperlite and Byerly equipment as well as Quicksilver, Billabong and Fox apparel.
Although Dan Stone grew up in Boardman and Bonnie is from Austintown, they developed a love for the water.
“When the Ski Limited in Boardman closed, Dan and I saw the need for it and filled the gap,” said Bonnie.
She said that ordering equipment online isn’t always the preferred method.
“Some people want to try on the equipment before they ski,” she said of the advantage of having a local shop, which is located at 16951 Mahoning Ave.
A permit from the state is needed to hold the “Wake Milton,” Bonnie Stone said, but it won’t impede boating traffic beyond a limited area between I-76 and state Route 18.
“Patrol boats will section off the area,” Stone said.
Registration begins at 8 a.m.
“Word has gotten out each year, so people are calling the shop and checking our website [weboardshop.com] for details. We’re trying to expose this sport and develop an interest at a local venue.”
The number is 330-550-2901.
With wakeboarders from Columbus, Pittsburgh and beyond expected, the “Wake Milton” will be the place to be on Saturday.