It was a warm, Autumn Saturday in September, the location: Hopatcong State Park, a wakeboarder’s paradise, a calm stretch of glassy water, a perfectly weighted Malibu Wakesetter, and a professional driver flown in from Malibu Boats. What more could a wakeboard bro need, you ask? A dose of healthy competition! Exactly what the Jersey Wakeoff has provided for the past eight years. As the Jersey Wakeoff approaches its ninth year of providing family friendly competition, we wanted to take a look back at the history of the Wakeoff.
In 2008, a young, enthusiastic, wakeboarder wanted to fill a void in a region with limited exposure to the great sport of wakeboarding. With the help of Lake Hopatcong Marine, family, and friends the Garden State Wakeoff was born. For two years Hopatcong State park hosted our great event, showcasing the acrobatic skills of riders varying in ages from five to sixty-five. Inevitably, the competition grew and needed a change. In 2010 the Garden State Wakeoff shifted to the Lake Forest Yacht Club, a prime location in Lake Hopatcong’s Northern most cove, with a huge beach venue, and outstanding amenities it was the perfect fit. For 2012 the competition was renamed with some Jersey Fresh style, the competition was dubbed the JERSEY WAKEOFF!
The 2013 Jersey Wakeoff made its official Summer time debut on August 10th. A monumental step for the competition after a few years of cold rains, fall winds and even a hurricane. For 2013 spectators and riders arrived at a glassy lake yielding soft winds, warm temperatures, and perfect water conditions. Summertime welcomed the Jersey Wakeoff with open arms!
2016 proved to be the best year in Wakeoff history! Although the temperatures were at record highs that didn’t stop the largest group of riders in history from competing as over 1000 spectators looked on from the beach and their boats! Mikey Conrady came all the way from Wisconsin to take home the gold in the Outlaw division. He’s due back this year to defend his title in what is expected to be the most epic 10th Anniversary with new sponsors and new prizes you won’t want to miss this one!