The 2023 WWA Wakeboard World Championships took place in Ferreira do Zezere, Portugal from August 30-September 3. For many, it was the first chance to make their place in history, but for Kirby Liesmann, it was his opportunity to redeem himself.
Read More
The 2023 Wakeboard Championships hosted by The World Wakeboard Association, a rider-formed organization, is being held in Portugal August 30th through September 3rd. Read More
Cracked [krakt]: Internet gaming term used by people to describe someone who is incredibly good at something.
As an instructor, Kirby hangs around kids all the time; he hears all of these cool, hip, trendy phrases all the time. One that has stuck with Kirby this year is the term “cracked.” Kids told him it started as a term in Fortnite and it has transitioned into being used in phrases to describe people who are great at anything, in particular. Read More
“As a wakeboarding coach there’s so much that goes into staying healthy and making sure we’re at our best for our students. Being a wakeboard instructor requires a lot of time, work and attention usually in the heat of summer, so it’s important to not get ourselves rundown”, explained Coach Kirby. As a water sports coach, it’s important to understand how to take care of yourself when in such a demanding, daily environment. Kirby shared his safety measures that protect him, the other coaches, and customers from the challenges that come from this line of work. Read More
In July of 2018, a tragic event took place. A DUCK boat or as they called it The Stretch Duck 7 was a passenger vessel meant to take participants around Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri. On July 19th, 31 passengers boarded and set off despite a severe weather warning issued just 20 minutes before their departure. The captain knew about the storm approaching and decided to continue with the voyage anyway. As thunderstorms and 70 mph winds began to strike the boat, it capsized and sank, and 17 lives were lost. As a boat captain or boat owner/operator, weather plays a huge role in planning out the day, and it’s nothing to mess with. At Kirby’s School of Wake safety is everything which is why the coaches take so many precautions when it comes to weather. Read More
There’s a new kid on the block and it is quickly gaining popularity! Watersports, like many other sports, quickly change, and athletes enjoy the new challenges that come along with it. Foil boarding is no exception. Wake foiling is a revolutionary style of surfing that also allows the rider to fly above the water, while maintaining low impact. Read More
Wake for Warriors was founded in 2012 by David Deep, a veteran who served more than 28 years in active and reserve services for the US marines. He understood the importance of having a space to enjoy himself and heal after experiencing the hardships of serving in our armed forces. Kirby’s School of Wake got an exclusive interview with John Schmersal, who along with his wife, AnnMarie Schmersal and colleagues Rick Keeton and Adam Wensink run the northwest chapter of Wake for Warriors. Read More
It’s spring! The weather is changing, the trees are full of leaves, the sun is shining, and when you wake up in the morning and look out the window, the water is as smooth as glass. Inboards are starting to buzz around on the lake, as people are taking them out for the first time this year. If you scroll through Instagram, it’s already loaded with videos or pictures of wakeboarders and surfers back on the water… it makes me have that itch… that motivation and desire to be out there too. On top of that, the weather is finally warm enough to really spark the wakeboarding or wakesurfing fire in your soul. Read More
Working out and getting in shape doesn’t always have to mean going to the gym. Fitness, both inside of a gym and outside of a gym, can be fun. In fact, making fitness fun is the best way to ensure you are staying committed to your workout!
Throughout the years, I’ve realized the importance of finding a hobby that keeps me active. When I find a hobby that keeps me active, I inadvertently find myself getting into better shape while having fun. It’s a win-win situation; the hobby helps me stay in shape and better my health, but I also want to get into better shape to become better at the hobby. Read More
The groundhog saw his shadow, and Jack Frost keeps nipping at the noses of people in the Central and Northern United States, setting the tone for the winter blues. Winter holidays are over, snowboard and ski trips have been taken, and you’ve been cooped up for a few months. The days are slowly getting a little longer, teasing of the warm weather that is to come. Read More
© 2023 Kirby's School of Wake.
