When it comes to wakeboarding, the team at Loch Lomond Wakeboard really know how to put on an event. It’s no surprise therefore to learn that their flagship event, Loch Stock, is regarded as Scotland’s most successful wakeboarding festival.
With a heady mix of pro coaching on Loch Lomond Wakeboard’s Nautique boats or onboard owner’s own boats, together with an all categories wakeboard competition, and parties that legends are made of; Loch Stock has something for everyone.
Fresh from Orlando, USA; Pro Wakeboarder Shawn Watson was on hand over the weekend, dishing out advice and tips to wakeboarders of all ages ahead of Sunday’s competition. Riding behind the awesome Super Air Nautique G23 and its massive wake, riders appreciated the insider knowledge of how to ride the powerful boat from the Nautique sponsored rider.
And as boat riders will tell you, the model and size of the boat can make all the difference to your wakeboarding. So for boat owners, the opportunity to have Shawn onboard their own boats, teaching them ways to improve their wakeboarding skills, was just too good to miss.
On Saturday, just as the sun was setting on a glorious day on the banks of Loch Lomond, Shawn took to the water, giving a ‘Big Air’ demo in front of a flotilla of Nautique boats.
Live music from Master Shafter on Saturday evening raised the roof of the Ardlui Hotel as festival goers partied well into the night.
Unfortunately the sun didn’t last for the main event of the weekend; the Loch Stock Wakeboarding competition which was held on Sunday, but this didn’t dampen any spirits.
Fresh from their coaching sessions; pint size Bruno, 9 years old and 8 year old Matilda won over the judges to take first and second place on the podium respectively in the Under 10’s category. Both of these youngsters had really impressed during the earlier coaching sessions; particularly Matilda, who despite the nerves, showed that ‘This Girl Can’, as she rode out a perfect set after being ‘volunteered’ to go first by her older peers. Fearlessly biting her lip throughout her time on the water, Matilda shouted “It was massive” as she described the size of the wake. The youngest of the competitors, Reece came in at third place.
Matilda’s brother, 14 year old Harry made it a family affair when he took first place in the Under 16’s category. Frustrated at not being able to land his tantrum during his coaching set, Harry put all this behind him to pull of an impressive round in the competition. Also riding well were Harvey & Archie who joined Harry on the podium.
Whilst Johnny Carne & Tony Evans stood out in the Pro Men’s categories; it was agreed that the standard of riding across the board, Men & Ladies, was good, with all riders benefitting from Shawn’s advice.
The day ended with the prize giving ceremony, bringing the 9th edition of Loch Stock to a close.
Results:
Under 10’s
1. Bruno
2. Matilda
3. Reece
Under 16’s
1. Harry
2. Harvey
3. Archie
Rookie’s
1. Alan Massie
2. Chris Wilkie
3. Tony Leydon
Men’sB
1. Dom Band
2. Scott Cameron
3. Henry Cugley
Master’s
1. Graham Boardman
2. Neil McKensie
3. Andy Cruikshank
Pro
1. Johnny Carne
2. Tony Evans
3. Ali Brotherton
Women’s Masters
1. Julie Donkensie
2. Fiona Gove
3. Leah Rendall
Women’s
1. Becky Hall
2. Alex Stuart
3. Cari Wilson
