I had an incredible time at the 2026 WSIA Summit in Tahoe. This trip was especially memorable because it was my first time snowboarding somewhere other than Colorado. The week before we arrived, the area had received five feet of snow, and we were all ecstatic watching the reports come in. Unfortunately, the day we landed the temperatures warmed up, and by the next day it started to rain. While the snow conditions were not what we had hoped for, the summit is about far more than just riding. It is about connecting with fellow watersports leaders who are committed to protecting and growing our industry.
The first day was filled with committee meetings for wake camps and schools like mine, along with cable parks and towboat stakeholders. These conversations are always eye opening. We learned that in 2025 there were no new legislative threats in battleground states and that the pressure has eased somewhat since the implementation of the 200 foot from shore guideline. It was encouraging to hear that progress is being made. We also discussed the continued effort to debunk the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory study regarding alleged underwater damage caused by wake boats. The WSIA has been working diligently to ensure that decisions impacting our industry are grounded in sound science and accurate information.
One phrase that really stood out to me during the meetings was that it is better to be at the table than on the menu. Another powerful reminder was that it is never good to make a friend in a crisis. Those statements reinforced the growing need for wake school owners, dealerships, and manufacturers to be active in our communities before challenges arise. We cannot wait until legislation threatens our livelihood to start building relationships. We need to be inviting state legislators out on the water now so they can experience firsthand the family fun and positive impact watersports brings to recreational boaters and local communities.
Throughout the summit I had meaningful conversations with fellow wake school owners about best practices for teaching and safety protocols. Preparing for emergencies and operating at a high professional standard protects both our students and the future of our sport. I also met with leadership from the WWA about upcoming competitions where I will be serving as a wakeboard and wakesurf division judge. We are working toward making a coaching certification available for wake school owners and their staff, which is an exciting step toward raising the overall professionalism and consistency within our industry.
I also had the opportunity to meet with the marketing director of MasterCraft Boats to discuss future plans for getting more people on the water behind the best boats on the market. I am excited about the direction we are heading and the continued opportunity to create meaningful experiences for families.
Another highlight of the summit was getting to meet Stephen from Follow Wake. He was genuinely one of the nicest and most passionate people I met all week, not just about watersports, but also about giving back and supporting the people who help grow the sport. That is one of the special things about attending an event like the WSIA Summit. It gives you the opportunity to meet people in the industry you may never otherwise get the chance to meet, hear their story, and better understand the heart behind the brands and businesses that shape our sport.
That connection made the week even more meaningful, and I am excited that Kirby’s School of Wake is now a Follow Wake brand ambassador. We are proud to represent and showcase some of the best wake sports specific wetsuits, life jackets, ropes, and handles in the industry to our customer base. Follow products will not only be available for our students to experience through the school, but they will also be my preferred equipment for riding moving forward.
One of the most impactful sessions of the week was an evening lecture from Shirley Mao about the power of AI in the marine business world. She shared how quickly customer expectations are evolving and how people want information instantly. At the same time, customers are placing even greater value on genuine in person interaction and memorable experiences. Technology may accelerate communication, but experiences are what truly build loyalty.
Eventually I made my way out to the slopes with friends I have known for years along with new friends I met through the summit. Tahoe was very different from what I am used to in Colorado. In Colorado, most runs funnel back to the bottom, making it easy to gradually work your way across the resort. Tahoe felt more segmented, with different peaks and even a gondola that transported us to an entirely separate resort. It made for a fun adventure exploring new terrain together. The warmer weather brought rain instead of snow, and we kept saying that we were only five degrees away from having the best snow conditions imaginable. You could see the potential in the rock cliffs and formations that would have made for incredible drops if we had that soft, forgiving powder. Instead, we took a more relaxed approach and focused on enjoying the time together. That said, the Alliance Manic Downhill race was anything but relaxed. Everyone gathered for an all out race from the top to the bottom. The less than ideal conditions made it feel even more intense, but it created great camaraderie and plenty of stories to tell afterward.
The final night of the conference was the Leadership Awards banquet. Rick Tinker was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his more than 30 years of service to the watersports industry, along with several other outstanding individuals. The nominations were open to the membership, and recipients were voted on by their peers. I was overwhelmed with joy when I heard my name called as the recipient of the Larry Meddock Award, one of the most highly esteemed honors in our industry. This award recognizes someone who has devoted themselves to growing the sport in a ministry or donation minded way.
I had prayed beforehand that if I were given the opportunity to speak, God would give me the words. He was faithful. I was able to proclaim Jesus as my Lord and Savior, the One who equips me to do what He has called me to do. I shared a personal story about my daughter recently waiting for me on the dock for her ride. Watching her wait with excitement made me reflect on the past 18 years of running Kirby’s School of Wake. We have had the privilege of helping parents experience that same joy as they watch their children fall in love with a sport that builds confidence, creates memories, and strengthens families. There is something truly priceless about families doing this together.
We all have a responsibility to encourage others to wake responsibly and to pass the handle with a genuine love for the sport and what it brings into people’s lives. This year’s summit could not have gone any better. From important policy discussions and industry collaboration to mountain adventures and a deeply humbling award moment, I left Tahoe encouraged and grateful. I am thankful for the work the WSIA continues to do to protect our industry and make lifelong memories on the water possible for families across the country.