Yesterday wakeboard enthusiasts strapped in for the Third Annual Polar Bear Ride and raised money for Wishing Star.

Even in the cold, amenities made wakeboarding in January bearable. Riders bundled up under dry suits and huddled around massive heaters between sets. The hotel hot tub, coffee and hot cocoa also helped get our blood flowing. I downed about five cups of coffee prior to riding.

After snowboarding Friday, I knew my body would ache. I didn’t anticipate it hurting that bad. The moment I jumped in the frigid Columbia my body cramped up. I miraculously cleared the wake a few times. No clue how, I couldn’t pop in the dry suit and my muscles barely moved. How do the guys throw inverts in this cold weather? By the time I got to the dock I was worthless. Chris dragged me out of the water and I made a mad dash for those heaters. On another note, I make really weird faces while riding. Sorry.

The Polar Bear Ride (PBR) is by far one of my favorite wakeboard events, not just because I’m riding in January, but because it feels great to get on the water for a cause. I’m still waiting on the final numbers, but last I heard we raised over $1500 for a child in need.

Tri-City Riders, Sporthaus, Malibu Boats, CWB Wakeboards and the Clover Island Hotel all made this event possible. A huge thank you to them!

I’ll update the numbers when I hear back from Jeff. $1500 isn’t too shabby and will certainly make a difference!

♥ BB