During the hot Fresno summer months, many students sought refuge at the beach. While some tan on the shore, others found water sports offer relief from both heat and life.

“I have been wakeboarding for about two years now,” Kevin Damm, ’09, said. “I go every chance I get, and if I am good enough I would like to enter into a competition.”

Surfing inspired wakeboarding, but added the idea of foot straps to stabilize the rider. Wakeboards are typically 120-147 cm long, depending on weight, and up to 45cm wide (slightly smaller than a snowboard).

A wakeboard ranges in price from $200 to $500 depending on the quality of the board.

“My brother and dad taught me how to wakeboard,” Damm said. “Luckily I don?t pay for my equipment but I share with my brother. I enjoy wakeboarding because it gives a great and unexplainable feeling.”

Waterskiing has existed in the United States since 1927. It consists of riding on skis along the water’s surface while being towed by a motorboat. They typical waterski is at least 1 meter long and about 25 cm wide[www.answers.com/topic/water-skiing].

“I started waterskiing this year,” Luke DeGroot, ’09, said. “It is a family tradition my dad started when he was in high school and now he is teaching me. When I first tried it was a little difficult but as time went on I improved.”

Larry Orender, volleyball coach, spends leisure time surfing. Although the average price for a 6 foot 4 inches board is $350, he found ways to avoid upkeep and payment.

“I rent a board for $5 an hour; it’s cheaper and less of a hassle,” Orender said. “I surf because it is one of the most fun things I have ever done It is challenging and skillful.”

Despite the challenges surfing, it seems to relieve stress.

“I have been surfing since fourth grade,” Kally Batesole, ’09, said. “Every time I go surfing it gives me a rush of energy that keeps me coming back for more.”