Standerd Slides

Subject: Andrew Pastura
Photo: Roland Lugo
TSQ Location: Book 2.1, Critique section, Page 82

Andrew Pastura is the most talented wakeskater I know. If you don’t agree with me, a little video named FUN BOOTS! might convince you otherwise once you witness its glory.

This particular tale of winching adventure started when the Scene One crew decided to take a drive down south to such notable places as Anna Maria Island and my hometown, Fort Myers. There were two filmers, one photographer, and a slew of rippers just waiting to lay down some tech riding anywhere we took them.

After a couple disappointing finds of drops rendered “unhittable” we found ourselves in the company of Matt Engel who drove us to a special gap that few have only dreamt of shredding.

The startup area was nice and long and that was pretty much the only nice thing about it. The whole gap itself was about a two-foot ollie up and a good 15 foot strech of nothing but cement and rocks.

To one side is an unforgiving giant cement wall tagged with graffiti. After descending around four feet or so of drop, it all leads to a shallow and sketchy snake run landing.

The best part about the landing was the enormous rock that is just off frame but perfectly in the way of the land, which most likely provided the most hesitation for winching this spot at all.

Our defense for this is one of the best winch tips I could ever offer…cover it in massive amounts of mud. This way if you do happen to crash onto it at least you have the cushion of mud instead of a direct blow of sharp rock.

This made us all feel better for Andrew’s well-being. After a quick examination of what this gap truely had to offer, Drew grabbed his board and set out on a long swim deep into the starting pool. After only a couple falls Andrew stuck a huge ollie down the monster and from then on it was officially know as the “Bonita Bay Champ Gap.”

He then went on to ollie north it as well, but a rider must always know his limits and he eventually dubbed the spot finished. Following an amazing performance we watched the footage and were all shocked that this was even possible.

I doubt that any other wakeskater will be hitting this spot anytime soon, if ever. You are insane Drew, keep it up buddy.

- Roland Lugo