We spent all day Sunday at the BoardStock event.

It was the most exciting sporting competition we have ever witnessed.

The wakeboard, slalom, “last man standing,” the skydiving, motorcycle jumps, motorcycle stunts, BMX bike show and the finals of the wakeboard competition filled our day with excitement and amazement at the expertise of these young professionals.

The event organizers only lamented the low lake level as it limited the height of the waves and made it less challenging.

The venue at Konocti Vista Casino was well planned and we only had to turn our chairs to watch the on-the-water show and then to see the on-land competition and show.

The no alcohol rule on land was adhered to and made our enjoyment truly a family event.

We realize that the reputation of prior BoardStock events prohibited many local residents from attending, but we urge everyone to welcome BoardStock in 2008, if it is held once again at Konocti Vista Casino and is earlier in the year, perhaps in July or August.

We cannot compliment the Boardstock organizers, the Konocti Vista Staff and the sponsors (Toyota and Centurion Boats) enough for their professionalism and expertise.

Judging by the empty parking lots, the half-filled bleacher seats, the vendors with no lines and the free giveaways with few takers, we have to conclude the event may have lost money. If that is so, we still hope they will come back next year.

When BoardStock returns, we hope ALL of Lake County's residents will join our family in supporting and enjoying these young competitors.

Lake County and Clear Lake is an outstanding location for this type of competition and we need more national and international event organizers to recognize this fact.

But they will not come unless we attend and make this profitable.

Harry De Lope lives in Kelseyville.

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