Flotilla Wake Fest, organised in his own backyard, by former wakeboarding world champion Josh Sanders and long time friend and fellow boarder Nikki O’Mullane made its debut.

Without a cloud in the sky organisers hit the water early Saturday morning, with Sanders quick to provide river-goers with a demo of his title winning tricks.

Murky conditions and low visibility in the water saw the event travel up river in search of a glassy wake.

Local motocross rider and all round extreme sportsman Brad Wallace, swapped bike for board on the river, as he soaked up the summer atmosphere and showed off some big airs.

The wakes kept coming as the morning rolled on with more and more entries joining the Flotilla before the competition began.

By lunchtime up to 20 vessels were part of the Wake Fest entourage, having fun in the sun with family and friends.

Event organiser Nikki O’Mullane was happy with the big turnout, praising the beautiful weather and everyone’s eager involvement throughout the festival day.

“It was an awesome day, hot and sunny, plus everyone on the river was getting involved,” she said.

O’Mullane also took part in the Wake Fest’s, Chicks with Tricks event, the demo was an inspiring promotion for girls in the sport, especially showcasing the opportunities available for local female wakeboarders on the Shoalhaven River.

Prizes were won during the day including medallions, surf vests, board wraps and sticker packs, the winners were given their awards at the event presentation at the end of competition.

Entries from Sydney and down the South Coast ensured the Flotilla Wake Fest continued long into the evening with conditions only improving as the sun and heat eased.

Flotilla Wake Fest 2011 is already under construction, O’Mullane has a vision and a venue, making it clear that Shoalhaven is home for the summer festival.

“We definitely want to utilise the Shoalhaven River,” she said.

“We need to think about the timing next year probably February just due to calendar clashes.”

Plans for houseboat river accommodation in 2011 should assure locals of the Wake Fest’s growing future.

O’Mullane even has designs for a national touring festival that kicks off from the Shoalhaven shores and wraps around the nation during the summer season.

“The sport is only getting more support and the river is such a natural asset to the area, Josh is always keen to get the locals out on the water,” she said.

“We’re expecting everyone out and among it this summer, the Shoalhaven River is my favourite place to board, locals just need to use it!” Sanders said.

Sanders’ goal for the Flotilla Wake Fest was simply, “getting people out on the river and making use of it”, by 8 o’clock Saturday night, only after being dragged off the boats, boards and their inflatables, Sanders and O’Mullane presented the overall prize winners with the coveted Flotilla Wake Fest trophies.