26 May 2016 Fairfield Bay plans ‘Surf the Bay’

Fairfield Bay is making waves again this summer at the annual "Surf the Bay" Water Sport Festival on Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18, at the Fairfield Bay Marina.

The free event will feature wakesurfing, flyboarding, paddle boarding, kayaking and family-fun water slides where you can “ride the wave.” New this year is a Heartland Classic Boat Show, featuring beautifully restored antique wooden boats from days gone by. The festival will also host the first wakesurfing contest in Arkansas.

“Surf the Bay” will kick off with a big beach party Friday night, featuring live music, water games, dinner, refreshments and more. Activities start early Saturday morning with food vendors, hiking at nearby Sugar Loaf Mountain and plenty of outdoor activities on land and fun in the water.

“This day will be like no other as we watch the thrilling stunts and tricks of some top professional skiers, see a man ‘fly’, ride on some top-of-the-line boats and marvel at the classic antique boats," said Paul Wellenberger, general manager of the Fairfield Bay Community Club. "This event is tailor-made for families and individuals who love the water and want to experience all an Ozark Mountain Lake has to offer – on stunning Greers Ferry Lake.”

This event welcomes visitors of all ages and encourages everyone to grab a board, jump a wave or “fly.” Professionals will showcase their craft, or individuals can sign up to participate in three of the most popular and unique adventure sports in the country: wakesurfing, flyboarding and stand up paddle boarding. If the waves get too extreme, there’s plenty of kayaking, tubing and other water and summer festival fun.

Event highlights:

•    Stuckey & Grimes Xtreme Marine again this year will bring wakesurfing and wakeboarding to Arkansas. It’s the only way to catch big waves in a fresh water lake. Pro wake boarder Justin Worrell will be on hand to set up individual wake and surf lessons. “Our team is eager to share our love for outdoor water sports and showcase an exciting way to enjoy a fresh water lake,” said owner Rick Stuckey.

•    Red River Boating will be set up to allow attendees to enjoy kids’ tubing and plenty of waterskiing.

•    Frank Wimberly of Sulphur Creek Outfitters will be on hand. Stand up paddle boards offer a great way to take advantage of the water and get a fun workout at the same time. Guests can jump in and enjoy many of the friendly competitions going on throughout the day.

•    Flyboarding is the newest popular extreme water activity and “Surf the Bay” was the first place ever to showcase flyboarding over freshwater. “Like something out of this world, or at least a comic book, flyboarding is the use of a water powered jet pack to fly above water," said Gretchen Vance of Aquafly. The propulsion power actually comes from below the user’s feet, giving more of a skateboarding feel to the ride. Hand nozzles help to stabilize and manage power. Aquafly FlyBoard will have demonstrations Friday and Saturday. Lessons will be available for a discount. “FlyBoarding is easier than you may think. Most people pick it up rather quickly. Our certified instructors will be at ‘Surf the Bay’ to teach those interested.”

Make the most of time in beautiful Fairfield Bay and stay for the weekend. For more information on “Surf the Bay” and all that Fairfield Bay has to offer, go to VisitFairfieldBay.com/Surf or call 501.884.4202.