(June 17, 2026) Johnson City, TN – Building wake boats with the world’s best waves, wakes, and ride is our why. Honoring the men and women who serve our country and communities is our privilege.
At Centurion Boats, we strive to wake waves of positive change within our families, at our factory, throughout our community, and around the world. More importantly, we aim to empower our family of owners, ambassadors, athletes, and dealers to create those same waves of positive change in their own lives and communities.
Before each Centurion World Series of Wake Surfing (WSWS) competition, a Salute to Service (S2S) event is held in partnership with the local dealer and one of our service charity partners like Operation Wake Surf. Ahead of the Volunteer Wake Surf Classic, Centurion Boats dealer CBK Watersports honored local service members with a day on the lake.
The day was strictly for the heroes. Ten heroes from the Navy, Army, EMS, Fire and Police service branches were in attendance. The heroes rode behind the Operation Wake Surf Ri265 and Team Centurion athlete, Tripp Allen’s Centurion Ri245. It was an exhilarating day on the water where the heroes surfed, and had the opportunity to relax and have fun.
Melissa, a local EMT, is a returning hero having participated in the S2S event last year. She noted that she was “having a blast” especially after staying on the wave longer than anyone else on the boat behind the Operation Wake Surf Ri265.
Tripp Allen, one of Team Centurions newest team members, helped coach the S2S event in Tennessee.
“Coaching this event really hits home and means a lot to me because bringing my passion and love for surfing and boats together with honoring service men and women is truly an honor, especially with my Poppy and family being in the service all of their lives,” says Team Centurion athlete, Tripp Allen.
The Salute to Service Event left an indelible mark on all who attended. Amidst laughter, camaraderie, and gratitude, the heroes were celebrated for their bravery, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to preserving our way of life. These heroes and all like them make our water sports lifestyles possible. We will continue to salute them with our appreciation.
Stay tuned for a recap on the Volunteer Wake Surf Classic!
About CBK Watersports: A premier, full-service boat dealership and marine center located in the East Tennessee area (near South Holston Lake). They specialize in premium wakesurfing and wakeboarding boats, offering services in boat sales, financing, maintenance, and custom gear.
About Operation Wake Surf: Operation Wake Surf blends the healing power of water, camaraderie and mentorship via our compassionate coaches by sharing our passion for wake surfing with first responders and military personnel. This gives our participants an amazing experience on the water while instilling community, confidence, camaraderie and the respect they deserve. Our mission is to provide an unforgettable and unique experience to the first responders and military personnel who keep our communities and country safe.
About We Wake Waves: As a Correct Craft company, we are called to the path of “Making Life Better” and we strive to exemplify that phrase at every opportunity. We want to wake waves of positive change in ourselves, our families, our communities, and our world with our boats on or near the water. It could be as simple and seemingly small as teaching your child to wake surf or showing your significant other how to trailer a boat or as big as hosting an event that honors our service men and women. What’s Your Wave? How are you using your Centurion on, near, or relating to water to wake waves of positive change? We wake waves. Do you? Share your wave with us on social media using the hashtag #WeWakeWaves and visit www.centurionboats.com/we-wake-waves.com to learn more.
About Centurion Boats: For 50 years, Centurion Boats has produced the World’s best waves, wakes and ride. These historic distinctions and this golden milestone didn’t just happen. We have been maximizing benefit for our boat buyers since 1976. As a Correct Craft company, we are charged with making life better, and our continuous improvement to our boats is a clear indicator we take that to heart. For our 50th anniversary, we’re not just building boats – we’re honoring with innovation. As a Centurion boat owner, you are equipped as a joy warrior to wake waves of positive change in yourself, your family, your community and our world. To learn more about Centurion Boats, visit http://www.centurionboats.com.
About Correct Craft: Celebrating 99 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft is a Florida-based company with global operations. Focused on “Making Life Better,” the Correct Craft family includes Nautique, Centurion, Supreme, Bass Cat, Yar-Craft, SeaArk, Parker, and Ingenity boat companies, Pleasurecraft Engine Group, Indmar Marine Engines, Velvet Drive Transmissions, Mach Connections, Merritt Precision, Osmosis, Watershed Innovation, and Aktion Parks. For more information, please visit www.correctcraft.com