For Steve and Elizabeth Ayers, life has always been measured in summers spent on the lake.
Married at just 20 years old and now proud parents of two and grandparents to three grandsons, the couple has built a life centered around faith, family, and boating. Steve, a pastor, first fell in love with watersports during a church youth group trip at 14 years old. By 17, he had purchased his first boat, beginning what would become a lifelong passion.
Over the years, the Ayers family owned everything from outboards to inboards with a total of 23 boats owned. They skied competitively, their son became a state champion slalom skier at just 12 years old, and the lake became the place where the family celebrated milestones and found comfort through life’s challenges.
“The lake has always been our gathering place,” Steve says. “No matter what was happening in life, that’s where we came together.”
After a serious boating accident in 2016 left Steve with major burns, his determination and faith carried him through recovery. Just three years later, he returned to competition in another slalom ski tournament.
In early May 2025, the Ayers started surfing behind their sons Centurion Ri230. After the surf session, Steve and Elizabeth had a quick conversation that led to them considering a Centurion.
“I told Elizabeth, ‘His wave is better, a lot better,'” Steve recalls.
That ride led them to purchase their own 2025 Centurion Ri230, and they’ve never looked back. In less than a year, they’ve logged more than 200 hours on the boat.
Steve proudly calls himself a “wave nerd,” and he doesn’t hesitate to praise the Ri230.
“Everyone who surfs behind our boat says the same thing: our wave has more push,” says Steve.
Elizabeth experienced the difference firsthand when she landed her first 360 behind their Ri230 after dialing in the perfect wave.
Beyond the surf performance, the Ayers family has been impressed by the thoughtful features, comfortable upholstery, ample storage, easy-to-use technology, and exceptional customer support.
“You listen to boaters,” Steve says. “We’ve been thoroughly impressed.”
Today, boating looks a little different than it did decades ago. Instead of slalom tournaments, it’s grandchildren learning to surf and family weekends together on the lake.
One favorite memory came over this Memorial Day, when three generations spent the weekend surfing, laughing, and making memories, even with a large alligator nicknamed “Big Daddy” sharing their cove.
For the Ayers family, the boat itself is only part of the story.
“The lake has always been our spot,” Steve says. “It’s where our family comes together.”
Thanks to their Centurion Ri230, that tradition is continuing for generations to come.
About Centurion Boats: Creating the World’s best waves, wakes and ride since 1976, Centurion is a towed water sports boat manufacturer built on innovation and commitment to excellence. As a Correct Craft Company, we are charged with “Making Lives Better”. We embody this phrase with the boats we build along with the lives we live on and off the water. Even in our 51st year, we believe 2027 will be the RISE of Centurion Boats. Learn about Centurion’s relentless innovation significantly elevated at http://www.centurionboats.com.