(September 14, 2026) Merced, CA— Centurion Boats and Knot on Call hosted the third annual Centurion Salute 2 Service (S2S) event on Lake Yosemite in Merced, California, on September 11, 2026, the 25th anniversary of 9/11, ahead of the Raz’N Health Fitness Festival. Nine local heroes representing the military, police, fire, and corrections participated in the on-water S2S experience.
Knot on Call is a non-profit organization that Centurion Boats partners with to give back to military, veterans, and first responders. Through days on the water, growing their community, and mental wellness support, Knot on Call provides first responders with something they rarely ask for but deeply deserve: a break.
The day began in true Centurion S2S fashion. Heroes, factory representatives, and the Knot on Call team gathered in a circle, introduced themselves, and shared stories about their service. As a thank you for their sacrifice and dedication, each hero was presented with a custom Centurion Boats challenge coin, a long-standing S2S tradition.
To kick off the morning, REACH Air Medical Services performed a flyover, rallying the heroes and energizing everyone for an unforgettable day on the water.
The morning surf session started strong. Three Centurion boats towed the heroes, and every participant got up and rode the wave. Team Centurion athlete Tommy Darnell joined the event, sharing his expertise and helping coach the heroes throughout the session.
“It was an honor to help at the Salute to Service event with Centurion and the heroes,” said Darnell. “I had the opportunity not only to coach veterans and first responders, but also to spend a fun-filled day with them on the water. I’m very grateful I was able to give back to these people and would love to continue doing that.”
Among the participants was Steven Stover, owner of a 2025 Centurion Fe22. Stover served eight years in the Marine Corps and has spent the past 20 years with the California Highway Patrol. After participating in the S2S event in 2025, he returned for a second year on the water.
“I really enjoyed coming last year. I like the Salute to Service components incorporated into Centurion boats. When I bought my boat, the interior was S2S,” said Stover. “There’s not a whole lot that goes on for first responders, so when I saw this event happening again, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to participate.”
Three of the heroes recognized during the event are also Centurion & Supreme Boats employees: Jesus Diaz, Army veteran; Mike Harris, Army veteran; and Kenneth McCarthy, Air Force veteran. Celebrating these heroes is especially meaningful when they are members of the Centurion family and work alongside us every day.
After a morning on the water, heroes gathered for lunch generously donated, for the third year in a row, by the owners of The Branch Deli in Chowchilla, Wayne and Kari Slate. Wayne, who himself is a hero, served in law enforcement for 15 years. The heroes enjoyed their meal while exchanging stories and building new connections before heading back out to wrap up the day’s activities.
But the weekend wasn’t over yet.
On Saturday, September 12, 2026, Centurion Boats served as the title sponsor of the Raz’N Health Fitness Festival. Hosted by Midstate CrossFit, the festival brought together athletes from across the region to compete for the top spot on the Raz’N Health podium.
Dan Holmes, a United States Prison Lieutenant and three-time participant in the Centurion Boats S2S event, volunteered his time during the festival by checking in competitors and helping ensure athletes were prepared for their heats.
“This was my third year participating with (the S2S) event. What a great day and great event to just go out on the water and decompress. As a law enforcement officer, we need more events like this to allow those that go through so much to just decompress and enjoy life,” shared Dan.
Knot on Call also joined the Centurion team throughout the festival, connecting with local heroes, boating enthusiasts, and community members interested in learning more about boating and the water sports lifestyle.
While the fitness festival wasn’t spent on the water, it provided another opportunity for Centurion Boats to give back to the local community, build meaningful connections, and continue sharing the water sports way of life.
The weekend served as a powerful reminder of what makes events like Centurion S2S so important. By recognizing the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities and our freedoms, we celebrate the people who make opportunities like these possible.
Thank you to our local heroes and to the heroes serving communities across the country. Your service, sacrifice, and commitment do not go unnoticed.
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.
ABOUT CORRECT CRAFT: Celebrating over 100 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, Revel, Cutwater Boats, Ranger Tugs, and Solara Boats, Pleasurecraft Engine Group, Indmar Marine Engines, Velvet Drive Transmissions, Ingenity Electric, Mach Connections, Merritt Precision, Osmosis, Watershed Innovation, and Aktion Parks. For more information, please visit www.correctcraft.com.