(September 30, 2026) Winter Haven, FL– Ahead of the World Wake Surfing Championship (WWSC), Centurion Boats partnered with Operation Get Out (OGO) to host a Salute to Service (S2S) event on Lake Silver, bringing local first responders together for a day of boating, wake surfing and appreciation for the men and women who serve and sacrifice their communities.
Founded to create wellness opportunities for military and first responders and others who are dedicated to serving others, Operation Get Out (OGO) believes in giving people a chance to get outside, experience new things and enjoy time on the water. OGO’s mission is rooted in the idea that recreation and shared experiences can provide a meaningful way to connect with and give back to those who spend their lives giving to others.
“Being able to partner with Centurion and have one of the best boats in the world out here with us is something we’re incredibly blessed and privileged to do,” said Cindy Present, one of Operation Get Out’s founders. “We love finding ways to get people outside whether that’s paddling, swimming or being on the water and this is a really special way to do that.”
The event gave members of local law enforcement and fire departments a chance to step away from their demanding schedules and enjoy a day on the water with their fellow first responders. Participants shared stories of their careers, their teams and what it means to serve, before taking turns experiencing the iconic Centurion wave on Lake Silver.
One participant in particular is a Sergeant in the Orange County Sheriff’s Department who brought three members of his team with him for the day on the water.
“I thought it would be fun to kind of get these guys out of the office. They work super hard, and they’re definitely putting in a ton of hours and a ton of effort, so it’s just nice to kind of get them out of that room for a little bit and have some fun,” shared the Sergeant.
The Sergeant shared stories throughout the day that highlighted the risks and challenges that can come with serving in law enforcement. His experiences served as a powerful reminder that behind the badge are people who routinely put themselves in harm’s way to protect others. For a few hours on Lake Silver, the focus shifted from those challenges to simply enjoying time together, experiencing the water and being appreciated for the work they do every day. He’ll trade his badge for a bib this week as a WWSC competitor!
Mike and John, twin brothers who have spent decades in public service as firefighters, also joined the day on the water. Both participated in last year’s S2S event on Lake Silver and made it back this year. Mike, who has served with the fire department for 20 years, joked about his brother being the older twin before thanking Centurion for the opportunity. After experiencing the RS245’s wave, he summed up the experience simply: “It throws a hell of a wave.”
As the Centurion World Wake Surfing Championship prepares to take over Lake Silver, the Salute to Service event offered a fitting reminder of what the water sport and boating community are ultimately about: bringing people together, creating memorable experiences and honoring those who serve.
About Operation Get Out: Operation Get Out (OGO) was founded to provide the experiences and resources people need to intentionally utilize nature and water for positive mental and physical wellness. The inspiration for OGO came through the tragic loss of two Austin Area first responders who used the water for their own respite and release. StarFlight nurse Kristin McLain died during a flight rescue, and Senior Deputy, Jessica Hollis, died during a flood response, but their legacy of service lives on through the healing OGO events perpetuate. The OGO Team is dedicated to utilizing exposure to water in an outdoor environment as medicine for first responders, military, women, youth, and surviving partners who are dealing with PTS, loss, trauma, depression and anxiety. To learn more visit https://www.operationgetout.org.
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.