(September 30, 2025) Winter Haven, FL—Centurion Boats and Operation Wake Surf honored 10 heroes at Salute to Service events in Winter Haven, Florida. The events happening just before the World Wake Surfing Championships brought together fire, police and military veterans for a day of rest, relaxation, and wake surfing behind a Centurion Ri265.
The day started like any other S2S event, with heroes circled up with the Centurion and Operation Wake Surf teams. After introductions, hero John Kyp, Firefighter, presented Operation Wake Surf with a special challenge coin.
John noted, “We really appreciate this. The mental health aspect, being able to come out here, relax, unwind and surf is amazing.”
Hosting Salute to Service events before each Centurion World Series of Wake Surfing competition and honoring those who serve our country and communities is one of our favorite ways to Wake Waves alongside local dealers and nonprofit organizations like Operation Wake Surf.
Another hero, Mike Kyp, Firefighter, attended the Operation Wake Surf 3-day event a few years ago and jumped at the opportunity to come back and join the event.
“The camaraderie with everyone on the boat was amazing. It was a great time and a great break away from the norm of being at the fire station,” Mike mentioned, “I’m really looking forward to surfing.”
Heros Mike and John are twin brothers who work at different fire stations in Central Florida.
“We’ve been able to share pretty much our entire careers in the fire service, so not only did I get to share it with my brother, but he’s my best friend. It’s awesome to be able to share this and do stuff like this with my brother,” Mike shared.
S2S events like this one and our watersports way of life would not be possible without the sacrifice and commitment that these heroes make each day to keep us all safe. It is our honor at Centurion Boats to give back to the heroes who give so much to us.
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 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. Centurion Boats is the perfect ride every time. To learn more about Centurion Boats, visit http://www.centurionboats.com.
About Correct Craft: Celebrating 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, 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.