(July 19, 2024) Alexandria, MN – Ride Inspired, previously known as Action Sports Ministries, is waking waves of positivity in the world of action sports and youth mentorship. Founded in 2003 by professional snowboarder, Chris Runge, the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focuses on providing training camps and programs for at-risk kids. The organization relies on public donations to cover equipment and program costs, ensuring that every child can participate.
“Our mission is to engage and uplift at-risk youth through action sports,” said Gary Anderson, President of Ride Inspired. Anderson took over the organization in 2007 and has been dedicated to serving underserved youth in his community ever since.
Ride Inspired has launched their 2024 summer program called “Wakn Up” which has been going strong since 2006. The initiative, which runs for 6-8 weeks on Tuesday afternoons, is designed to teach kids the exciting sport of wake surfing. The program was made possible thanks to a generous donation secured through Centurion and Supreme boats dealer, Faction Marine.
“Each Tuesday, two groups of seven kids, over two sessions, receive 20-25 minutes of riding and learning time on the water with a coach,” Anderson explained. “Afterward, everyone gathers for dinner and a 10–15-minute Bible study before the second group takes their turn.” The program utilizes Centurion and Supreme boats to ensure a top-notch experience for the participants.
Team Centurion rider, Cade Lybeck, is serving as a coach for this summer’s Wakn Up program. Cade is loving his time on the water with this group of kids. “It’s very fun to bring the kids out in the boat and teach them to wakesurf. Without the organization and community that Gary has built with Wakn Up, there would be no opportunity like this to get kids out on the water who would likely not have the chance to otherwise.”
Located in Alexandria, Minnesota, Ride Inspired has become a cornerstone of the community. The organization’s impact can be seen in stories like Brendin’s. Brendin, a young boy who joined the program in the early 2010s, couldn’t swim at the time, and was initially terrified of the water. Brenden’s mother called Gary and asked if he would be able pick up Brendin and take him out on the water with the rest of the group. Gary met the mother and son in a Walgreen’s parking lot and out walked Brendin, already wearing his fully buckled life jacket!
The first day on the water, Brendin would not go into the water. Week after week and little by little, Brendin slowly made his way into the water and onto a surfboard. He gradually became more comfortable. It took 3 full summer sessions of Wakn Up before Brendin finally got on top of the water and the crowd went crazy! By the next summer, he was able to let go of the boat and ride a wave. Today, Brendin sells towboats in Fargo, North Dakota, and continues to inspire others with his journey.
“I love working with and mentoring youth like Brendin, sharing my faith, and seeing the impact it has on their lives,” Anderson said. “Many of the kids I’ve mentored over the years still reach out to me, sharing how the lessons they learned have stayed with them.”
Ride Inspired continues to make an impact on the lives of at-risk youth, providing them with opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive through the power of action sports.
For those interested in getting involved, Ride Inspired welcomes new volunteers and supporters. Anderson can be contacted directly via email found725@gmail.com, and the organization is active on social media platforms like Facebook: We Ride Inspired and Instagram: @werideinspired
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 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 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