(January 14, 2026) Houston, TX–For Ben Norton, time on the water has always been about more than the ride, it’s about the people on the water with him.
Growing up in Texas along the Gulf Coast, Ben learned to water ski at just seven years old and spent much of his life surrounded by lakes and bayous. As a teenager, that love for the water turned into wakeboarding, but like many seasons of life, boating took a back seat as he built a career, got married, and welcomed his daughter.
Moving to Lake Houston brought everything full circle. Watching his daughter experience the water reignited Ben’s passion, and before long, friends were joining them on the lake. What started as simple time together eventually became something more.
Lakeside Wake & Surf officially launched in 2019, with its first full season in 2020. Operating primarily on weekends out of Lake Houston, the company is intentionally small and rooted in three core principles: God, family, and community. Ben and his team work closely with their local church, serve individuals with disabilities, and regularly look for ways to give back.
“We’re not trying to be the biggest,” Ben says. “We just want to share something we love and do it the right way.”
That mindset carries into how Lakeside Wake & Surf teaches. To date, nearly 1,000 people have gone through their programs, and Ben says they’ve never had someone leave without getting up. Whether it’s a first-time surfer tossing the rope on their first lesson or a student celebrating a milestone moment behind the boat, those wins never get old.
“It’s incredibly rewarding,” Ben shares. “When you’re passionate about something and can help someone experience that same joy, it sticks with you.”
As the business continued to grow, so did the need for a boat that could deliver consistency for instruction. Ben had spent years attending World Series of Wake Surfing competitions on Lake Conroe, following Centurion athletes, and building relationships with the team at Ski Dock, his local Centurion dealer. Over time, Centurion’s reputation for quality, community, and integrity stood out.
“It wasn’t one single moment,” Ben explains. “Centurion’s message has always been consistent, and what they say lines up with what you see. That matters to us.”
Lakeside Wake & Surf recently welcomed their first Centurion, a 2026 Ri245, into their operation. For Ben, the clean, repeatable wave makes teaching beginners more approachable, while the Ri’s hull design helps handle choppy conditions common on busy Texas lakes.
Looking ahead, Ben sees steady, intentional growth. The long-term vision includes opening a marina, continuing to serve the local community, and expanding the experience for riders on and off the water.
At the end of the day, Lakeside Wake & Surf isn’t about recognition, it’s about creating moments, building confidence, and helping people discover what’s possible behind the boat.
About Centurion Boats: For 50 years, Centurion Boats has produced the World’s best waves, wakes and ride. These historic distinctions and this golden milestone didn’t just happen. We have been maximizing benefit for our boat buyers since 1976. As a Correct Craft company, we are charged with making life better, and our continuous improvement to our boats is a clear indicator we take that to heart. For our 50th anniversary, we’re not just building boats – we’re honoring with innovation. As a Centurion boat owner, you are equipped as a joy warrior to wake waves of positive change in yourself, your family, your community and our world. 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.