(September 12, 2025) Merced, CA-Centurion & Supreme Boats, alongside local partners, hosted a heartfelt Salute to Service (S2S) event at Lake Yosemite in Merced, California, bringing together veterans, first responders, and nurses for a day of camaraderie, relaxation, and world-class wake surfing.
The event, led by Centurion & Supreme Boats and supported by community members and Team Centurion athlete, Tommy Darnell, offered local heroes a much-needed break from the daily challenges of service. With beautiful boats, a clear day, and the energy of an uplifting group of heroes, participants were treated to more than just wake surfing, it was a day of decompression, connection, and wake surfing.
“I didn’t really have any expectations until I showed up, and then I saw these beautiful boats, and everybody was just really nice and motivated. I’m just happy to be here. Happy for the other guys that are here, too,” said Adam Connor, Post Commander of the Winton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7792.
For many, the experience at Lake Yosemite highlighted the sincerity behind the company’s commitment to veterans and first responders. Jesus Diaz, Line One Assembly Employee at Centurion & Supreme Boats, shared: “There’s a lot of companies that say that they support veterans, but very few companies actually show it. The meaning behind it and the Factory’s support behind actual veterans and first responders… it’s very important.”
The event also served as a mental health outlet for participants balancing demanding careers and personal pressures.
“It’s just one of those things where, man, you just need to take a break. And you need to get away. So, for me, last year was just so much fun. It was a mental health day for me. So coming back this year and having another mental health day, especially after the day I had yesterday.” Daniel Holmes, Lieutenant USP, Atwater, reflected.
Beyond the boat rides and the water, the day emphasized the power of community and connection with one another.
“It’s a lot of camaraderie, bringing the different agencies of public safety together and sharing stories and sharing experiences and decompressing. At the end of the day, it’s the day on the water, man, behind a boat. Like, you know, who’s going to miss that?” added Matthew Van Hagen, Merced City Fire Captain.
From start to finish, the day perfectly reflected the mission of Salute to Service: to honor the selfless men and women who serve our country and communities. Hosting events like these is a cornerstone of Centurion & Supreme’s vision to Wake Waves of positivity, and it’s made even more meaningful when shared in partnership with local heroes.
“It felt great to coach the heroes. It was amazing to watch their faces light up with happiness when they were wake surfing. Giving them the opportunity to do what I love was awesome. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a while and now I finally, got to do it, it felt amazing. I’m very grateful for this opportunity,” shared Tommy Darnell, Team Centurion athlete.
This event would not have been possible without the support from those in our community. Thank you to Knot on Call, a Sacramento based non-profit organization committed to giving back to first responders by providing them with worry free days on the water. The Knot on Call team was on site with their two Centurion Fe22 boats ready to tow these local heroes. We’d also like to thank the Orchard Bar and Grill of Chowchilla, CA who donated an incredible bbq lunch to the keep the heroes fueled and ready to ride.
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.