WSIA schedules #PassTheHandle Day July 23
With a worldwide mission to share the towed water sports experience with new participants, the fourth annual #PassTheHandle initiative is scheduled for Sunday, July 23.
Four years ago, #PassTheHandle co-founder, Zane Schwenk conceptualized the idea with Shaun Murray to share their passion with first timers on a larger scale. Since then, the initiative has grown significantly through word of mouth, social media and participation.
“The movement to spread the love of towed water sports has continued to grow and bring more happy faces to the water,” said Schwenk.
Initially, Schwenk was the driving force behind #PassTheHandle, but since the founding year, others have taken this mission on as their own.
“Our industry, including dealers and the passionate people that love to share the sport have been amazing in their efforts to support #PassTheHandle. It’s like nothing I have ever seen before,” Schwenk said.
For the first time since its inception, #PassTheHandle carved out a specific day dedicated to towed water sports enthusiasts south of the hemisphere on Dec. 11, 2016. Originally designed to be a worldwide movement, this first Southern Hemisphere day was a move in the right direction. “With an extensive community of boaters in the Australasia and South American regions, it was a fantastic way to create awareness and participation throughout these locales,” said organizers of #PassTheHandle.
WSIA Executive Director Kevin Michael has been managing the project over the last two years and enjoys how #PassTheHandle fits into the WSIA wheelhouse.
“When Zane and Shaun presented the idea to our board of directors, it was a no-brainer for us to support it. With our mission to promote and protect towed water sports, it’s essential for us to get new participants on the water,” he said. “As a lifelong participant myself, I look forward to sharing the love each year and the efforts are very rewarding. When I see the smile on the face of a first timer, it reminds me of why I got so hooked myself.”
For any questions regarding #PassTheHandle, contact info@wsia.net.
How to get involved
Teach a first timer (to ride, ski, tube, etc.) on July 23and share your photos and videos on social media with the hashtag #PassTheHandle.
WSIA encourages dealers, wake parks, schools and other ambitious individuals to take it to the next level and create their own #PassTheHandle event. Be sure to use WSIA’s member benefits including WAIVERS and valuable advice found in WSIA’s EVENT MANAGEMENT RESOURCE GUIDE.
WSIA is able to grant seed money to wake parks and schools to fuel #PassTheHandle events where first-timers learn for free. Donate now.
