Nicole Steele, a junior in landscape architecture, called last fall a “trying time” for N.C. State’s Sking and Wakeboarding Club, one in which leadership was lacking and the club almost lost their place with club sports.

However, she says they’re taking a new direction and would like to get more involved in N.C. State events.

“Right now, we’re off to a new start,” Steele said. “We have a young club with a few older [members], and we’re open to anything. We are looking to become more competitive and also to get more people involved.”

Kenzie McBride, a sophomore in biological engineering, aptly referred to the sport as one that “goes in waves.”

“10 or 15 years ago, the State Skiing and Wakeboarding Club was dominant, but then it sort of disappeared for a while,” she said. “It sort of depends on if there are skiers at the school, and if they’re active.”

After some personnel and rule changes, McBride said the team is back on track.

“Right now we have a good group, one that’s more passionate about what they do,” McBride said. “We worked together to build this club. It’s been –- not ‘difficult’ -– but we had to compromise so we could each accomplish what we wanted.”

One of those compromises is delegating authority. Steele and McBride, co-presidents of the club, have found a way to divide the members into groups so they can focus on their craft.

“I take the skiers, and Nicole takes the wakeboarders,” McBride said. “A lot of people learn to ski first, but wakeboarding has really exploded in the past few years. We have a lot more wakeboarders and a few that do both, but now they can focus on what they want to focus on.”

In the past, the club has put a cap on the number of members due to limited space on boats the club has procured. Now, however, they rely on members’ families to provide boats to use on weekend excursions, and there is no longer a limit to the number of members the club can carry.

“It’s debatable whether we’ll get another boat in the future,” Steele said. “Right now, we’re trying some things out. We’re looking to find a good base to accommodate everyone.”

The club has several competitions coming up, including the Carolina Wake Series on July 26 at Myrtle Beach. They will then participate in one closer to home, at Falls Lake in Raleigh, which takes place September 6th. In addition, they are looking to organize a spring break trip to Orlando after a successful trip last year.

However, the club has not shut down for the summer, and its members have beat the heat by participating in group activities. Two weekends ago, a group of wakeboarders and skiers traveled to Lake Wylie in Charlotte and spent nearly two days straight on the lake.

“We pitched a tent and cooked food, then went out on the lake,” said Kyle Kranz, a freshman in aerospace engineering. “It’s a very open community, and we enjoy each other’s company.”

Kranz said the club’s first priority is growth as they look to attract “dedicated and exciting new members.”

“People of all skill levels are welcome to join. I’ve only been riding for two years, but I’ve learned a lot since I’ve been here,” she said.

Steele echoed Kranz’s statements, saying that anyone with the desire to learn about water sports is welcome to join in the club’s rebuilding process.

“Ability to ride is not an issue,” Steele said. “This would be a great place for a new student, or any student, to get acclimated to college life. We’re really a network of friends and family.”