Fruitas Ultimate Summer Time Experience

Shy+Edic+competing+at+Wake+Fest+2022%2C+Photographed+by+Jennah+Targett

Shy Edic competing at Wake Fest 2022, Photographed by Jennah Targett

Shy Edic, Editor

Driving along I-70, many people have seen the water park. A brief glance will reveal people on boards riding around in circles and a bright colored inflatable covered with people on top of the water. This is Imondi Wake Zone. Filled with a variety of exciting features on the full system, beginner cable for newcomers, and an exciting “bouncy house on the water” for people of all ages!

Christian Ward, a local rider and operator, describes Imondi Wake Zone as a “fun and exciting place to go.” He added on saying “the owners and staff are amazing and whether you have never wakeboarded before or are a pro, they welcome everybody with open arms!”

Imondi Wake Zone and its team just opened for the season on April 14th. “We are extremely excited going into our 6th season!” Victor Imondi, Co-Owner of Imondi Wake Zone said. “Every year, we have seen growth in the industry in our area. We love seeing new faces and meeting new people. We are optimistic that this will be the best season yet.”

The IWZ team strives to “Motivate, Inspire and Challenge” like minded water sports enthusiasts, from beginner to professional. They call it “The MIC Drop.”

Many people have said they drive past the water park, assuming it’s strictly for the pros. Victor Imondi Co-Owner of IWZ says “It is actually the opposite! Although we have the best riders in the world visiting Imondi Wake Zone for practice and competitions, our focus from the start has been introducing water sports to as many new people as possible! We are just as excited to see somebody complete their first lap as we are to see somebody land a double flip or a 1080!”

On the West side of the lake, there is a beginner two tower system. This is used for private and group lessons that lets people get their feet wet before heading over to the bigger system. “With a lesson on the 2 tower system, nearly anybody can wakeboard! We have done over 2500 lessons and have had less than 10 people that could not get up,” Imondi said. “We have had children as young as 4 and adults in their 80s wakeboarding for their first time out here!”

Another option for younger beginners and even advanced riders is Kids Camp! Anyone ages 7-15 can sign up to have a fun week at IWZ! Kids camp runs Monday through Thursday and they get the park all to themselves for four hours. This gives the kids a chance to learn and progress in a controlled fun environment while also making close friendships.

Sage Farinacci, a local middle school rider and kids camper, says Imondi Wake Zone helped her improve as a beginner. “It helped me to learn how to do laps and feel comfortable going off jumps.” She added, “My favorite part is the jet ski rides when you fall or becoming close friends with other campers and counselors.”

For the last two years Imondi Wake Zone has sent a group of riders to WWA nationals. Victor announced “We will be hosting a WWA Points Chase series this year. This is an excellent way for new riders to begin competing and have a ton of fun, as the competitions offer divisions for all abilities.”

Imondi Wake Zone is known outside of Fruita as well. “For riders who are wanting to compete in Nationals, these competitions serve as qualifiers to place them in better heats. Nationals will take place at Terminus Wake Park in Georgia beginning October 5th.”

Kodi Imondi Co-Owner said,“As much as we love to practice, compete and challenge ourselves through the sport of cable wakeboarding, our motivations at Imondi are so much greater than that. We’re here to show up everyday for something bigger than ourselves. We want people to come enjoy the water not only through the sport of cable wakeboarding but also to cultivate the lakeside community Imondi creates, right here in Fruita.”

Imondi Wake Zone is located at 1583 Cipolla Rd south off highway 6 & 50. They are currently operating the full size cable 12pm-6pm Friday-Sunday. Starting in May, they will be operating Wednesday through Sunday from 12pm-6pm. The Aqua Park will also be opening May 24th in celebration of school getting out!

The aqua park is a series of fun and challenging inflatable obstacles, bouncers, and runways all connected together while floating in the refreshing lake. It features jumps, ladders, a trampoline, two slides, and so much more.” Ages 6 and up are encouraged to come have fun in the sun at Imondi Wake Zone.