Wet and Wild
Austin competitors bring their game to Fun Fun Fun Fest Aqua Olympics
- Riders patiently wait at the top of the ramp for the games to begin at the Fun Fun Fun Fest Aqua Olympics.Photo by Jon Shapley
- Lifeguards Marc Kaylor and Amy Fletcher prepare for the BMX ramp jumping.Photo by Jon Shapley
- Jeremy Hrabal performs tricks on the street course.Photo by Jon Shapley
- Leo Furmansky gets warmed up on the street course.Photo by Jon Shapley
- Mike Wiebe and Doug Mellare emcee the day's events.Photo by Jon Shapley
- Riders wait for their turns to launch off the massive ramp into the river.Photo by Jon Shapley
- A rider soars into the water at the Aqua Olympics.Photo by Jon Shapley
- Fans watch the BMX action from the top of the hill.Photo by Jon Shapley
- A rider does a somersault off the massive ramp.Photo by Jon Shapley
- Another rider does a somersault off the ramp and into the river.Photo by Jon Shapley
- Jake Tappan prepares to go off the ramp on his dolphin-inspired bike.Photo by Jon Shapley
- A lifegaurd watches a rider hit the water after he launched off the ramp.Photo by Jon Shapley
- Denise Baca takes in the action.Photo by Jon Shapley
- Jeremy Hrabal rests after a short flight into the river.Photo by Jon Shapley
- Brandon Seay and Joe Peppers play a bean bag toss game.Photo by Jon Shapley
- In addition to BMX tricks, participants competed in paddleboard jousting.Photo by Jon Shapley
- A paddleboarder goes down during the jousting.Photo by Jon Shapley
- A paddleboard jouster celebrates victory.Photo by Jon Shapley
- Skateboarding action on the street course.Photo by Jon Shapley
Austinites braved the heat August 3 for the third annual Fun Fun Fun Fest Aqua Olympics, a kickoff to the November music and comedy fest. But it was worth the sweat to see athletes bring it in water- and land-based competitions such as stand-up paddleboard (SUP) jousting, SUP relay, potato sack race and balloon toss.
But that was only a sliver of the day's excitement at Fiesta Gardens. Attendees also watched BMX riders — including Jake Tappan and Jeremy Hrabal — soar off the Lagoon Launch ramp and into the air, (sometimes) impressively somersaulting their way into Lady Bird Lake. Skateboarders showed some style on the street course, and the Austin Facial Hair Club took on City Council members in an across-the-lake tug-of-war.
Throughout the day, Doug Mellard and Chris Cubas offered comic relief and commentary, alongside fellow emcee and Riverboat Gamblers frontman Mike Wiebe. DJ uLOVEi provided the sounds while Kebabalicious, Smokey Denmark and GoodPop provided much-needed refreshments.
Fun Fun Fun Fest recently announced the lineup for the eighth annual event, slated for November 8-10 at Auditorium Shores. Headliners include M.I.A., Slayer, MGMT, Jurassic 5, Snoop Dogg (a.k.a, Snoop Lion) and the Descendents.
Three-day passes are available online for $179, and $79 single-day passes go on sale September 5. New this year is the $325 USP (ultimate smooth pass) "for ladies and gentlemen of extreme leisure."
The USP is FFF's answer to the VIP pass. It includes priority entry into FFF Nites events; access to "slacker zones," "presidential bathrooms," "treat yo self lounges," cellphone charging stations and classic arcade lounge; and premium food and cocktails (available for purchase).
