Entrepreneur hits the wake A wakeboarder executes a Nicolet flip. Wakeboarding becomes a career opportunity for Wake Militia founder Russ Nicolet By Bradley D. Spychalski News-Chronicle Russ Nicolet, 22, is taking advantage of the growing popularity of wakeboarding. The so-called "extreme sport" became popular in the early 1990s, and Nicolet, of Howard, has created a brand - and its own products - for the sport he loves. The sport evolved from surfing; wakeboarders are pulled behind a boat while holding a rope and standing on a short board. "It's like a mix between water-skiing behind a boat and snowboarding," Nicolet said. Nicolet got his first taste of wakeboarding six years ago. Since then, he has transformed a hobby into a possible career opportunity in Green Bay with his business, Wake Militia. "It's a business and what we're trying to do is help make people aware of what wakeboarding is throughout Wisconsin and the Green Bay area," he said. "Wake Militia is in such a beginning stage, but basically we're getting the name out there. We'll grow as people become more aware of it." Wake Militia sells apparel such as hats, sweatshirts and T-shirts online at www.wakemilitia.com, and will soon have board shorts, jerseys and specially made Wake Militia boards for sale. "Right now the clothing line is unisex, but we're going to come out with an all-ladies clothing line real soon," Nicolet said. "I think a lot of women may be intimidated by all the males out there, but on my boat we've already taught about 10 girls how to wakeboard." Nicolet describes Wake Militia as an attitude and a lifestyle that is difficult to put into words. The products reflect a lifestyle for people who enjoy challenges on the water, he said. "There is nothing really for all these people who love wakeboarding, and we are trying to change that," Nicolet said. "We are hoping to get competitions or events up in the Green Bay area or in (Northeast Wisconsin)." Nicolet, who usually wakeboards on the Fox River in De Pere, is in the process of finding an area in Green Bay to set up a board shop, which would house all aspects of the Wake Militia business. Wake Militia sponsors a rider who goes to national tournaments and promotes its products. Wake Militia team members, on the other hand, tend to travel to some of the more laid-back tournaments. Last week, Wake Militia took part in the Midwest Wakefest, where it met with riders from around the Midwest. At the competitions, Wake Militia is able to spread its name through successful runs and handing out free apparel. An addictive sport Wakeboarding's popularity has been growing since the '90s and has become a sport for nearly all ages. With his boat, the X-Star, Nicolet has been trying to get people out to try the sport. Wakeboarding can be an expensive sport to become involved in because a boat, a board, bindings, rope and a lifejacket are needed to perform. "A ski boat really helps so you can do great tricks with a lot of speed to perform flips or rolls," Nicolet says. "Fishing boats will do it, but it won't compare to a ski boat." According to Nicolet, prices can vary considerably. A board can run from $200 to $400, bindings go for $100 to $200 and rope can range from $20 to $100. "Wakeboarding is a sport that is really taking off. It is a sport that a lot of people can enjoy and will continue to enjoy," Nicolet says. "It is getting easier and easier to get into wakeboarding and will just keep expanding, getting a lot more people involved." Top 5 beginner wakeboards 1. CWB Sol - A board that controls itself, letting the rider concentrate on fundamentals. It has a 4-channel bottom for tracking, and a wide profile for a stable and forgiving ride. 2. Hyperlite Fluid - A board with a fairly wide profile and increased rocker to give a pop off the wake for riders that cut at a slower speed. 3. Liquid Force Search - A simple board that won't break the bank with its smooth and user-friendly surface. There are two sizes available to this board, which is stable and turns easily. 4. O'Brien Buzz - Provides true control and delivers incredible speed for lift off. The bottom edge channels lock in for control and the rocker pattern makes landings easy. 5. Hyperlite Vero - A board designed for riders who want mellow, transitioned turns and a stable, consistent pop off the wake.