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I
was excited today when
I opened up a favorite
website of mine to find
an article on Fountain
Powerboats and the 25th
anniversary commemorative
book. I have been a
Fountain owner for only
a short 5 years, but
I have quickly grown
attached to my boat,
the company and the
great people that I
have met or talked to
that are involved with
Fountain Powerboats.
The story behind my
35' Fountain is somewhat
unique so I felt this
would be good to share
and show my appreciation.
I am 26
years old and live in
Kansas City, Missouri
and boat at the infamous
Lake of the Ozarks.
For 12 years I was an
internationally competitive
gymnast and my life
revolved around the
sport. In 1994, I made
the US National Team
and began competing
on a national and international
level. Obviously, my
ultimate goal in life
at that time was Olympic
competition and I felt
I was on the right track.
In January of 1996,
I was awarded a scholarship
from the USA Gymnastics
Association that allowed
me to continue training
privately and continue
on my journey toward
Olympic gold.
Tragically,
in March of 1997, I
was injured in a training
accident that left me
paralyzed from my chest
down. That moment changed
my life in more ways
than I would ever realize.
I spent the next 4 months
in a rehabilitation
hospital in Denver Colorado
trying to piece back
together my life, which
in my yes had shattered
into a million pieces.
My heart was broken,
my dreams gone and my
will to go on was lost.
I had always been a
very outgoing, upbeat
person who rarely could
be found without a smile
on his face, so it was
hard on everyone getting
used to the new me.
The wheelchair took
some getting used to,
but the mental adjustments
were much more difficult.
Without my family and
friends helping, I never
would have made it through.
I spent the next few
years searching for
something that would
bring back that focus
in my life.
Our family
has always enjoyed our
time at the lake and
getting out on the water.
We have had several
boats over the years,
but I had always been
drawn to the high performance
boats. I decided it
was time to stop watching
these boats go by and
become an owner. I researched
many boats and manufacturers,
but I always cam back
to the Fountain line.
The sleek lines, race-like
design and look they
had as they ran across
the lake made my decision
much easier. I was able
to find a 1995 35' Fountain
Lightning that was in
excellent shape and
fit my lifestyle.
The day
we picked up the boat
and I heard those engines
roar for the first time
was one of the best
days I had since that
tragic day. My first
ride in the boat was
like a dream, the wind
in my face, sun shining
down on me, and a smile
on my face not seen
in many years. For that
next hour I completely
forgot about my circumstances
and the chair that waited
for me back at the docks.
Since
that day, I've been
hooked on this sport
and jumped head first
into making my boat
my own. I've spent countless
hours and dollars making
my Fountain fit me and
who I am, but the pleasure
I get from the times
I spend out on my boat
more than pay for it.
Although I can't yet
drive my boat due to
my injury, I will walk
again one day and that
will begin a whole new
chapter in my life and
boating world. I am
sure there will come
a day when I will sell
my Fountain to someone
who I hope will enjoy
it just half as much
as I have, but that
will be the same day
I move up to my 42'
Fountain! Boating brings
me so much joy and freedom
and my Fountain is the
way I choose to boat.
My family and friends
love my boat, but even
more they love having
the Ryan they know back.
Thank
you Reggie and the entire
Fountain team for 25
years of great boats,
memories and excitement!
You have given me back
a part of my life I
thought was lost forever.
Congratulations on 25
years and I'm sure I
speak for most everyone
when I say I'm looking
forward to 25 more!!!
Sincerely,
Ryan J.
Waggener
Proud owner of a 35'
Fountain Lightning
"Drinking Fountain"
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