Parks And Shane Bonifay

PARKS AND SHANE BONIFAY may have only been 21 and 19 during the 2003 Gravity Games wakeboard finals, but between them they had more than 14 years of professional riding experience. And they showed that experience by topping the podium.

Shane set the tone for these dynamic brothers. With each competitor judged on one double-up hit (caused when the boat turns sharply and creates a gigantic wake), traditional flatwater tricks, and stunts pulled off three obstacles—one 10-foot ramp, a 30-foot super-slider rail, and an A-frame rail—the guys demonstrated just how far this sport has progressed. Shane’s frontside batwing, inverted 360, large indy grab, and tootsie roll put him solidly in first with only Parks left to compete. And Shane’s ride could’ve been even better, but he went down on an off-axis backside 360 on his double-up.

Knowing he had to go clean to win, Parks hit every trick in his dynamic run. He threw a frontside board on the A-frame, nailed a half-cab method, and went big on a frontside late 540.

By finishing first and second, the Bonifay brothers accomplished something they’d never done before.

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POINT When Shane Bonifay missed his final trick, he was okay with it because he knew only his older brother could beat him. Despite being fierce competitors, the brothers always wished each other the best. And when Parks solidified the victory, Shane was cheering with the rest of the crowd.

The Bible talks a lot about family. God knits families together and wants them to always encourage each other. Of course, reality can be a little different. Older and younger siblings can get on our nerves. And often siblings fight. But God is clear: We should always help our family members. By making our family a priority, we’re being a godly example to people around us.

GOAL! Next time your brother or sister starts bothering you, remember that God wants you to get along and do your best to show love. Thank your heavenly Father for your earthly family.