Southtown Riders

We have a partnership with a group who provide Skateboard Clinics and Wakeboard clinics. These friends of CYC also have ministry teams of students who perform skate demos at various youth events.

This ministry of Southtown Riders (STR) is fascinating. It began as several friendships that formed while enjoying their favorite sport, wakeboarding, on Lake Wylie. Their goal was very self-centered: they wanted to wakeboard as much as necessary to make it to the top and be pro-wakeboarders. Along the way in their quest, one-by-one, they each had a personal encounter Jesus Christ and realized there was a bigger purpose for living than just simply wakeboarding to be the best. This group of friends recognized there was a great need in the wakeboarding realm for Christian role models. From there, Danny and David Tolentino, Mike Wood and Erin Easter started brainstorming for ways that they could use action sports as a means of connecting with and showing Christ to the youth of today.

They have even written their first book called Fire In The Core <purchase here> that outlines their personal struggle and ultimately their resolution with Jesus Christ, and includes daily devotions, as well as skateboarding and wakeboarding tips.

Through our partnership with STR, we are able to list many of the STR founders as guest speakers which you can request come speak at your CYC club meeting, a youth event, or your church or youth group meeting. Check out speaker listings below, and use the link to contact the individuals.

Danny Tolentino

Speaker and head instructor

Danny was born in New York, but also considers the Dominican Republic home since he lived there growing up. He is married to the lovely Christy, and is the head honcho around SouthTown Riders. He is addicted to wakeboarding, but his passion also thrives in seeing kids lives impacted for Christ.
On tour, Danny will be responsible for sharing messages at churches, instructor students on the water, throwing lots of roll-to-reverts for fans and keeping things under control.

David Tolentino

Speaker and Instructor

Born in the Dominican Republic, David enjoys tricking people with his Hispanic heritage. On the SouthTown home front, he is team pastor, web designer, the graphics department and an instructor. He has been married to Meredith for almost 3 years and really loves getting to work with her everyday at SouthTown.

On the road, David will be trading off with Danny in tour responsibilities: speaking at churches, instructing at the clinics and showing everyone that ACL replacement surgery doesn't have to bring you down.

Adam Greer

Speaker and Instructor

A senior at Clemson University in SC, Adam is a mechanical engineering major. He is a long-time member of the SouthTown crew and will be the head instructor for the clinics back home when he is not on the road. Although he may come across as shy, Adam is well known for his practical jokes and brings much fun to the SouthTown atmosphere. He is the best wakeboard instructor in the SouthTown arsenal and we aren't afraid to say it.

When on the tour, Adam will be speaking to youth groups, as well as giving some great instruction during the clinics. Everyone can look forward to seeing him shine on his board with his massive air and style.

Jay Masanotti

Speaker and boat driver

Jay is an Atlanta boy at heart, having moved from there in 2004 to begin working with SouthTown Riders. In the office, Jay uses his Kanakuk experience to oversee the summer clinics in Charlotte, along with managing/ directing/ hanging out with the STR skate team. He is engaged to Jessica and will be getting married in November, which he feels cannot come soon enough! Jay's desire is to see students' lives changed by a meaningful encounter with the person of Jesus Christ.

On the road, Jay will be serving up the tunes in the boat while driving a straight line for students. He also will be sharing his heart when speaking at the youth groups.

Check out the STR website at www.SouthtownRiders.com