Lake Shootout brings extra water traffic

The annual Lake of the Ozarks shootout series starts this weekend, bringing in hundreds of thousands of dollars to Lake Area charities.

Now in its 26th year, the shootout has been going on for the last few days, and boats from all around the world join in.

Greg Surdyke owns some very powerful water toys, but will be competing in a Yamaha wave runner this weekend.

“We hit 95 miles per hour last year with one of the Yamahas. I don’t know if mine’s going that fast, but I’m going to give it heck and see what I’ve got,” said Surdyke, owner of Surdyke Yamaha.

The Surdykes are from the Lake Area, but others travel from all over the United States and the world.

“It’s very well known. These guys that are in Florida and have everything are jealous of the lake rescue shootout,” said Surdyke.

Event Organizer and owner of Captain Ron’s, Ron Duggan, said, “These racers have big hearts and so they come from around the country and other countries to participate in what we’re trying to do and that’s to raise money for people who need help.”

The money will go to 22 different lake area organizations like Habitat for Humanity, local food pantries and the Elks.

About 65,000 people will come out on the water, with many more enjoying the view from the beach.

“We have a closed course and it’s about two miles long. They actually have a one mile run area but the whole course is about two miles long,” said Duggan.

“We do it first thing in the morning Saturday and it’s a little choppy so you better be holding onto the craft and hopefully it’ll do well,” said Surdyke.

Last year, Lake officials said they raise $115,000, and this year the goal is $250,000.