September is quite possibly the most exciting month when it comes to weather, sports, and oh yeah; THE GREATEST WEEKEND OF THE YEAR FOR VOLKSWAGEN FANATICS! The event, which needs no introduction, beckons enthusiasts from around the world to partake in a weekend of alcoholic benders, cruising the strip, mini meets, shenanigans, parts swaps, and camaraderie that would rival that of other huge VAG shows worldwide. Whether you’ve been attending since the beginning or just followed some of the crazy stories posted up on Vortex, you know that H2Oi is undoubtedly the most premier VAG show in North America.
People come from miles around to take part in the brouhaha and car culture that exists in the Volkswagen scene today. Many dedicated fans drive from the West Coast, Canada, and even Mexico to take part in this yearly event. There are even a number of people who fly across pond from Central Europe and of course Germany, the birthplace and origin of our passion. In recent years, tales of our exploits have broken beyond the confines of regional forums and reached the ears of many non-VAG, JDM, and domestic enthusiasts, with many bidding for a chance to make a name for themselves, make a show for someone, or just have a few pics snapped of their ride. It seems that each year, it has been a contest as to who can create the most chaos and who can top the stories of the previous years. Many of these stories like Cort’s S3 debacle, Rusty Slammington’s makeover, precious years’ red light challenges, and this year’s MK4 Supra crash have made headlines and will continue to be talked about for years to come.
Many events not associated with the show draw just as many participants as the show itself. The mini-meets have always been a good way to meet the owner of that favorite build from the previous winter or to even size up your competition for the Top Dawg spot. Whatever the reason, they have always been a way to represent your marquee in a laid back, come-as-you-are environment or as a teaser for those too impatient for the actual show day.This year, they reached a pinnacle with the MK3 Airride vs. Static kickball game. Of course my favorite to win, Team Static took home the win for this year with a final score of 12-8. According to participant Trevor Picknell, “Team Static kicked the khrome out of team airbag.”
This year, despite having a venue change and only being able to source a suitable location at the last minute, the show itself was a large success. The weather also decided to participate this year and and dumped several inches of rain on the show site and participants. This resulted in turning the show field into a mud fight with many cars getting stuck in the mire. Despite setbacks like this, it didn’t ruin the weekend for most. Another never-ending battle with the ever increasing police presence that seemed to be all but overwhelmed with work this year (those darn MK5 on air teenagers ruining everyone’s fun). I personally listened to a scanner as I heard report on top of report of miscreant youth charades that seemed to keep Ocean City’s finest on their toes as they had to respond to calls up and down the strip. I really have to tip my glass to them for not shooting every last one of ya 
Despite the hooliganism, miserable weather, strict law enforcement, and the average problems associated with driving thousands of miles for what is technically a one day show, enthusiasts from around the country continue to converge on Ocean City, Maryland on that last weekend of September. There has always been talk of every year being the last year for H2Oi due to the bad decisions of a few rotten apples, but I feel that as long as there are two people willing to meet up in a parking lot, enjoy the last remnants of the summer gone by, and toss back a few brews, there will always be an H2Oi. Whether the show ever happens again or not is not even relevant because people will still suck it up, bite the bullet, and flock to the most invigorating and awe-inspiring show that this side of the world has to offer.
THE STRIP!
Tom Connor getting hassled. Gotta pay to play.
Aaron Ok trying hard not to leave his Cupra lip in the parking lot.
Another really clean Ginster in full effect this year.
Static E38 on 19″ OZ Futuras riding just right.
Nogaro Blue S4 tucking Rotiform NUEs.
Timbo’s ultra-clean white MK3 GTI on 3 piece 1552 Tarmacs.
Quite possibly the lowest static, daily driven E46, all the way from Chicago.
Lynch’s drift inspired E30.
J.P. Parodi’s raked Passat representing NYC.
Four doors go hard in the paint too.
I have always and will always have a spot in my heart for M coupes.
Mk1 TT on Porsche twists laying waste to some subframe.
Eric Scigliano’s bagged MK3 Jetta sporting some colorful artwork, and some oh-so perfect fitment on rebuilt 17″ OZ Fittipaldis.
Mikey Palmer’s bagged MK4 Jetta sitting flush on 3 piece 17″ MB Monoblocks.
The infamous Swoops cruising in his resprayed R28. The Honda CRV brown is very subtle and understated. Good decision frendo.
Cif’s aggressive E-Class on Bentley splits.
THE SHOW:
Remember ladies, gold lipstick can look classy….
Mike Burroughs rolls out another show stopper. Everyone can go home now because he just killed the show in his bagged E9 on Rotiform SJCs.
Danny Rice’s (foreground) and Trevor Picknell’s dueling Harlequin Golfs.
Matt’s satin mk4 at DinEuro’s booth, what a combo.
Steve Owen’s of ORT gets scene point with his shaved wagon on NUEs.
Flawless MK2 GTI sitting perfectly on Compomotive splits and showing off that shaved bay VR.
Properly fitted on some OZ Futuras, the Gengstout boys always seem to kill it.
Dubkorps’ B5 RS4 Avant on Rotiform NUEs and army green flat paint is a killer combo.
This super clean B6 on 19″ BMW X5 wheels in the Bagriders booth was such a good look.
Chris Lopez’s pristine bagged B5 A4.
Steeze’s MK4 R32 parked in front of none other than the Euromedian booth on some new rollers.
Mark P from FL has got the game on lock with his new resprayed MK4 R32T in Fiat brown. I honestly wouldn’t change a thing.
An odd color scheme that works very well for this MK5.
Candy white MK5 on colormatched TH Lines. Geng or die.
Clean Blue Lagoon GLI on 1552′s Tarmacs
The Unix Performance Corrado was spectacular.
Kevin of EEM’s MK5 has lots of goodies to show off.
Wobbie’s teal E30 is on the MAP. 
Mike Cruz’s MK5 on the ever-classy color matched MB Alphards.
Some serious flash for this menacing VR-T MK2.
Remember kids: Respect your elders and show some aircooled love.
Steve Synder’s OEM+ A3 Jetta looking ridiculously good.
