Forward wake edition 7 by Forward Wakeboard Magazine

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dwake.coEm dition 7

FORWAR D Wakebo ard

Edition 7

20 Gear 14

Guide 4

GEAR GUIDE + CABLE IS EVERYWHERE + LOGAN COLLIER + ORAKEI KORAKO SHOOT + 10 REASONS YOU SHOULDNT GET SPONSORED + REVIEWS + MORE

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CONTENTS Here’s whats in store in Edition 7. Please do read, like, and share!

Page 12 - 2013 NZ Nationals Coverage Page 20 - Logan Collier: Committed Page 26 - Cable is Everywhere (except NZ) Page 32 - Worlds 2013 writeup Page 42 - Boat Reviews (Tried and tested) Page 50 - Don’t get Sponsored Page 56 - 2014 Shoot (Orakei) Page 66 - 2014 NZ Gear Guide Page 124 - Where to Ride, Where to Buy

For more pictures, video’s and product reviews check out our website www.forwardwake.com, and like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/forwardwake

Cover shot, WakePark NZ rider Rhidian Scott Towers, shot by Peter Towers.

Logan Collier by Craig Wright

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Luke Thomas luke@forwardwake.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Logan Collier Luke Thomas

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Aaron Haugh Craig Wright Blair Robertson Peter Towers Bevan Carlyon Daniel Deak Bardos Sophia Langner

Dan Max

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CONTENT SUBMISSIONS

We try to include as much user submitted content as possible. If your up to something, or get a great shot, get in touch. Luke@Forwardwake.com

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Forward Wake produce 2 - 3 online releases each year. Online Editions are available free at www. forwardwake.com The magazine is advertising funded, please support those companies that are investing in our sport, the companies advertising in this magazine are a great example of this. Efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of this magazine, however, we are human (barely), mistakes will have been made sorry! We are not responsible for any errors held within this magazine, including facts stated in the Gear Guide Section. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, Like, Share, Comment, and Forward this magazine! The more readers we get, the more worthwhile the hours shooting, editing, writing, and publishing are!

Josh Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell at Dick Park, Wanaka. One of the hidden gems from last years shoot that only surfaced when re-visting old memory cards! Photo by Luke Thomas

Editorial Welcome to the seventh edition of Forward Wakeboard Magazine (New Zealand), and the 2014 Gear Guide. This is actually the first edition we have put out since the 2013 gear guide, the reason for that isn’t that nothing has been going on, it’s actually quite the opposite. We are at a time of fast growth of wakeboarding in New Zealand, which is something we haven’t seen for 5-6 years, but growth comes at the expense of time! Alot of people are dedicating their time to helping grow the sport, through setting up wakeboard clubs, two tower cables, competitions, rail jams, media outlets, wakeboard schools etc, and I think this is starting to pay off! People that I’ve spoken to both inside the industry and also outsiders have all commented on the increased visibility of wakeboarding in NZ. And that can only be a good thing. Back on topic. and looking to this edition of Forward. I’d again like to thank the industry players for getting on board. Anybody that features in this magazine has contributed something to the production of the magazine, either in the form of advertising, or providing resources for photo shoots, such as boats, gas etc! So everyone in this magazine is helping us to get the next edition out to you, and putting their hard earnt money back into the sport. So please support those in this magazine by buying their products (from NZ, as opposed to importing). We had a killer time shooting the 2014 product guide, and want to thank everyone that helped out with that. Especially the Gibson Family for providing their facilities at Orakei Korako and their VLX (which has one of the biggest wakes I have ever ridden) , Marty Tocker for letting a heap of guys crash at his party house, and all of the riders and support crew that showed up to help us get it done! We’re a few years old now, but still stand by our roots. We set out to be a non-elitist outlet to spread the word about New Zealand Wakeboarding. We welcome all submissions from all levels of rider, be it pro or first timer. Let us know how you get on, and we’ll endevour to share it with our readership. We also aim to provide high quality editorial, and if you think you can do better, then send us an article! We thrive on submissions, to contibute and be a part of Forward. Read, enjoy, and share. Free as always.

Luke Thomas Editor

2014 NZ Gear Guide

Nationals 2013

NEW ZEALAND NATIONALS 2013

Edition 7

Page Thirteen

2014 NZ Gear Guide Nationals 2013

Edition 7

he Nautiques New Zealand Wakeboard Nationals went off at Lake Crichton (Just south of 22nd23rd March.

compete again in the LCQ’s the following morning. On the day the riders that made the cut were Brad Smeele, Nik Gibson, Darren Bishop and David Stubbs.

Things got started on Friday morning with a rider briefing before moving straight into qualifying rounds. The weather was a little blowy on day one as the winds howled across the Canterbury plains, although as fortune had it, the cross wind didn’t present much of a problem for any of the riders.

Day 2 got started with the Open Men’s LCQ’s, and the conditions couldn’t have been better. The wind had dropped, the water was glassy flat, and the Super Air 220 was loaded. After a close fought battle between 2 or 3 riders the top 2 to advance to join the finals line up were Josh O’Connell and Guy Robinson.

The standard of riding was high across all divisions, with a good number of riders making the trek down from the North Island to get their name on the National rankings sheet! Day 1 concluded with the Open Men’s battle to qualify for the final, with 4 riders taking a direct route to the final, and all other riders having to

Things then moved on to Finals time! First up was the Groms, with a close field of young rippers the judging was tight, but Sophie Gallon came out on top on the day! Next up was Junior boy’s which was again a hotly contested division, Francesco Hazelwood pulling everything he had out the bag to take the win.

This left only the Men’s, Open Women’s and Open Men’s to go! And despite the wind starting to pick up a little, the conditions were still good, and riders amping to get out on the water.

and Charlotte going hard, and throwing it down - like Charlotte’s huge toeside front roll out to the flats to take the title.

In the men’s division James Tinget stepped up to take the win with a huge bag of tricks, well worth of the automatic upgrade to Open Men’s for next years nationals. The Open women’s division was unfortunately a bit small this year with only 2 riders (so if your reading this, wondering why you didn’t enter - you could have take home 3rd in NZ just by entering!) But that didn’t stop Sophie

Page Fifteen

Junior women’s saw some fresh faces to the line up, Morgan Haakma defended her title to take the crown again! Junior Men’s was the division everybody had their eye on, especially the Open Men rider’s, as they know that these juniors are coming for them in years to come! To say the battle for 1st and 2nd was close would be an understatement. Regan and Theo pulled out every trick they had, but in the end Regan pulled ahead to take the title again for 2013. Do we need to cover veterans? Gavin Broadbent yet again bought out the hammers and stuck a perfect stand up 2 passes to take the win yet again! (How many is it now?)

A huge congratulations to everyone who entered; and to the Wakeboard NZ committee for putting on the event, which was organised from their home in the This left only the open men to run, and North Island, so its a huge mission to with Brad Smeele being injured for the put an event on so far away. The local 2012 nationals all eyes were on him and crowd’s wern’t huge, but its important to Nik Gibson to see who would come out remember that the scene in Christchurch on top. Darren Bishop put a huge run is still regrouping, as wakeboarding has together including multiple mobes to put been the last thing on alot of Cantabs him in third place. It was clear on the mind the past few years! So it was water just how much Brad and Nik wanted awesome to see it back at Crichton. the win, although due to a few badly times falls from Brad, and Nik’s unwavering consistency it was Nik who came out on top to be crowned the 2013 Nautiques OUT! New Zealand national champion.

David Stubbs by Dan Max

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2014 NZ Gear Guide Logan Collier: Committed

Committed:

Edition 7

Page Twenty One

Logan Collier once again proving he is one of NZâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s toughest wakeboarders. Hitting a monster gap in Auckland . Somebody always has to go first, and for a while now, that person has been Logan. Check out how it went down.

Words by Logan Collier. Photoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s by BR Photography

2014 NZ Gear Guide Logan Collier: Committed

Words by Logan Collier Photo’s by Blair Robertson

few of us boys in Auckland have been looking for new places to winch at. A while ago Aaron found this spot whilst driving around with his kids and had a quick look, contacted me and said “you need to check it out, its pretty big but you’ll have to judge it your self”. James (from Rewind Winches) and I went to check it out. At first i didn’t know if it was possible, but after working out the distances from pond to pond found out the jump distance was 16 meters with a 2 meter step down. I knew straight away i needed a big kicker and was totally keen to give it a go. So I organized a date and got the boys together with a few cameras as well. After setting up the kicker i dragged the rope across both ponds and strapped in. On the first pull as soon as i pulled out i didn’t think I wasn’t going fast enough. The second one was the same thing. By the third one i said to myself ‘just go for it’ and i did, but as i left the ramp i felt the winch pulling me down a bit. I knew it was what I had originally thought, that the winch was not fast enough, i was right and started to drop fast!! All i saw was jagged concrete. I tried to manual my board so it took more of the impact which worked until my nose dropped, grabbed and threw me in to a sommersalt. Luckily I just missed the rest of the jagged concrete and hit the grass before ending up in the water. All i remember is the boys yelling “are you ok??”. I put my hand up and said

“yeah, dam wasnt fast enough!!”. James ran over from the winch and the first thing he said was “we need to get the 13 hp winch ready!” This is not the end of the gap, we will be back for another attempt and I’m hoping to make it easily next time with the help of a faster winch! Stay up to date with Logan and the boys on the O’Brien NZ Facebook page, the Forward Wake Facebook page, or in the next edition of the magazine. For a bit more, check the video below.

Edition 7

Page Twenty Three

C a b l e

i s

EVERYWHERE (Except NZ )

Page Twenty Seven

ay back in Edition 1 we ran an article titled “2011, The year of cable”. As it turned out 2011 was the year of cable; in the UK, Australia, USA, China, Phillipines, Germany, Spain- in fact almost every country except New Zealand. To take you back to the state of cables in 2011, there were two- two tower cables in NZ, with Wellington’s (and NZ’s first) full cable expected by the end of the year. Fast forward nearly 3 years, and what’s new? Well we’ve seen the arrival of Backpaddock lakes - which is hands down one of the best spots in the country, bringing the ability to ride boat and a two tower cable at the same venue. There is also a new setup in Taupo that has just been completed and is well worth a visit, and we’re still waiting for Welington cable to start construction due to a lengthy consent proccess. So whilst positive, is hardly what you would call explosive growth in cables over the past few years.

Prompted by Logan Colliers recent video “Why not a cable?” we thouht we would revisit the issue, and work out why we’re still to see the “rise of cable” throughout NZ, and investigating some possible reasons as to why we are still to see our first full cable up and running. Wellington is still set to be NZ’s first full size cablepark, and according to the man behind the dream “Paul Marlow” - the park is very much on course. As many people are aware the park has been opposed at many stages of development by local residents, through to misguided do-gooders and ill-informed social commentators. The evidence of this has been clear in online discussion boards and media outlets, however what is more clear is the overwhelming support Paul has for the project from the wider community. There have been delays in the projects consent proccess due to objections, but also environmental factors such as water quality testing. Water tests are required after periods of heavy rainfall, and there was a five month period where it simply didn’t rain, which in turn pushed consents back five months. Another slow down has been caused by the Christchurch earthquake, as nearly all of the surveryors and engineers involved in the Wake Park are currently over-loaded with work relating to the rebuild. The good news is that Paul is 100% committed to getting the Wake Park built, and hopes to have this complete sometime during next season. A recent success story has been Taupo’s Anarchy boarding park, which is nestled in the tourist central part of Taupo, right next to Huka falls, and the ever popular, and equally

exciting prawn fishing farm. (unfortunately we sadly ran out of time for prawn fishing on our visit). Their pond is tucked out of sight, and out of the way of the wind, so the water is glassy nearly all of the time. For those who have been to Ashburton’s cable, the pull should feel familar, as it’s basically a remodelled design of this cable. The guys at Anarchy are good with their maintainance, so the cable is nice and springs (cue Jamie Barrow Double S-Bend). There’s a few obstacles so far, in the form of a flat bar, and a kicker to keep you busy if your not into air tricks! It’s clear that the guys at Anarchy have put alot of work, sweat, tears, and money into this project, and for that I tip my hat to them! Wakeboarding isn’t an easy business to be in, but these guys love the sport, and will be introducing heaps of new people to the sport (and hopefully re-couping the build cost back

“The council wanted us to pool fence the whole lake” at the same time! Part of cable’s success in NZ is going to be people seeing cable’s as a viable business opportunity, so if you want to see more cable’s make sure you use the one’s that already exist! The Taupo build project ran into lots of problems whilst setting up the cable, from financing right through to the council demmanding that they pool fence the entire pond! That’s right, pool fencing on a lake, I wonder when they are planning to pool fence Lake Taupo itself (don’t answer that question). I can only assume that the councils decision spouted from ignorance, and failing to grasp the concept of what a wakeboard cable is, as opposed to actually trying to block the construction of the cable. I can’t think of any other cables that have got pool grade fencing surrounding their lakes (bar perhaps some of the central London cable’s, where the fencing is for security purposes!) Anyway, the important thing is that the cable is up now, and they have plans to expand their setup to add a second two point cable! So make sure you head their way, and book some time on the cable. www. facebook.com/anarchyboardingpark Another recent success story is BackPaddock Lakes. They have a tournament waterski/wakeboard lake along with a custom built two tower cable.

ack Paddock Lakes are located in central Hawkes Bay. 10 minutes south of Waipukurau. If you fancy near constant torture of seeing how glassy their lakes seem to be nearly all of the time, then head to their facebook page, or their website. The lakes are operated by Trev Rowlands, who puts a huge amount of time into the development of the sport in New Zealand, as now created this world class waterskiing and wakeboard environment. It’s a little bit of a hidden oasis, and some of the locals might like to see it kept that way! But the facilities are too good not to share. Make sure you call ahead of your visit, as the lakes are opened by appointment only, and rider numbers are limited! So these new cable systems have joined the pre-existing WakePark NZ in Hinds (South of Ashburton), and Ruakaka’s cable (now under new ownership). However putting Wellington’s cable aside we are still yet to see any further developments put forward for full 5 tower cables. Whilst I’m not by any means saying that 5 towers are the be all and end all of cable wakeboarding, because that’s not true. But 5 tower cable’s are the only way that owning and operating a true cable becomes financially viable as a business opportunity (excluding targetting tourists). But as a regular rider, wanting to buy a season pass, and ride an unlimited amount each year, for a set (and reasonable) amount of money, they you are going to need for someone to put up a 5 tower for you! The reason for this is pure economics (trying to keep it simple). A two tower cable can comfortably accomodate up to five people per hour, with one person riding at any one time. And when somebody falls, then they are still consuming their space on the cable whilst the cable is dragged back to them. Now- with a 5 tower cable, they can easily handle 6 people riding at any one given time, and upto (quoted by Rixen) 100 people per hour. The reason for this huge jump, is that when somebody falls on a five tower system, they give up their place on the cable, and somebody else can immediately take up their place, as the rider swims back to shore, and waits their turn in line again. Most people will either fall off, or be too tired to hold on after about 3 laps of the cable, so waiting times are kept short, and rider turnover is high! This means that the cable operator can earn 20-30 times more revenue on a five

tower than on a two tower (based on similar costs to the rider, which is normally pretty even). For our sport to grow, and be long-lived, then we need investors to come in and start putting up more cables, which requires throwing a few million dollars at building a full cable park, which they will only do if its financially viable! Hence, we need 5 tower cables. So what’s the blocker? Without naming names, trust me when I say, that plenty of organised people have put in planning applications for cable parks, invested heavily in the resource consent proccess only to eventually have the cable parked turned down by either local councils, environment boards, local Iwi, or other parties. And this is a huge shame, too many times we have been denied a full cable. We need to let the authorities know that there is real demmand for these facilities, and that our elected officials shouldn’t be turning down planning, or creating endless miles of red tape when willing parties apply to build a cable park. (Which after all is the most accessible form of wakeboarding for most Kiwi’s). The best way to do this at the moment, (until somebody else launches planning for a new cable) is to get behind the projects currently under construction, and make sure that these projects are a success. Presently, this is the Aotera Wake Park in Wellington! A good way to keep up to date with their progress is to join the Facebook Group “Aotea Wake Park”, which is updates with current issues facing the park, and news. Keep an eye out for ‘letters to the editor’ or comments on media websites such as Stuff.co.nz relating to the WakePark, if you see something you don’t agree with, then write back! Be polite, clear and concise. Remember the person opposing the park is most likely out of touch, misinformed, and out to prevent change! Fight the power, let’s build some cable’s.

Words and pictures by Luke Thomas

Riley Bathurst by Luke Thomas

Through careful guidance and plenty of water time WakePark NZ is churning out some exceptional riders. This is Mark Holder, watch this name. Photo: Peter Towers

Rider: Regan Carlyon Photo: Bevan Carlyon

etween August 28th and September 1st 2013 Busan (South Korea) played host to the IWWF World Wakeboard Championships. (Yep, we know... Worlds, World Champs, World Cup, EAME World’s, WWA World’s- but this one is “World Wakeboard Championships”). But most importantly Team NZ was represented at this particular World Champs! The team sent to Korea was: Darren Bishop, Dan Tingey, James Tingey, Regan Carlyon, Theo Robinson and Francesco Hazelwood. It was most riders first exposure to a world cup, and also first time riding the monster boats such as the X-Star tournament boat, and G23 practice boat!

None of the riders caught an easy break at any stage! With Darren Bishop coming up against Aussie’s Brad Teunissen and USA’s Danny Thollander in Heat 1! Regan came second in his first heat which boosted him straight to Round 3 along with Dan Tingey, who unfortunately got pitted in the same Quater Finals, and didn’t make it through. James Tingey and Darren came unstuck in the LCQ’s (Round 2) after coming up against pretty harsh competition, with Darren placing second - unfortunately

LCQ’s only take the heat winner onto round 3! The event was won by the heavyweights such as Harely Clifford in open mens and Raimi Merritt in open womens- followed in second by Amber Wing. NZ placed 19th Overall as a team, just a few points off the well funded and World Cup experienced Singapore team. So I think for a new team, with mostly newcomers to serious competitive wakeboarding the whole team did really well. It shows we have a long way to go to catch up with the winners such Australia and USA, however its a great platform to start building on, and with more experience, structured coaching and maximum time on the water NZ will be climbing up international rankings every event! Some more shots from the event are on the next page.

Words: Luke Thomas

Clockwise from above; 1- The Team waiting to board at Auckland Airport. 2- Regan shows Korea his Batwing. 3- Francesco, Regan, Darren and Dan Tingey at the IWWF base. 4- Darren, Regan and Theo on the practice boat.

Paul Maguire by Luke Thomas

Hyperlite 2014 NOW IN STOCK

Logan Collier abusing Paul Maguire at Big Boys Toys 2013. Shot by Blair Robertson

2014 NZ Gear Guide Review: Nautique G23

REVIEW: G23 Nautique G23 2014

he G23 seens to have have almost legendary status after being launched just 2 seasons! To own one in the US you are going to need to join a waiting list, and here in NZ we have just recieved our first (which has now sold by the way), but before we managed to snag a test ride, along with some of NZ’s best riders. Here’s what Forward thinks about the G-Banger.

Unlike a regular review, we’ll cover things off in a strange order, as let’s be honest, this is a completely different breed of wake boat from anything we have seen before! The sheer size of the G23 takes you by suprise, even though you have seen the pictures, there is something about not being able to see into the cab of the boat, even when you stand on the trailer’s wheel arches. The rub rail is a solid foot over head. Every proportion of this boat is truely super-size, the storage under the passanger seat would comfortably sleep a 6ft man, we had 7 big guys in the boat, and it felt empty.

just different! The wake is a constant shape right through to the very peak of the wake, there’s no huge trough, no steep spine, just a constant really long ramp to the sky with a neat peak at the end. This means that you get pretty high without that sharp kick feeling, which is going to make spinning alot easier. Jamie was throwing 5’s that looked like he could stick another 3 on the end without too much hassle. It takes a while to figure the shape out, but what we did discover was that you can knock the boat speed right down to about 34/5, lengthen your line to about 80ft and the wake stays constant, no frothing or rolling. This means you can get the most extreme hangtime of your wakeboard life, and still have time to put a backside 180 on the end and spot your landing.

We did find that we came up short on the landing a few times, but the lip of the far wake was suprisingly soft, instead of a knee breaker we were expecting. It’s important to take a wide cut at the wake in order to maintain your speed up the long rampy wake. One criticism is that the wake is a little sensitive to movement of weight within the boat, which I didn’t The boat is very well presented, every detail has been expect to see on such a large boat. Much like the 220 made with premium quality in mind. Nautique know that from a few years back you need to have your weight this boat is a flagship model, and they have equipped it balance dialled, but when you do, the wake won’t crisp this way, they know that anybody that can afford to buy, and curl with the pull of the rider. fill, and tow this premium monster will demmand the best on offer, so Nautique have provided. Nautiques The NSS (Nautique Surf System) is probably the most NZ are importing these puppies with a good range refined of all the surf systems on the market, it looks of extra’s, including the factory tower speakers, NSS neat, and at the flick of a switch, whilst in motion you (which we will cover later), full electronic dash display, can shift the huge surf wake from side to side. The and to be honest, you should get it a high spec as you NSS creates a huge hip height long barrel, your never can, because then you actually could move into this getting tired of this surf wake. thing. In Summary: The G23 is much more than just hype, Now lets move onto the most important thing, the and it is a game changer, it delivers on all levels, both G-Wake. This wake is known as the game changer, for families looking for an on water range rover with all now whether that is clever marketing, good use of the comforts and space you could require, and also sponsorship or whatever- this wake is by far the world’s the biggest factory wake on the market. The wake is most famous. It has claimed the top spot from the undoubtably one of the biggest wakes out there, but X-star as the pro’s monster wake of choice. Ever since what is more impressive is that we tried where the it’s first competition we have seen double’s and 10’s off wake starts and it was still on par with the biggest the wake, where as they were previously only seen on wakes any of us had ridden. If you start adding extra double-ups. We tried the wake with full factory ballast weight to this, you are going to get a truley huge wake. and between 5-7 people onboard, here’s the verdict. It is an expensive machine, but you have to pay for quality, and that’s what your getting here. The only When people say the G23 wake is a game changer, it’s slight negative points are the dry weight for towing, and also a style changer, you really do have to adapt your the side to side weight distribution is a little sensitive, riding style to the size of wake. Watching David Stubbs’ but once you have a monster tow vehicle and get (who frequents wakes of the larger variety) face as the weight distribution dialled your on your way to he hit the wake for the first time was enough to tell Wakeboard Nirvana. us to be prepared. And it’s not that the wake is overly daunting, it’s just a different wake. A different shape,

Edition 7

Page Fourty Three

2014 NZ Gear Guide Review: Malibu VLX

REVIEW: VLX Malibu VLX 2014

Edition 7

he VLX is a Kiwi staple. At some point everybody has owned, or at the very least ridden one. However for 2013/4 they changed the much loved hull shape, in favour of an updated design. We were lucky enough to spend a day behind a new boat for our photo shoot. We rode a 2013 wake hull VLX with extra plumbed ballast as fitted by Adam at X-Air in Auckland. As with all Malibu’s the interior is immaculate. Fine stitched wrap around seating, intergrated audio, and a new full electronic dashboard display. This boat is comfy, somewhere you could spend alot of time! We had 4 factory tower speakers on the new Illusion 4 tower (which is breathtaking). We had 7 people onboard, and there was plenty of space without feeling cramped, we also had no one in the bow seating, so on a warm day you could comfortably fit another 2 people in the nose. The wake is huge when weighted properly, but is still a great boat for beginner riders, and towing the family around on inflatables. The wake is the same meaty, peaky wake you have come to expect from a VLX. With extra ballast configuration you can expect a wake big enough to rival any boat on the water, and a great shape depending on how you use the power wedge. We had alot of weight in the boat, so chose to run with the power wedge up for most of the day, although when we did have the wedge down the wake was noticibly bigger, and perhaps just a little more peaky. One thing I noticed is that the wake held a great constant shape, even when we rode over shallower spots in the lake. The boat we had to use was equipped with the standard engine choice (being a 320hp V8), if you are looking at running a fully loaded boat regularly I would reccomend upgrading the engine to the 400hp Hammerhead. Whilst the 320 pulled us out of the hole with our extra heavy setup, it struggled a little if we used the power wedge as well. Upgrading the motor will give you the freedom to run as heavy as you like, and still get the boat on the plane super quickly. That said, if your only planning to ride factory ballast, then I wouldn’t bother unless you have a craving for power. The particular boat we had wasn’t equipped with Malibu’s Surf Gate (SG). However I have tested out the surf gate on a 2013 Malibu MXZ. If I was purchasing a new boat I wouldn’t buy it without a surf system, and the Surf Gate is no exception to this. Whilst the early Surf Gate’s didn’t look quite as refined as Nautique’s

Page Fourty Five

NSS the outcome was awesome, a huge wakesurf wake, on either side of the boat at the touch of a button, without need to use any more weight than factory ballast. The wave itself is a really powerfull, long tube, it seems to have a huge sweet spot which makes it easy to learn behind, or perfect for dialling air tricks and stomp your landing with enough power to turn back into the face. The Surf Gate has had a bit of a cosmetic make over, and if you opt for the 2014 SG and chose the flake metal detailing, then the surf gate’s blend seamlessly into the rest of the boat, to maintain the great looking boats that Malibu have become known for producing. Summary: If you are looking for a great performing all rounder with the ablity to produce a pro standard wake all in a 21 footer, then your at the right place. Stepping onto the VLX is a pleasure, the interior has been thoughtfully created. Malibu New Zealand (Armstrong Watersports) import their boats with a great selection of add-ons to cater for even the most demmanding users, and what is most impressive is that every add-on looks perfectly at home nested within the VLX. Malibu certainly make pretty boats, but they don’t just look the part, the 2014 VLX performs, whether wakeboarding, surfing, or just chilling out on the boat with the family. As stated, my only reccomendations would be to ensure you are using the correct prop for your weighting, and consider the 400hp engine if you plan to run a heavy boat.

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R e s o n s Yo u S h o u l d n ’ t GET SPONSORED For a lot of riders, getting sponsored seems to be the ultimate goal. But whilst it is awesome getting hooked up with goodies at the start of every season, many people overlook the reality of being a “good” sponsored rider. And how this can, if your not ready, have an adverse effect. Ofcourse not all great wakeboarders make good sponsored riders, perhaps here is why, and also a few tips on how to be a good sponsored rider if you do go down that road.

1. Your working.

Thats right, you’ve turned that thing you do as a end of week wind down into a job. OK, it’s an awesome job, but you need to remember that sponsorship is a two way deal. You get free or discouted gear, but you need to repay that debt with positive brand representation. Remember that you are a marketing tool to help your sponsor sell more equipment.

2. You can’t have a bad day.

Whether your riding a demo, or just riding at the local cable/lake, you can’t have a bad day, even if your having a bad day. If people know who you are, they will see you as a brand representitive and your actions, positively or negatively will affect their brand perception. So throwing your board when you can’t stick your new trick isn’t going to go down well.

3. Your always on show.

when your riding with new people, or at new locations you end up riding your competition pass to show what you and your gear can do, instead of working on your next trick, or just having a fun ride.

4. You ride what you get

Gone are the days you can mix and match setups to get the best board and boot package, or a few different wetsuit brands etc. Your 100% committed in the brands you ride for.

5. You’ve got something to loose.

Although its pretty rare, especially in NZ, you now have something to lose. Whether its through bad performences, bad attitude, or the brand doesn’t feel like they are getting a return on their investment, then you can be dropped!

6. Not bring sponsored is cool.

Personally I always have much more respect for a rider who has stayed pretty quiet, paid for their gear, and then turns up at nationals and slays it! There’s something cool about being the indie kid these days. Some of the best, and most stylish riders I’ve ever seen have ridden for themselves.

7. You have an expectation to live up to.

When somebody watches a sponsored rider, they expect certain things. Now that depends on who the spectator is. When you turn up to a demo for people in the know, then pull out everything you’ve got, but nine times out of ten, the crowd just want to see you go upside down and not fall off too much. So to summarise, your going to spend alot of time doing tantrums on rough water.

8. Social Media

Either sponsors request coverage on your social media platforms, or riders see it as a viable platform to be seen to ‘work’ for their sponsors. Either way, some of your non riding friends will pretty quickly get over the posts about how awesome your gear is. And you lose some of the personality on your own wall, replaced by advertisments for a brand that support you. Nearly all sponsored riders are guilty of this, as its a good way to help spread the word, but it does get old. @Mysponsor #Bestgearout

9. Riding Events

Different sponsors will expect different things of their riders. And some will ask you to ride a tonne of events, which is fine if your a comp rider who thrives on that stuff. But quite often you don’t want to ride every event, or have time to. If you do get sponsored its always a good idea to manage these expectations up front.

10. If your not helping your brand your detracting from it.

It’s important to remember that if your getting hooked up with gear, and not giving anything back, then your actually detracting from your sponsor, but also the scene as a whole. The NZ industry is pretty small, at best some of the distributors might shift just over 100 boards a year, so in giving you a freebie, or cost price, they are actually cannabalising their sales. Unless that is, that you are selling them more product, based on the fact that you are riding their gear.

So to summarise, riding free or cheap gear is awesome. But not always what it’s cracked up to be... there is a cost. And most importantly if you do get hooked up, then be a good rider, don’t be that guy that nobody will touch after a few seasons! Look after the guys who look after you, give them a return on their investment, but remember what wakeboarding is about, and why you do it.

Nik Gibson by Aaron Haugh.

Overhead from Nik.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Just a

Small Dick Player

world.

in a Big Dick

TWENTY-ONE FEET

OF PURE BLISS Available in NZ now Contact Nautiques NZ on 0800 SKI BOAT

0800 SKI BOAT www.NautiquesNZ.co.nz 1 Euclid Ave, Te Rapa, Hamilton, 3241

2014 NZ Gear Guide

Edition 7

Page Fifty Seven

THE SHOOT 2014

Every year at Forward the time rolls around to start putting the the Gear Guide together. This means a few things, a lot of work, new gear to test out, and the annual wake trip shoot. On the trip we find an epic location, source some of the best toys, and invite a bunch on New Zealand’s best riders to come out and play. Last year our location was the (now dismantled) Dick Park in Wanaka, an epic rail park surrounded by snow capped mountains in the heart of the Southern Lakes. This year we had to find something just as epic, which is no easy feat. We settled on something at completely the other end of the spectrum to Dick Park. Orakei Korako is a thermal reserve between Taupo and Rotorua, and home to NZ’s King of Wake (and national champ) Nik Gibson. The lake is surrounded by thermal springs, waterfalls, and steaming geysers- it is a whole lot warmer than Wanaka was. We invited a bunch of New Zealand’s best riders, this year we had an awesome crew consisting of; Nik Gibson, Paul Maguire, David Stubbs, Logan Collier, Darren Bishop, Jamie Barrow and Regan Carlyon. We had an awesome support crew including Rewind Winches, Craig Wright and Aaron Haugh (photographers). And for toys we had Nik Gibsons wake monster (the most weighted VLX I have ever seen), and a 2013 Malibu VLX to keep us entertained. A huge thanks to everyone who helpes out, including the boat owners, drivers, Malibu New Zealand, The Gibson Family (especially Nik), Marty Tocker, Anarchy Cable, and all of the distributors for providing us with shiny new boards to ride. We spent 2 days between Orakei Korako, Party Marty’s hot pools and Anarchy Cable Park. A killer time was had by all. Over the next few pages are a few of the highlights of the 2014 shoot. Photo’s feature throughout the magazine, on our facebook page, and throughout further editions this year! Enjoy the carnage. Bring on next year.

THE ALL NEW 2014

WAKESETTER

WAKESETTER 22 MXZ

23 LSV

WAKESETTER 20 VTX

WAKESETTER 21 VLX

RESPONSE TXi

Armstrong Water Sport team are in Wanaka 28th Dec to 5th Jan, Call Mathew for an on-water demo.

THE ONE AND ONLY

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22 MXZ 2800

2500

2350

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ogo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Blue

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2150

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www.armstrongwatersports.com

Jamie Barrow Batwing By Craig Wright

BOATS The expensive part of your setup, but unless you happen to be besid e one of NZ’s cablepark’s, then your going to need to add one to your toyshed, or at least get really friendly with somebody that does own one! Here’s the latest and greatest in what is available in New Zealand this season! Dig Deep.

NA TIQ UE 2014 NZ Gear Guide

Boats: Nautique

Nautique G21 Length: 6.55m Beam: 2.59m Dry Weight: 2,359kg Capacity: 14 People

We Say: The boat that the people wanted! A G23 wake in a 21 foot hull! NZ has some on order, but they are yet to arrive. But you know that when they do we will be first in line to ride!

Nautique G23 Length: 7.01m Beam: 2.59m Dry Weight: 2,449kg Capacity: 16 People

We Say: The boat that started it all! The original G! Check out our review at the end of the boats section on the first G23 to land on NZ shores! 23 foot of pure un-adulterated wakeboarding heaven.

Nautique G25

Length: 7.62m Beam: 2.59m Dry Weight: 2,676kg Capacity: 19 People

We Say: Buy one of these and you can safely assume youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have the biggest wake boat on the water. These things are huge, and so is their wake! Perfect for those with extended families or those looking outlast any biblical storms, skip the animals, and just bring more riders.

Nautique 210 Length: 6.40m Beam: 2.49m Dry Weight: 1,905kg Capacity: 12 People

We Say: A brand new redesigned 210 for 2014! Ever popular with wakeboarders and families. Full functionality and a macking wake in a 21 foot body. An easily towable option. Looks like the 210 will once again be alot of proâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boat of choice!

AU Q E Edition 7

Page Sixty Three

Contact Nautiques NZ on: 0800 SKI BOAT, or visit www.Nautiques.co.nz

Nautique Sport 200 Length: 6.10m Beam: 2.41m Dry Weight: 1,474kg Capacity: 10 People

We Say: No more arguments. Dad can get his swerve on, flick a few buttons and you can go out for an epic wakeboard. Designed with everybody in mind the ultimate crossover boat. Available now.

MA LI BU 2014 NZ Gear Guide

Boats: Malibu

Malibu MXZ 22 Length: 6.55m Beam: 2.59m Dry Weight: 2,359kg Capacity: 14 People

We Say: Malibu’s Red Bull Open towing machine! The MXZ is a huge boat throwing out a big meaty wake. Throw on surf gate and you’ve got the ultimate all rounder for big wake shredding, or chilled days on the boat!

Malibu MXZ 20 Length: 6.27 Beam: 2.54m Dry Weight: 1,814kg Capacity: 13 People

We Say: The huge wake, and roomy cab’s of the 22MXZ in a 20 foot hull! Roomy and responsive a great all rounder for the family or dedicated rider!

Malibu VLX

Length: 6.3m Beam: 2.54m Dry Weight: 1,678kg Capacity: 14 People

We Say: The classic gets a revamp. The new VLX is mackin! Check out our review at the end of the boat section.

Malibu VTX Length: 6.09m Beam: 2.49m Dry Weight: 1,587kg Capacity: 11 People

We Say: A great choice wake boat, available in a 3D (3 disciplines) hull for families who ski and wake. Slightly smaller in size, and wake than the VLX, but weight it right and you’ve got 20 foot of dream machine.

Edition 7

Page Sixty Five

Contact Armstrong Watersports on: 03 943 5391, or visit www.ArmstrongWatersports.co.nz

Malibu 23 LSV Length: 7.01m Beam: 2.59m Dry Weight: 2,041kg Capacity: 15 People

We Say: Fully redesigned for 2014 the biggest selling 23 footer in the world just got better. For those who want life in supersize, a huge wake for surf and wakeboard, and masses of space for spectators you are going to enjoy being on the water in this boat.

2014 r a e G

e d i Gu Wakeboards You know what this is for, but make sure you pick the right board for you. For hints and tips on what makes boards different, head back to the science section and swat up. A list of our reccomended retail stores is at the back of this magazine.

Boots

Open toe, closed toe, system boots, air cushion, EVA mouldable; picking a binding isn’t always as easy as it seems- varying from the very flexible for huge pokes, or stiff for maximum support, there’s a huge range out there.

Skate/Surf

You know what this is for, but make sure you pick the right board for you. For hints and tips on what makes boards different, head back to the science section and swat up. A list of our reccomended retail stores is at the back of this magazine.

Vests

Pick any colour you like, any style, but do wear one! You’ll hear horror stories of freak accidents were riders have been saved by their vest alone, or worse, near tragedies where riders wern’t wearing one. Your not fooling anyone, put a vest on.

Wetsuits

Thick, thin, winter, summer. Get the right suit, and your game on for hours of toasty warm riding. Get it wrong and your going to be too hot, too cold, to restricted or too baggy! Chose wisely!

2014 NZ Gear Guide

Page Sixty Seven

Paul Maguire by Aaron Haugh

2014 NZ Gear Guide Science behind the boards

Science & Stuff

hen it comes to wakeboarding there are a few technical aspects that make a big difference, and cause most new riders a headache whilst trying to pick their first board, or second, or third...

There’s really only a few things that you need to know. The main thing to remember is that all of the different technology that goes into a wakeboards just gives you more chances to find a board that suits you best. Ofcourse, the

1. Continous 3 Stage / Hybrid

best way to discover this is to grab a few boards, head out to the lake, and decide which one’s going on your shopping list. However, here’s a guide to help you when it comes to understanding wake jargon, and what it means for you.

2. 3 Stage

2. Continous

5 Stage

Rocker. Rocker is the curvature between one end of the board and the other. This is measured not only in how much rocker there is (how bent the board is) but also how the rocker is shaped! Different styles and sizes of rocker produce different effects. To generalise, a bigger rocker means more pop, but less consistent, and with harder landing. Rocker shapes are explained below (as above diagram)

1. Continous 3 Stage or Hybrid Rocker. Basically a 3 stage rocker, but with the stages smoothes out. This helps to make the board more predictable, and more forgiving, whilst retaining most of the 3 stage pop! This is a relatively new development, and a direction alot of boards are headed in. 2. 3 Stage Rocker A 3 stage board has a flat base, with all of the boards curveture at the edges. This gives you an ‘Explosive Pop’, as you kick off the wake with your front foot, and then your back.

Opinion is that this gives you a ‘straight up’ pop. However it does mean the timing of your pop is less forgiving than with a continous rocker. 3. Continous Rocker. A continous rocker is the orignal wakeboard concept. The rocker basically starts at one end of the board, and finishes at the other! One continous curve. This creates a very predictable release from the wake, and smoother landings. The downsides to this is that some people find that the lack of a flat base means you lose

out on that ‘kick’ at take off. Whilst the continous is considered more of an ‘old school’ design, this design is going to suit some riders styles best! From beginner right through to pro. 4. 5 Stage Rocker. A new concept. To put very simply, its a 3 stage rocker with two different angles of rocker. In theory this should make the board really poppy, with smoother landings. Overall a more forgiving ride.

ROCKER

SIZE

t’s not the size, its how you use it. OK- well some of its about size, however there’s no real straight guide to which size board you should be on. There are general guidelines for board size based on your weight (below), however you also need to take other aspects into account when chosing a board size.

advanced riders like the extra mobility of smaller boards.

Ability Generally speaking, the bigger the board - the more stable it is, and the easier landings it will have. So beginners tend to upsize, Whilst

Environmental Other factors that can influence your choice of size can be environmental factors. For example; boarders who ride rougher water (in the sea) will want a

Style Depending on your style you may pick a different board size, for example if you go big, and floaty you will likely opt for a larger board. Fast and techy- and you will chose a smaller board.

larger more stable board. Or some boat wakes might have a really small take off wake in which case you would go for a smaller board! Salt water can also ride differently! Board Just to confuse things, you might pick one size for one wakeboard, and find you like a totally different size on another model. This could be due to the materials (lighter more bouyant materials = a smaller board) You get the picture

As mentioned above, this is by no means a definitive guide to the size you shoudl be riding. Remember to try things out if you get the chance! But here’s the general rule of thumb!

<45 KG = 130cm (or less) 60-80 KG = 135-139cm

40-65KG = 130-134cm >75 KG = 140cm+

SHAPE

rom a distance you may be fooled into thinking wakeboards are all the same, or a very similar shape. WRONG. Things have changed alot when it comes to wakeboard shaping, think back to the mono-directional skurfers with pointed ends like a surf board. If things hadn’t moved to the unidirectional boards (which was shunned by many at the time) just think how far behind we’d be now! I’m pretty sure we wouldn’t be seeing any 1260’s or Crow

Mobe 7’s going down! There are so many different types of shaping its going to be impossible to go into any great depth. However a general rule of thumb is that the squarer the edges of a wakeboard the more stability they have, and therefore the better for beginners they are. More advanced and intermediate boards have more agressive shaping which allows for harder cutting, and a better release from the wake!

2014 NZ Gear Guide

Page Sixty Nine

FINS

F I

ins are pretty simple really. Theres 2 types of fin; moulded and screw ins. They come in all sorts of shapes and size’s, but the outcome is simple, they give you stability in the water, and stop you sliding out. Therefore its relatively safe to say that the bigger the fins the more stable you are going to be on the board, and the easier your landings are going to be. That may be good when your first learning, but big fins make surface spins damn near imposible!

BASE

t’s import to pick your base material well depending on what your going to be using your wakeboard for! If your going to be riding purely boat, then you can go ahead and pick the board that takes your fancy. However if your going to be hitting alot of obstacles then you need to have a good hard think about how long you want, or need your board to last. Traditional boards don’t hold up on rails, where as wood cored boards will hold up a little better. But to be safe you are going to need a rail specific board with a rail safe base. Different companies call these different things, for example Ronix have “Sintered Base” where as Liquid Force have a “Grind Base” - so its worth doing your homework! The base material and general board material are also going to affect how the board rides, and especially how much “Flex” you have. Older boards tend to be very rigid, with little in the way of flex, however newer boards with wood and composite cores will have varying amounts of flex, either throughout the board, or just in the tip and tail! Sounds complicated, although to summarise very crudely more flex is great for rail riding, however not so great when it comes to the boat as you can lose some of your pop through the flex in the board, although too stiff and you might not be able to flex the board enough to pop in the first place! There’s no right and wrong, try a few boards out and see how it feels with your style of riding.

The test crew. By Craig Wright

Wakeboards You know what this is for, but make sure you pick the right board for you. For hints and tips on what makes boards different, head back to the science section and swat up. A list of our reccomended retail store s is at the back of this magazine.

CT RL 2014 NZ Gear Guide

Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wakeboards: CTRL

CTRL

STANDARD

BLUEPRINT

A poppy, responsive and clean ride. Boost behind the boat, and bombproof on tails.

A faster, more refined version of the RX, designed for cable star Dominic Guhrs. One size fits all.

Perfect board for soft landings, huge pop, and skate like rail hits. A fun flexible ride.

Lengths: 132, 136, 140 MSRP: $549 Package: With PLAN for $899

Lengths: 141 MSRP: $629 Package: $1099 with SX Boots

Lengths: 134, 138, 142 MSRP: $699

CTRL

SUPREME

HUSTLE

A stable, predictable yet responsive bombproof board. Continuous rocker and a moderate fast ride.

Lengths: 129, 134, 139 MSRP: $399 Package: With Standard for $699

A similar ride to the Blueprint, just a bit quicker and packed full of air hanging, wake banging pop. Go Hard Lengths: 134, 138, 142 MSRP: $729

Science and tech to the next level. Blended wood and foam core, super quick rocker, with tip and tail flex. Lengths: 134, 139, 144 MSRP: $769 Package: With Hustle for $1199

A true rail board for the all rounder. With fins that retract as you hit a rail, and then redeploy for air tricks or wake hits! MAGIC. Lengths: 135, 139, 143 MSRP: $799

T L

Edition 7

Page Seventy Three

We are the first exclusively designed cable park board company on the planet. We dream it, we test it, we break it, we fix it. We are creators and innovators. We are CTRL, built to a higher standard. CTRL have a focus on quality, and have quickly expanded over the past 3-4 years, taking on huge names such as Phil Soven; US Pro Tour 2013 champ. They have a huge lineup of international cable riders, and look set to continue this domination through to the boat. CTRL is distributed in NZ by X-AIR their 2014 New Zealand team is: Michael Parks

C W B 2014 NZ Gear Guide

Men’s Wakeboards: CWB

CWB

DOWDY

MARIUS

TRANSCEND

2013’s superstar Mike Dowdy’s new signature board. 2 stage rocker, super fast board with a carbon inlay for max pop and weight savings! Lengths: 136, 142 MSRP: $799

Trevor Hansen’s fast, wide, continous rockered board promises a quick ride with soft landings! Lengths: 136, 141 MSRP: $799

CWB

FACTION PKG

ADSOLUTE PKG

Durable boat and park crossover for the mid level rider. Continous rocker.

Veteran of the sport Zane Schwenk’s knowledge comes into play with this board, designed to be ridden by anybody at any level. Subtle 3 stage rocker.

Lengths: 138, 144 Package: With Faction boots for $899

Lengths: 135, 141 Package: With Edge boot $749

Multi world champ, and legend of the sport Andrew Askinson’s 3 stage, maximum pop boat board ensures a quick, grippy ride. Lengths: 138, 142 MSRP: $799

Edition 7

Page Seventy Five

We live by one simple rule: innovation, innovation and innovation. CWB Board Co. is leading the way. CWB are really investing in the future, you can see that from the new tech in their products, right through to the ridiculous amounts of young talent they are signing up to their brand. This year seeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aussie ripper Mike Dowdy get a signature model, which is sure to be a good seller; the ease that kid throws down doubles is crazy. www.RideCWB.com CWB is represented in New Zealand by Kaimai Sports, and widely available throughout NZ. Check the directory at the back of this magazine, or on our website to find stockists.

HYP ER LITE 2014 NZ Gear Guide

Men’s Wakeboards: Hyperlite

HYPERLITE

MAREK BIO

UNION HYBRID

FRANCHISE

Rusty Malinoski’s 2014 weapon of choice, the super fast, continous rockered weapon of mass destruction. Osmosis 540’s mandatory. Lengths: 135, 140, 145 MSRP: $679 Package: With Team Closed toe boots for $1149

Lightweight and durble, poppy, but flexible. The Union is just that, a union of different styles of riding together in one board. Lengths: 134, 138, 142 MSRP: $899 Package: With System bindings and boots for $1549

A fast, poppy boat board, that makes big turns and huge air more attainable. The perfect high end board for any level of rider. Lengths: 134, 138, 142 MSRP: $649 Package: With Team open toe boots for $1049

HYPERLITE

BYERLY

MURRAY

WEBB

BLUNT

The solid best seller that sets the standard in boat boards. Designed with every rider in mind.

A crossover board for one of the best crossover athletes in the business. Blended 3 stage rocker with a flex core!

A remodelled classic. Built on a proven shape, and reworked in the USA by Byerly and Hyperlite.

Lengths: 134, 137, 142 MSRP: $649 Package: With Team open toe boots for $999

Lengths: 136, 140, 144 MSRP: $ Package:

Lengths: 135, 149, 145 MSRP: $749 Package: With Shift boots for $1229

Edition 7

Page Seventy Seven

Look at the history of wakeboarding and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see the longest-standing brand in the sport is Hyperlite. Born in 1991 on the shores of Lake Sammamish, Hyperlite has always been and continues to be a pioneer in the wake industry. As the sport of Wakeboarding grows, we grow with it - evolving our brand and creating revolutionary products. Our focus has always been on the sport - how to push the limits, make it grow, and help others discover the sheer joy of standing sideways on the water. Every ounce of our brand is devoted to wakeboarding and the riders who love it as much as we do. www.hyperlite.com Hyperlite is represented in NZ by Step Up Industries, and widely available throughout NZ. Check the directory at the back of this magazine, or on our website to find stockists. Hyperliteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2014 New Zealand team is: Luke Thomas Mark Holder Callum Farquharson

Liq uid Forc 2014 NZ Gear Guide

Men’s Wakeboards: Liquid Force

Liquid Force

RAPH

BOB

HARLEY

The world’s best rider (as decided by the Wake Open) finaly gets his own board. Ralph Derome master of all styles, and new for 2014 Lengths: 136, 142 MSRP: $949

Bob Soven’s 2014 pro model remains largely unchanged from last year, still sporting the 5 stage rocker, poppy, yet consistent. A good choice for a mid-advanced rider.

Needs no introduction, slayer of wakes, 7 variations of 1080 and counting, the kids a freak. And his board is a consistent best seller.

Lengths: 136, 141 MSRP: $899

Lengths: 138, 142 MSRP: $799 Package: $1199 with Harley Boots

Liquid Force

WATSON

CLASSIC

SHANE HYBRID

A tried and tested shape, the Watson holds a hard edge into the wake, and releases effortlessly.

Previously the Watson Classic, this is a shape LF just can’t let go, and with good reason, it’s one of the easiest high level boards ever made!

Shane’s crossover board comes with an agressive 3 stage rocker for boosting off wake’s and a durable slider base for rails!

Lengths: 135, 139, 143 MSRP: $699, Package: With Vantage OT boots for $1099

Lengths: 130, 134, 138, 142

Lengths: 134, 138, 142

Edition 7

Page Seventy Nine

Founded in 1995, with roots going back to the sportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first days, Liquid Force has become the leader in wakeboard related products and apparel. Founders Tony Finn and Jimmy Redmon were two pioneers in the sport of Wakeboarding credited with creating the sport. Finn was the developer of the Skurfer which is largely regarded as the product that put wakeboarding on the map, and Redmon is regarded as the most influential and creative designer of products since the sports inception. Working together, they have helped grow Liquid Force to the top within the wakeboarding segment. With the additions of a wakeskating, wakesurfing and kiteboarding division, as well as a core retailer apparel program, sales for the Encinitas, CA based company now commands a large percentage of market share. Liquid Forceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is distributed in NZ by Pyramid Distribution their 2014 New Zealand team is: Nik Gibson Regan Carlyon

OB RI EN 2014 NZ Gear Guide

Men’s Wakeboards: O’Brien

O’Brien

BRUCE

FORMAT

PARADIGM

CONTRA

The perfect bend of Flex Vs Stifness for all round use on boat and cable, a proven all rounder.

A quick, grippy intermediate to advanced board suitable for all boat riders. 3 stage rocker with a wood core for softer landings.

Lengths: 134, 139, 144 MSRP: $899 Package: $1399 with Nomad Boots

Lengths: 133, 1387, 141 MSRP: $899 Package: $1399 with Nomad Boots

Jeff Langley’s board of choice is back for more. The 5 stage rocker provides as snappy, clean release from the wake.

Lengths: 132, 137, 142 MSRP: $999 Package: With Nomad for $1599

A super light, wood fusion core with a progressive rocker and raised centreline gives a quick approach to the wake with maximum pop. Lengths: 132, 137, 142 MSRP: $949 Package: With Nomad for $1499

O’Brien

FREEMONT

DECADE

CODA

VALHALLA

A thin profile, semi flex board for the boat. Provides huge pop (just ask Corey Teunissen, who became the youngest person to stick a Wake to wake 1080 on this board.

One of the best loved boards in the range, and at an amazing price point. Ideal for beginners right through to pro team riders. This board has a easy, fun feel to it that leaves you wanting more.

A more budget friendly all rounder, Inspired by the Paradigm but with a little added stability for the more beginner to intermediate riders, right through to pro. Lengths: 136, 142 MSRP: $749 Package: With PLAN B Boots for $1099

Celebrating Daniel Watkins 10th Consecutive years of Pro Boards with O’Brien. The Decade is a controllable, predictable board, perfect for a fast learning curve. Lengths: 134, 139, 144 MSRP: $699 Package: With Nomad for $1299 Package: With PLAN B for $1099

Lengths: 138, 142 MSRP: $599 Package: With PLAN B for $999 Package: With Link for $899

Lengths: 138, 142 MSRP: $499 Package: With Access for $799

B N

Edition 7

Page Eighty One

For 50 years O’Brien has provided quality products for every family member to use on the water. That’s the passion that drives us, to build products of the highest quality, to design products that will bring fun and enjoyment on the water! This year they’ve made huge advances, both with new additions to their board lineup, and new International team members such as the Hoppe Brothers, or more commonly known as ‘Breddas’. (Check the video below for more on that!) O’Brien is distributed in NZ by Wake Action their 2014 New Zealand team is: Logan Collier Darren Bishop

Paul Maguire by Aaron Haugh.

Paul Maguire by Aaron Haugh

RO N IX 2014 NZ Gear Guide

Men’s Wakeboards: Ronix

RONIX

BANDWAGON

PARKS (AIR)

CODE 22

ONE ATR

The All Terain Riding version of the popular One board, for crossover between huge boat hits, and rail riding. An agressive rocker line for vertical pop. A fast riding board.

A brand new camber designed rocker for 2014. A really light, stable, high performing board. Ride a size smaller than normal. Avaialble in aircore or ATR.

A slight camber base, allowing more surface area contact with the water. Lightweight construction a good all round board for any rider.

Dean Smith’s 2014 Pro Model. Huge pop behind the boat, and great for cable. An agrressive 3 stage rocker, good for Intermediate to Advanced riders.

Lengths: 132, 136, 140 MSRP: AIRCORE $999 ATR: $759

Lengths: 134, 139,144 MSRP: AIRCORE $999 Modello: $759

Lengths: 134, 139, 143 MSRP: $999

RONIX

DISTRICT

EL VONVIDEL

WILLIAM INTELLI

VAULT

A good intermediate to advanced board for those wanting to progress their riding. A moderate quick ride with a snappy pop off the wake. Responsive, hybrid construction.

A killer beginner to intermediate board. Coming in hot on price, and functionality. Great all round boat, very forgiving.

For the beginner rider looking to take the next step into the world of Intermediate wakeboarding. A really forgiving ride, but with explosive pop! Lengths: 134, 138, 143 MSRP: $569 Park Version: $649

Designed as a cable wakeboard, but holds its own behind the boat. Supreme flex, the Utility has a glassed layer which means it handles well on the boat, the cable is full on flex. Lengths: 136, 141, 146 CABLE: $699 UTILITY: $749

Lengths: 130, 135, 140, 145 MSRP: $999 Available as a “Bill”, with a few less features for $749

Lengths: 134, 138, 142, 146 MSRP: $849

Lengths: 134, 139 144 MSRP: $399 Package: With Divide for $729

Edition 7

Page Eighty Five

A non venting venture of artists, engineers, riders and others as owners crafting wakeboards, wakeboard boots, wakeskates and wakesurfers for the imagination of tomorrows riding. Ronix are big players of the wake world, with star international riders such as Danny Harf, Parks Bonifay and Dean Smith, and one of the hardest working NZ teams with D&P (David Stubbs and Paul Maguire) representing the brand in their edits, Eduwake, demoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and social media domination. Ronix is distributed in NZ by Wake Action, and available widely throughout NZ. Their 2014 New Zealand team is: Brad Smeele David Stubbs Paul Maguire Josh Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell

DOU BLE UP 2014 NZ Gear Guide

Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wakeboards: Double Up

DOUBLE UP

BLANC FIRM

BLANC MELLOW

SEVEN PARK

Perfect for cable, or boat. Stiff enough to hold its shape on the boat, and tough for rails, whilst maintaining feel. 3 Stage. Lengths: 134, 138, 142 MSRP: $699

A combination of superior flex and maximum durability. ABS Sidewalls, crazy wide stance options and a 3 stage rocker. This thing looks fun.

Built shred ready, with a Dyna2 durable base for long life jibbing and sliding. Small molded fins for hold and durability. 3 Stage rocker, and great hold!

Lengths: 138, 142 MSRP: $699

Lengths: 133, 137, 142 MSRP: $449

U E

Edition 7

Page Eighty Seven

Double Up Wakeboards started way back in 1996, and have always had a focus on the free-ride element of the sport. The Aussie wake brand has seen its fair share of issues over the years, but is now back for good, with Scotty Broome at the helm. They endevour to produce boards for every discipline, be that boat, cable or winch. www.dupwake.com Double Up is represented in NZ by Alpine Sports (Methven), they hope to have Double Up widely distributed throughout NZ. Check the directory at the back of this magazine, or on our website to find stockists.

Regan Carlyon by Aaron Haugh

Regan Carlyon by Aaron Haugh.

JO BE 2014 NZ Gear Guide

Men’s Wakeboards: JOBE

JOBE

CLICK

MADDOX

LIBERTY

A brand new camber designed rocker for 2014. A really light, stable, high performing board. Ride a size smaller than normal. Avaialble in aircore or ATR.

A slight camber base, allowing more surface area contact with the water. Lightweight construction a good all round board for any rider.

An awesome crossover park/ boat board from Jobe! Hybrid Rocker, a blended core, plenty of flex for rails, but stiff enough to edge into the meatiest wake!

Lengths: 132, 136, 140 MSRP: AIRCORE $999 ATR: $759

Lengths: 134, 139,144 MSRP: AIRCORE $999 Modello: $759

Lengths: 135, 140 MSRP: $TBC

JOBE

AUSTIN

DECX

Austin’s hyper aggressive, 3 stage rockered board of choice! Complete with dial to turn the amp upto 11. Lengths: 132, 136, 140 MSRP: $749

Mid Level flex, with a moderate aggressive rocker, central fin! A popular choice, at a Lengths: 134, 139 MSRP:$599

O E

Edition 7

Page Ninety One

Jobe have a long history in watersports. This started with Jeff Jobe back in the 70â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s who was a skier that started up his own ski brand! They briefly rebranded to Jstar, however after a few funding issues, rebranded back to Jobe Watersports, and put their focus on producing quality wakeboards that riders want. They have a big presence in Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cable and boat scene, and their influence seems to be spreading. Jobe is distributed in NZ by Armstrong Water Sports, and available throughout NZ and online, see the back of this magazine for retail locations stocking Jobe.

WOM ENS DEC 2014 NZ Gear Guide

Womens Wakeboards

CWB

CTRL

LOTUS (w Bliss)

VOGUE

THE STUDIO

As mellow as you like, and as much speed as you need! Designed for edge catch free riding. A great mid level board! Lengths: 129, 134 MSRP: $399 Package: With Vougue Boots for $699

2 X Wake park world champion Angelika Schriber’s pro model board Lengths: 132, 136 MSRP: $549 Package: With Plan boots for $1099

CTRL

DOUBLE UP

THE BACKSTAGE

BLANC Fi

GEISHA PARK

A new addition to the CTRL line up, the backstage is a fast, edgy, skate feel board. Boosts for air tricks, and park ready! Great high end all rounder!

All the characteristics of the mens Blanc, but smaller, lighter and a little mellow for female riders! 3 Stage, Park safe!

V Rail hull for great pop and lift! Durable deck material, and a 3 stage rocker!

Lengths: 134 MSRP: $579 Package: With backstage boots for $1099

Lengths: MSRP: $699

Lengths: 133, 137 MSRP: $449

M S CKS Edition 7

Page Ninety Three

HYPERLITE

JOBE

EDEN

CHARM

MAX

An excellent choice beginner to intermediate setup, on a great budget!

Hybrid rocker, with rolled edge for less edge catching! Awesome boat board!

Lengths: 130, 135 MSRP: $429 Package: With Jinx boots for $749

Lengths: 133, 137 MSRP: $599

A quick, responsive girls board for the early mid level rider looking to improve! Continous rocker. Lengths: 133, 137 MSRP: $469

JOBE

LIQUID FORCE

PEARL

MELISSA

WING

A good all rounder for girls. From early levels of riding, through to throwing some spins, and taking wake to wake!

A womens hybrid rocker board, great on boat and cable.

A killer board, back again for 2014! A 900 landing, double flip stomping design from Amber Wing!

Lengths: 135 MSRP: $409

Lengths: 127, 131, 135 MSRP: $899

Lengths: 130, 134, 138 MSRP: $699

2014 NZ Gear Guide

WOM ENS DEC KS Womens Wakeboards

LIQUID FORCE

RONIX

JETT

FAITH,HOPE,LOVE

QTM

A board designed to take you from a beinner and push your riding, right up to the boundary of advanced riding! Also available in a grind base for cable. Lengths: 132, 136 MSRP: $659

RONIX KRUSH

A feel good womens specific beginner board. With toeside assist to help you learn toeside jumps to balance out your heelside hits! Lengths: 128, 134 MSRP: $399 Package: $729

Womens specific, ntermediate to advanced board. Aggressive rocker, whilst holding plety of speed! Lengths: 132, 126 MSRP: $649

The Quater to Midnight. Hayley Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pro model board. High energy pop, with softer landings, and more forgiving edges. Lengths: 130, 135 MSRP: $599

The Double Blanc Firm Now available in NZ Imported and Distributed by: Alpine Sports

www.alpinesports.co.nz 03 302 8084

Boots

Open toe, closed toe, system boots, air cushion, EVA mouldable; picking a binding isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always as easy as it seems- varying from the very flexib le for huge pokes, or stiff for maximum support, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a huge range out there. But rest assured, there is something for everyone.

B O OT 2014 NZ Gear Guide

Men’s Boots

CTRL

STANDARD

PLAN

HUSTLE WHITE

A great entry level boot. Good comfort and heel hold, with a moderate ankle support.

A stiff, supportive, high end open toe offering from CTRL. With riders such as Keith Lidberg using these as their go to kicks.

A blended stifness closed toe boot. Stiff through the ankle for support, whilst flexible side to side for huge pokes and presses.

The stiffest boots in the CTRL line up, maximum ankle support, and a super comfy liner.

MSRP: $599

MSRP: $349

MSRP: $499

CTRL

CWB

HUSTLE PURPLE

MARIUS

The stiffest boots in the CTRL line up, maximum ankle support, and a super comfy liner.

CWB’s tallest, stiffest boot. Suitable for boosting like Mike Dowdy! Really light construction, with shock pads!

Dual zone, laced boot, with mid level stifness. Strong, durable plate construction. Trevor Hansen’s pro model.

Lace with velcro strap, tall boot for good stability. Andrew Adkinson’s pro model boot.

MSRP: $599

MSRP: $699

CWB

DOUBLE UP

FACTION

TORQ

SAGE

PROGRAM

A stiff, budget friendly closed to solution, with a good array of tech that you normally only see in the high end boots.

A well constructed open tow boot, with easy entry/ exit thanks to the hinge technology.

A well constructed open tow boot, with easy entry/ exit thanks to the hinge technology. Top velcro strap.

A great clean design, velcro closure system from Double Up. Offering a high top fot ankle support, whilst being soft/medium stifness.

MSRP: $499

MSRP: $379

MSRP: $399

MSRP: $529

MSRP: $699

O TS Page Ninety Nine

Edition 7

DOUBLE UP

HYPERLITE

UNITE

SOCKET

ALIAS OT

SYSTEM BASELESS

Double Up’s best fitting and most supportive boot in their line. Closed toe with dual lace and mid velcro strap. Stiff liner for maximum support.

A super comfy, soft boot for maximum flexibility on pokes and press. Perfect for all day riding at cables and on boat.

Great price, full featured open toe binding. Single lace closure, flexible.

Hyperlite’s revolutionary system’s just got better. Baseless means more contact with the board for a more responsive ride.

MSRP: $299

MSRP: $529

MSRP: $599

MSRP: $249

HYPERLITE

BYERLY

MAREK

TEAM CT

STANDARD

Mid range flex and support, memory foam insoles, heat moldable liner. Traditional single lace system. Feels like wearing skate shoes. (System bindings requied)

Hyperlite’s stiffest, tallest, and most supportive boot. Required if your going as big as Rusty! BOA Closure system for even tightness. Memory foam insole. (System Bindings Required)

High quality, closed toe boot for Hyperlite riders who opt out of the System setup, but with all the same tech, and comfort! Dual Cinch closure, seamless liner and mid support/flex.

Great open toe boot from Byerly, baseless design, super comfy.

MSRP: $499 Or $749 with Bindings

MSRP: $699

JOBE

AUSTIN

CLICK

MADDOX

LIBERTY

A solid, stiff, boot. Perfect match for an aggressive rider with a quick board. Great ankle support.

A bit more flex than the Austin, so great for cable, with enough support to hold a solid edge behind the boat.

Very similar to the Austin in terms of stiffness, a solid choice for boat.

MSRP: $639

MSRP: $569

MSRP: $529

High topped, stiff through the mid zone, yet heaps of flex throughout the boot makes this a great crossover choice for all riders!

MSRP: $429 Or $679 with Bindings

MSRP: $349

MSRP: $559

David Stubbs, Indy Backroll, whilst tearing up Orakei Korako. Photo: Luke Thomas

David Stubbs Indy Tantrum By Craig Wright

B O OT 2014 NZ Gear Guide

Men’s Boots

LIQUID FORCE

RAPH

ULTRA CT

HARLEY

TRANSIT

Flexible enough for pokes, and supportive enough for huge landings. Dual laced. Heat molded liner with EVA impact footbed.

The Open Toe’s were brought back due to huge public demmand, and now they’ve created the same boot in a Closed Toe. Winning!

A moderate supportive binding, with plenty of support. A really popular boot for the all rounder looking for a high end closed toe!

A high end open toe boot, dual zone lacing and a control liner, mid level support.

MSRP: $649

MSRP: $599

MSRP: $649

LIQUID FORCE

O’BRIEN

ULTRA OT

GTX

NOMAD

PLAN B

Back by popular demmand. Ofcourse with some 2014 update treatment. Super comfy bindings, with maximum flex, and enough support to back up the landings!

Medium stiff, triple velcro closed toe boot. Really light, and super comfy.

A really soft, flexible, comfy boot. Dual zone lacing, with intergrated ankle strap for extra hold.

High end open toe, triple velcro straps for a perfect fit, and maximum customization.

MSRP: $699

MSRP: $599

MSRP: $499

O’BRIEN

CONNECT

LINK

ACCESS

DEVICE

Open toe, triple velcro closure, orthotic foot bedm abd J Bars for extra heel hold.

Super comfy open toe boot, with dual lace. No heel or toe lift, and great response.

Entry level open toe boots, perfect for the beginner, or a shared setup!

MSRP: $499

Good all round open toe boot for the budget conscious imtermediate rider. Dual zone lace. MSRP: $399

MSRP: $199

MSRP: $469

MSRP: $499

O TS

Page One Hundred and Three

Edition 7

RONIX

PARKS

ONE

CODE 55

FRANK

The softest high end boot in Ronix range, perfect for ultimate flex. Ridden by Parks, and packed with tech!

Ronix’s best selling boot, since day dot. Medium density liner strength, great for tweaking, amazing board response.

A stiff boot, perfect for a fast board! Heaps or response, and support. Dean Smith’s pro model.

Pro model performance at a lower price tag. Medium stifness liner, and a tropcal scented tongue!

MSRP: $799

MSRP: $699

RONIX

PRESTON

NETWORK

DISTRICT

DIVIDE

Ultra flexible and eco friendly! Perfect for poking out methods, or huge pressess at cable, riddenn by Erik Ruck, and Mark Rossiter.

One of the most supportive open toe boots around. J Bars for extra heel hold. Dual lace closure system.

A great, mid supportive, open toe boot. Super durable, and holds its shape well over time. Perfect for budget friendly shredding.

A budget friendly option from the Ronix brains. Comfy, durable open toe goodness.

MSRP: $599

MSRP: $569

MSRP: $469

MSRP: $349

WO EN 2014 NZ Gear Guide

Womens Boots

CWB

CTRL

DOUBLE UP

SAGE

VOGUE

BACKSTAGE

UNITE Fi

Hinged, easy entry and exit, mid range girls open toe boots! Lots of support, hinge, with velcro and top lace.

The Open Toe’s were brought back due to huge public demmand, and now they’ve created the same boot in a Closed Toe. Winning!

A moderate supportive binding, with plenty of support. A really popular boot for the all rounder looking for a high end closed toe!

Ultra lightweight, stiff upper section for support. Lace up system with velcro!

MSRP: $599

MSRP: $649

HYPERLITE

JOBE

JINX

HERA

MAX

PEARL

Womens version of the popular mens Remix boots, with some adjustments to fit the female foot. Great comfort, abd mid level support.

Super comfy, and mid level support/flex. Triple velcto for easy entry exit!

High end female specific closed toe boots! Dual velcto with top lace.

A mid level open toe boots, Lace entry, with mid level lower support, and lower level top ankle support.

MSRP: $399

MSRP: $429

MSRP: $469

MSRP: $399

MSRP: $329

BOO LIQUID FORCE

LIQUID FORCE

LILQUID FORCE

RONIX

WING

TRANSIT

PLUSH

FHL

High end, supportive, closed toe boots. Designed to match the Wing board.

Womens edition of the ever popular transit boots. Loads of support in a high end open toe boot.

Mid level support, in a budget friendly entry level open toe boot. Single zone lace.

Faith Hope Love boots. A high end supportive closed toe boot. Great fit with dual zone lace up.

MSRP: $599

MSRP: $469

MSRP: $389

MSRP: $569

RONIX

HALO

LUXE

A really responsive, supportive pair of boots! Great for boat, but also proven shredding the cable, if you prefer a stiffer ride.

A pair of supportive, open toe boots, at a sensible price. Proving cheap, doesn’t mean no ankle support!

MSRP: $529

MSRP: $349

OM NS

OTS

Wakesurfs & Skates

Seeminly the fastest growing sector of NZ wake sports. Wakesurfin g has introduced a whole new sector to our sport, and industry. Wake Surfing is much more than something to do on a windier day. Wakesurfing is big money, and wakesurfs are getting advanced! And the boom in wakeskating doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take much to work out. Gas prices are at an all time high- and you can have fun skating behind just about anything.

WA E S RF 2014 NZ Gear Guide

Men’s Wakesurfs

CWB

BENZ

NOMAD

KEG

TSUNAMI

A brand new camber designed rocker for 2014. A really light, stable, high performing board. Ride a size smaller than normal. Avaialble in aircore or ATR.

MSRP: $1099

MSRP: $999

MSRP: $899

MSRP: $799

CWB

DOUBLE UP

HYPERLITE

RIDE (w/ rope)

FOUNDATION

LANDLOCK

SHIM

A quick rocker line, but just as snappy on turns as any board with its 3 fin thruster setup.

A really easy board to ride. A long cruiser at 5’9” Durable material.

A Popular EPS Core, durable and quick. Standing 5’3” tall.

MSRP: $629

MSRP: $699

MSRP: $649

AK SU FS Edition 7

Page One Hundred and Nine

HYPERLITE

BYERLY

PHASE 5

BROADCAST

HAZARD

BUZZ

DANIELS PRO

A super popular, budget concious ride that still ticks all the boxes. 4’8”

EPS Cored, and almost invincible.

A brand new camber designed rocker for 2014. A really light, stable, high performing board. Ride a size smaller than normal. Avaialble in aircore or ATR.

Top of the line composite carbon materials, great for huge airs, or deep carving turns. The Daniels Pro is a great class all rounder.

MSRP: $999

MSRP: $599

MSRP: $1050

MSRP: $849

PHASE 5

DANIELS dmnd

TRIDENT

MODEL X

COLT

A super quick board, designed to let you load up your back foot, to feel like traditional surfing. Single centre fin.

A favourite for the heavier surfer, a great board to master wakesurfing on, with lots of control, whilst maintaining stability.

A super quick thruster, great for the larger rider, but also responsibe for lighter riders. A really fun shape that easy to ride, no matter what the wake.

Tough and light carbon board. Squash tail for speed and thrust, 4 fin quad setup.

MSRP: $1050

Obrien Valhalla 2013 Available Now

WA E S RF 2014 NZ Gear Guide

Men’s Wakesurfs

JOBE

LIQUID FORCE

EXUS

CREST

SIXER

FIVER

A great mid range, budget offering from Jobe. Good and stable thruster for learning on, whilst responsive enough to start learning airs!

A great, real budget surfer. Great to get the little ones up surfing behind the boat. A foam top so nothing hard to hit against! Easy to ride.

A thiner profile lighter board with plenty of glide. A unique six fin setup for ultimate responsiveness and snappy moves.

A shape designed to get airbourne easily. Durable epoxy construction. A great pro level surfer.

MSRP: $499

MSRP: $1099

MSRP: $1199

MSRP: $299

LIQUID FORCE

NOSERIDER

TC CUSTOM

FISH

MAHA

A versatile long board style wakesurf. Perfect for long glides, hanging 10, or ripping hard.

A quick riding surf, great for fast snaps and carves. A really fun responsive board for all levels.

A great, budget friendly board for all abilities of rider in the boat!

MSRP: $1049

MSRP: $949

Twin fins and aggressive channels the Maga is quick, responsive and adapts well to all riding styles.

MSRP: $599

O’BRIEN

MSRP: $799

AK SU FS Edition 7

Page One Hundred and Eleven

O’BRIEN

RONIX

NALU

ALIAS

PARKS carbon

ONE carbon

A great board with a huge sweet spot, so its ideal for all wakes, huge as well as small!

A great compression molded board at a budget friendly price. Just add water.

MSRP: $699

MSRP: $499

A super fast, super light surfer. 10 fin slots for a customized ride, and a carbon construction that reacts up to 7 times faster than traditional fibreglass.

The same One shape as last year, with a carbon facelift. A board for big airs, easy riding and full deck cover pad. Great for skate style tricks.

MSRP: $1249

MSRP: $1199

RONIX

KOAL

CORTEZ

THE DUKE

MARSHMELLOW

Available in two fin shapes. The power is a more budget friendly non carbon version of the Parks, whilst the Fish is a more laid back style ride.

Durable and budget friendly. Designed for surfers who don’t understand fragile.

The Ronix longboard available in a 5’5 or a 6’1. Feels like riding a longboard skateboard behind your boat!

This is basically the Parks thruster, with a more durable layout, and slightly less responsive feel due to the lack of carbon! But its budget friendly!

MSRP: POWER $969 MSRP: FISH $899

MSRP: $599

MSRP: $1099

MSRP: $569

WA E S AT 2014 NZ Gear Guide

Men’s Wakeskates

HYPERLITE

MR OCEAN

URSO

PARAGON

STYLUS

Brian Grubbs pro model, available in a 40” and 42”. Wood construction, centre fin.

Hyperlite’s most popular high end wakeskate, Wood, available in 39” and 41”

A great entry level offering, and an amazing pricepoint. A great addition to any boat.

MSRP: $599

MSRP: $429

The biggest selling wakeskate in NZ. The perfect mid range board to get you into skating and through into some mean lines.

MSRP: $199

MSRP: $329

BYERLY

JOBE

TEAM

SIGN

EXCEED

SAVAGE

A brand new model for 2014, wood construction. Enough rocker for pop, but mellow enough to carry speed into the wake.

JOBE’s pro level skate, super durable, grip tape top, with the right balance of speed and rocker.

Rubber EVA top and a concave for extra stability. A good skate for the entry level skater!

MSRP: $TBC

Rubber EVA top deck, continous rocker with 9 layer wood laminates. Great pop, and solid on rails.

MSRP: $429

MSRP: $TBC

AK SK TE Edition 7

Page One Hundred and Thirteen

LIQUID FORCE

TAO

FORMAT

REFLEX

FOCUS

Bombproof constructio to keep up with Daniel Grants reckless style! 3 stage rocker, Grind base.

A reincarnation of the ever population format skate. No wonder with its budget friendly price, and feel good performence.

An EVA top deck, stable, yet responsive board. Good all rounder to have on the boat.

Liquid Force’s entry level offering for the budget concious skater. Durable and foam topped. Great for learning the basics.

MSRP: $799

MSRP: $399

MSRP: $299

MSRP: $199

RONIX

BOOMSTICK

HOVERBOARD

ELECTRIC

ROVE

Great weighty solid board, designed and ridden by the one and only Reed Hansen. Bi Level skate deck for extra pop, and better handling in the rough.

Wood construction, and built bulletproof tough to withstand any obstacle. Loads of weight to ensure it doesn’t float off mid trick!

A wood construction, EVA top deck, similar ride to the Hoverboard, but on a bit more of a budget!

A cool new concept. The feeling of riding a longboard on the water, great for huge soul turns, and deep carves.

MSRP: $649

MSRP: $399

MSRP: $299

IMPACT VESTS You know the drill, don’t be a clown, wear a vest. Official guidelines on this subject are somewhat skewed here in NZ. With an official hat on, we shoul d probably say always wear a Coast Guard Approved (CGA/ASA vest) but in NZ there’s nothing to stop you riding in a more comfy, thinner vest. But remember the same is not true if you plan on hopping the ditch to Aussie. We’ve marked ASA vests to make it easy.

Image: Jamie Barrow By Luke Thomas

LIF VE TS 2013 NZ Gear Guide

Men’s Life Vests

PFD

CWB

TEAM PULLOVER

FACTION

URBAN CAMO

ABSOLUTE

Super comfy pullover option from CWB, no straps to get in the way. Non CGA.

Comfy, and flexible, and thin, front entry for easy on’s and off’s!

A non bulky CGA option, dual straps, and comfy to wear!

A little bit bulkier than the Urban, with slightly heavier duty buckles. CGA

MSRP: $159

MSRP: $189

MSRP: $159

PFD

CWB

PFD

HYPERLITE

JD WEBB

FRANCHISE

INDY (MENS)

A great entry level CGA option, large cut arm holes for maxumum mobility.

JD Webb’s signature pullover comp vest. Super comfy and low profile.

Pullover fit and comfort with the ease of a front zip.

PFD3 Slimline coast guard approved vest. Front Zip.

MSRP: $199

MSRP: $145

MSRP: $149

MSRP: $229

CLASSIC

PFD

HYPERLITE

JET PILOT

PRIME

BOYS INDY

CHRIS O’SHEA

X1 RAPID DRY

CGA vest, with segmented back, so a better fit for the larger rider.

Junior vest (boys and girls design available) Coast Guard Apporved PFD3.

Chri O’s signature 2014 vest, super thin, and lightweight, yet CGA for feel good safety.

MSRP: $89

MSRP: $279

One of the lightest, most flexible CGA vests on the market. Featuting a rapid dry liner.

MSRP: $169

PFD

JET PILOT

PFD

MSRP: $299

PFD

SHANE BONIFAY

JET PILOT

JOBE

ADDICT REVERSABLE

NIGHTHAWK 2

FIELD

Shane’s super stretchy, 2014 vest. Zip front, CGA.

Aussies first reversable CGA vest. Really comfy, and super flexible.

Kidney belt for lumbar support, flex lite pannels for insane stretch and comfort.

Thin profile, and comfy with wide arm holes for flexibility. Zip front.

MSRP: $269

MSRP: $219

MSRP: $279

FE ES S

Page One Hundred and Seventeen

2013 NZ Gear Guide

PFD

JOBE

LIQUID FORCE

RUTHLESS

WATSON

FLEX

CARDIGAN

CGA Double buckled front zip vest. Wide arm holes for flexibility.

The ever popular pullover, low profile vest. Watson’s signature look.

Lots of pannels for maximum flex. Really comfy, and a great fit. Front zip entry.

MSRP: $229

MSRP: $249

MSRP: $239

The ever favourite super thin, super flexible vest from Liquid Force. Ultra flexible pullover design. MSRP: $199

PFD

LIQUID FORCE TEAM

Great for mobility and ease of access. Single buckle and front entry. MSRP: $199

LIQUID FORCE

O’BRIEN

HINGE

TEAM

WAKE

LF’s CGA vest, the hinge is back again. Double buckle and front zip. Huge arm holes for maximum mobility.

Front zip, flexible and thin! Non CGA.

Front zipped, segmented for maximum flex.

MSRP: $249

MSRP: $169

PFD

O’BRIEN

O’NEILL

FLEX

V BACK

TRADITIONAL

TECHNO PULLOVER

CGA vest, zip closure and 2 belts for a snug tight fit, plenty of flex.

VBACK Stretch panel for movility, zip closure with 2 belts. CGA

Traditional easy on, easy off, comfort fit vest.

MSRP: $220

MSRP: $199

Zipperless and buckle-free pull over design, reversible, segmented foam core, 100% TechnoButter Neoprene.

MSRP: $159

MSRP: $199

PFD

O’NEILL

RONIX

LAW ASA

OUTLAW

ONE IMPACT

floating zipper closure with internal buckle, audio compatible, integrated lumbar support, mesh for drainage.

ASA (CGA) rated vest, concealed dual belt closure with front zip. Lightweight and low profile.

Max comfort, concealed dual belt system. Minimum bulk. Polyester lining.

Super flexible, thin impact vest. Danny Harf’s signature vest.

MSRP: $149

MSRP: $249

MSRP: $219

MSRP: $229

REVENGE

LIF EV ES TS 2014 NZ Gear Guide

Men’s/Women’s Life Vests

PFD

RONIX

ONE CAPELLA CGA

PARKS IMPACT

PARKS CAPELLA CGA

WILLIAM/BILL

Same feel as the One Impact, but slightly bulkier and with a CGA rating for use on cable and in Aussie.

Park’s signature comp vest. Segmented design with front zip for excellent fit.

CGA version of Parks vest, just a little bulkier and with a dual strap closure.

MSRP: $249

MSRP: $269

Bright and pineapply. Reversible design, and well padded for big bails! Bill/Frank approved, non CGA.

MSRP: $269

MSRP: $229

PFD

RONIX

VISIO CGA YOUTH

Youth CGA approved vest for the more junior crew members. Dual buckle and front zip. MSRP: $129

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2014 NZ Gear Guide

PFD

CWB

HYPERLITE

JET PILOT

LOTUS

WOMENS INDY

F22 PREDATOR

ALLURE GIRLS

CGA vest, women specific shape, U Back flex panel!

Junior vest (boys and girls design available) Coast Guard Apporved PFD3.

Ultra Lightweight construction and minimal bulk design. Aus certified.

All new, flex0lite neoprene. Single buckle with front zip. Max comfort. CGA

MSRP: $89

MSRP: $259

MSRP: $249

MSRP: $149.95

PFD

JET PILOT

PFD

JET PILOT

LIQUID FORCE

CAUSE

F22 BEC GANGE

CARDIGAN

CGA segregated vest for great fit, and minimal bulk. Lumbar support.

Heavy duty buckles and maximim bouyancy in a comfy fit.

MSRP: $229

MSRP: $189

Cable/boat Aussie ripper Bec Gange’s signature vest. (same as the Predator with Bec’s design).

Super popular womens comp vest. One of the thinnest about, huge armholes for max flex. Not CGA

MSRP: $259

MSRP: $199

SKYHAWK

PFD

LIQUID FORCE

O’NEILL

MELODY

HEARTBREAKER

FLARE COMP

OUTLAW COMP

Comfy, fitted, and supportive womens vest. Zip, with no buckles to get in the way. Non CGA

Womens CGA vest. Double buckle and zip.

Flexible, thin vest with diagonal zip for comfort.

MSRP: $249

MSRP: $219

Double buckled womens design of the popular mens Outlaw. MSRP: $149

MSRP: $229

PFD

RONIX CORAL

Lightweight and flexible womens comp vest. MSRP: $229

PFD

RONIX

MUSE

AUGUST

A CGA womens vest from Ronix with a dual buckle and centre zip.

A Youth, CGA vest for younger shredders on the boat.

MSRP: $199

MSRP: $129

WETSUITS Summer or winter. north or south, thick or thin, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to be too hot, or too cold! Picking the perfect suit for the conditions is essential! Most people will have a few suits, a spring suit, and a winter suit (if they want to ride all winter). And with suit technology these days, there is no reason you shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t!

WE TS UI TS 2014 NZ Gear Guide

Wetsuits

JET PILOT

ATRON 4/3 GBS

ATRON 3/2 GBS

ATRON CZ 2mm

CAUSE 3/2

Strategic stretch points, weld seamed and magic stitched. Super warm, and super stretchy!

The same suit as the 4/3, just in a lighter weight construction. Perfect for North Island winters or SI springs!

A great summer/spring suit. Really flexible, designed for wakeboarding.

A 3/2 budget friendly suit. Perfect for spring and colder summer days, or some impact protection.

MSRP: $499

MSRP: $399

MSRP: $199

O’NEILL

PSYCHO 3

GOORU GBS

HYPERFREAK 2mm

SUPERFREAK CREW

100% Technobutter, 20% lighter and absorbs 30% less water! Available in 4/3 or 3/2

Ultraflex, GBS seams, Lumbar seamless design, FUZE closure.

Awesome short suit. 100% technobutter. Very lightweight, FUZE closure.

Top only for warm days! Keeps the wind off your arms and the good times rolling.

MSRP: $399

MSRP: $279

MSRP: $149

MSRP: (3/2)$599 (4/3) $699

WE TS UI TS

Page One Hundred and Twenty Three

2014 NZ Gear Guide

JET PILOT

THE CAUSE 3/2

APEX 2mm

F15 THERMALITE

Strategic stretch points, weld seamed and magic stitched. Super warm, and super stretchy!

The same suit as the 4/3, just in a lighter weight construction. Perfect for North Island winters or SI springs!

A great summer/spring suit. Really flexible, designed for wakeboarding.

MSRP: $499

MSRP: $399

O’NEILL

PSYCHO 3

BAHIA WOMENS

REACTOR

BAHIA JACKET

100% Technobutter, 20% lighter and absorbs 30% less water! Available in 4/3 or 3/2

Nice warm, mid range, flexible 3/2 suit. Perfect for cool summer days and spring riding!

Long sleeve short suit, great for warm springs and summer days!

Top only for warm days! Keeps the wind off your arms and the good times rolling.

3/2 MSRP: $249

MSRP: $179

MSRP: $169

3/2 MSRP: $599

2014 NZ Gear Guide Where to ride, and buy

Riding Spots

Who? BackPaddock Lakes What? Boat and Cable h of Waipukurau. Where? Central Hawkes Bay, 10 minutes sout .nz s.co lake dock Web? www.backpad Call? 021757892 m setup or what! Say? Purpose dug cable and boat lakes, drea

Who? Christchurch Wake What? Boat Pro Coaching Where? Dunsandel, 30 mins south of Chri stchurch Web? www.facebook.com/ chchwake Call? 021510050 Say? Pro coaching on a Super Air Nautique

on a private lake.

Who? WakePark NZ What? Cable urton Where? Canterbury, 20 mins south of Ashb com Web? www.wakeparknz. Call? 027 CABLE NZ (0272225639) rails. Resident Say? 2 Tower cable system with kickers and coaches.

Page One Hundred and Twenty Five

2014 NZ Gear Guide

DEALERS DIRECTORY Hyper Ride

Ballistics

737 Great South Road, Penrose, AK. www.hyper.co.nz 0800 4 HYPER (49737) Stocked Brands: Accurate, Byerly, CWB, Hyperlite, Jet Pilot, Liquid Force, O’Neill, Ronix.

66 Barrys Pt Road, North Shore, www.ballistics.co.nz/ 09 489 4074 Stocked Brands: Hyperlite, Liquidforce, Byerly, Slingshot, Ronix, O’Brien, CWB, Jetpilot, O’neill

LIQUID LAB

1 Euclid Ave, Te Rapa, Hamilton 0800 4 Liquid Stocked Brands: Shred Stixx, Hyperlite, Ronix, Jet Pilot, Go Pro, Liquid Force, Monster Towers,

MIA

2 Tawa Street, Mangakino www.m-i-a.co.nz 0218 MIA KI (64254) Stocked Brands:CWB, Hyperlite, Jet Pilot, Ronix

Urban Edge Cnr Gascoigne and Tamamutu

streets, Taupo www.urbanedge.co.nz 073787400 Stocked Brands: Byerly, Hyperlite, Jet Pilot, Liquid Force, Ronix

Armstrong Watersports

1 Lancaster Street, Christchurch. http://armstrongwatersports.co.nz/ 03 943 5391 Stocked Brands: Jobe, Malibu Boats, Phase 5 Wakesurfs

The Boardhouse 16 Helwick St, Wanaka. www.theboardhouse.co.nz 03 443 9412 Stocked Brands: Jet Pilot, Liquid Force, Ronix, Straight Line, DoubleUp

Snow and Surf 85 Tuam Street, Christchurch www.snowandsurf.co.nz 03 366 7351 Stocked Brands: Accurate, Hyperlite, Jet Pilot, Liquid Force, O’Neill, Quiksilver.

Alpine Sports

The Chalet, Main Street, Methven www.AlpineSports.co.nz 03 302 8084 Stocked Brands: Double Up, KD Ski’s,

#BDP

#THEEND #THE END #HASHTAG