MARCH 2012
Connelly/CWB President & CEO
Gordy Holmes Shop of the Month
Tommy’s Manufacturer Profile
MasterCraft Featured Conversation:
Jim Emmons Retail Spotlight
Chessie Marine Sales +INDUSTRY NEWS +MEMBER DIRECTORY Published by the
1
LETTER FROM HEADQUARTERS From WSIA Executive Director Larry Meddock (pictured right)
he 2011 year for the
downs. So you can
WSIA was the best on
only imagine the chord
record. Memberships
that was struck with
and revenue are up. When you
everyone in the room
are running a not-for-profit
when Bill told his story
organization, it does not get any
of how many times he
better than that. How did we do
had been struck down
it? Well, the reasons are many.
in his career to build
We would have to look back to
himself back and to be
February of 2011 to see how we
knocked down again.
got the momentum.
Everyone got their
The 2011 Summit in the Snow was without question the start. We were able to bring a speaker
money’s worth that morning and the bar was set high for 2012.
lineup that was nothing short of
The 2012 Summit in
extraordinary. The last speaker of
the Snow is poised to
marketing minds in the US today.
the Summit was Bill Walton. The
top that bar. Our speakers will
Them being together in one place
NBA All-Star was a slam dunk
again speak to the innovative and
will make the 2012 Summit in the
with his message of never giving
entrepreneurial spirit of those in
Snow a must-attend to all within
up. The WSIA is mostly a group
attendance. Among this year’s
the water sports industry.
of passionate entrepreneurs
speakers: The CEO of the largest
that have had their own ups and
mountain owner/operator in the snow ski industry, the VP of Marketing for Vans, the President of the Snow Ski Industry Association, the leader in Risk Management Defense work, A leading crisis communication and PR firm, and one of the most dynamic
If that was not enough, add the first-ever Cable Park best practices meeting and the continuation of the efforts of the USCG and ASTM International’s development of a National Parasailing Safety Standard and you have a full plate of industry leaders and stakeholders gathering in Crested Butte, Colorado February 27-29 for the most comprehensive meetings in the WSIA’s 34 year history. That is what you call a strong start for 2012 and that is what is needed to
Basketball legend Bill Walton at Summit in the Snow 2011
2
keep the “mojo.”
People noticed the work of the WSIA and membership started to rise. The WSIA launched
WSIA President, Jim Emmons
the Water Sports Alert
We traveled to states that wanted
Network (WSAN). This
to abolish wakesurfing and
two-part program was
wakeboarding. We were able to
created as a means
show them that wakesurfing was
to communicate
safe (and fun) behind a direct
messages to both
drive or v-drive boat. The State
consumers as well
of Indiana was the first state that
as Law Enforcement
officially ruled that wakesurfing
officers in the US.
was legal behind a Direct Drive
We found that law
or V-drive boat and was not legal
enforcement needed
behind an outboard or I/O. Other
to be educated for
states are now following suit.
the new sports they
Manufacturers and wake surf
Next up for 2011 was the work of
were seeing on the water, and
WSIA President Jim Emmons as
consumers needed to know what
grant writer for the educational
was going on behind legislative
arm of the WSIA known as
doors regarding pending laws
the Water Sports Foundation
that could hurt them. The WSAN
The WSIA strives to support
(WSF). The WSF received a
functions to keep both those
and help grow the water sports
$637,000 grant from the USCG
audiences well-informed about
industry as its lead advocate, on a
our industry.
local, state and national level.
More people saw the work of the
With the support of our active
WSIA and membership started
members, the WSIA has steadily
to rise.
grown and evolved into the main
Throughout the year, our team traveled to boat manufacturer/
enthusiasts recognized the of the work of the WSIA and membership started to rise.
resource for educating, protecting and supporting water sports.
dealer meetings where we could
If you have not submitted your
to spearhead a national outreach
explain the work if the WSIA, and
membership for 2012, we hope
effort to improve recreational
our goal of protecting the water
you will do so soon. With your
boating safety by trying to
ways in their state.
support we will continue to grow.
change behavior regarding BUI, life jacket wear rates, and
Dealers recognized the work
navigational rules of the road.
of the WSIA and membership started to rise.
3
CONTENTS
8 12 14 20 22 28 4
Shop of the Month
Tommy’s Manufacturer Profile
MasterCraft Employee of the Month
Gordy Holmes Retail Spotlight
Chessie Marine Feature
Jim Emmons Directory
Active Members
INDUSTRY NEWS Tigé Boats annouced the Tigé
This year, the action sports and
winner to create the rail of their
MyWake Global Challenge, which
music festival is host to the IWWF
dreams and have it installed at
offers competitors the opportuni-
Pan Am Wakeboard Champi-
KC Watersports in Kansas City.
ty to qualify by
onships, which will bring the
Entries are submitted through the
submitting their
best wakeboarders from all the
KC Watersports facebook page,
own videos
Americas. The event is free to the
and the finalist designs will be
from anywhere
general public, and includes pro
judged by how many “likes” they
in the world.
wakeboarding, swimsuit fashion
get. The winning rail designer will
Selected riders will compete in
shows, action sports demos and
be flown to KC Watersports to
a two-day live pro-am style final
live music. www.boardup.net
unveil the rail at a private session
at Buena Vista Watersports in
with top Liquid Force riders. The
Orlando, FL. The virtual qualifier
Nautique,
winner also gets a GoPro Hero 2,
format includes wakeboarding,
the title
a setup of their choice from Liquid
wakeskating and wakesurfing
sponsor of
Force and a year subscription to
and will have monthly winners,
the 2012 Wake Games, has upped
Alliance Wakeboard Magazine.
as picked by WWA judges. Other
the ante at this year’s contest by
www.kcwatersports.com
trips and prizes are included for
sponsoring two new pro events
contest finalists. MyWake.com
with cash prizes totalling $11,000.
The WWA is here
Tigé Boats also announced a
The new events are a traditional
to support your
partnership agreement with the
double-up contest and an innova-
next wakeboard-
Northwest Riders crew to put
tive expression session challenge.
ing, wakeskating
them in a
The top three performers in the
or wakesurfing event by provid-
fully-loaded
double up contest will split that
ing sanctioning and insurance
RZ2 boat for the 2012 season.
$6,000 purse, and the winner-
for all types of wake sports, as
Working with local dealer Lyn-
take-all format of the expression
well as promotions through their
nwood Motoplex to promote
session will award $5,000 to the
website, newsletter and social
the full like of Tigé boats, the
rider who lands the most innova-
media. Simply fill out some basic
Nortwest Riders will put the RZ2
tive trick never before landed in a
forms to get started planning your
through its paces at their long-
contest. Both events will be held
WWA-sanctioned event. With 27
standing wakeboard school and
on April 14, 2012 at the conclu-
affiliate countries, the WWA can
contest series. The crew is work-
sion of the Pro Men finals of Wake
help support your event no matter
ing to get their new water ride all
Games at the Orlando Waters-
where it is on the globe.
stickered up and ready to hit Lake
ports Complex.
www.thewwa.com
Washington by early June. Liquid Force,
Centurion Boats has announced
Board Up has
KC Waters-
that Mark Michelini is their new
announced
ports, GoPro
Regional
some details
and Alliance
Sales
for this year’s event, scheduled for
Wakeboard Magazine have
Rep for the Midwest, covering IL,
March 22-24, 2012 at Mills Pond
teamed up on a Design-A-Rail
IN, WI, MN, IA, OH and MI. Mark
Park in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
contest that will allow one lucky
has an established reputation as
5
INDUSTRY NEWS a water sports athlete, salesman
rope and Australia, the new web
and functionality. It features all-
and customer service professional
store spearheads the trek back to
new quick release handles, so it
and has experience in marketing,
their original U.S. roots.
takes just a pull of a lever to lower
promotions and event activation.
The Orlando concept store, which
the tower for storage and travel-
Mark is known in the midwest
opens March 11, 2012, will be the
ing. The ZFT 4 also brings an
region as the founding partner of
only company-owned retail loca-
update to the rotating clamping
The Midwest Militia and
tion in the U.S., and will allow Jobe
board racks, adding quick release
All-Actionsports.com.
to market their entire product line
clamps to make it even easier to
Centurion Boats has also an-
to the American market. Located
access your boards. The ZFT 4 is
nounced the details for qualifying
in the Phillips Crossing shop-
available on any new 2012 Master-
for the premier 2012 wake surfing
ping area, the store is positioned
Craft Boat orders.
event in the world, the Centurion
between many of the hottest
www.mastercraft.com
World Wake Surfing Champion-
tourism spots, densely populated
ship. For the first time in history,
residential areas and the Butler
CWB Board Co. announces that
competitors will be allowed to
chain of lakes. The 4,000 sq. ft.
three-time World Champion
compete in both the Skim and
facility will offer a showroom feel
Nicola Butler
Surf divisions. All competitors in-
and will include a demo desk and
has joined
terested will need to register and
repair counter.
their pro team.
qualify for each style division, and
jobesports.com
Butler is a competitve force, with
the point-value qualifications for
two Queen of Wake titles and a
participating in the event will be
KICKER, one of the leaders in the
National Championship on her
released soon.
mobile and home audio market
long list of big wins. She’ll be rid-
www.CenturionBoats.com
have intro-
ing the CWB Sapphire and is look-
duced the
ing forward to racking up more
Jobe Sports made a
SKM10 Marine Sub Box to provide
contest hardware in the coming
trio of big announce-
deep bass in your boat of choice.
season.
ments, including their
The rugged 10-inch subwoofer
new Discount Team Card pro-
brings that legendary KICKER
Supra Boats unveiled the new
gram, a new web store, and a
thump, but still fits in tight spaces,
S-Bend wakeboard tower, offer-
one-of-a-kind concept store in
like the driver- or passenger-side
ing advantages
Orlando, Florida. The discount
toe well. The tough polyethylene
in visibility plus
cards are designed to give Ameri-
box is designed to be weather-
a disctinctive style. The S-Bend
can consumers an all-access pass
proof, and the speaker cone and
tower features a smooth low-
to the entire Jobe lineup at an
basket are UV-treated to prevent
profile folding action and a
exclusive discount price and other
any sun damage. www.kicker.com
patented CAM lock mechanism,
special promotions.
6
plus integrated bimini cover, racks,
The new Jobe web shop went
MasterCraft Boat Company has
speakers and lighting, all included.
live just ahead of the Miami Boat
introduced the all-new Zero Flex
The signature style and advanced
Show, offering all their 2012 prod-
Tower 4 (ZFT
functionality ad the perfect touch
ucts to the USA. As one of the
4), complete
to any boat in the 2012 Supra line.
biggest watersports brands in Eu-
with signature MasterCraft styling
The Rockstar Energy Drink WWA
Bonifay and Phil Soven, plus lots
Energy Drink
Wakeboard World Champion-
of giveaways, fun behind the Axis
has unveiled
ships, presented by Supra will
boats and a BBQ lunch.
the 2012 five-
make their debut on August 16,
city contest
2012 in Prairie Springs park in
The INT League announced a
schedule. The
Wisconsin. More than 200 pro
partnership with BoatUS Marine
season kicks off May 18, 2012 at
and amateur wakeboarders and
Insurance, making them the offi-
Dallas Landing Park in Acworth,
wakeskaters
cial boat insur-
Georgia, ends July 28, 2012 at
from around
ance sponsor
Volunteer Landing in Knoxville,
the globe will
of the national
Tennessee and includes a new
comete in the
amateur water sports event
midwest venue in Branson, Mis-
19th annual invitation-only event
league. The partnership will allow
souri. Four-time Pro Tour Cham-
for their shot at a world title. Ath-
INT members to join the BoatUS
pion Phil Soven enters the 2012
letes in 22 divisions will compete
owner’s association at a special
season as the top-ranked rider
in heats throughout the competi-
rate, as well as access to special
after edging out fierce competitor
tion, judged by a panel of officials
on-the-water towing, roadside
Harley Clifford last year.
who will determine who has the
assistance programs, and many
best rail tricks and aerial maneu-
online boating safety courses.
Malibu Boats
vers. The event also serves as part
www.BoatUS.com and www.
unveiled a
of the Wakeboard World Series
INTleague.com
truly extraor-
and the King of Wake series. www.KingofWake.com.
dinary boat Hyperlite Wakeboards signed
at the Calgary Boat Show—a
freeriding
“Canadian Edition” VLX, complete
Liquid Force and Axis Wake
phenom Scott
with a Maple Leaf flag graphic in-
Research have announced their
Stewart to
laid into the gel coat with a metal
long-term
their team. The 25-year-old won
flake texture, plus a custom em-
marketing
the BuyWake.com Global Rider
broidery into the carpet. The spe-
agreement,
Search in 2010 with a style de-
cial edition boat was presented
which makes
scribed as a fresh mix of Randall
by Malibu’s highest-volume dealer
Axis the Of-
and Lyman, full of West Coast
in the world, Wizard Lake Marine
ficial Towboat of Liquid Force’s
style and intense amplitude.
of Calmar, Alberta, Canada.
famous BROstock event, their
Stewart’s snowboard background
new BBQ BROdown series, and a
made riding with the new System
The 2011 Tigé brochure won a
strategic partner in the Free For
Binding a natural fit, and with his
prestigious award
All series. The two companies
new Hyperlite setup, he is con-
in the advertising
began the partnership at the LA
tinuing to progress the style of
industry, a local ADDY® Award.
Boat Show, and then the recent
wakeboarding as a freerider in
Next they compete for a regional
Febrary Freezeride event at the
videos and photos.
ADDY Award, and potentially at
Carlsbad Lagoon. That event fea-
the national level. To receive your
tured a day in the sun with team
The MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard
own copy of the award-winning
riders Melissa Marquardt, Shane
Tour, presented by Rockstar
brochure, email info@tige.com.
7
SHOP OF THE MONTH
Tommy’s
on taking it up up and
clients into new sales with cred-
away. Currently we only
ibility. We are also focusing on
operate out of Colorado.
teaming up with our local cable
How did you get started,
park as well as my personal cable
and what are some of your
How has the downturn in the
park to promote a new side of
achievements? I started the shop
economy affected your busi-
our business that has incredible
February 7th, 1981 selling out of
ness? And what do you predict
potential. Our boat lines now
my truck around the local lakes.
for water sports retailers in the
include MB with Axis and Malibu.
Four square feet in the front of
next 1-2 years? The downturn has
MB offers a different look and
the truck was everything in my life
really been tough on all retailers
analog features that many of the
back then. Took a peanut butter
in our industry. We are lucky and
big boys are no longer interested
sandwich in a brown paper bag
have a very strong following in
in but many customers want
and a gallon jug that I lost the top
our area. However everything is
simple boats with versatile wakes.
to filled with tap water and held
changing. Without giving up too
Add on sales with stereo, go pro,
it between my legs as I traveled
many of my future ideas, we have
custom covers, racks are all help-
to and from one of the local
to change the marketing strategy
ing the bottom line but forcing
lakes. We have been blessed over
we have and focus on our op-
us to be more well rounded and
the years and have won either
portunities that others are not
more knowledgeable as a dealer-
retailer of the year or way back
working on. One example is our
ship. Of course being good at the
we won our region 4 times before
team. We have three very talented
internet is always on our mind too.
retailer of the year. All in all I think
watersports teachers employed
The internet has driven down mar-
it is 7 or 8 times we have been
at Tommy’s currently. When you
gins with free shipping and no tax
selected. Our sales are around 5
have the gift of teaching, you can
but smart dealers can change and
million dollars a year and we plan
also package the needs of the
take advantage of this. As a “survivor” of the big economic shifts, what are your secrets to success? The ability to anticipate changes keeps us a few steps ahead of our competitors. Being first to see a trend and first to negotiate either exclusives or semi exclusives with manufactures is key here. When times are tough, every customer is paramount to our success and you find yourself digging deeper for them and finding ways to give them more value and help them be part of our family. Just like the song from the TV series Cheers, everyone wants to
8
go where they know your name. This is the most overlooked part of any business I go into these days. It is so simple but so few really do care. Inventory management is a real skill that has had most of us at Tommy’s scratching our heads. Many times a good year is followed by a slow year resulting in carry over. Carry over takes months or even a season to thin out and kills margins. Manufactures expect growth every year and are unrealistic about what they expect. We provide a year long plan each fall to the manufactures and turn the mirror around to ask them how they are going to support this year long plan with their brand. They have to give us the tools early in the year and if they fail to provide us with these tools, we have plenty of leverage later in the season to negotiate. With both a brick-and-mortar shop and an online store, how do you see the internet impacting how you plan and run your store from day to day? Everything we did in the past is obsolete. You must have an engaging internet site and you must have dedicated personnel to work it and you have to be realistic about your goals. You can spend yourself into bankruptcy fast on this or you can be left in the dirt by the guys with deep pockets. Striking a balance is critical. The manufactures
9
SHOP OF THE MONTH have great content and
social media entirely
great people if you take
a marketing tool for
advantage of these
you? Without giving
resources. You must be
too much of my
careful how you answer
strategy away I will
your telephone. Many
say yes. Social media
many people will shop
is a way to show our
all day on the internet
customers that we are
and call the store for a
the best informed, best
price. If you do your job
connected, trail blazing
right, you will win the
innovative passionate
sale every time. If you
store in the World
just blurt out a price
period! Yes I have a
and hang up, customer
huge ego and yes I am
gone for good.
arrogant but we live it and we try to earn our
What percentage of
customers respect by
your revenue currently
listening to them and
comes from online
bringing new ideas and
sales? What do you
new products to them
predict for Tommy’s
before our friendly
online vs. in-store
competitors do. What
sales? Our internet
we are rolling out for
sales are about 1/5th of
2013 will be ground to customers and entertaining
such a strong local following we
them online. You have to be
hard to catch us from then out.
can continue to grow both our
outgoing and passionate about it
Redneck marketing combined
brick and mortar and our internet
however. People do not want the
with technology will beat
sales. What we are seeing now is
old “10% off� garbage all the time.
technology all day long. Some
people that live 100 miles away
They want you to know what your
things just can not be digital and
that came every year now are
talking about, have interesting
need to be face to face.
falling off due to the ability to buy
original content, write back
online. We are taking steps to fix
when asked, and be part of their
Of all the wake-related activities,
this now. Incentive to travel to see
community. The water is more
where do you see the most
us is the key to our success in the
than a hobby for our clients. It is
excitement, from a retail
store.
their life and they way they spend
standpoint? The big surprise for
time with family or their buds.
all retailers is Wakesurfing. We
What other challenges and
10
breaking and it will be
our total sales. We have
are selling boats now on the surf
opportunities do you see with
Do you have plans to use
wake alone. People my age can
the internet? Social media is my
platforms like Facebook and
try the same tricks the hot dogs
baby at the moment. I love talking
Google+ for e-commerce, or is
try without getting worked. You
can even ride a stand up paddle
tower systems
board behind a boat with a little
and they can
wake. Everyone told me it would
be used on
not work. Well my fist trip on a
the snow
stand up behind the boat was
too making
over 1/4 mile. I was way way
it valuable
way back behind the boat and
all year long.
with two small cross steps I was
Cable brings
gaining ground and stepping
in people who
back again to tail stall and turn
are too young
up the face and do it again. Guys
for full time
that are 100 lbs overweight can
jobs that will
ride a stand up. Herb and crew
get hooked
were the first to bring a larger
and be life
wake surfer and it was our top
long customers. They will go
seller. Getting the highest amount
onto buy boats since nothing can
of participants on the water is
ever replace the boat. The ability
so important not only for our
to use Go Pro and i phones to
shop but for our industry. Getting
capture the stoke and put it on
people on two tower cable
youtube or facebook in moments
systems was a huge surprise last
is bringing our sport to the public
summer. We had slalom skiers
and stoking everyone!
that hated wakeboarding getting new boards because they could
What is it that Tommy’s does
do Raleys on the turns. Then
BEST? What do you want to be
granny started doing raleys. Then
“famous” for? Service, service,
5 year olds started barefooting
service. Innovation, passion and
on the two tower system. Small
people are what we do best! It
puddles can be used for two
is an honor to serve the public. Helping a kid get over his or her fear and teaching them that the stoke came from mom and dad will bring everyone together and the money will take
Do you have any advice for other retailers for running a successful business in 2012? Think outside the box. Work when needed not when scheduled. Forty hours a week is not going to cut it. You must stay in shape, balance your personal life, learn from the people that do it better than yourself and find and retain the best partners you can. Your employees are the key. Listen to them, lead them, make it right if you screw up. If you keep great help, you have a chance to keep good clients. Give them gratitude and respect. My middle daughter just gave it to me the other day at the boat show for not having a thank you session prior to a safety meeting. Your people and their families need to come first. Put your trust in your creator and your tough decisions will be guided. Prayer does not fail! Thanks and God bless.
care of itself.
11
MANUFACTURER PROFILE
MasterCraft
140 450 1968 2000 $100M Started in 1968 by in an old horse barn
in Tennessee, MasterCraft was created
by aerospace engineer and waterski instructor Rob Shirley.
In their first year, Shirley’s MasterCraft
Dealers, Globally
introduced the PowerStar boat at the
National Water Skiing Championships in
Ohio, and made the first sale on the spot. That year, they built a total of 12 boats. By 1973, they were producing 52 a year.
Innovations like dual speedometers for
Employees
accuracy and the swim platform helped
generate immediate success, and in 1974 the company signed European distributors,
making
MasterCraft
an
international company.
By the mid-1980s, they were averaging
Founded
20 boats built per week.
In 1983 MasterCraft founded the Coors
Light International Water Ski Pro Tour, which has evolved into today’s Pro Tour.
Many innovations, awards and world records later, MasterCraft is now the
Boats Built This Year
official towboat for the XGames, Amp’d Mobile SuperCross, The Dew Action Sports Tour and the Pro Tour.
The 2011 WSIA Manufacturer of the Year is again focusing on innovation and craftsmanship as they push to
Annual Revenue 12
widen their market share lead for a third consecutive year.
+
Jason Boertje Director of Marketing MasterCraft Boats
What gives MasterCraft an edge
How has the economic downturn
over other boat companies?
changed the MasterCraft
Our 150 years of collective experi-
business strategy? It made us
ence in the engineering depart-
smarter - plain and simple. We
ment, which gives us an edge on
have learned to do more with
innovation and design. This expe-
less and we run the business
rience allows us to consistently
much leaner. We have not walked
which in general means the need
refresh or create new products.
away from the drive to introduce
to adjust to lower volume. In
new innovative product but we
some cases, volume has been cut
Describe your dealer network,
build it, market it and sell it with
by 60-70% and that is tough to
and the organizational strategy
a much smarter, leaner team. So
adjust to and takes time. How-
to best utilize and support that
while we did not enjoy going
ever, our dealers are making this
network. The MasterCraft dealer
through the downturn, we are
adjustment better than anyone
network is by far one of the best
grateful as it has made us a better
else with a multitude of strategies.
in the industry. They effectively manage inventory and provide the best customer service. As an organization, we try to support our dealer network by providing the best, most desired product. We provide premier IT services allowing our dealers to better manage orders and inventory. We provide award winning
8x 5x
business and more
As a result, we have the healthi-
competitive.
est dealer network and they are
As for dealers, our
poised to help continue to grow
strategy is to simply
the MasterCraft business.
Boat of the Year
support the dealers
WakeWorld.com Rider’s Choice Awards
as we always have
As the 2011 WSIA Manufacturer
but specifically in
of the Year, what will Master-
the area of making
Craft do to continue its success?
sure they can move
We will continue to do what we
through their inven-
have always done—continue to
tory. We are looking
lead the industry with innovative
for turns and so we
product, award winning quality,
work hand-in-hand
best practices and premier sup-
NMMA CSA Awards Inboard Watersports Boat Category
with our dealers to
port through sales, marketing and
drive the right customer to the
make sure we do not repeat the
IT. Because MasterCraft treats the
doors of boat shows and dealer-
error of 2008 where there was
business holistically, we work hard
ships. And we provide world class
simply too much inventory in the
to excel in multiple areas other
post-purchase service both with
field. Our dealers are running very
than product, and these things
items in- and out of warranty.
low on inventory and that is great
work together to better support
In addition, we incentivize dealers
for business.
the dealer and consumer.
marketing that helps
with programs that reward a culture of world class sales, market-
What are the biggest challenges
ing and service. This way even
you see for today’s MasterCraft
the low volume dealers receive
dealers? What are they doing
reward for their hard work in es-
better than anyone else?
tablishing the MasterCraft experi-
The biggest challenge is of course
ence with its customers.
dealing with the current economy,
13
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Gordy Holmes President, Connelly/CWB Now president of Connelly after
very active in snow skiing and did
1973 I left my job to work for Con-
being there for 38 years, how
some snow ski racing. When I was
nelly when there were only about
did you first get started in water
in high school I started working
six employees. But they didn’t
sports? I’ve always liked water
at a place called the Alpine Hut,
have much being done in the way
sports. Growing up in the Pa-
which was a local retailer that
of sales or reps or business out-
cific Northwest, my parents had
sold both snow skis in the winter
side the Northwest. So my goal
a summer home here on Puget
and water skis in the summer. So
and focus on being hired was to
Sound, so I did a lot of water
from a retail standpoint, that’s
establish that sales force.
sports activities myself. I was also
when I first got into it. But then I met some people
You have witnessed a lot of
that were inter-
changes in your career. What
ested in starting
are the technology shifts that
a water ski com-
stand out as the biggest to
pany. At that time
you? Wow! There are a lot!
they asked me to
The earliest was prob-
help them design
ably in the days of the
the skis. That was
exotic hardwood skis.
about the time I
Those products were a
was getting out of
work of art. Back then,
college. I was with
it was usually just basic
that company, Torq
spray-painted wood skis
Waterskis, for a few
with a decal on it. That
years. Then there
was the standard in the
was a big transition
industry, and might have
and growth period
sold for $75 a ski. Very
in water sports in
low-cost, but that was it.
Washington that
Along came the exotic
resulted in a boom
hardwood skis, and they
in water ski com-
all got much more expen-
panies in the area. I
sive. It became $129 for
was excited to be a
this beautiful work of art.
part of that, and in
People would say, “Gosh
Gordy is an avid wakesurfer, snowboarder and paddleboarder An example exotic wood competition ski 14
that’s expensive,” but they flew off the shelves! That became a huge shift because of the quality and the value the consumer paid. They not only got something that looked absolutely gorgeous, but they felt they were getting a one-of-a-kind product. They also got something that performed better too. That was the first real “technology” shift if you will. Along that same timeframe, the emergence of boating was taking place in the United States. People could afford to buy boats. (They were a lot less expensive then!) So you had a huge growth in
Gordy and his wife Eva celebrated the weddings of both of their daughters in 2011.
the marine industry as a whole and you had these beautiful
much stronger and you can make
snowboard industry at the time.
new skis. It was a major shift in
them more consistent and better
We actually made snowboards
performance and quality and it
performing. So that was a big
for some of these other brands
raised the bar in terms of what
jump that allowed us to drop the
to help them get started because
product can be sold for. Labor
old wood skis in the early 1980s.
we could produce them more
costs of course were a lot lower
And in those years, boating was
effectively and with so much less
back them, and it was a very long
still very popular and strong as a
overhead than they could. That
process to make those skis.
sport and “family values” activity,
introduction of wakeboards was
But then Carter was President
similar to today.
probably the third major change I
and inflation went rampant. When
Then of course in the 1990s,
have seen.
we stopped making the exotic
wakeboarding was introduced,
There was one other thing that
hardwood skis in 1982, they were
not too long after the time that
happened, and I’d have to give
$250. So they more than doubled
snowboarding was introduced to
Connelly credit for this. By the
in cost in that 10-year period of
the snow industry. Connelly made
mid-90s, the baby boomers
time. It was largely because of all
some of the early snowboards for
started to get a bit older, and they
the labor costs.
K2 and a few other companies
couldn’t waterski as easily as be-
What took their place was the
that were just getting into the
fore. So we developed the shaped
next technology shift in the 1970s. Many of us were using fiberglass snow skis, and had come to appreciate the benefits of that over wood. They were structurally
15
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH love your job! That’s what I like is that I’ve really enjoyed being a part of the industry. We talk about it here, we sell “fun.” It’s not the product, it’s the image and the excitement it creates. The people we’re involved with, like waterski, which was huge be-
How has the promotion to
our dealers that we work with all
cause it made waterskiing acces-
President & CEO changed your
the time, and other suppliers and
sible and easier for everyone. That
day-to-day work/lifestyle? It
even our competitors—they’re all
created a big shift in our industry.
definitely changes my focus, since
great people. We have a unique
You could get up on them easier,
I’m not in charge of sales now.
set of circumstances because we
you could use a less powerful
But I still continue to work on the
love the sport and this part of our
boat, there was less body strain.
international sales, and I enjoy the
business.
We then created a whole line
direct contact with those custom-
That whole thing of passion for a
of recreational skis, and it took
ers. I’ve been here long enough
sport makes a lot of sense to me.
everyone by surprise and was a
that I know all the people, and I
I think that just helps you get by
dominant factor in the industry
trust their judgement. I know their
in those tough times because you
in that period. If you look around,
strengths and I’ve said it before
really like what you’re doing. So
most of the waterskis produced
that we have a great group of
I hope that the retailers that sell
now are shaped.
employees. They really deserve
our products also like what they
If you think about it, it probably
all the credit for our long-term
do for that same reason.
saved waterskiing in many re-
success as a company. Just great
spects. Because even the average
people here.
how you run your business?
recreational skier was getting older and couldn’t do it any more.
What is an average day for you?
Underlying everything is the
Everybody wanted to continue
Is there an “average” day? No,
weather. And right now, there
to waterski, but simply lacked
no set criteria for any one day for
isn’t much snow. Weather has
the strength with the old heavier
me. In any given week, we focus
a huge impact on our business,
straight skis. For many dads then,
on a lot of different parts of the
just like it is for the snow ski and
it allowed them to get out and
business, from manufacturing
snowboard guys right now. But
waterski with the kids, and that
issues to delivery concerns, or
thinking about it more, with the
was huge for our sport.
product safety. But that’s part of
poor snow year out west, it does
And finally, in the last 10 years or
what’s appealing to the job—the
two things: 1. Any of our retailers
so, the changes in waterski and
variety of things that come up
that are also snowboard/ski ac-
wakeboard boot design. That has
and challenge you.
counts in the winter, are left with
really helped our industry, both
16
How does the weather affect
inventory and may not be able
in terms of comfort and perfor-
What do you think are the keys
to pay for the inventory that they
mance. They really today dictate a
to success in this industry, from
would buy in the summer. Or they
lot of what the consumer buys.
both a manufacturer and retailer
may cut back on what they would
standpoint? I think you have to
buy, due to the slow cashflow.
And 2., If they are in an area that
provement, in terms of the US
I’m enthusiastic about cable park
requires water from the moun-
market. As we look at 2012, we’re
businesses and the fact that they
tains where there is a runoff, like
forcasting an increase again. We
are growing and being added
Sacramento or The Delta, and the
had nice growth in 2011. As a
around the US. If we can’t get
snowfall is 25% of normal, then
company, much of that growth
people on wakeboards, waterskis,
some of the lakes end up where
came on an international basis.
kneeboards and tubes behind a
you can’t even get into the water
So we are forecasting another
boat, maybe we can get them try-
because the ramps don’t go down
increase, but I have to say that the
ing it at a cable park.
far enough. And of course if you
increases are going to be conser-
So cable parks I see as a big plus
can’t get into the lake, you can’t
vative—they aren’t going to be
that will help our industry as a
use your equipment.
huge.
whole. I’m a little worried about
We still have yet to see what
One thing is we have to get the
our friends in Europe and the fi-
impact the bad snow year will
boating market back again. I see
nancial conditions there. That may
actually have, but it is a concern
signs of improvement in boat
dampen our business in that part
in parts of the country.
sales and the boating side of our
of the world. We’re hopeful that
business. You have to get people
they can find solutions that won’t
What do you foresee for the wa-
to buy the boats. More boats sell
sink them into a more negative
ter sports industry for 2012?
more watersports products, so
area. It really is a world economy,
I think there is some slight im-
that’s a key part of it.
and it all impacts our business.
Fellow long-term Connelly/CWB employee Larry Bozarth, CWB Team rider Zane Schwenk and Gordy Holmes at the Pro Tour stop in Monroe, Washington.
17
18
19
RETAIL SPOTLIGHT
Chessie Marine Sales Started in 1992, Chessie Marine Sales began with only one boat line,
ditional profit center for the busi-
but by 2001 they purchased their current location in Elkton, Maryland.
ness. Most of our guys “talk the
They have an approximate annual revenue of $4 million, seven
wakeboard talk” and Bryan is an
employees and have sold over a thousand boats in twenty years.
ex-competitive slalom skier who also wakeboards, barefoots and
Describe your primary business.
their needs and budget. All of
skis, so we pretty much have it
Our primary business is the sales
the lines are terrific to work with,
covered when it comes to advis-
and service of new and used
and they are all committed to
ing customers about equipment.
boats. We also do a large busi-
standing behind their products.
We also carry Indo Boards, which
ness with Hobie kayaks, and we’re
By positioning ourselves as a
are fun to bring to the boat shows
an HO/Hyperlite dealer as well as
“one-stop-shop” we make the
for the pro wakeboarders (and
Sky Ski, Indo Board and Oakley.
buying process easy for potential
wannabe pros) to play with.
customers who are looking for an Describe the challenges or
inboard. Our customers have the
What are the hottest products
opportunities created by being
ability to demo different lines/
(or services) for you right now?
a seller of multiple boat brands
models on the same day with the
Because of the economy, many
Malibu, Axis and Nautique. We
same water conditions, making
people are choosing to upgrade
believe that we’re a niche market
comparisons easier.
their existing boats instead of
and have chosen to go deeply
20
purchasing a new boat. So we are
into that niche rather than carry
Stand-Up Padle (SUP) is featured
selling a lot of accessories such
many different categories of
on your website, among other
as towers, new sound systems,
boats. We consider ourselves
products. How has SUP impacted
tower speakers, etc. Along these
to be experts in waterski and
your sales? We’re actually just
lines, detailing and compound-
wakeboard boats, and many
getting into the SUP market, so
ing to make their older boat look
people consider us the “go-to
we don’t have any data on them
newer is on the rise. In terms of
people” in the Mid-Atlantic region
yet, but they seem to be the next
products, kayaks are extremely
when it comes to inboards, due
“wave.” We have lots of rivers
popular, due to fitness awareness
to the variety of boats we offer.
and lakes in our area, and we felt
and gas prices.
By staying focused on inboard
that SUPs would go well here.
boats we are able to offer a
Hopefully we’ll be proven to be
Describe selling used vs. new
greater selection to customers,
correct on that! We feel that since
boats for you. Is it a better
using the limited floor plans that
we represent ski and wakeboard
market for the buyer or seller
are available in today’s business
boats we should carry the acces-
right now? With the repo boats
environment. The three lines
sories our customers want/need,
being flushed through the
mesh nicely with one another,
and that is why we have our Pro
system, people have turned to
and by carrying them all we can
Shop, which is fully stocked with
pre-owned boats for good deals.
work with the customer to help
the newest HO and Hyperlite
However, since fewer new boats
them find the boat that best fits
equipment. It also provides an ad-
have been produced over the last
three years (and new boat sales
that we previously
are down) there are also fewer
didn’t have, since
trades available. Since the supply
people from all over
of trade-in boats is lower, we
the country and
have recently begun to purchase
world can access
boats outright in order to have
information about
an inventory of pre-owned boats
our inventory.
to offer. Marketing a used boat is
Internet forums are
different than a new one since the
also great places for
customer’s concern is focused on
potential customers
the mechanical condition of the
to check up on a
boat. To address these concerns,
dealership in terms of customer
What other principles or philoso-
we do a complete check-out,
service, and people utilize them
phies do you apply to how you
including a compression check,
to see what other customers have
run your business? We believe
and we provide this information
to say. An internet presence also
very strongly in building relation-
to the customer. We don’t
adds a comfort level to people
ships, and highly value our close
differentiate between our used
who are purchasing a boat from
ties with our customers. In addi-
and new boat customers, since
across the country, since they can
tion to the normal boat shows,
many customers trade-in for new
go online and see what your shop
wakeboard clinics, demo days,
boats down the road.
and your personnel look like, not
open houses, etc, we also spon-
just the boats.
sor events such as Water-Skiing
You show all your boats for sale
Santa done on Christmas Eve Day
on the website. How important
How do you approach boat
in the National Harbor in Wash-
is your internet presence to
services like winterizing and
ington, DC. We also are a spon-
your business? The Internet has
tune-ups as part of your
sor of On The Edge Foundation.
revolutionized all aspects of
revenue? During winterization
which teaches adaptive skiing to
commerce, and things are very
we try to have our technicians
handicapped individuals.
different than when we started
look for potential problems that
almost twenty years ago. Most
may affect the performance of
The products we sell are “fun”
people are very knowledegable
the boat in the upcoming season,
products, so our emphasis is
about our boats before they
thereby preventing issues before
on providing customers with a
even contact us, due to research
they have a chance to happen.
stress-free, pleasant purchasing
they’ve done online. Boat shows
This not only provides additional
and ownership experience. We
and brochures used to be the
revenue for the dealership, but
love referrals, and we offer our
primary method of dispersing
it also averts problems before
customers referral fees in the
information, but now people
they occur which increases time
form of shop credit if a friend they
come to the shows to see and
on the water for our customers
send us purchases a boat. This
sit in the boats, but they get
and lowers their stress level. Our
way all our customers become
most of their information via the
customers rely on us to be their
salespeople for us, and many of
internet. Of course the internet
consultants and keep them on the
our customers have also become
has also opened doors for us
water.
close, personal friends.
21
FEATURE
Jim Emmons WSIA President
fills that role? I like to say, “WSIA,
What are the most recent big
has spent more than five years
and then pushing that common
successes for the WSIA? I’ve
making sure that he’s met every
message. The obvious answer to
been with the WSIA since the mid
state boating law administrator
this question is found in the hard
90s and I can unequivocally say
to assure them that recreational
work that WSIA does to keep wa-
that the single biggest reason for
watersports activities are fun and
terways open for watersports.
the recent successes we’ve had
more importantly safe. He has
Also, it was the WSIA and the
was bringing Larry Meddock in as
also worked tirelessly to get the
hard work from board member
executive director. Once Larry got
WSIA introduced to other agen-
Gordy Holmes that we were able
started the association began to
cies partnered with the U.S. Coast
to create uniform warning labels
flourish. His unending passion for
Guard as an ally for them. And
for our industry. These labels have
this industry combined with his
lastly, Larry has helped get the
helped countless manufacturers
credibility led by his vast experi-
WSIA recognized as an associa-
successfully defend their products
ence has opened doors and eyes
tion that gets things done.
in the courtroom and this monu-
us can alone,” so I think that it is WSIA’s ability to discover common messages for our members
mental effort would have never
of governing agencies seeking a partner in their efforts to make
How has the WSIA changed in
been possible if it were not for the
boating safer. It didn’t take long
the last year? In the past year the
hard work of the WSIA.
for Larry to be congressionally
WSIA has gained the attention of
appointed to the Boating Safety
the larger boating market as well
Summit in the Snow has become
Advisory Council (BSAC) an act
as governing authorities due to
the signature event for the WSIA.
which propelled the tiny WSIA to
the increased work in the area of
Talk about the evolution of that
the forefront of boating legisla-
waterways rights and the promo-
event, and where you see it go-
tion signifying us a leader. Along
tion of boating safety. For exam-
ing. I watched other industries
the way there have been many
ple, in April 2011 the WSF, WSIA’s
produce similar events like this
successes from Maine to Oregon
educational arm was awarded the
back in the 80s and early 90s and
in the battle for waterways rights,
second largest federal non-profit
when I became a board member,
and the WSIA has put forth great
grant by the U.S. Coast Guard.
I started discussions to move
effort to minimize potential chal-
Just winning the award put the
into this area. In 2006, the WSIA
lenges to our industry’s ability
WSIA (and WSF) on the map
successfully launched this event
to prosper. Through this process
with other well-known agencies
as an extension of the winter
we learned that you can “fight
such as the National Safe Boating
board of directors meeting. The
city hall” but you must have the
Council and NMMA for example.
idea was to create an educational networking environment where
proper allies. Larry, through his U.S. Coast Guard committee work
22
together we can do what none of
The often-used slogan for the
the industry would gather during
WSIA is “The Voice of the Water
an off-season time to discuss and
Sports Industry.” What is the
improve the watersports industry.
most important way the WSIA
Individually, our members have a
premiums revenue. As a result, many operators, especially the ones with fewer resources, would have been forced out of business. With safety practices standardized and strictly adhered to, the activity will be safer and therefore a better risk for insurance companies. The Water Sports Alert Network was designed to help spread the word about various legislative and law-enforcement happenWSIA Executive Director Larry Meddock with President Jim Emmons lot of marketing muscle, but no
the USCG’s request that ASTM
one was pulling them together to
International be tasked with
work for common causes. Since
developing safety standards for
then, the WSIA has produced six
the industry, and through its legal
successful events, but the atten-
counsel Peter Rietz, was able to
dance is still short of what our
help organize this process. The
goals are. We want to produce an
action was not a minute too soon,
event where dealers, reps, sup-
as insurance underwriters were
pliers, operators, camps, schools
prepared to back out of parasail-
and manufacturers are anxious
ing completely. Now that WSIA
and eager to support and attend
is helping, the insurance un-
with their entire executive staff.
derwriters have remained in the
ings in the industry. How does that program work? The WSAN produces short instructional video vignettes for law enforcement officers. These video pieces have featured a respectable member of law enforcement (a past president of the National Association of State Boating
market and are willing recognize Parasail is a new category of
operators that follow the new
water sports that has now come
safety practices. This was another
under the WSIA’s governance.
huge accomplishment of the
What are the challenges and
WSIA that few members know
opportunities in that industry,
about. Without the WSIA’s help
and where do you see Para-
the parasail industry most assur-
sail headed with WSIA’s help?
edly would have been regulated
Parasail operators were looking
by the U.S. Coast Guard and
for an association that could help
operators would have had to
bring them structure in the form
become self-insured as insurance
of standardizing practices and
companies exited the market due
insurance. The WSIA supported
to high claims expenses and low
Law Administrators) explaining to other law enforcement officers what watersports activity is safe and legal. You can imagine the instant credibility that this gives the WSIA and when this is coupled with the endorsement from NASBLA, it’s a powerful piece that has elevated WSIA to become a recognized advocate of boating safety. Additionally, WSAN
23
FEATURE blended into the general coffers of the federal government and was used on projects such as building highways! The bill called for a portion of the tax revenue to be used for boating safety. I knew that WSIA could develop a program that would meet the USCG’s objectives, so we wrote a grant request in the early 2000s but we were not awarded. It was then that Larry Meddock realized he needed to be more recognized as a concerned safety advocate and he began working to help the U.S. Coast Guard by volunteering for their committee work. It was through this that we were introduced to Coast Guard’s director of public safety in 2010 and in a Jim Emmons gets stylish on his wakeboard.
scheduled meeting that included our media partner we presented
also distributes alerts to potential
and how that money gets spent
threats and upcoming local legis-
on behalf of the industry. The
lation by email and social media.
grant project was one that I iden-
The messages go out encourag-
tified about ten years ago when
ing the recipient to assist in the
we learned that the U.S. Coast
delivery by forwarding to dealers,
Guard was the recipient of funds
reps and their other constituents.
from the Wallop-Breaux
We have seen the results of these
bill. That legisla-
announcements when the WSIA
tion carved
gets calls from local dealers or
out funds from
concerned citizens after receiving
marine gasoline
an alert.
tax to be used for boating safety
24
Another arm of the WSIA, the
measures. The bill designated
WSF, was recently awarded
the Coast Guard as the agency
an historic grant of more than
to govern the use of these funds.
$637,000. Explain how the WSF
Before this bill became law, gaso-
was able to secure that grant,
line sales tax from marinas was
our ideas. He liked them so much that he said, “Write the grant!” In April 2011, the WSIA’s nonprofit educational arm, The Water Sports Foundation, Inc. (WSF) was awarded the second largest grant for that year to develop and conduct a national outreach campaign to increase the awareness of boating safety with the public. The campaign called for a wide variety of media to deliver safe boating messages to the public at large. The first messages were published in December 2011
when the Safe Boating website
cable park operators and assem-
rectors meeting at Summit in the
went live. The unfortunate part
bled a meeting at Surf Expo to
Snow in Crested Butte, Colorado
of all this is that these funds are
discuss the plans to organize and
in February.
designated for a specific purpose
develop uniform warning labels
and are not to be used at the
& signage and safety standards.
In what way does the WSIA help
WSIA’s discretion. Each element
This work is underway and soon
water sports retailers/dealers?
of the grant must be approved
we hope to roll out a universal
We have done more to keep
by the Grant Technical Manager
program that all parks will adopt
dealers in business in certain
who makes sure that the funds
and use. There will be another
geographic areas by thwarting
are being used only for the Coast
meeting at Surf Expo in Septem-
local threats to ban watersports.
Guard’s objectives. This news
ber for all stakeholders. In this
However, the WSIA can and
was a slight disappointment to
process, the WSIA has identified
should do more for our industry’s
some of our board members
another new area to serve: Camps
dealers. In my earliest days with
who originally saw this award as
and Schools. This group has the
WSIA, Guy Filip as WSIA Presi-
the “jackpot” that would reduce
same needs as parasail and cable
dent designed and produced a
membership dues and dramati-
park operators. They need to
WSIA dealer handbook called the
cally increase WSIA services. We
standardize their safety practices
“Combat Manual” that provided a
had to quickly explain that these
and develop risk management
variety of resources for dealers to
funds were pass-through only.
just like the others. Recently, we
perform even better. These were
Nonetheless, the award and the
held an organizational meeting
given to dealers when they joined
subsequent ongoing campaign
with several key stakeholders to
the WSIA and it was a tangible
have elevated the WSIA to levels
address this concern. WSIA was
membership benefit but did little
of heightened respect amongst
granted an overwhelming vote of
to lift retail memberships. But this
the industry.
support and we have established
should not hold us back from do-
a proposed committee and com-
ing everything we can to over-
Cable Parks are an area of
mittee chairman but the plan is
come the apathy that our industry
growth in the industry. How is
to include a
the WSIA working with those
wide variety
manufacturers and operators?
of stake-
The WSIA saw a need to help
holders to
cable parks with similar services
help make
provided to other members. That
sure that all
was first identified through a
concerns
need to develop safety programs
are ad-
that insurance underwriters were
dressed ac-
seeking. First, the WSIA invited
curately. We
two premier cable park operators
will address
to join the board of directors so
this subject
the group had a voice in the as-
in more
sociation’s management. Second,
detail at the
WSIA created a committee of
board of di-
From board to bike: Jim and his Harley-Davidson.
25
FEATURE endures by continuing to improve
in Chicago as our primary
endorse having more dealer
our services for members. Every
annual trade show. The show was
attendance. The idea also gar-
dealer needs to realize that WSIA
enormous and filled with every-
nered further support because of
is their advocate and here to help
thing “marine” and then some. It
show timing. Our industry always
their business. A low $100 mem-
was sprawling and manufactur-
held trade events in the fall and
bership fee is small price to pay
ers were dispersed randomly
Surf Expo had plenty of space
when compared to the enormous
throughout the show’s halls with
available as their fall show was
industry losses that WSIA averted
no rhyme or reason. We arranged
the smaller of their two annual
over the past few years.
a meeting with the management
shows. In 1993 we launched the
of Surf Expo to discuss the pos-
Wakeboard and Waterski Show
How does the WSIA work with
sibility of creating a watersports
in a room that was adjacent to
Surf Expo and other organiza-
show as a sub-segment of their
Surf Expo but was partitioned off
tions to make that show success-
very successful Surf Expo show.
and required traffic to use one
ful and worthwhile for exhibitors
We had research that proved
small, limited access doorway. I
and attendees? This is another
many of the dealers selling wa-
remember that year Scott Daley
tremendous benefit that WSIA
tersports equipment were also
from Body Glove exclaimed, “This
brought to watersports. In the
selling the surf brands that also
is a great idea but why do they
early 90s our industry used the
exhibited at Surf Expo. Obviously,
have that ridiculous wall up? Take
International Marine Trades Exhib-
those exhibitors would
it and Conference (IMTEC) show
Entering the green room with Jim Emmons near Teahupoo, Tahiti.
26
the wall down.” And the rest is
What are the biggest headwinds
So, I would like to encourage
history. Surf Expo, over the past
the water sports industry is
everyone reading this to go to
fifteen years, with their can-do
facing? Without a doubt, it’s the
www.wsia.net and join the WSIA.
attitude, has responded “Yes” to
threat to ban watersports on our
Membership dues are nominal,
every request. Surf Expo is WSIA’s
public waterways. That includes
especially when weighted against
largest supporter and WSIA
everything from the dangers of
the significant efforts WSIA puts
receives a portion of booth sales
invasive species to rogue wa-
forth to protect and ensure our
in exchange for an official show
terfront owners. Just imagine if
industry’s existence.
endorsement. The WSIA would
your local waterway was sud-
be a shell of itself if it were not for
denly banned. What would do?
What is the best way for a new
the incredible support and vision
Who would you call? Your shop
manufacturer or retailer to get
that Surf Expo has provided. As
could be forced to close if this
involved with the WSIA and
you walk the aisles of Surf Expo
happened. And don’t be naïve to
the overall industry? Become a
this fall please know that without
think that it won’t. A large por-
member and attend the board of
this show’s success the WSIA
tion of the Williamette River near
directors meetings as a guest. By
would not have been able to fight
Portland was shut down even
attending the meetings, you will
the local waterways battle in your
after WSIA put up a huge fight.
learn what the focus of the asso-
backyard!
Countless people lost their liveli-
ciation is and with this knowledge
hoods overnight.
we’ve found that people are more able to contribute.
27
MEMBER DIRECTORY MANUFACTURERS Acme Propellers Big Rapids, MI
Zup Board Company
Inland Surfer
Skiers Choice
Williamsburg, VA
Bellevue, WA
Maryville, TN
757-870-8900
425-747-6055
865-983-9924
Jet Pilot
Slingshot Sports
Vista, CA
Hood River, OR
760-734-111
509-427-4950
www.jetpilot.com
www.slingshotsports.com
Bonnier/Transworld Wakeboarding
Kent Sporting Goods
Sport Dimension
Winter Park, FL
New London, OH
Carson, CA
www.zup.com
888-661-2263 www.acmemarine.com
Boaters Insurance Marine AM Skis Orlando, FL 407-412-5971
Argotrak Naples, FL
407-628-4802
310-320-7873
www.bonniercorp.com
www.sportdimension.com
Kwik Tek
239-300-2197
Denver, CO
www.argotrak.com
Boatfun Sports, Inc
Connelly Skis
303-733-3722
Tige Boats
Lynnwood, WA
www.airhead.com
Abilene, TX
(425)-775-5416
325-676-7777 www.tige.com
Liberty Township, OH
Aquaglide
513-379-0506 www.boatfunsports.com
DECKadence
Correct Craft
White Salmon, WA
Orlando, FL
509-493-4938
ZF Marine LLC
(407)-855-4141
www.aquaglide.com
Dartmouth, MA
www.nautiques.com
401-261-1964 www.zf-marine.com
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Pleasurecraft
954-536-3660 www.marineflooring.net
Custom Chutes, Inc.
Little Mountain, SC
Bradenton, FL
www.pleasurecraft.com
941-753-4818
DEALERS
Pacific Watercraft Roswell Wake-Air
Redmond, WA 206-257-2301
Fineline Industries
Cocoa, FL
www.solowatersports.com
Merced, CA
321-890-7120
(209)-384-0255
www.roswellwakeair.com
www.centurionboats.com
American Marine & Motor Sports Shawano, WI 715-526-4300 www.americanmarina.com
Rixen Cableways GmGh Sanger Boats
Deachau, Germany 498737-54700
HO Sports
Fresno, CA
www.rixen-seilbahnen.de
Redmond, WA
559-485-2842
(425)-885-3505
www.sangerboats.com
www.hosports.com
28
Barefoot Central Katy, TX 281-395-9751 www.barefootcentral.com
Bart’s Water Sports
Gull Lake Marine
Marine Sales Group
Missouri River Marine
North Webster, IN
Richland, MI
Charlotte, NC
Great Falls, MI
(574)-834-7666
267-627-4507
336-918-6821
www.gulllakemarine.com
www.marinesalesgroup.com
MP Marine Products BoardCo. Inc
Salt Lake City, UT
Springville, UT
Gunnells Marine
MarineMax, Inc.
801-973-4017
801-747-3539
Greenwood, SC
Clearwater, FL
www.marine-products.com
www.boardco.com
264-223-2275
(727)-531-1700
www.gunnellsmarine.com
www.marinemax.com
Nautiqueparts.com Boulder Boats
Elizabethtown, NC
Boulder City, NV
Idaho Water Sports
MasterCraft Rep
910-247-6201
702-293-1122
Burley, ID
Vonore, TN
www.nautiqueparts.com
www.boulderboats.com
208-678-5809
423-884-2221
www.idahowatersports.com
www.mastercraft.com
Nautiques of Orlando Central Valley Marine
Orlando, FL
Campbell, CA
Island City Watersports
408-371-6681
Cumberland, WI
Mattos Marine Diesel Services
www.cvmarine.com
715-822-8337
Fort Myers, FL
islandcitywatersports.com
239-332-2515 www.mattosmarine.com
Conneaut Lake Navigation
JC Sports
Conneaut Lake, PA
Seneca, SC
MC Boats of Arkansas
814-382-3255
864-882-4212
Conway, AR
www.navcompany.com
www.skijcsports.com
501-513-2628
407-425-2678 www.orlandonautiques.com
Omaha Marine Center Omaha, NE 402-339-9600
www.mcboats.com
www.omahamarinecenter.com
Overton’s Greenville, NC
East Coast Flightcraft, Inc. Middleton, MA
Lauderdale Lakes Marina
Memphis Boat Center
978-777-1721
Elkhorn, WI
Memphis, TN
www.eastcoastflightcraft.com
262-742-3898
901-744-4444
lauderdalelakesmarina.com
www.memphisboatcenter.com
www.overtons.com
Parker Business Planning Orlando, FL
Fort Fremont Marine
407-843-8808
Fremont, WI
Liquid Sports Marine
Midwest MasterCraft
920-446-3220
Orlando, FL
Crystal, MN
www.fortfremont.com
407-281-7909
763-533-9666
www.liquidsportsmarine.com
parkerbusinessplanning.com
Pellaton Enterprises Brentwood, CA 209-815-2013 www.sbcglobal.net
29
MEMBER DIRECTORY Performance Ski & Surf
VS Marine
Orlando, FL
Atascadero, CA
407-859-7544
805-462-BOAT
www.perfski.com
www.vsmarine.com
PARASAIL OPERATORS & MANUFACTURERS
Estero Island Parasail Ft. Myers Beach, FL 239-440-2270
UFO Parasail Lahaina, HI
Just Chute Me
SD Watersports
Wakeboards.com
808-661-78836
Destin, FL
Lake Buena Vista, FL
Crystal, MN
www.ufoparasail.net
850-333-3984
407-939-0754
763-533-9666
www.sammyduvall.com
wakeboardwarehouse.com
www.parasaildestin.com
Watersports4U Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Marco Island Water Sports
Sebago Watersports
Watercraft Sales
Raymond, ME
Three Lakes, WI
Marco Island, FL
(207)-655-7547
715-546-3351
239-777-9977
www.sebagowatersports.com
www.watercraftsales.com
787-306-7667
Xtreme Parasail, Inc.
marcoislandwatersports.com
Honolulu, HI 808-737-3577
Silver Lake Marine
Waterskis.com
Silver Springs, NY
Crystal, MN
585-237-5185
763-533-9666
www.silverlakemarine.com
www.waterskis.com
Smooth Water Sports
White Lake Marine
Ganesvoort, NY
White Lake, NC
518-793-5808
(910)-862-3688
www.smoothwatersports.com
www.whitelake.com
The Twister Ski Shop
Wilson Watersports
Blair Athol Adelaide, SA
Edmond, OK
61428826400
405-330-0526
www.twister.com
www.wilsonwatersports.com
www.xtremeparasail.com
Nutin Fancy Fishin, Inc Dunedin, FL
YOLO Watersports, Inc. Captiva, FL
OBX Parasail, LLC
239-472-9656
Manteo, NC
www.yolowatersports.com
252-573-8909
Aquatic Adventures
Paradise Parasail
Panama City, FL
Ft. Myers, FL
850-236-8677
239-433-4337
www.pcbeachadventures.com
Pinky’s Parasail Atlantic Watersports
Gloversville, NY
N. Myrtle Beach, SC
607-272-7245
843-272-2420
The Wakeshop DHL & SKI Nashville
atlanticwatersports.net
Quepos Parasail
Old Hickory, TN 615-330-0655 www.thewakeshop.net
Marco Island, FL
Daytona Beach Parasail Daytona Beach, FL 386-547-6067 www.daytonaparasailing.com
30
239-970-0618
Sage Sailing Surfside Beach, SC 843-232-8383
Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park
Wake Park Project
Portland, CT
thewakeparkproject.com
Orlando, FL 407-353-4286
ASSOCIATIONS, FRIENDS & SCHOOLS
866-860-0208
SD Watersports
www.brownstonepark.com
International Tournament Skiing
Lake Buena Vista, FL 407-939-0754 www.sammyduvall.com
Jibtopia Wake Park
ASSOCIATES
Chapel Hill, NC
Groveland, FL 352-429-9027 www.jacktravers.com
919-801-0083
Siesta Key Watersports
www.jibtopiawakepark.com
Mt. Pleasant, SC
Sarasota, FL
800-742-4781
(727)642-2876 siestakeywatersports.com
Indexic, Inc
Orlando Water Sports
www.indexic.net
Complex
AWSEF Polk City, FL 863-324-2472 www.waterskihalloffame.com
Orlando, FL
Skys The Limit Watersports, Inc.
407-854-1800
Label Industries
www.orlandowatersports.com
Knoxville, TN 865-691-5141
Dunedin, FL
www.labelindustries.com
(727)389-2209
Wake Nation
St. Augustine, FL
www.firstflightinsurance.com
513-846-4063
Belter Insurance
www.wakenation.com
Willows, CA 1-800-540-2258
904-819-0980
www.belterinsurance.com
www.smilehighparasail.com
Kitty Hawk, NC 252-261-1903 x230
Fairfield, OH
Smile High Parasail
First Flight Insurance Group
Mission Bay Aquatic Ctr (SDSU)
CajunXcables Lafayette, LA
Top of the Line Parasail
www.cajunxcables.com
Tulsa, OK
Dunedin, FL
918-633-3952
727-403-8807 www.clearwaterparasail.com
FW Murphy
KC Watersports
www.fwmurphy.com
USA Water Ski Polk City, FL 863-324-4341
Paola, KS 913-783-4300 www.kcwatersports.com
Swimline Edgewood, NY
CABLE PARK OPERATORS
631-254-2155 x145
Texas Ski Ranch
www.swimline.com
Wakescout San Juan Capistrano, CA 949-496-2178 www.wakescout.com
New Braunfels, TX 830-627-2843
Action Sports Parks
www.texasskiranch.com
Tearepair, Inc.
Chester Springs, PA
Land o Lakes, FL
484-354-3096
800-937-3716
www.actionsportsparks.com
www.tear-aid.com
31
Bottoms Up
Don’t Let Boating Under the Influence Turn Your Life Upside-Down 19% of all recreational fatalities are alcohol related.
The U.S. Coast Guard asks all boaters to take a safe boating course and always Boat Responsibly!
www.uscgboating.org