MAY 2012
The Rise of Cable Parks Feature Section
Published by the
Manufacturer Profile
Skier’s Choice Shop of the Month
Texas Ski Ranch Retail Spotlight
Daytona Beach Parasail Malibu Director of Marketing
Nick Skally
+ INDUSTRY NEWS +MEMBER DIRECTORY 1
LETTER FROM HEADQUARTERS Operators, Cable Park Operators, Camps & Schools, and OEM suppliers. The strategic plan also From WSIA President, Jim Emmons Fellow WaterSports Friends, Spring is here and the season is upon us. The warmest temperatures on record are helping people everywhere get
2
outlines the course of action for
Equipment Manufacturers Similar to the boat funding,
the office to take the association
WSIA’s equipment manufacturers
in the next three to five years
also adopted a funding plan
including a succession plan.
in addition to normal dues for 2012. The idea was that the
Boat Manufacturers For nearly two years the Board
WSIA’s most valuable asset, its unified warning labels, should not be a free product. Equipment manufacturers have used the
their boats ready for the season a
worked to get a funding plan in
full 3-5 weeks earlier than in years
WSIA warning labels drafted by
place where boat manufacturers
past. This robust activity has
Chairman Gordy Holmes and
would support the WSIA in
also kept the WSIA busy. Since
the committee for more than
addition to their annual dues
the February Board of Directors
20 years. The Board ratified the
with a “per boat” fee of $10. The
meeting at Summit in the Snow,
concept of a flat fee with annual
proposal was adopted at the
so much has happened. First
caps for multiple/large quantity
most recent Board meeting. The
the board ratified the strategic
label users. This additional
boat manufacturers then turned
plan which included further
funding has helped the WSIA
to the WSIA for help with risk
development of the service
in its mission to be watersports’
management and the possible
“silos” or departments that WSIA
number one advocate.
development of safety standards
maintains.
designed specifically for the
Dealers & Pro Shops
Thanks to new additional
water sports segment. Peter
funding created by the Board
Rietz, WSIA general counsel
from the equipment and boat
was on-hand at the Crested
manufacturers the new budget
Butte Board meeting and held
that there must be at least two
allows the office to increase
subsequent boat manufacturer
dealer board members at all
its support in information
committee meetings offering a
times. Over the years, we have
technology, website marketing,
plethora of solutions for WSIA
had the pleasure to sit amongst
membership development,
boat members. Correct Craft’s
some our industry’s finest and
executive management and
Greg Meloon serves as the
most successful dealers in this
public relations. For 2012 and
committee chairman. Initial work
rotating capacity. Having the
beyond, the WSIA will be
reviewing warning labels and
dealer’s perspective at Board
comprised of the following
owner’s manuals is in progress
meetings is crucial and we
membership categories;
and we expect a report at
have been blessed to have had
Equipment Manufacturers,
the upcoming summer Board
some great participation. If your
Boat Manufacturers, Dealers &
meeting in June.
dealership (pro shop) has not
The by-laws of the WSIA state
Pro Shops, Friends of Industry,
joined the WSIA this year, I invite
Sales Representatives, Parasail
you to consider the nominal $100
fee and become a member now.
operators should send copies of
that thrive on the existence of the
The benefits exceed the fees
current warning signs and a copy
watersports industry. From resin
tenfold or more!
a safety video (if available) to the
suppliers to paper mills, these
Rietz Law Firm. But so far, there
brands are all selling raw materials
hasn’t been a good response from
to WSIA members and if the
our Cable Park members.
health of watersports suffers their
Parasail Operators More than three years ago, the WSIA was asked to help the parasail community with better insurance, advocacy and general leadership. Since then the WSIA mobilized and held several meetings including the first official parasail trade show. The January Surf Expo show now includes a section for parasail and has included
At the time of this writing,
health will suffer too. The WSIA
the committee is reconsidering
encourages all our members to
the original plan to gather these
talk with their OEM suppliers
documents in this manner,
about becoming a member in this
and we encourage all Cable
new category.
Park members to utilize this
Recent Camps & Schools Successes! The WSIA has had some opportunity to improve safety.
The new active members in
exhibits from nearly a dozen
our Camps & Schools division are
manufacturers and suppliers
already at work producing unified
including WSIA. Most recently, the
risk management and safety
WSIA organized safety standard
practices. The committee for this
meetings conducted by ASTM
work is chaired by Travis Moye
International, the world’s leader
of The Boarding School. WSIA is
in this space. The Rietz Law Firm
conducting further meetings this
is also working with the Parasail
month to determine the scope
Committee to help develop better
of the project and is interested
risk management systems. We
in comments from all interested
expect to have an update on this
parties. WSIA expects to host an
activity for the summer Board of
official organizational meeting at
Director’s meeting in June.
Surf Expo in September.
Cable Park Operators
OEM Suppliers
At the most recent Board meeting, an organizational meeting was held for cable park operators. Peter Rietz and his team attended several committee meetings outlining the steps to a safer operation. During the meeting it was suggested that the
Have you ever heard the
recent successes to share with its members. The most recent came in the form of a letter from Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano expressing gratitude for the WSIA’s work on the U.S. Coast Guard’s strategic plan. WSIA has been proud to serve on the National Boating Safety Advisory Committee —a Congressional appointment—for
more than six years and it was through this work that Secretary
cliché, “So goes the watersports
Napolitano recognized Larry
industry, so goes we?” Nothing
Meddock and the WSIA or its
describes the newly formed OEM
work with the Coast Guard and
Supplier membership category
the Strategic Plan.
better than this statement. The WSIA is keenly aware that beyond
WSIA advocates watersports
our front line membership that
and your membership dollars are
there are countless companies
having a positive effect for us all.
3
CONTENTS Cover photo by Travis Olsen, Red Rock Wake Park
8 12 16 24 26 34 4
Shop of the Month
Texas Ski Ranch Manufacturer Profile
Skier’s Choice Employee of the Month
Nick Skally Retail Spotlight
Daytona Beach Parasail Feature
The Rise of Cable Parks Directory
Active Members
INDUSTRY NEWS Texas Ski Ranch kicked off
Jounieh, Lebanon on May 26-27,
and wakeboard disciplines at the
another South Texas Summer
2012. The versatile Sport Nautique
3rd Asian Beach Games event on
with the 10th anniversary of
200 will tow the Stars of Florida
June 16-22, 2012 in Haiyang, China.
Cablestock.
Water Ski Show and the Super
The Ski Nautique 200 and the
Incredible
Air Nautique 230 is the exclusive
Super Air Nautique 210 are the
athletes,
towboat for the competition. This
exclusive towboats for the third-
live music
event will include the top-ranked
annual event. This multi-sport
performances,
athletes in wakeboard from many
event will include representation
sun tans
of the countries in the Middle
from the top ranked athletes
and bikinis
East.
among multiple countries in Asia. www.haiyang2012.cn/en/
gathered on the hot sandy beaches to celebrate
Nautique is proud to announce
wakeboarding and music. This
the 53rd Masters Water Ski &
Behind the new Nautique G23
year Cablestock was the first stop
Wakeboard Tournament held May
and for the first time ever in a
for the WWA World Wake Park
25-27, 2012 at Callaway Gardens
wakeboarding competition, a
Series and the Monster Triple
in Pine Mountain, Georgia, has
wake-to-wake 1080 was landed at
Crown. www.TSRcablestock.com
the 2012 Nautique Wake Games in Orlando, Florida. Harley Clifford was the first wakeboarder to land been selected by the United
it, and then was immediately
Nautique finally took the wraps
States Olympic Committee
followed by Oli Derome who went
off their new flagship boat, the
(USOC) as an Operation Gold
out and stuck the second 1080.
G23. With a dry weight of 5,400
event for Slalom, Trick and Jump.
The tricks were landed during
pounds, a 2,850-pound factory
A prominent honor for the 53rd
the special “expression session”
ballast system and room for 16,
Masters, Operation Gold is a
portion of the competition. Phil
the G23 wake is clean and really,
USOC program that rewards
Soven added another competition
really big at just stock settings.
athletes for earning medals at
victory to his list by winning the
Not only could it pull the pro
elite level events. It allows U.S.
Pro Mens category earlier that
men’s division at Wake Games
water ski athletes to earn money
day.
or Nationals right off the factory
by placing in the top-four in their
floor, but it will also lift riders to
division/event.
new levels — all without adding an
This is the first time any event
extra ounce of weight.
other than the Water Ski World Championships, Pan American
Two-time Wakesurf World
Nautique also announced they
Games or Pan American Water
Champion Rebecca Ort has joined
will exclusively tow the first
Ski Championships has been
the Centurion Pro Wake Surf
2012 IWWF Middle Eastern
selected as an Operation Gold
Team. Ort is a successful dentist
Wakeboard Championships, an
event. www.masterswaterski.com
from Switzerland and is unbeaten
event also featuring the Stars
since 2009 with 17 straight
of Florida Water Ski Show.
Also, Nautique announced they
competition wins. Ort is also the
The event will be held in Bay of
will exclusively tow the waterski
first woman to complete a surf
5
INDUSTRY NEWS
style 720 and a full reverse in
With the launch of their new
competition.
Liquid Force has announced the
Facebook overhaul, Indmar
Centurion’s team consists
BROstock attending athlete list:
has fostered an environment
of the most decorated wake
Tom Fooshee, Adam Fields,
to connect with fans on a more
surfers in the world, holding a
Collin Harrington, Steel Lafferty,
personal level in efforts to build
combined 11 World Wake Surfing
Shawn Watson, Shane
stronger relationships and bridge
Championship titles and includes
Bonifay, Kevin
connections directly with fans.
Henshaw,
Indmar’s interactive engine page
Bob Soven,
platform enables fans to check
Phil Soven,
out the 2012 Engine Line Up for
Raph Derome,
Axis, Malibu, Moomba and Supra
names like Bri Chmel, Keenan Flegel, and Drew Danielo. Centurion is proud to announce that junior pro Gordon Harrison
Ben Greenwood,
boats directly from the new
has joined the Centurion Pro
Aaron Rathy, Dean Smith, Danny
Facebook page. The new page
Wakeboard Team. Harrison has
Harf, Chad Sharpe, Mike Ennen,
also features a photo gallery for
had a successful string of event
Daniel Powers, Randall Harris,
each of the brand’s 2012 engines.
showings since he began his
Ricky Gonzales, Rusty Malinoski,
Fans can also request a test drive,
competitive career, including 5th
Jimmy LaRiche, Josh Twelker,
locate a dealer or even shop
Bob Sichel, Jeff Langley and
gear all directly from the new
Oli Derome are all scheduled to
Facebook page.
attend the annual floating party
In addition to the new engines
and double-up contest June 15-16
page and Share Your Rig App,
in Lake of the Ozarks, MO. The
Indmar has utilized Facebook’s
winner will go home with $15,000
new Timeline Milestone feature to
of the total $33,000 up for grabs.
give customers a unique insight
place at the WWA Nationals, 5th place at the WWA Worlds, and 2nd place at last season’s Monroe, WA King of Wake event, but his biggest highlight was taking first place and a $10,000 purse at the Lake Gaston Big Air Fair behind a Centurion Enzo. Frankie Panno joins Centurion Boats as Newest Pro Team Member. Centurion Boats welcomes the accomplished watersports athlete and his serious watersports resume as well as his established prowess in marketing and highly-visible promotions at major sporting events. Panno has a track record
Additionally, Nautic Distributors
innovation that has enabled the
has announced that Liquid
industry and sport to progress
Force will be supplying all their
and grow. They have also added
Canadian customers directly.
an Events button to detail the
Liquid Force will be using various
hottest watersports and boating
methods to best support their
events around the world.
customer base, whether it be
www.indmar.com.
shipping directly from the Liquid Force warehouse in Redmond, WA or from one of two Nautic warehouses in Barrie and Delta.
of success elevating other marquis
Slingshot announces the launch
brands and outfitters over the last
of their new wakeboarding
decade.
6
into Indmar’s rich history of
team film Lipsmack, by Patrick
Boat of the 2012 West Coast
won the Pro Jr. Men title and will
Wieland. The film is meant to
Wakesurf Open, held the
be moving up to the Pro Tour this
be a reminder that above all,
weekend of May 17-20 at Camp
year, riding his new Parks set up.
wakeboarding is supposed to be
Far West in Wheatland, California.
ronixwake.com.
creative and fun. Riders like Jeff
It will be a weekend full of boat
McKee, Oli Derome, Shredtown,
and board demos, clinics and a
Mike Ennen, Jeff House, Nate
competition for every level of
Perry, Dylan Miller, and Brian
wakesurfer with almost $12,000
Reeder all take a turn showing
in prize money up for grabs. Pros
The WWA Wake Park World
you their skills.
Dom Lagace and Chase Hazen
Series (WPWS) returns in 2012
will be on site for private wakesurf
for a 6th season of progressive
lessons. www.wakesurfopen.com
wakeboarding action. The cablepulled series will travel to six total stops within USA, France,
Tigé Boats announced Newfound
Netherlands and UAE. The USA
Boat Shoppe & Marine Supply,
will host three stops.
Inc. has joined the worldwide
Riders such as Dominik Guehrs,
network of authorized Tigé
TransWorld WAKEBOARDING
Freddy von Osten, Tom Fooshee
dealerships. Their brand new
announced the promotion of
and Daniel Grant will use the
dealership is under construction
Shawn Perry to Editor-in-Chief
features and corners of the cable
in New Hampshire and will be
of the sport’s leading print
to make each run as flawless and
completed the beginning of June.
publication. Perry, who previously
stylish as possible. With over
Their new showroom will display
served as the publication’s
$125,000 USD up for grabs, riders
the full range of Tigé models,
senior editor, brings a wealth of
from over 20 countries will have
provide full servicing facilities to
industry knowledge and editorial
their eyes set on championships
Tigé owners and house a pro-
experience to the magazine.
ahead, but only time will tell who
shop for all their boating needs.
During Perry’s tenure, the
accumulates the most points and
magazine has reached new
takes the overall championship.
Tigé Boats is excited to
heights, including increased
thewwa.com.
announce a strong new presence
readership and the development
in Northern California! In
of content-rich social channels on
partnership, California Marine
Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
Sports of Suisun and Fairfield & GoldKey Boathouse & Marine Service Center of El Dorado Hills have joined the Tigé network of dealerships. The first load of 2012
Ronix Wakeboards has
Tigés are scheduled to arrive at
announced that Japanese
their new dealership mid-May.
sensation Shota Tezuka has
Do you have water sports industry news to share? Email: wsreditor@wsia.net
joined their team. Tezuka is The Tigé Z3 is the Official Tow
coming off a big year, where he
7
SHOP OF THE MONTH
Texas Ski Ranch Better known in the wake community as “TSR,” Texas Ski Ranch has made a name for itself as one of the premier cable parks and action sport facilities in the US. Utilizing a mix of special events, social media, pro rider endorsements and good old business savvy, the now 70-acre facility will be going strong for years to come.
Cristine Bialick, “Resident Mom” and Head of Retail
fortunate to say that the locals
skatepark and cable lakes
keep us busy year round. Be-
right at 9:00. Regulars roll in
ing a very unique 70-acre venue,
early afternoon, and the pros
we also host events year round
usually ride later in the day.
including triathlons, mud runs,
Wakeboarders are not typi-
company team builds, concerts,
cally morning people! Week-
parties, project graduations and
the TSR facility open? Texas Ski
days at TSR are busy with groups
fraternity mixers to name a few.
Ranch opened in late 2000. We
from local camps and youth
started with a small Wake and
programs mixed with the con-
What has had the greatest im-
Skate Shop in a temporary office
stant stream of tourists and day
pact on growing your business?
as we began construction on the
visitors. The busiest time of the
The community of young people
lakes. Our first Skatepark opened
year for us in the past has gener-
that call TSR home is vital to our
Spring of 2001 and the main cable
ally been May through August.
stability as a facility. Add to that
lake opened in summer 2001. In
However, with the newest addition
our relationships with local univer-
2003 we added a full, private boat
of Spring Loaded, a 15,000 sq.
sities that we offer classes for (for
lake, and just three years ago we
ft. indoor trampoline park, along
credit, no less) and school dis-
added a two tower cable system.
with Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, we are
tricts that keep us busy with after
When did the various parts of
We have tried different sports or activities, have had a couple of restaurants; we even had motocross tracks for a few years. One of our biggest milestones was the opening of Wahoo’s Fish Tacos with a full bar overlooking the beaches last May! Including all your onsite activities, how many people visit TSR on a busy in-season day? How long is that season for you? There is no typical day at TSR, in or out of season. Summer days start early with campers and
8
younger riders hitting the
school programs and field trips
pockets and big budgets that big
sports industry, you most likely
during the school year. Plus our
amusement parks have so we lack
have no idea what a cable park is.
partnerships with key vendors,
the “finished” feel we would like to
This allows us to visually explain
high school teams and collegiate
have, but our staff has heart and
how anyone can get up and
team support,
passion. Good old
wakeboard without a boat, driver,
special events and
Texas hospitality
gas or even your own gear. We
tournaments and a
and a sincere pas-
provide it all and want to make the
steady stream of in-
sion for their sports,
sport accessible to anyone willing
formation and con-
and our facility
to learn. It is also excellent way for
tent on our website,
make them the best
those in the industry to see what
youtube and social
coaches, sales asso-
our events look like, what pro rid-
media sites helps
ciates, competitors
ers are doing out here and gives
our information
and ambassadors
our employees a platform to show-
travel quickly and
for Texas Ski Ranch.
case their hard work and talent.
easily. Also, our internal yearly evaluation of TSR, discussing
What online property or social
What is the breakdown of all the
what needs to be fixed and what
media is the most effective for
different parts of your business?
attractions can be added, what
you in driving new visitors to
- 30% Boat Sales and Service
works and what needs to go,
your park? YouTube has been
- 20% Cable
keeps us on our toes constantly
amazing for us because it al-
- 20% Board Shop
challenges us to find ways to
lows the public to really see and
- 10% Wahoo’s Fish Tacos
improve what we offer our cus-
understand all we have to offer at
- 10% Summer Camps
tomers. We don’t have the deep
TSR. If you aren’t into the water
- 10% Group Bookings/Special Events
9
SHOP OF THE MONTH You have multiple corporate
brought attention to the complex,
nerships within the park. Surf,
partnerships, host several annual
promoting wakeboarding in the
Winching, who knows? As the
events and competitions, and
community and bring eyes to TSR
athletes and sports evolve so will
are the home park for many ac-
as a whole. They drive traffic to
we. Change is good.
complished riders. What are your
events, bring out international
keys to success? The TSR family
competitors, help us catch the
What other aspects of the Texas
is key to success over the years.
eye of corporate sponsors and
Ski Ranch business would you
We have a number of dedicated
add credibility to what we do.
like to add? I’d like to add that
and passionate employees who
Corporate sponsors like Liquid
TSR is run very much like a larger
have devoted their lives over the
Force, SPY and MasterCraft also
business, with each “department”
past ten years to building and
play a crucial role in the growth
committed to earning each and
growing business at TSR. I could
of TSR because finances are the
every customer’s business, one
not put enough emphasis on
backbone to improving our com-
guest at a time. The business of
how important this long list of
plex every year and making sure
our business, however, is very per-
people have been to helping us
we offer the best to our custom-
sonal. If it was about the money,
not only keep doors open for ten
ers.
there are a lot easier ways to
years, but also constantly improve
make a living. A business like this
the property and come up with
What do you see as your great-
is day in, day out, 7 days a week,
new ideas and offerings for our
est business opportunity in the
365 days a year. When everyone
customers. Our extremely accom-
next 2-3 years? Music? Additional
else is on vacation, we are at our
plished team of local riders have
parks? Snow? Additional Part-
busiest. AND WE LOVE IT.
Spring Loaded, the TSR trampoline facility
10
Christine explains the love and passion that makes TSR a successful park: We love the kids who ride. All of them. We love the pros who compete, full out, with all they have, and then take the time to sign a little kid’s helmet and shake his hand. We love the families who call this time at the lake or the skate park their “family time.” We love the kids with absentee parents, who need the TSR family to be their family. We love searching for the latest styles, the most cutting edge gear, or the coolest accessories to fill the shop, and delight our customers. (Wispy
We have a passion for the sport, the adrenaline rush, the challenge, the sense of accomplishment. We love new technology like helmet cameras to record every move... And who doesn’t love old school longboards, bikinis and boardshorts? It’s gig kids teaching little kids, pros mentoring beginners, and so many other good things that happen here every day. It’s lots of band-aids and ice packs, yet it’s always a good day at TSR. ALWAYS.
sundresses and Toms sell amazingly well alongside skate shoes and wake skates!)
11
MANUFACTURER PROFILE
Skier’s Choice Dan Miller, Vice President of Sales Explain how the “Keep It Simple” and “No Worries” philosophy impacts your business strategy at both a manufacturer and dealer level. “Keep it Simple” is a mantra in both the Moomba Brand, and in our Skier’s Choice manufacturing philosophy. Moomba customers prefer not to have all of the electronics and bling that other brands offer. We design Moomba models so that they are easy for the customer to use, easy to
“No worries” plays a little bit on
culture here. Supra takes it a step
the Australian heritage of the
further to encompass refinement.
Moomba brand. The molds for
A Supra can’t just be functional; it
the very first Moomba Boomer-
has to be comfortable, luxurious,
ang originated in Australia. It also
innovative, stylish and, of course,
plays on the reliability theme in
safe. We want to build in some
Moomba. The Moomba customer
“wow” factor too. For Supra, it is
does not care if their boat has all
not enough to just be better in
of the latest gadgets. They want it
one area, or better just today. We
to operate as intended every time
are committed to pushing the
they use it. They want it to be
brand forward in many directions.
safe. And they want it to hold its
Product, dealer support, customer
value. Moomba does all of those
satisfaction, and training are all ar-
things.
eas that we discuss and attempt
Supra’s tag line, “Beyond Better,” speaks to our company’s commitment to constant im-
Describe the differences in your
provement—it is a big part of our
two brands, and how you market
maintain and easy to build. In our production plant, “Keep it Simple” is part of our Lean Manufacturing model. Why do something in 10 steps, if you can do it with equal quality in only 8 steps? Take the guesswork out of the process, so there is only one correct way to drill a hole, mount a handrail, or fit a seat cushion. Standards at each step of the production process leave little question whether we are on target or not. Quality and reliability are easier to deliver if we set clear and simple standards in everything from design, to manufacturing, to function.
12
to improve on a regular basis.
The Moomba Mojo
and sell each differently. Supra is
lenged all of the traditional ways
designed to appeal to the perfor-
of doing things, and encouraged
mance minded aspirational cus-
team members here to contribute
tomer. Our customers appreciate
to improvement on a daily basis.
the luxury, innovation, safety and
This downturn was so swift, and
amenities of a boat that has been
so severe, that it crippled many
well thought out, well engineered,
companies. We actually feel that
and well built. On top of that, we
it made us stronger. Even though
strive to give them a great owner-
our unit sales are lower compared
ship experience with our boats,
to the market peak in 2007, we
and with the service they receive
are stronger and more profit-
from Skier’s Choice, and from our
able than when we were last at
dealers.
this production level. Because of
Moomba on the other hand, is
Lean Manufacturing, and because
designed to be reliable, safe,
of downsizing, we now have an
and relatively simple. We don’t
incredible group of highly skilled
feel we have to be an innovation
boat builders throughout our
leader with Moomba. We do feel
entire production stream.
4
Supra Models
5
Moomba Models
140 Employees
110+
we have to deliver a consistently reliable product that competes
What Skier’s Choice boat has
very well in the value inboard
been the most profitable for the
category. We call it “best bang for
company in the last 2-3 years
the buck.” Moomba CSI scores are
and why? In Supra, the Launch
some of the highest in the indus-
22V has been our best boat for
try, because these boats are not
some time. The hull design on
as complicated, and they are very
the 22V provides a great ride,
reliable for the customer.
along with great wakes. It offers
Dealers, globally
1000 Approximate units built in the 2012 model year.
6x
versatile seating for many differWhat has changed in the way
ent activities on the water. And
Skier’s Choice does business as a
it has many of the performance,
result of the tough economy? We
and luxury amenities that Supra
are fortunate that we began our
customers have become accus-
journey in Lean Manufacturing
tomed to.
several years prior to the down-
In Moomba, it has to be the Mobi-
turn that started in 2008. We
us LSV. That has been our bread
great all around platform for any
didn’t just dip our toe in the pool,
and butter boat for a long time. It
watersport, even at an advanced
like many companies did. We
is a size (21’6”) that many families
level.
dove in, without a life jacket. Lean
are looking for. It is big enough to
thinking really transformed our
take a bunch of friends out, yet it
The pre-1999 “Early Days” of
culture to eliminate wastes, every-
is small enough to trailer and ga-
Skier’s Choice saw a number
where in our organization. It chal-
rage easily. And the wakes are a
of management and ownership
NMMA Customer Service Index Award winner – for both Supra and Moomba
13
MANUFACTURER PROFILE
Cruising with the Supra 22V changes—How does that experi-
the company from the ground up,
time. We really learned to boot-
ence make you a better company
because there was not much of a
strap along the way, because we
today? That seems like such
product line, or a distribution net-
had to. Those lessons have served
a long time ago! ...But we feel
work when we jumped in. It was a
us well during the last few years
that one of our strengths today
little scary diving into it when we
while the market has been tight.
is that Supra
did, because we
Our team is comprised of many
was really on
did not have a
industry veterans who have
lot of resources
banded together from other in-
at our disposal
board companies. I would put the
we joined back
Geographic Breakdown:
it in 1996. The
We are very strong in our
to grow the
experience level of our team up
company had
home base in the Southeast,
brands. We had
against anybody in the inboard
been through
its knees when
but the middle of the country
knowledge and
business. One thing that experi-
three owner-
from Texas to Minnesota is
we had con-
ence has taught us is that “big-
ship changes
not far behind. Like many
nections, and
ger” is not always better. Having
in the previous
companies in the boat indus-
enthusiasm, but
the biggest production numbers,
eight years, and
try the last few years, Canada
we did not have
the biggest number of employ-
had lost its way
continues to play a huge role
much money to
ees, or the biggest advertising
in the inboard
in our distribution.
spend. However,
budget is not as important to us
we did have
as having a solid grasp on our
three years to
business, growing at a sustainable
market. Moomba was only one
14
small boat model and not very
build some momentum before we
pace, and delivering brands and
well known to the market. We
purchased it in 1999, changing the
products that are profitable to
had the opportunity to rebuild
name to Skier’s Choice Inc. at that
Skier’s Choice, and to our dealers.
Another advantage we feel we
breathe boats and boat manufac-
have is that Skier’s Choice is
turing. We don’t report to a board
the only company in the top 4
of directors somewhere else. We
inboard builders that has not
can make long-term decisions
been sold in the past 4-5 years.
that are good for our business,
Our ownership and management
our employees, our dealers, and
team has been stable for the past
our community. Because we only
14 years. Consequently, we don’t
report to ourselves and to our
have to price in the expectations
employees, we can make long-
Malibu, or MasterCraft boats. We
of a large return on investment for
term decisions that might not see
compete with their vendors, their
a private equity firm who bought
results for 3-5 years. We don’t
production capabilities, and their
our company at the top of the
have to force short term deci-
dealers. A weakness in any link
market. We are not leveraged
sions, because we have to meet
of that chain is a weakness in the
with any acquisition debt that
somebody else’s expectations for
entire brand. Building long-term,
needs to be repaid. We have built
unit sales this month, or this quar-
mutually beneficial relationships is
this company since 1999 through
ter. Others are looking to build
one of the pillars of our company
internal cash flow, and not by
the value of their business so they
mission statement. We also make
going out and borrowing money.
can sell it to the next ownership
a concerted effort to listen to our
While that sometimes curtailed
group. We look to build value to
dealers and adapt our products
our growth, it has kept costs in
our customers.
and programs in areas where we
Skier’s Choice: 2011 WSIA Buzz Brand of the Year
can help them succeed. Again,
check and has enabled us to compete in markets (like Moomba)
What are the strengths of your
it is a long-term relationship ap-
that others have not been able
dealer network? What are your
proach. If they do well, then we
to. It has also helped us maintain
keys to managing that relation-
will do well.
profitability so can we invest back
ship? We feel that one of our
into our business.
key strengths is that our deal-
Where are the Skier’s Choice
The owners of Skier’s Choice
ers’ sense that we are all in this
brands focusing as growth op-
work here every day. We live and
together. We do our best to make
portunities in the future? We
The Supra 22V Worlds Edition
decisions that
have the luxury of having two
are good for our
brands competing at several dif-
entire supply
ferent price-points, so our focus
chain, because if
is different with each brand. We
they do well, then
are working hard to separate our
we do well. That
thinking in order to maximize the
same thinking
value of each brand to our cus-
applies to our
tomers, and to our dealers. I can’t
vendors also. At
divulge specific market initiatives,
the end of the
but we certainly feel that we have
day, we don’t
an opportunity to grow in the
just compete
next five years.
with Nautique,
15
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Nick Skally Director of Marketing, Malibu Boats/Axis Wake consisted of Nodica Ski, Prince
a higher disposable income than
racquet sports, Rollerblade in-line
your average consumer and the
skates, Kastle skis, Killer Loop
boat purchase is clearly a major
snow boards, skate boards and
investment. So, how you market
apparel, Ektelon racquetball and
and nurture that relationship is
Asolo technical footwear.
going to be considerably different
When I moved to the East Coast, I assumed the role of PR and E-
a lifetime relationship in both
Marketing Manager for all brands
industries, but that scenario is
under the Sportsystem Umbrella,
much more prevalent here in the
Nick Skally
which was an amazing experience
boat industry where the average
How did you get started in
that I’ll never forget. From there
purchase price is around $70,000
advertising and marketing?
I worked briefly at a Marketing
and the product’s life expectancy
I studied Public Relations and
agency in Princeton, NJ, as an
can be even more than 20 years.
Advertising at the University of
Account Executive for a variety of
(Although some of the more
Minnesota (my home state). I
clients and then returned to head
stubborn Prince consumers would
held various internships while
up Rollerblade USA’s marketing
hold on to product that long, even
in school, culminating with an
efforts and then Prince’s after the
though the integrity of the frame
internship at Rollerblade during
Sportsystem broke up and sold
had long since passed its prime.)
my Junior and Senior years.
off its brands. What are some of the key things
That internship led to my first professional position as a Public
How does your previous industry
you’ve learned in your first 90
Relations Coordinator and soon
experience compare or contrast
days in this industry, and at a
after I accepted that position, the
to your role at Malibu? I’ve spent
boat company? With the signifi-
company was purchased by the
the majority of my career in the
cance of a boat purchase the im-
Benetton Group, a clothing em-
sporting goods industry, and
portance of the relationship with
pire based near Venice, Italy. Ben-
while there are certainly some
the consumer can’t be overstated.
etton formed what was known as
parallels, there are some signifi-
I was surprised, however, to learn
the Benetton Sportsystem, one
cant differences. The principals of
how much of that relationship has
of the largest global groups in the
marketing still apply and some of
been outsourced to our dealer
sporting goods category (at the
the consumer demographic and
network.
time), and consolidated all of its
psychographics are very similar,
companies in Bordentown, NJ,
especially from our regular con-
strong dealer base which consists
about 15 minutes south of Princ-
sumers at my most recent role at
of some of the finest people I’ve
eton, NJ.
Prince Sports, Inc.
had the pleasure of meeting, I
The Benetton Sportsystem
16
in this industry. Ideally, you have
This group of consumers has
While we have an incredibly
would still like to see our brand
have a closer connection to our
are carefully managed, but main-
mance, and pride-in-ownership
consumers, working in concert
tain an intense focus on quality
for 30 years and will continue
with the dealers to provide infor-
and rider-focused performance.
to be the ultimate desire for any
mation, guidance and support.
The strict adherence to simplicity
boat customer.
and rider-focused design allows
We have positioned the two
What is the marketing strategy
us to bring you a boat that looks
brands to be the perfect comple-
behind the Axis Wake brand, as
better and performs better than
ment to one another and provide
it compares to the overall Malibu
any comparable model on the
the broadest range of models
brand? Malibu and Axis share the
market. It’s the perfect balance of
for any inboard towboat cus-
same DNA in how the boats are
style, simplicity and value for your
tomer. Remaining focused on the
constructed and perform out on
hard-earned dollars.
unique identities of each brand
the water, because regardless of
The Malibu brand offers our
and ensuring that all aspects of
brand, we only build a boat one
flagship series of boats and will
our R&D and Marketing efforts
way – the right way. However,
lead the charge in terms of indus-
continually support and embrace
where the two brands differ are
try innovation and performance.
this positioning is of the utmost
in their distinct style lines and the
Our patented Power Wedge,
importance.
available options for the different
MaliView rider presets, Malibu
customer preferences.
Touch Command System, and
What are your “top five” prin-
Axis is a youthful and edgy
some upcoming new and exciting
ciples in marketing decisions?
entry-priced brand with a con-
technologies all serve as proof of
1. Embrace new trends
tinuous focus on simplicity in
our leadership in innovation. The
2. Always start with a thorough
design. This focus helps the brand
Malibu brand has been leading
to insure labor costs and materials
the industry in quality, perfor-
understanding of the consumer and their needs 3. When possible/appropriate rely on analytics to drive decision making 4. Find out what makes your brand distinctive and focus intensely on the unique point of differentiation 5. Always plan an integrated offline and online strategy
17
18
19
RETAIL SPOTLIGHT
Daytona Beach Parasail Matt Dvorak, Owner/Founder
There were four licenses issued to operate parasail on Daytona
How long is that season? We are a high-volume water
Beach and by the start of our
sports business during the season
third year, we bought out one
and we employee as many as 30
How did your parasail business
of the other three licenses and
employees. We are open year
get started? Daytona Beach Para-
added a third USCG inspected
round (weather permitting). Our
sail stuck its umbrella in the sand
parasail boat. Our family and staff
busy season is June, July and
in 1999 on the beach in Daytona
worked very hard and contin-
August. We have added eco
Beach, Florida. We opened with
ued to be inventive, treating our
tours, charter fishing, boat rent-
one USCG Inspected 12 passen-
customers to an experience, not
als, kayaks, water bikes, sail boat
ger, CWS Ocean Pro parasail boat
just a ride.
rides, paddle boards, water skiing,
and we hired a parasail Captain
Customer service and safety
wakeboarding, and a water taxi to
from St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
were the two most important fac-
our repertoire in an effort to cre-
to operate the boat. I worked as
tors in my business. We continued
ate a more consistent year-round
mate and shuttle boat Captain,
to grow eventually after our 7th
business model.
while my wife worked signing up
season we owned and operated
the guests.
all the parasail licenses on Day-
You have been a leader in the
tona Beach.
work with ASTM International to
Dedication and hard work paid off, and by the start of our second
establish national parasail safety
season, we purchased a second
How many employees do you
standards. Why is that, and how
USCG inspected parasail boat.
have when you are in-season?
will this work change the parasail industry? I take pride in the safe experience offered to our guests here at Daytona Beach Parasail. I feel as an industry we need to make strides to standardize safety practices. If we do not come together as a united front and create standards that are safe for the guests and workable for a business, we will have them given to us with no consideration for business or profitability. We need every operator to follow safe standards so that we can all still have jobs and business in the years to come.
One of Daytona Beach Parasail’s boats
20
What are your keys to success
laptop and the younger
in your day-to-day operations,
generations are using
especially in staff training and
them for everything. A
best practices? The key to our
large Internet presence
success lies in the reward of the
is a necessity for any
smiles received as people return
business in the years to
from their parasail experience. We
come.
believe that we are in the business of creating meaningful memories
Looking ahead, where will you
for our guests. We strive for those
take Daytona Beach Parasail?
memories to be spectacular, as
In preparation for future growth,
people travel from great distances
we just recently purchased
to fulfill lifelong dreams, celebrate
Lighthouse Boatyard & Marina.
milestones in their lives and even
We hope to become more than
check items off of their bucket
just a parasail operation, but a
lists. We have also found innova-
destination. The expansion of the
tive ways of documenting these
boat yard and the marina will give
experiences with photo packages
us the opportunity to grow into
and the use of GoPro helmet
more activities in the future. We
cams to capture the perspective
are working together with other
of our guest.
local business in our immediate
We have a rigorous train-
area to tour the lighthouse, visit
ing program in place for all of
the Marine Science Center, play
our staff. We expect all staff to
on the sand dunes in the state
treat our guests with the utmost
park, enjoy waterfront fine din-
respect and have a good general
ing and tiki bars or rent a jet ski.
knowledge of all the inner work-
All are available within walking
ings of all the activities offered at
distance of Daytona Beach Para-
our facility.
sail. Not just a parasail company
Sailboat trips
anymore! Kayak rentals
What aspect of your marketing has worked best for finding new customers? Internet is our fastest growing area of marketing. Everyone has a smart phone and a
Two parasailers lifting off
Private charter boats
21
FEATURE
The Rise of Cable Parks The number of cable parks operating or in development continues to rapidly increase, and they are steadily changing the water sports industry. To better understand this growth and some of the impacts it will have, we surveyed several park operators with the following three questions:
1. What is fueling the growth of Cable Parks in your part of the country? 2. How do you see the growth of Cable Parks impacting the larger water sports industry? 3. What is the biggest challenge in starting/ operating a Cable Park? Sean Hollonbeck, KC Watersports
ticipate in.
more people become addicted to
The great
wakeboarding you will continue
thing is
to see expansion in the number
Cable
The growth is being fueled by
of Cable Parks. It is all fueled by
Parks fit
the participants! We have seen
what the public wants. Right now
right into that arena. It is also due
growth in the number of riders
it feels like people want a fun,
to the increased marketing efforts
that are visiting our park from all
safe, affordable activity to par-
of the existing parks. They have
KC Watersports
22
over the country. As more and
Construction underway at Red Rock Wake Park in St. George, Utah
all spread the word and it is just
walk into a bank and get a loan.
now starting to catch like wildfire.
But once you do have those two
The growth of Cable Parks
hurdles accomplished all you have
is greatly impacting the water
to do is put a hole in the ground
sports industry as a whole. Cable
and stand up a couple of tow-
Parks are delivering access to
ers and boom you have a cable
means in the past to try the fun
water sports to the general public
park! (Hahaha) Once the park
water sports.
at a reasonable price. With more
is up and going there is a differ-
I think it does nothing but grow,
people having access to water
ent set of challenges. I would say
grow, grow. Almost everyone
sports it allows a greater oppor-
the biggest challenge is getting
loves water sports, and to provide
tunity for new businesses to form
the people through the door. It is
a more cost affordable way for
and greater competition within
always a challenge to get people
people to get out and do those
the industry. For example if you
to step out of their comfort zone
sports, is a win-win for everyone.
look at the wakeboard manufac-
and try something new.
crease, but not only due to cable
turers they all have developed more durable bases for use at Cable Parks. There are many challenges in
I think that boat sales will de-
Travis Olsen, Red Rock Wake Park
parks. The cost of fuel is going to be the largest factor. By far the biggest challenge in starting up a park is coming
starting and operating a Cable Park. The first challenge is getting
I’m sure everyone has the same
up with the funding... if you are
it started. The two biggest hurdles
comment of fuel prices, but boat-
loaded with money, then that is
are location and funding. Loca-
ers are still going to go boating
out of question, but if you are like
tions are tough because it needs
regardless of the price of fuel. I
the majority of wakeboarders,
to be as central of a location as
think that the growth of cable
you don’t have a ton of capital
possible, but cost is a major issue.
parks as a whole is to provide
to throw into a potential multi-
Funding is also very challeng-
wakeboarding / water skiing to
million dollar investment. Aside
ing because you no longer just
those people who haven’t had the
from the initial capital investment,
23
THE RISE OF CABLE PARKS
Wake Nation Cincinnati dealing with the city, and state is
ing to our parks in large numbers
revenue source to the city. Large
always a hassle. I’m sure that once
looking for a fun, family-friendly
developers who build multi-use
we are up and running, we will be
activity they can do together, that
developments view cable parks as
faced with a whole new group of
won’t break the bank.
an anchor to their property.
challenges.
Peter Kennedy, Wake Nation
We see a lot of interest in building cable parks from individuals,
the US has a huge impact on the
municipalities and large develop-
entire water sports industry. Every
ment groups. Individual investors
day, Wake Nation introduces new
are looking for a fun, exciting
customers to the water sports
business they can be passionate
industry. These new custom-
We operate parks in Texas and
about. Municipalities are look-
ers buy wakeboards, life jackets,
Ohio. We have seen the sport
ing to offer their local population
board shorts, boats, etc. In the
explode in recent years mainly
the greatest recreational op-
coming years, the entire water
due to accessibility. In the past,
tions available. Cable parks offer
sports industry will feel the effect
families could only wakeboard or
municipalities not only a unique,
of cable parks.
water ski if they had access to a
world-class experience, but also a
boat, a large body of water, gas, insurance, etc. Today, an entire family can wakeboard at Wake Nation for less than the cost of taking out their own boat out on the water. Because of this accessibility, people who had never heard of wakeboarding are com-
Texas Ski Ranch
24
The growth of cable parks in
Truly the biggest challenge in
starting a cable park is under-
this happening all the time at
like we like. Cable Parks in Florida
standing the business model.
Texas Ski Ranch.
allow riders to enjoy the sport
People have inflated expectations
Permitting can be the biggest,
of wakeboarding in a controlled
of what a cable park will generate.
either that or it takes a strong
environment year round. Tourists
Wake Nation is fortunate because
team, a business mind and a dedi-
are also looking for something
we operate multiple cable parks
cated individual in the industry.
new and exciting to try and with
and have a deep understanding
I have seen many projects with
over 20 million tourists in Miami
of revenue potential in various
only one half of this equation and
every year I expect there to be a
markets. This allows us to spend
they usually fail.
few more parks in my area in the
the appropriate amount in the development stage and also allows us to properly manage our profit margin.
next 48 months!!
Todd Arnold, Cable SK8
Cable Parks today are evolving into these great water sports complexes that attract families, and tourism to the city and are
Blake Hess, Texas Ski Ranch
now offering so many more opportunities to the patrons other than just wakeboarding. Most parks offer instruction for wake-
The ease
board, wakeskate, and SUP. Cable
of entry
SK8 and other parks are now of-
for partici-
Cable Parks can offer thrill of
fering after school programs and
pants to get
wakeboarding, wakeskating,
summer camps to help promote
involved in
kneeboarding, skiing and SUP
the limitless ends of water sport
the sport!
with very little financial burden
enjoyment. Parks really do well
Before it was hard to get the op-
to the rider. Board Sports and
in their Pro Shops by offering
portunity to try water sports, now
Extreme Sports in general are
demos to new equipment, and
that get’s easier every day as a
taking over the team sports draw.
holding national tournaments at
new park opens!
Board sports are the cool thing to
parks is drawing a lot of new and
do and everyone wants to try it.
very young spectators. The more
growing and hopefully doubling
Waterways are overcrowded and
people on the water means more
in size over the next 10 years. The
conditions are not always smooth
product sold, a larger population
I see the water sports industry
talent level will increase as well. Kids are starting younger and spending 10 times the amount of time on the water than they were able to years ago. On the flip side of it I see boat sales growing as well. With more participants there will be growth everywhere. Cable is just the hook to get them involved in water sports. We see
A rendering of Cable SK8 wake park, now in development
25
THE RISE OF CABLE PARKS of users, more boats sold, and
due to non-funding. Cable SK8
more sponsorship and profes-
Wake Park is a venture that I am
sional riders to attract the next
self-funding in South Florida and
generation. By having an opera-
hopefully in a few years with my
tion where “no boat is necessary”
income statements, I can start
it opens the doors to millions of
another park and get the funding
new users at a much lower cost.
to build it. If there was an institu-
As with any development you
tion that saw the value of a Cable
need to go through the permit-
Park Industry and would lend
ting process with the city and
money I believe that there would
county health departments. But
be over 100 Full Size Cables in the
I think that the biggest chal-
US right now.
lenge facing the next Cable Park
other financial lending institutions don’t understand the viability of
Phillip Smith, Cajun X Cables
the business yet which makes construction and business loans,
In and around Louisiana, the big-
funding in general, very hard to
gest thing fueling cable parks is
come by. I have designed several
the “accessibility” of wakeboard-
full sized cable parks in AZ, CA,
ing. If you can’t drive or don’t
and Florida with city approv-
know someone personally that
als, only to have to walk away
you can go in their boat, then you
Cajun X Cables site plan and rendering
26
less of a hassle and more convenient. Parents can easily drop off teens, stay and watch them ride, or try it out themselves. Prices are more affordable, at Cajun X Cables you can ride for less than $40 all day. Behind a boat $40 usually gets me one set, which is about 20 to 30 minutes. In a boat you are also limited to the num-
developer, and industry as a whole, is the fact that banks and
are unable to ride. Cable Parks are
ber of passengers. Where as at the Cable Park you can have your friends ride with you, watch, or hang out at the same time. I grew up behind the boat and still take sets frequently but the Cable Park is my choice 9 times out of 10. Cable Parks are and will be a huge reason the water sports industry is growing at double the speed it has in resent years. Just
Hydrous Wake Park in Allen, Texas the mass amount of people that
towers, access, future growth,
to board without a boat make it
will be exposed to the sport in
and budget. It took a whole year
easier for beginners to pick up
Louisiana alone through Cable
before I found a property I was
the sport. Cable is easy and the
Parks will double if not triple in
happy with. If you have your
cost is right.
the next year. People that I have
property then everything else
talked to have not tried wake-
falls into place. Before I stepped
people into the sport. With this
boarding for two reasons. First,
onto my property the park was
growth the board companies
they don’t want to commit to
just a dream on paper. It’s not an
should really benefit. We are see-
buying a board or other gear.
easy road at all, but property is
ing new people already upgrading
Second, most people don’t have
the biggest and hardest step I’ve
their equipment.
a boat or can’t frequently access
encountered.
one. Therefore, they would not get their money’s worth. Cable Parks allow people to wakeboard with everything provided. Which
We think it will bring many new
The biggest challenge we are facing is scheduling times. We
Chad Lacerte, Hydrous
feel that the demand is starting to pick up and that we will not have enough time to teach all the peo-
gives them more confidence to
ple that come through the door.
buy the proper gear and ride
If you are interested in starting a
whenever they want.
park make sure you do all your Hydrous is located in a nice
research before you put to much
to list one, would be finding the
park in the middle of the city
into it. Know the rules and follow
property. Everything falls on the
and it attracts a lot of people just
them. Make sure you join the WSIA
location: Lake size, how many
driving by. We feel being able
to learn more about our industry.
The biggest challenge, if I have
27
MEMBER DIRECTORY MANUFACTURERS: BOATS
Argotrak
Griffin Boards
Pleasurecraft
Naples, FL 239-300-2197 www.argotrak.com
Denver, CO 303-815-5161 www.bluegriffins.com
Little Mountain, SC www.pleasurecraft.com
Aquaglide
HO Sports
White Salmon, WA 509-493-4938 www.aquaglide.com
Redmond, WA (425)-885-3505 www.hosports.com
Merced, CA (209) 384-0255 www.centurionboats.com
Boaters Insurance Marine
Indmar Products Co.
Malibu Boats
Boatfun Sports, Inc
Merced, CA (209) 383-7469
Liberty Township, OH 513-379-0506 www.boatfunsports.com
Correct Craft Orlando, FL (407) 855-4141 www.nautiques.com
Fineline Industries
MasterCraft Vonore, TN (423) 884-2221 www.mastercraft.com
Sanger Boats Fresno, CA (559) 485-2842 www.sangerboats.com
Skier’s Choice Maryville, TN (865) 983-9924
Tige Boats Abilene, TX (325) 676-7777 www.tige.com
MANUFACTURERS: EQUIPMENT Acme Propellers Big Rapids, MI 888-661-2263 www.acmemarine.com
AM Skis Orlando, FL 407-412-5971 www.amskis.com
28
Rave Sports St. Paul, MN 651-255-4805 www.ravesports.com
Rixen Cableways GmGh Millington, TN 901-353-9930 www.indmar.com
Deachau, Germany 498737-54700 www.rixen-seilbahnen.de
Roswell Wake-Air Inland Surfer Bellevue, WA 425-747-6055
Cocoa, FL 321-890-7120 www.roswellwakeair.com
Bonnier/Transworld Wakeboarding
Jet Pilot
Sesitec
Winter Park, FL 407-628-4802 www.bonniercorp.com
Vista, CA 760-734-111 www.jetpilot.com
Orlando, FL 407-353-4286 thewakeparkproject.com
Breathe Boardwear
Kent Sporting Goods
Slingshot Sports
Rathgar, Dublin, Ireland 353-1-4914170 breatheboardwear.com
New London, OH www.kentwatersports.com
Hood River, OR 509-427-4950 www.slingshotsports.com
Kwik Tek Connelly Skis Lynnwood, WA (425)-775-5416
Denver, CO 303-733-3722 www.airhead.com
Custom Chutes, Inc.
Nash Mfg / Nash Sports
Bradenton, FL 941-753-4818
Fort Worth, TX 800-433-2901 www.nashmfg.com
DECKadence Ft. Lauderdale, FL 954-536-3660 www.marineflooring.net
Carson, CA 310-320-7873 www.sportdimension.com
Square One Dist. Issaquah, WA 425-369-6850 www.squareoneco.com
O’Brien International Redmond, WA 407-852-2424 www.obrien.com
Eagle Sports Houston, TX 800-862-4424 www.eaglesports.com
Sport Dimension
Top of the Dune Mary Esther, FL 850-855-4335 turn-key-marine.com
Pacific Watercraft Redmond, WA 206-257-2301 www.solowatersports.com
XSR Xtreme Storage Rack Twin Falls, ID 208-431-1118 www.boardstoragerack.com
ZF Marine LLC
Boulder Boats
Dartmouth, MA 401-261-1964 www.zf-marine.com
Boulder City, NV 702-293-1122 www.boulderboats.com
Zup Board Company
Central Valley Marine
Williamsburg, VA 757-870-8900 www.zup.com
Campbell, CA 408-371-6681 www.cvmarine.com
Lauderdale Lakes Marina Elkhorn, WI 262-742-3898 lauderdalelakesmarina.com
Orlando, FL 407-281-7909 www.liquidsportsmarine.com
Marine Sales Group
Action Water Sports of Fenton
Conneaut Lake, PA 814-382-3255 www.navcompany.com
Charlotte, NC 336-918-6821 www.marinesalesgroup.com
Fenton, MI 810-629-1342 actionwater.com
East Coast Flightcraft, Inc.
MarineMax, Inc.
Action Water Sports, Inc.
Middleton, MA 978-777-1721 www.eastcoastflightcraft.com
Clearwater, FL (727)-531-1700 www.marinemax.com
Hudsonville, MI 810-629-1342 actionwater.com
Fort Fremont Marine
Mattos Marine Diesel Services
Adrenaline Watersports Belevue, WA 425-746-9253 adrenalinewatesports.com
American Marine & Motor Sports Shawano, WI 715-526-4300 www.americanmarina.com
Fremont, WI 920-446-3220 www.fortfremont.com
BoardCo. Inc Springville, UT 801-747-3539 www.boardco.com
Nautiques of Orlando
Fort Myers, FL 239-332-2515 www.mattosmarine.com
Gull Lake Marine Richland, MI 267-627-4507 www.gulllakemarine.com
MC Boats of Arkansas
Orlando, FL 407-425-2678 www.orlandonautiques.com
Greenwood, SC 264-223-2275 www.gunnellsmarine.com
Omaha Marine Center Omaha, NE 402-339-9600 www.omahamarinecenter.com
Overton’s Greenville, NC www.overtons.com
Pacific Nautiques
Conway, AR 501-513-2628 www.mcboats.com
Pacific, WA 253-833-4140 pacificnautiques.com
Memphis Boat Center
Parker Business Planning
Gunnells Marine Memphis, TN 901-744-4444 www.memphisboatcenter.com
Orlando, FL 407-843-8808 parkerbusinessplanning.com
Idaho Water Sports Burley, ID 208-678-5809 www.idahowatersports.com
Bart’s Water Sports North Webster, IN (574)-834-7666
Elizabethtown, NC 910-247-6201 www.nautiqueparts.com
Offshore Marine, Inc
Barefoot Central Katy, TX 281-395-9751 www.barefootcentral.com
Salt Lake City, UT 801-973-4017 www.marine-products.com
Nautiqueparts.com Liquid Sports Marine
Conneaut Lake Navigation
DEALERS
MP Marine Products
Miami Ski Nautique Miami, FL 305-438-9464 www.miamiskinautique.com
Pellaton Enterprises Brentwood, CA 209-815-2013 www.sbcglobal.net
Island City Watersports Cumberland, WI 715-822-8337 islandcitywatersports.com
Midwest MasterCraft
JC Sports
Missouri River Marine
Seneca, SC 864-882-4212 www.skijcsports.com
Great Falls, MI
Crystal, MN 763-533-9666
Performance Ski & Surf Orlando, FL 407-859-7544 www.perfski.com
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MEMBER DIRECTORY SD Watersports
White Lake Marine
Nutin Fancy Fishin, Inc
Lake Buena Vista, FL 407-939-0754 www.sammyduvall.com
White Lake, NC (910)-862-3688 www.whitelake.com
Dunedin, FL
Sebago Watersports
Wilson Watersports
Raymond, ME (207)-655-7547 www.sebagowatersports.com
Edmond, OK 405-330-0526 www.wilsonwatersports.com
Silver Lake Marine Silver Springs, NY 585-237-5185 www.silverlakemarine.com
Smooth Water Sports Ganesvoort, NY 518-793-5808 www.smoothwatersports.com
The Twister Ski Shop Blair Athol Adelaide, SA 61428826400 www.twister.com
The Wakeshop DHL & SKI Nashville Old Hickory, TN 615-330-0655 www.thewakeshop.net
VS Marine Atascadero, CA 805-462-BOAT www.vsmarine.com
Wakeboards.com Crystal, MN 763-533-9666 wakeboardwarehouse.com
Watercraft Sales Three Lakes, WI 715-546-3351 www.watercraftsales.com
Waterskis.com Crystal, MN 763-533-9666 www.waterskis.com
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PARASAIL OPERATORS & MANUFACTURERS Aquatic Adventures Panama City, FL 850-236-8677 www.pcbeachadventures.com
OBX Parasail, LLC
Smile High Parasail
Paradise Parasail
St. Augustine, FL 904-819-0980 www.smilehighparasail.com
Ft. Myers, FL 239-433-4337
Top of the Line Parasail Parasailing the Harbor Dallas, TX 214-317-0845 parasailingtheharbor.com
Pinky’s Parasail Gloversville, NY 607-272-7245
Pleasure Island Parasail Orange Beach, AL 251-609-0244 pleasureislandparasail.com
Quepos Parasail
Estero Island Parasail
Sage Sailing
Lake George, NY 518-668-4644 lakegeorgerecreation.com
Lahaina, HI 808-661-78836 www.ufoparasail.net
Watersports4U Bayamon, Puerto Rico 787-306-7667
Xtreme Parasail, Inc.
Daytona Beach, FL 386-547-6067 www.daytonaparasailing.com
J.D.Q. Inc.
Dunedin, FL 727-403-8807 www.clearwaterparasail.com
UFO Parasail
Daytona Beach Parasail
Ft. Myers Beach, FL 239-440-2270
Dunedin, FL (727)389-2209
Manteo, NC 252-573-8909
Atlantic Watersports N. Myrtle Beach, SC 843-272-2420 atlanticwatersports.net
Skys The Limit Watersports, Inc.
Marco Island, FL 239-970-0618
Surfside Beach, SC 843-232-8383
SD Watersports Lake Buena Vista, FL 407-939-0754 www.sammyduvall.com
Honolulu, HI 808-737-3577 www.xtremeparasail.com
YOLO Watersports, Inc. Captiva, FL 239-472-9656 www.yolowatersports.com
CABLE PARK OPERATORS Action Sports Parks
Just Chute Me Destin, FL 850-333-3984 www.parasaildestin.com
Siesta Key Watersports Sarasota, FL (727)642-2876 siestakeywatersports.com
Chester Springs, PA 484-354-3096 www.actionsportsparks.com
Adrenaline Adventures Marco Island Water Sports Marco Island, FL 239-777-9977 marcoislandwatersports.com
Sky Pirates Watersports Destin, FL 850-837-5797 skypirateswatersports.com
Headingly, Canada 204-800-2060 www.adrenalinemb.com
Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park Portland, CT 866-860-0208 www.brownstonepark.com
Cable Sk8 Homestead, FL 602-663-2623 facebook.com/cablesk8
CajunXcables Lafayette, LA www.cajunxcables.com
Hexagon Wake Park Roxboro, NC 336-263-6412 www.hexagonwakepark.com
Jibtopia Wake Park Chapel Hill, NC 919-801-0083 www.jibtopiawakepark.com
KC Watersports Paola, KS 913-783-4300 www.kcwatersports.com
Texas Ski Ranch
Indexic, Inc
Mission Bay Aquatic Ctr
New Braunfels, TX 830-627-2843 www.texasskiranch.com
Mt. Pleasant, SC 800-742-4781 www.indexic.net
(SDSU) San Diego, CA
Wake Nation
Label Industries
Fairfield, OH 513-846-4063 www.wakenation.com
Knoxville, TN 865-691-5141 www.labelindustries.com
Wake Park Project
Swimline
Orlando, FL 407-353-4286 thewakeparkproject.com
Edgewood, NY 631-254-2155 x145 www.swimline.com
Western Oasis Wakeplace
Tearepair, Inc.
USA Water Ski
Minden, NV 775-315-2468 www.wowwakeplace.com
ASSOCIATES
Cave Creek, AZ 480-221-0503 www.bartlettlake.com
Hialeah, FL 305-476-9253 miamiwakeboardcomplex.com
Boating World
Wake School Argentina Buenos Aires, Argentina 5411-4728-0031 www.wakeschool.com.ar
Wakescout San Juan Capistrano, CA 949-496-2178 www.wakescout.com
REPS Matt McDevitt
AWSEF
MasterCraft Maryville, TN matt.mcdevitt @mastercraft.com
Polk City, FL 863-324-2472 www.waterskihalloffame.com
Parker Stair
Belter Insurance Willows, CA 1-800-540-2258 www.belterinsurance.com
Orlando, FL 407-854-1800 www.orlandowatersports.com
ASSOCIATIONS, FRIENDS & SCHOOLS
Bartlett Lake Marina
Miami Water Sports Complex
Orlando Water Sports Complex
Land o Lakes, FL 800-937-3716 www.tear-aid.com
Polk City, FL 863-324-4341
Dive and Marine Consultants Boca Raton, FL www.dmci.com
MasterCraft Vonore, TN parker.stair @mastercraft.com
Luc Adams
949-660-6150 www.boatingworld.com
First Flight Insurance Group
NRS Rep Moscow, ID luc@nrsweb.com
Coleman Company
Kitty Hawk, NC 252-261-1903 x230 www.firstflightinsurance.com
Zane Schwenk
Wichita, KS 316-832-3084
Red Rock Wake Park
David Layne
St. George, UT 801-867-0241 www.redrockwakepark.com
FW Murphy
Ashland, KY
Tulsa, OK 918-633-3952 www.fwmurphy.com
International Tournament Skiing
Zane Schwenk, Inc. Winter Haven, FL activerep@aol.com
Groveland, FL 352-429-9027 www.jacktravers.com
IWWF Polk City, FL www.iwsf.com
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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