APRIL 2012
Centurion VP Manufacturing
Feature Section:
Shop of the Month
Retail Spotlight
Les Clark
Performance Manufacturer Profile
HO Sports Co. Published by the
Summit in the Snow Regal & Nautique of Orlando + INDUSTRY NEWS + MEMBER DIRECTORY
1
LETTER FROM HEADQUARTERS From WSIA President,
saved for those that have v-drive
revenue. A budget for 2012 was
Jim Emmons
and direct-drive boats. Imagine
proposed and adopted that
what this could have done to
includes a total operating budget
Virginia wake surf board and boat
of just over $270,000. New
sales! Typically, when one state
revenues have been created from
adopts a new law, usually others
the boat manufacturers and the
follow. This, obviously, could have
board and ski manufacturers.
created a huge financial blow to
Lastly, a new project called the
the industry. This is just one more
WSIA Auction was presented
great example of how the WSIA
and adopted. The WSIA will
has helped the industry avoid a
conduct an online auction to sell
multi-million dollar catastrophe
memorabilia and watersports
and how your membership
artifacts to help raise money
dollars are used to help the entire
for charity. Those interested in
industry.
donating a special item for the
Great news! We are coming off the best WSIA Board of Directors Meeting ever. On February 27, 2012 at the Summit In The Snow event, more than 35 individuals from every major watersports brand, (including dealers, associations, and media) were on hand to tackle the WSIA meeting agenda.
Executive Director’s Report
the WSIA’s work for the next
cause should contact the WSIA at 407-251-9039.
year or more has to be focused
Cable Park Division
As usual, Larry Meddock
more at the state level. The
There have been three new
provided an outstanding report
laws that govern our waterways
membership divisions created in
that included a lot of behind-the-
are primarily written by the
the past twelve months. First, the
scenes work with government
states. For two years now, Larry
cable park division was created to
agencies. Most notable was the
Meddock has attended the
help park operators and potential
work with the state of Virginia
National Association of State
park investors understand and
and a proposed law that would
Boating Law Administrators
manage the risk. There were two
have banned wakesurfing
(NASBLA) conference. NASBLA
cable park committee meetings
completely. Concerns with
is a very powerful association
held at the Summit In The Snow,
lawmakers were the dangers of
and if you have not met your
with as many as 15 operators
propeller strikes. When Larry
state’s administrator, you should.
present and another dozen
spoke to a Virginia senator, he
After spending years meeting the
that phoned in. WSIA’s legal
explained that sport specific tow-
BLAs from each state, the WSIA
counsel, Peter Rietz, presented
boats with inboard power do not
is being contacted regularly as a
information regarding risk
have propellers that are exposed
trusted source by administrators,
management that was worth the
beyond the transom, like their
before a proposed watersports
price of admission ten-fold! The
runabout cousins. The language
law is presented.
Summit is a great place for park operators to assemble and to
should be outlawed behind an
Financial Report & WSIA Auction
outboard or stern drive power
WSIA reported substantial
Miami Ski Nautique, and a new
boat only. Thus, the sport was
increases in membership and
cable park owner stated, ”What
of the proposed law was rewritten to state that wakesurfing
2
Because of this, it’s clear that
discuss matters that are common to their cause. Kim Laursen, of
The WSIA Board of Directors meeting at Summit in the Snow 2012 a great event the WSIA summit was! I not only learned so much,
among others.
grow revenue while providing more services for members.
If you did not attend this year’s
Camps & Schools Division
Summit, please plan to come next
Lastly, the newly formed Camps
more for this organization than
year – it’s well worth the effort.
& Schools division of WSIA
any other. A succession plan,
was officially brought before
however, is in place to expand our
the board for approval and
personnel over the next five years.
but I thoroughly enjoyed myself.”
Parasail Division The Parasail division is also
committee ratification. The BOD
making great headway towards
voted to place Travis Moye,
limiting liability and producing
of the Boarding School, as
standards. To avoid U.S. Coast
the committee chairman. This
Guard regulation, ASTM
group also has similar needs in
International (a world leader in
risk management and safety
standards development) held
standards that WSIA will provide.
the first standards meeting at
Larry Meddock has been a great champion for WSIA and has done
Armed with the best financial news the WSIA has reported in many years, the BOD increased the WSIA travel budget, which will allow Meddock and Emmons to get in the field for more faceto-face meetings. The WSIA
in Orlando in 2012. From that
WSIA’s Strategic Plan
meeting, Dan Schultz, of ASTM,
WSIA engaged Consensus
organized the next meeting at the
Communications to help produce
Summit. Some of the world’s top
The WSIA is doing more for
the WSIA’s first strategic plan.
operators were on hand, including
watersports than ever before
Through a series of meetings in
Greg Longnecker from Hawaii
and if you are not member of
January and February, Roy Reid
and Matt Dvorak from Florida.
the WSIA, I encourage you
and Jessi Blakley of Consensus
WSIA’s legal counsel, Peter Rietz,
to go to www.wsia.net and
did an outstanding job of
of The Rietz Law Firm, presented
consider joining YOUR industry
listening, learning and developing
risk management plans that were
association, because together we
a thorough, living document that
initially developed from his work
can do what none of us can alone.
will guide the WSIA for the next
with the snow sports industry,
five years. The overall goal is to
the January Surf Expo show
would like to encourage you to share your trade events and to invite the WSIA to attend.
3
CONTENTS
8 12 16 24 26 34 4
Shop of the Month
Performance Ski & Surf Manufacturer Profile
HO Sports Co. Employee of the Month
Les Clark Retail Spotlight
Regal & Nautique of Orlando Feature
Summit in the Snow 2012 Directory
Active Members
INDUSTRY NEWS Centurion Boats has had a news-
world’s best riders will compete
different events for a piece of
filled month. They announced
in a double-up contest for over
the $65,000 in prize money. The
that M&M Watersports of
$30,000 at the annual floating
event is free to the public and
Springville, Utah is returning as
party and competition.
will also feature exhibitions like
a certified Centurion dealership,
www.BroStock.com
freestyle jumping, barefooting,
they made Todd Gaughan the
hydrofoiling, show skiing and trick
new Wake Surf Director and
skiing. www.facebook.com/ malibuboatsfan/events Malibu Boats announced that Queen of Wake Amber Wing has
Wake Surf Pro Team Manager,
joined the team. She joins fellow
announced Brian Allred as its new
lady rippers Dallas Friday and
Wakeboard & Wakeskate Director
Tarah Mikacich.
and Pro Team Manager, and tapped Jim Emmons to be their
In other Malibu team news,
Performance Ski and Surf of
Marketing Director. Centurion
Canada’s top brotherly duo has
Orlando has announced the 2012
also announced that the 2012
renewed their commitment for the
Gravel Tour dates. The five-
Centurion USA Wake Surf
2012 season and are ready to rep
event series will be hosted at the
Nationals will be held on June
their boat sponsor in competition
Orlando Water Sports complex
29—July 1 in Ocklawaha, Florida,
on this year’s King of Wake Tour.
on March 31, May 5, June 16,
in partnership with Transition
www.malibuboats.com
August 11 and September 29, and
Watersports and USA Water Ski.
will be pulled by Nautique Boats.
Most recently, they revealed the
www.perfski.com
dates for their Backstage Pass photo shoot (which turns their annual product shoot into an exciting interactive media day) as May 22-24 on Lake Las Vegas. Anyone interested in being a
Supra Boats has signed two
part of the invitational event
Australian phenoms, Bradley and
can register at
Cory Teunissen. The two brothers
www.centurionboats.com
have been shredding the semi-pro ranks and now have Supra behind
Liquid Force’s world famous
them to continue their dominance
BROstock will
in 2012.
be taking place
The Malibu Open is returning
June 15-16
to Milwaukee’s Veteran’s Park
at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. Twenty-five of the
www.supraboats.com
Lagoon on August 3-4, 2012. Top pro water skiers will compete behind the Response TXi in
5
INDUSTRY NEWS
MasterCraft Boat Company announced that they signed promising junior pros Shota Tezuka and Daniel Powers to their already powerful team. They finished first and second respectively in the 2011 Jr. Men King of Wake tour, and both are expected to be fierce competitors again this year. www.mastercraft.com
Moomba Boats has released their 2012 app for iPhone and iPad,
Wake Nation Houston cable park
featuring tons of information like
has now opened for its second
boat specs, photos, videos, dealer
season. The first and only full-
locations, a direct phone line to
size cable wakeboarding park in
Moomba and even some bonus
Houston offers equipment rental
video material. Download the App
on-site, a pro shop, and riding
Store for free to your iPhone or
options from everyone from
iPad today.
beginner to veteran.
www.moomba.com
www.wakenation.com
Indmar launched a mobileLiquid Force teamed up with KC Watersports, GoPro and Alliance Wakeboard Magazine to organize a contest that allowed anyone to submit their best custom rail designs. The winning design by Chris Jones will be built and installed at KC Watersports this summer, and once it’s ready, he’ll
optimized website, which offers a summary of the brand’s full website with a design customized for viewing on hundreds of unique mobile devices. The new website helps users find a dealer, request a test drive or look up specs from the palm of their hand. www.indmar.com
be flown out to shred it himself
April 18-21, 2012 has been
for the first
announced as the date for the 9th
time with some Liquid Force team riders. He also won a GoPro Hero 2, a new board/binding setup from Liquid Force and a year subscription to Alliance Wakeboard Magazine. www.liquidforce.com/f4a/
Annual Byerly Toe Jam wakeskate Nautique became the official
contest. The event is a part of
towboat of the 2012 IWWF Pan
newly-announced The Wakeskate
Am Wakeboard Championships,
Tour, and will take place at The
which took place during the
Projects in Bithlo, Florida.
Board Up event in Ft. Lauderdale
www.thewakeskatetour.com
on March 22-24, 2012. The event was towed by the Super Air Nautique 230, provided by Miami Nautique International. www.nautique.com
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Dealers Schedule Your Appointments Now!
Competition News Raimi Merritt won her sixth
Wakeboard manufacturer Phalanx
World Cup Title at the IWWF
Wake has announced that Ian
Wakeboard World Cup in
Smith has joined the team for
The Liquid Force Free For All
their breakout 2012 campaign. Ian
promotion is back for its third
Mandurah, Australia. Raphael
will be putting his skills as a rider,
year to provide a day of cable
Derome wins at the FISE Extreme
product developer and sales rep
riding, food and drinks, demos,
Sports Festival in Costa Rica, the
for the state of Florida.
giveaways and more, all for free,
www.phalanxwake.com
all day. Starting at Texas Ski Ranch on
first pro competition in Central America, landing his first 1080 off a cable park kicker. At that same competition, Keith Lidberg took second and Marc Rossiter, third.
April 29,
Dylan Prideaux beat out Steel
The 2012 West Coast Wakesurf
the seven-
Lafferty, Tony Iacconni and
Open will return for its third year
location
Cory Tenissen to win the 2012
on May 17-20, 2012. Held at Camp
series travels around the country,
Moomba Masters event, capturing
Far West Lake in Wheatland,
getting people hooked on the fun
California and presented by Tigé
of water sports.
Boats, Wake9 and California
www.liquidforce.com/f4a/
his part of the $20,000 in prize money at the compeition in Melbourne, Australia.
Marine Sports, the event will include both pro and amateur
The WSIA’s Executive Director,
divisions, wakesurf clinics and
Larry Meddock, will be given the
more. Wakesurfing’s top talent
presigious Award of Distinction
will battle it out for over $9,000 in
by the American Water Ski Edu-
cash, and Wake9.com is providing
cational Foundation (AWSEF) at
a live web broadcast of the event
the annual AWSEF Hall of Fame
so anyone in the world can tune
Awards banquet on April 21, 2012.
in to see the action.
The award is in recognition of
www.wakesurfopen.com
Larry’s nearly 50-year career in water sports, 27 of which were as the Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Correct Craft/Ski Nautique.
Do you have water sports industry news to share? Email wsreditor@wsia.net
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SHOP OF THE MONTH
Performance Ski & Surf While working at a local ski shop, Bill Porter was inspired to establish a shop on the south side of Orlando to service several key chains of lakes, big tourist zones and the many skiers that came to town to train. Seeing a unique opportunity, Bill started Performance Ski & Surf in October of 1989. Now over 20 years later, and still at the original location, Performance has become a dominant player in the water sports retail business. come up with the name and additional structure for starting my store. Apparently my mother was so upset she didn’t talk to him for years. Once she finally admitted Performance main location
this to me, it has made for some good laughs.
What did you do to perfect your business plan for Performance?
What was your strategy for pick-
A funny story was that when I
ing up vendors for your store?
was formulating a business plan,
First on my list of vendors to
my mother enlisted the help of a
contact was Herb O’Brien, Brian
friend who specialized in help-
Gardner and Eddie Beverly at HO
ing business development. She
Sports. At the time, their brand
instructed him that his goal was
was the brand you had to have to
to talk me out of starting my own
be successful in this industry. They
business. I did such a good job
knew me from the work I’d done
people in our industry, believed
explaining what I wanted to do
at the other ski store. I explained
in my vision and gave me the
and my business implementation
my dream to them, told them
shot. Eddie then had to go to one
strategy that he not only got be-
what I wanted to do, and Herb…….
of HO’s top dealers at the time,
hind my idea, but also helped me
as he has often done with a lot of
Sammy Duvall, and tell him that
Bill with his daughter Gwennie
they were going to open my store in South Orlando. This did not go over well, but it further motivated all of us not only to grow our business, but also to become the nation’s top dealer for HO and Hyperlite products over the next 10 years. I’m very proud of that. And I’m very grateful to Herb, Brian and Eddie for believing in my dream. I’m very confident if you A Performance-sponsored rail at The Projects
8
asked them they would tell you it
At the Performance Gravel Tour stop at Orlando Watersports Complex was involved from the inception
ful the early trends on the growth
because of their loyalty to me and
of watersports gear will continue
to Performance. My only condition
to improve as the rest of the
was that I wanted to be “Dealer
world’s waters start to heat up.
No. 1.” And I’m very proud to tell
There is A LOT of great new gear
you that our customer number
and I think this should translate
today is 0001.
into improved sales!
As Q1 comes to a close, what are
As a business that has been
your thoughts on 2012, from a
selling online for a while, de-
retail sales perspective? Overall
scribe the impact internet sales
was a VERY good business move
we are seeing a small growth in
has had on your business. The
on their part. When Herb and
sales….boards and skis are up
Internet truly has transformed
Brian and Paul O’brien started
about 10%, but with the mild win-
our business, mainly as we have
their new venture, Ronix Wake-
ter we had, wetsuits / snowboard
been forced to change as the way
boards and Radar Waterskis, I
sales were definitely off. I’m hope-
consumers shop has changed. Be-
Window graphics at Performance for being the 1st Ronix dealer
50,000 15 2 Products sold in 2011
Employees
Locations
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SHOP OF THE MONTH
Over 400 wet suits in stock! ing a specialty pro shop with staff who really knows the products we sell, this definitely helps both our instore sales and even our online sales. However, I have watched our margins erode with online stores who strictly sell on price and have to offer free shipping / free incentives just to get consumers to buy from them. While I would think that consumers would value shopping from stores who have strong knowledge of
An array of wakeskates, wakeboards and soft goods of all kinds the products they are buying, I
I would expect this to increase
feel consumers simply shop for
as consumers continue to make
the lowest price they can get with
more online purchases.
their smart phones, and computers. The other large challenge is
What are your most popular
vendors selling direct. Having key
products this year? GoPro HD 2
categories like surfwear, footwear,
cameras continue to amaze me
snowboard companies and eye-
with sell-through. Their marketing
ware now selling direct on their
and the diversity of consumers
factory website this undermines
makes for a tremendous amount
all their brick and mortar shops
of sale opportunities. Among
that helped them get to where
water skis, we are definitely see-
they are today.
ing the Radar Strada and HO A-2
Currently our online business is Inside the Performance warehouse
10
about a third of our total revenue.
selling really well.
Photo: Mike Clancy
Packed floor-to-ceiling with water sports gear
Jason “Wee Man” Acuna, Bill Porter and Greg Tomlinson
What product category have
What do you forsee for the water
board Boat. The impact of this
you seen the most profit from,
sports retail business in the rest
boat will translate through the en-
and which one the least? From
of 2012? As I mentioned earlier…I
tire wakeboard market. Also with
a sheer profit dollars standpoint,
think we will continue to see both
Waterski Nationals being back in
GoPro HD2, Ronix Defy One
ski and board sales grow. Wake-
West Palm Beach this year, we are
Boots, Liquid Force Watson
surf business will also continue to
really excited to be a part of this
Hybrids, and Radar Stradas have
grow as more and more people
event and being able to see a lot
been the most profitable items.
are getting on board with this. I’m
of our customers from all over the
Closeout items….in both the
also very excited about Nautique
nation we only get to see face to
water, snow and surfwear cat-
releasing their new G23 Wake-
face at events like this.
egories have definitely hurt profit dollars. Excess/stale merchandise that is not moving, we have tried to liquidate to turn into cash to put towards products that WILL generate some profit.
At the Performance Gravel Tour
Performance location #2 at Orlando Watersports Complex
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MANUFACTURER PROFILE
HO Sports Co. Now in its 30th year, HO Sports Co., Inc. employs 40+ factory staff, nine factory salesmen, supports about 550 dealers with nearly 1,200 doors, and distributes the industry-leading brands HO Skis, Hyperlite Wakeboards, Accurate Ropes & Handles and Byerly Boards in 37 countries around the world.
Greg Nelson, Vice President of Marketing How did HO Sports start, and where is it headed? HO Sports has a storied history involving many players. Founded in 1982, the brand quickly rose to the top of the Slalom Ski market with skis like the HO Extreme. In the early 90s as wakeboarding was born, Hyperlite was founded and is the longest standing wakeboard
Hyperlite Team Rider and TransWorld Magazine “Legend,” Shaun Murray
brand in the marketplace. Much has changed in the past decade, including ownership, a few employees and some team athletes,
past behind while remaining true
decided that social media was a
to our passions as we forge ahead
great means to help tell our story.
in water sports.
Our goal was simply to engage
but HO Sports continues to push forward in our ever-changing marketplace with increasing momentum. This coming fall we will move to a brand new building in Snoqualmie, leaving some of the
our fans and offer a place where Hyperlite has more online fans
they could interact with us, and
than any other wake brand, and
it’s been a success. Hyperlite and
HO Skis also has a very active
HO Skis now have a daily dia-
presence. What is your strategy
logue with our fans and we enjoy
in using social media and other
giving away product to loyal fol-
forms of media? Less than three years ago we all
lowers. Our budgets have reflected these efforts, but our primary message is still delivered through traditional outlets including print and web initiatives.
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TOP-5 SELLERS HO Syndicate A2 Slalom Ski Hyperlite Marek Wakeboard by Rusty Malinoski Hyperlite System Binding HO Formula II Tube Hyperlite Indy CGA Vest
PRO TEAM
15|11 WAKEBOARDERS
WATER SKIERS
WSIA INNOVATION OF THE YEAR Hyperlite System Binding
WAKEWORLD RIDER’S CHOICE INNOVATION OF THE YEAR Hyperlite System Binding
Waterski Magazine SLALOM SKIER OF THE YEAR Will Asher, HO Team Skier
REIGNING MASTERS CHAMPION Jon Travers, HO Team Skier
REIGNING MASTERS CHAMPION Karina Nowlan, HO Team Skier
WATER SKI HALL OF FAME Wade Cox, HO Team Skier
PRODUCT BREAKDOWN
5 6 7 10 11 15 20 25 25 25
Kneeboards
Slalom Ski Boots
Wake Surfboards
Wakeskate Models
Slalom Ski Models
Wakeboard Boot/ Binding Models Rope & Handle Combinations
CGA Vests
Inflatable Tubes
Wakeboard Models
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MANUFACTURER PROFILE
What social media platform is the most valuable to HO Sports? We learned early on that focusing on one social media outlet and making it shine was to our advantage, we focused on Facebook. Through the Hyperlite and HO Skis Facebook pages we are able to get an in depth look at our market and we’re having a lot fun with them. What are other ways that HO Sports is using new media and their various websites to convert more customers? Facebook is such a large community that we
An advertisement for the Syndicate line of HO Skis
aren’t just focused on our page, we’re also connecting with other
strategy with those team rid-
crowd, and keeps him valuable
wake and ski focused pages. Our
ers like Shaun Murray and Will
to a company like Hyperlite?
News/Media page “Wakeboard-
Asher? Working with the icons in
Shaun separates himself from the
ing” has really taken off and we’ve
our sport is crucial, both Shaun
crowd day-in and day-out. He’s
begun one for
& Will have so
the consummate professional
“Wakeskating” &
much experience
when he interacts with the fans
“Wakesurfking”
“Skiers generally ski
we really can’t
and he, more than anyone, is with
as well. On our
what works best for
overstate how
them daily through his Boarding
“Hyperlite” & “HO
them. Our R&D team,
important their
Skis” pages spe-
including Bob LaPoint,
input is in product
cifically, sharing
has really dialed in our
development and
our history and our
A2 and S2 shapes.”
marketing ideas.
current athletes
Dave Wingerter,
The longstanding
seems to get the
VP HO Skis Brand
relationships with
conversation going with our audience.
them confirms for us that we are doing things properly. We’re on the right path and
HO has a number of team
they are a large part of it.
athletes that have long-term
14
relationships with the company.
What is it that separates an ath-
What is the HO Skis & Hyperlite
lete like Shaun Murray from the
School. Combine that with his
Curtin explains: “After years of
our entire company is excited
performance on tour and popu-
development and hard work, it is
about. We have a new building
larity in reader’s polls, he’s a great
great to see the success our new
in the making, a fun camaraderie
ambassador for Hyperlite and
System line has produced for our
between all of our dedicated staff
our sport. We were excited to put
brand.”
and we’re making products that
together an agreement that will
are in demand. As a valued re-
keep Shaun a part of Hyperlite for
The momentum we started to
tailer recently told us “Keep your
many years to come.
realize in 2011 is getting stronger
foot on the pedal.” We intend to
here in the first part of 2012. With
do just that.
How did 2011 compare to previ-
enhancements made to already
ous years, and how is business
great products, a solid team of
“With the growth and excitement
so far in 2012? HO Sports had a
athletes and a committed retail
of the Cable Park movement and
near record year in 2011, thanks to
base, 2012 and beyond looks
innovations from the leading boat
strong performance in our high
very promising.
manufacturers, the future is bright for our entire industry. Innovation
end Syndicate Program Slalom Skis and Hyperlite’s newly intro-
Looking ahead, predict the rest
and building dependable Ski and
duced System Bindings.
of 2012 for HO Sports, and for
Wake products is our focus for
the industry as a whole over
the near future and HO Sports will
Hyperlite poured resources and
the next three years. The crystal
continue to be a leading company
energy into the new System
ball is never truly accurate but
in the water sports industry.”
Bindings as VP of Hyperlite, Tom
things are going in a direction
Greg Nelson, VP Marketing
HO Team water skier, and WaterSki Magazine Slalom Skier of the Year,Will Asher
15
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Les Clark Vice President, Manufacturing Centurion Boats Please give a brief background/ timeline from how you started
team in the late 60s. My father had supported my
in the water sports industry,
racing until I graduated high
up to your current day role(s).
school, then I was on my own.
My family was already in the ma-
That lasted one summer and I
rine retail business in the St. Louis
realized that I was spending way
area when I was born. So I have
more than I could afford so I gave
been in the industry for as long as
up the sport.
I have been alive! Not long after
The following spring came and
Les Clark So as an extension of this, I
I was born my mother starting
I was about to go nuts without a
knew that I needed to have better
taking me to work and I was there
boat to be in. So I purchased a 16’
equipment and I decided to open
almost everyday after that.
Checkmate and started hanging
a pro ski shop in our dealership,
out with some buddies of mine
handling only the top brands at
working on outboard engines
from around town. They had got-
that time: EP, Connelly, Jobe, and
when I was about eight years old.
ten hooked on slalom skiing and
the Original Pro-Line ropes. The
After I turned 10, I started racing
jumping at a local ski school. So
ski shop took off and we became
boats, as this was a tradition in
of course I had to try it and later
known as the Ski Shop for the St.
our family. Two of my older broth-
that summer, I entered my very
Louis area. Beth and I also started
ers had raced for many years,
first AWSA tournament in Spring-
taking goods to all the tourna-
including my brother Don Clark,
field, Illinois and I was hooked on
ments we attended and selling
who was on the Mercury factory
a new thrill.
out of a trailer we had. This ex-
I started rigging boats and
panded our reputation even more. At the 1980 Nationals in DuQuoin, Illinois, we ran into Rick Lee from Centurion Boats and George Fowler of Supra Boats. Some of my skiing buddies had purchased a MasterCraft and a Ski Nautique so I was very familiar with inboard boats, so we took the plunge and became both a Centurion and a Supra dealer that year. In 1988, we where offered the opportunity to take on the Les Clark at the 1975 US Nationals at the Miami Marine Stadium
16
MasterCraft dealership for St.
to help guide the future of Fine-
first three-event boat with a re-
line Industries, with innovations in
verse spray rail to knock down the
products and production ideas.
spray that was effecting shoreline skiers. We also had the first V-
Louis. I called up Rick Lee and told him that I was considering
Looking back over your career
Drive Ski boat that was tested for
taking them on, and I did not feel
in the industry, what are your
three-event skiing by the AWSA.
that I could continue to represent
personal “keys to success” or
We also developed a moving
his line fairly at the same time.
most important lessons learned?
tracking fin that would counter-
Rick and I parted on very good
Working hard to make everyday
steer the boat to the rudder as
terms at that time.
the best it can be. Being honest
the driver went thru the course.
In 1998 I was offered a position
with everyone I come in contact
The next major innovation was
to get into the manufacturing side
with, and showing these folks that
the first Wake Surf specific boat,
of the business and out of retail.
there are positive things always
the “Wave,” designed with the
It came at a time that I was really
around them that they can use to
first fully-integrated ballast sys-
needing to go my own way and I
make the product and their lives
tem build into the rear deck of the
took the position.
better.
boat. With this boat we pulled the First World Wake Surf Champion-
In late 1999 I was contacted by Rick Lee again for the first
Describe Centurion’s strategy
time since 1988. He told me he
when it comes to creating the
had heard that I was working in a
best product. Centurion has a
ing a line of boats for boarding
management position at a boat
long history of innovations in the
that where not based off of the
company and that he was plan-
market. From the original West
common flat bottom ski boat
ning on opening a new facility
Coast Direct Drive Ski Boat, to the
design but based off a Deep-V
ships in Southern California. We then moved onto develop-
in the eastern part of the US. He asked me if I was interested in discussing building and managing the plant. This led to us opening the Woodland NC plant in the spring of 2000. We kept the plant open until September of 2010 and we decided to mothball it for future use. Beth and I moved to Merced and I took over as Vice President of Manufacturing for Fineline, operating the Merced Facility. What is your favorite part about your job? Working with the great employees we have, and the fan-
Les Clark and Toby sit by a Centurion boat ready for delivery
tastic dealer network. Being able
17
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH forward to introducing our new products and ideas to our world wide network of dealers. It gives us and our dealers the opportunity to communicate ideas about our new products and also what we should be working on in the future. This year, we are also doing our model year photoshoot as a tie-in to the dealer meeting. This way our dealers will be part of the marking of our boats and will be a true partner in our business, as we consider them to be. As someone who comes from a dealer background, how does that give you a different perspective into the manufacturing side of the business? It allows me Australian dealer Chris Browne from Centurion Boats of Victoria with Les Clark, in front of the Enzo SV233 Surf Edition getting its final details.
to bring a vision of what happens at a dealership. How sales and service work together to make a
to allow for a larger wake with-
of interest. We have worked to
good customer relationship. Even
out the use of lots of ballast. We
not only develop the best boats
though I have been out of retail
also developed and patented the
for pulling the sport but to also
now for 14 years, I still have the
“SideSwipe” exhaust that allowed
be the largest promotor of the
ability to talk with our dealers
us to move any fumes from the
sport. We have hosted the World
about their businesses and get
exhaust to the opposite side of
WakeSurfing championships for
ideas from them on what they
the boat when wake surfing. We
the past many years and have
want from us. I also know how
are constantly working on new
expanded this year to the World
the dealers expect their boats to
products and ideas that will con-
Series of WakeSurfing that will
come to them and we strive to
tinue to lead the industry.
be feeder events to the World
deliver every boat as if it was our
Championships this September in
dealership’s boat.
Centurion seems to be really em-
Parker, Arizona.
bracing wakesurfing. What are
18
What is your all-time favorite
your thoughts on the emerging
The Centurion dealer meeting is
Centurion boat? I really still have
sport, as it relates to boat sales
coming up in May. Describe how
a place in my heart for the Cen-
and Centurion’s business? We at
that works for your company,
turion Barefoot Warrior Comp.
Centurion have fully embraced
and the manufacturer-dealer
Back in 1984 Rick Lee asked me
this sport as our major point
relationship. We always look
to fly to California and to help him
design an upgrade to the Warrior Barefooter. I had been rigging and selling many of the old version and I was telling Rick that we needed a deeper, sportier model with a hard-frame windshield on it. I flew out and spent a week working with Rick and we designed what became one of the hottest selling models for Centurion up to that time. It towed the World Barefoot Championships its first year out. I really feel that this is the boat that kept my name in Rick Lee’s mind, and that lead him to call me in 1999 about starting the Woodland Plant. Unfortunately, you have had some health issues over the past few years, what’s the latest? For the past seven years I have been fighting Clear Cell Renal Cancer. My first symptoms came while working the Richmond, Virginia Boat Show in February 2005. Within a few days I found out that my left kidney had a large mass and that it needed to be removed as soon as possible. Upon removal, I was informed that they had gotten everything and that I should have no future issues. Almost three years later, a small growth appeared on one of my ears. I had it tested and it came back as metastasized Clear Cell Renal (this is when the cancer spreads to other parts of your body but is still the same form of cancer). I went in for more test-
Todd Ristorcelli, Editor, WATERSKI magazine
19
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Les Clark examines a boat in-progress at the Centurion manufacturing facility ing and they discovered tumors
the machine and after five treat-
was being treated again on the
in my lymph glands, around my
ments, the tumor in my sinus was
same Gamma Ray machine that
right bronchial tube, in my neck
killed totally.
I had been treated on four years
and a tumor in my left sinus. I
earlier. This time, they first worked
did some research and found out
gist started me on a new type of
on the tumor in my sternum and
that doctors at Duke University
drug called Sutent that “targets”
then on the last day, a two-hour
Medical Center where working
the Renal tumors and blocks the
session locked down to a table
on new drugs and treatments for
formation of the blood vessels
in a custom made “Jason” mask,
my type of cancer. So Beth and I
needed for their growth. So as a
as they performed the treatment
contacted them and we started
result, they shrink down and as
on all three of the tumors in my
treatments in April of 2008 with
was in my case, they totally disap-
brain.
what is considered the standard
peared for almost four years.
treatments. These had no effect
But it seems all good things do
The prognosis is fantastic according to the whole team
at all on my tumors and actually
pass and after those four years, I
at Duke. After arriving back to
the one in my sinus had started
once again discovered a growth
Merced, I have now started the
to effect my left eye’s vision as it
on my forehead and had it tested.
next generation of target drug
was very close to the optic nerve
Again it was my cancer back. In
called Inlyta. I have every plan to
and was pressing on it. Luckily,
early March I was back at Duke
be around for many more years
Duke had just installed a new type
to have more testing done and
whipping this disease.
of radiation treatment called a
found out that I had new tumors
Stereotactic Radiation Treatment
in my sternum, liver, and most
major reason that I feel that I have
(Gamma Ray or Cyberknife). It
scary, three in my brain.
had the fantastic success in deal-
turned out that I was one of the very first to have treatment on
20
At the same time, my Oncolo-
Again Duke has come thru for us. Within a week of arriving, I
I do have to point out one other
ing with this disease and that is my faith in Jesus Christ my savior
and the many prayers that have
office here in Merced. Jennifer
me that wanted to race as well.
been sent up from friends, family,
came into our lives 21 years ago
But when I got into towed sports,
fellow believers and my many col-
and is currently a senior, gradu-
I thought that Wayne Grimditch
leagues in the marine industry. I
ating from UNC-Chapel Hill in
was the skier that I always wanted
thank my Lord every day and also
December of this year. She is a
to be. He was in his prime when
thank all of those who have lifted
double major in Political Science
I started to ski competitively and
us up in prayer.
and Philosophy. She is working
everyone one of us that jumped
on finding her graduate school at
wanted to be able to soar 180’ like
this time.
he did way back in 1975.
What are your favorite pastimes – what do you do with a free
To bring this story full circle:
day? Seems that as we get older,
Who was your favorite waters-
I was reading meters for the
we find that things we enjoyed
ports athlete when you were a
very first jump ever taken in
before get moved to the back
kid? That is very easy to answer.
competition. It was by a jumper
burner. Dealing with the side
It was not in our types of sports,
that carries on the tradition of
effects of my cancer drugs has
but my older brother Marion was
Wayne Grimditch today—Freddy
limited a lot of the physical activi-
a fantastic boat racer and a excel-
Krueger, at a tournament in his
ties that I used to do. I now spend
lent roll model for a young kid like
home town, Decatur, Illinois!
my time either playing friendly non-cash games of poker online among a group of close friends, taking care of our family pet and mascot, Toby, or texting and Facetiming with my daughter in college. We have taken some trips to sites here in California, and are planning on doing more this summer when Jennifer gets home for summer break. Please tell me about your family, are you married, kids? Yes, very happily married to Beth for 35 years. Most of these years, we have worked side by side, whether it was in our family marine business or here at Fineline. Beth is the Online Store Manager for our sportswear and accessories site, and also works in the front
A parasail-specific Centurion Boat on the job
21
22
23
RETAIL SPOTLIGHT
Regal & Nautique of Orlando Opened in 2008, Regal & Nautique of Orlando weathered the economic storm and is now on the path to success. We talked with General Manager and Owner, Jeff Husby (pictured, left) to learn more. Around the age of
do. I-4 is the major artery through
the doors and never looked back!
Orlando with a traffic count of
I attribute much of our success
nated with inboard
about 250,000 cars per day. The
in the early days to the relation-
ski boats. My dad
facility was a former boat dealer-
ships that I had developed with
and I bought our first
ship, so many of the items needed
many of my former customers.
to start business were already in
The were not only loyal to me, but
twelve. The passion and
place. We have a reader board on
extremely loyal to the Nautique
thrill of riding and driving
I-4 that can be read from both di-
brand! My motto has always been,
inboard ski boats had
rections of traffic and superb road
“Treat the customer as I expect to
just begun. I continued
frontage to display new and used
be treated.” My entire team works
with ownership of many
boats. (The building was built in
diligently to earn and maintain
brands of ski boats over
1984 by my business partner’s fa-
positive relations with the cus-
the next few years. After
ther, strangely enough!) I felt like
tomers.
five, I became fasci-
Nautique when I was
graduating from the University of Wisconsin, I moved to Orlando in 1991 and shortly there-
this was the best place in town for us to start our new venture. Nautiques of Orlando started
Business has grown each year and I believe it will continue. However, in the big picture we need to
after, I started as a Sales Associ-
under some of the worst eco-
remember where we once were in
ate at Southeast Correct Craft,
nomic times in history. Financial
the Central Florida market. New
Inc. The retail business more than
institutions on the wholesale and
boat sales are off as much as 80%
doubled by 1995. It continued
retail level were nearly non-exis-
from 2007 in Central Florida.
to grow each year. We set sales
tent. My business partners and I
For example, from October
records and Southeast was the #1
worked harder than ever before,
2006 to October 2007, about
Nautique dealer in the world for
as the business required lots of
750 new boats were registered in
several years. After 15 success-
cash, long hours, and persever-
Central Florida. But from October
ful years, it was clear that it was
ance. In July of 2008 we
time to work for myself and live
were pre-approved by a
my dream. The opportunity came
wholesale institution for
knocking in 2008, and Nautiques
floor plan of $5 million
of Orlando opened in September
dollars, but by the time
of that year.
we started in September
My goal with the new store was
that same institution was
to bring more brand awareness to
on the verge of closing
the Nautique brand by having a
in the marine industry.
larger, more visible dealership in
Despite all of the hurdles
Orlando. We opened on Interstate
and the confusion in the
4 just south of Downtown Orlan-
marketplace, we opened Regal & Nautique of Orlando
24
Central Florida Market Share 2011 Inboard Boats* Tigé 2.9%
Centurion 1.4%
Supra 2.9%
Monterey Cobalt Monterey Cobalt 1% 3% 1% 3%
Centurion 1.4%
Supra 2.9% Axis 2.9%
Stingray 6%
2010 to October 2011, there were only about 150 new boats regis-
MB Sports 4.3% Moomba 4.3%
tered. Many Central Florida dealers
Malibu 13%
Chaparral 8%
MB Sports 4.3% Moomba 4.3%
Malibu 13%
Nautique Nautique 53.6% 53.6%
Tahoe 13%
Stingray 6%
Chaparral 8%
Regal Regal 34% 34%
Tahoe 13%
have closed or downscaled. I view this as an opportunity for growth!
MasterCraft 14.5%
Sea Ray 17%
MasterCraft 14.5%
Sea Ray 17% Bayliner 18%
Bayliner 18%
Our business continued to grow
*Source: Statistical Surveys, Inc.
Axis 2.9%
Tigé 2.9%
Central Florida Market Share 2011 Stern Drive Boats*
and in December of 2010 we signed an agreement with Regal Boats, Inc. Regal is a local family-owned manufacturer of 19-52 foot sport boats, deck boats, cruisers, and yachts. Now we have a very unique business model: two local manufacturers being sold at one local dealership. This is a big advantage for any local consumer buying a new boat. “BUY LOCAL” is a theme we use on a daily basis. My relationship with Nautique and Regal Boats is strong and growing. We have the ability to pick up parts directly from the factory which can help keep our customers happier with faster service. We now have banks and lending institutions wanting our business, ready for whatever future needs we have. Within two years of opening our doors we had revenue of nearly $9 million. We started with six employees and now have twelve. At a facility I once said, “We will never be able to fill,” was now full with new and used boats. 2012 will be another year of growth. Two great locally built brands will help carry us into the future. Regal & Nautique of Orlando
currently has the #1 market share
process and ultimately add to our
in Central Florida for inboards and
bottom line. I believe the boating
stern drive sport boats. While the
industry will see a steady increase
total quantity of boats sold has
over the next five years in new
greatly decreased from five years
boat sales. I do not see the vol-
ago, we have gained market share
ume of units that we saw in 2005-
in our segments. Used boats con-
2007, but the prices of boats have
tinue to be the #1 seller, but new
also increased, thus limiting the
boats are on the rise. The prices
number of potential customers.
of used boats are rising, while the
My goal is to educate the custom-
supply is decreasing, thus bridg-
er properly and keep in contact
ing the gap between a late model
with them through email, direct
used boat and a similar new mod-
mail, and I-4 signage. We also
el. Many consumers are realizing
specialize in unique local events
that paying slightly more for the
that directly target our customers
new boat has many advantages.
to help us stay in contact with our
As the supply of clean used boats
demographic.
decreases, the new boat sales will
Some of the events that we
continue to increase. This trend
participate in are the Performance
will continue for several years.
Ski & Surf Gravel Tour, Tavistock
Remember, most manufacturers
Golf Tournament, Pre-Memorial
built a third or less of their normal
Day Sale and Local community
production in 2008-2011, so the
Festivals.
number of late model used boats will become harder to find. In the next two years, we will
All of these events help build our current and future relationships with our customers. A good
need to work hard to educate the
customer relationship is the key
consumer on the “used boat vs.
to my business!
new boat” trend. Properly educating the consumer will help accelerate the boat buying
25
FEATURE
Summit in the Snow 2012 Recapping the annual event in Crested Butte, Colorado By James Krawczyk
The WSIA Summit in the Snow is an annual conference
management and best practices for manufacturers,
that brings together water sports industry members of
cable parks and parasail. Another popular breakout
all types for three days of inspiring speakers, important
session was on crisis communication, presented by Roy
industry meetings, educational presentations, priceless
Reid and Jessi Blakley of Consensus Communications,
networking opportunities and even time to enjoy the
which explained how companies can be proactive
awesome Colorado snow.
about the unpredictable. Cable Park attendees also
Opening night was the usual frenzy of high-fives,
had a packed schedule with three different breakout
handshakes and big laughs as all 100+ attendees
meetings or their own.
gathered for the first time. Following a delicious dinner,
Later that night, Doug Palladini, the Marketing VP for
Bill Jensen, the CEO of Intrawest shared some personal
Vans, gave an inspiring and fun presentation on what
insights and valuable lessons from his storied business
Vans has gotten right—and “horribly wrong”—over
career.
the years. The night wraps with more networking and
Starting bright and early on day two, all attendees
storytelling at the lodge bar before heading to bed for
meet again for a full breakfast before splitting up into
one last day.
their various tracks. Renowned Marketing & Business
The final day of the Summit brought another early hot
Strategist Lucy Kay opened our eyes to new ways of
breakfast and a another wisdom-filled speaker, David
approaching collaboration and thinking smarter about
Ingemie, President of SnowSport Industries. David’s
retail marketing.
data-filled presentation was a
After a couple hours of free time
final dose of amazing insight
for hitting the slopes, everyone
and analysis that really put the
returns to the lodge for various
water sports retail business in
category-specific
12
breakout
sessions, like Dan Schultz from ASTM International, who headed up the continuing development of
perspective. With
a
final
sign-off
from
WSIA Executive Director Larry Meddock and President Jim
parasail industry safety standards, or Peter Rietz and
Emmons, Summit in the Snow 2012 came to a close,
Kim Viergever of The Rietz Law Firm, who outlined risk
and attendees hit the mountain for one last powder run.
Some attendees from this year’s Summit share their thoughts: Rob Corum
sports they love. It doesn’t matter
into it. The WSIA Summit in the
Executive Director of Events, The World Wakeboarding Association
if it’s wakeboarding, wakeskating,
Snow is where all of these great
waterskiing, or something totally
people come together to help in
Our industry is filled with great
different; if it’s towed then chanc-
the advancement of our industry
people; passionate about the
es are the people at the top are
and work towards the common
All photography by Joey Meddock 26
The “first tracks” crew early on the first day of Summit, just after an on-mountain breakfast at Uley’s Cabin. arrive till the Summit was already
branding inside and out. Other
underway. But that wouldn’t
notable speakers were: Bill Jen-
change the course of the educa-
sen, CEO of Intrawest; Lucy Kay,
tional aspects that I was about to
world known snow resort consul-
learn. For those of you that may-
tant; and David Ingemie, Presi-
be thinking of attending, there are
dent of the Snow Sports Industry
multiple seminars and meetings
Association.
to attend. Best practices for cable
Cruising the slopes of the ‘Butte
parks, crisis communication, and
with a few industry bigwigs is
risk management for manufactur-
pretty cool too. It was great to
goal of growth and progression.
ers and dealers to name a few.
get out with these awesome peo-
I had the chance to attend my
Then move on to breakfast and
ple and chat about ideas within
first Summit in the Snow this year
dinner speakers; Doug Palladini,
the industry, or something that
at Crested Butte, CO. It was an
CEO of Vans, absolutely crushed
had nothing to do with water at
honoring experience to be able
it. Being part of the action sports
all. I had the chance to ride with a
to attend such a inspiring accu-
culture, I was enthralled at what
lot of people that I would prob-
mulation of people; unfortunately,
Doug had to say; he’s down to
ably never get the opportunity to
the accumulation of snow didn’t
earth and just flat out knows his
associate with outside of business
Rob Corum and Shawn Perry
27
FEATURE and that is a beautiful thing. So,
the association and event speaker,
whether you’re a dealer, manufac-
I had the privilege of attending
turer, owner, magazine represen-
my inaugural Summit in the Snow
tative, or associated in any way to
this past February in Crested
water sports, the WSIA Summit
Butte.
in the Snow is a networking and
As a public relations advisor, I
informing marvel. I can’t wait to
often have the opportunity to
see what’s in store for next year.
speak in front of various groups, from associations like the WSIA to county commissions and Fortune
28
Jessi Blakley helps explain good Crisis Communication
Jessi Blakley, APR
500 boards of directors. However,
Speaker, Consensus Communications
I must admit that none have been
grams, I can say with all sincerity
as entertaining and engaging as
that it was refreshing to engage
Who knew that a historic, funky
Summit in the Snow.
with a group that could put their
ski town in southwest Colorado
I’m a relative newcomer to the
competitive differences aside for
would be the ideal setting for a
WSIA, aside from my own per-
a few days to come together and
productive and engaging confer-
sonal passion for water sports
engage at a level that would en-
ence? Apparently the wonder-
and three-event competitive past.
sure continued success and sus-
fully organized staff of the WSIA,
And from the networking events
tainability of the industry. Many
that’s who. As a PR consultant to
to the conference agenda pro-
groups tout that claim but very
“First Tracks” breakfast crew
Roy Reid on Crisis Communication
Beautiful Mt. Crested Butte
Jessi Blakley on the slopes
The WSIA annual BOD meeting
David Ingemie, SIA, Crested Butte Mayor William Buck & Doug Paladini, Vans
few actually do. Crisis communication isn’t always at the top of the bestseller list, that is of course until it actually happens to you. What we hoped to impart on the group was that early and ongoing preparation, best practices and good policies Watersports business at the WSIA Board of Directors meeting
can best position you to endure a crisis and come out alive, if not on
Matt Dvorak at The Rietz Law Firm breakout on risk management
top of the situation.
Ben Dorton, John Dorton, Bill McCaffray and Dan Miller.
Jessi Blakley is an accredited
erator at the 2011 summit in Park
public relations professional and
City, Utah. This year we had 8-9
senior account manager at
operators/operations that came
Consensus Communications in
from Hawaii to Florida and all in
Orlando. Previously working at
between.
CNN in Atlanta, Jessi specializes
Larry Meddock had everyone
in issues and crisis management,
jumping this year from one
business development, media re-
meeting to next and sometimes I
lations, and social media. She and
was pretty sure that I was in two
her husband, Joey, are competi-
places at once. It was a very infor-
tive three-event skiers, and spend
mative and effective summit. We
much of their time on Lake Jennie
made incredible leaps and strides
Jewel and Lake Conway with their
in the ASTM safety standards
daughter, Ella. @Jessi_Blakley
and conducted an online teleconference/live meeting that was technologically impressive. This
One of many great sites around the lodge
Parasail operators standards meeting with ASTM International
Matt Dvorak
made it possible for the entire
Owner/Operator, Daytona Beach Parasail
parasail industry to participate. The industry has begun to come together and understand the im-
Summit in the snow 2012 in
portance of these best practices.
Crested Butte, Co. was a great
The Rietz Law firm put on a break
experience. We had an amazing
out seminar on liability and risk
turnout for the entire summit and
management that was invaluable
the parasail participation was very
to the industry. This is necessary
impressive, considering it is such
to help us create some uniformity
a new addition to the WSIA. This
among our industry. Peter Rietz
was my second Summit and it
has developed a safety video for
was an amazing learning experi-
our customers to watch prior to
ence. I was the only parasail op-
parasailing in order to make sure
29
FEATURE the participants are aware of
tion of the WSIA, ASTM and The
all the risks associated with this
Rietz Law Firm. I would also like
activity. They have also made this
to extend a personal thank you to
video available for an affordable
Larry Meddock for all he has done
monthly fee.
and endured to bring this industry
The WSIA board of directors also
together. It has not been an easy
directed the creation of a parasail
endeavor.
committee for the WSIA. I have
The only suggestion I would ex-
contacted a few individuals/op-
tend is for more available time to
erations and all have had positive
go skiing!
Intrawest CEO, Bill Jensen
reactions on joining the committee. The parasail industry is coming together under the WSIA and understanding the importance of standing together. I can truly say that Daytona Beach Parasail Inc. is operating
12
at a higher level now than it was before the assistance and direc-
30
Risk Management for Cable Parks
CJ Vlahovich and Tommy Phillips
Marketing Guru, Lucy Kay
Attendees gathered for dinner
Les Clark at the carving station
Tony Finn, Greg Meloon and Marco Thompson
Peter Rietz of The Rietz Law Firm
31
MORE PHOTOS FROM SUMMIT IN THE SNOW 2012
32
Dinnertime!
WSIA Board of Directors meeting
First night networking
Jim Emmons and Scott Clack
Vans VP Marketing, Doug Paladini
Board of Director’s meeting
Brian Brill and Lucy Kay
Tim Oxley and Alan Jones
Paul O’Brien, Hans Menzel and Pat Panakos
Aaron Kramer, Gordy Holmes and Peter Rietz
O’Brien President, Jeff Bannister
Roy Reid’s Crisis Communication breakout session
Pat Panakos at the Cable Park breakout session with Peter Rietz
Danny Gutierez and Corey Marotta
Larry Meddock’s attendee toast
David Ingemie giving Larry Meddock & Jeff Banister the “Pit” award
Greg Nelson and Shawn Perry
Blake Pigeon at another good dinner!
33
MEMBER DIRECTORY MANUFACTURERS
Custom Chutes, Inc.
MasterCraft
Slingshot Sports
Bradenton, FL 941-753-4818
Vonore, TN 423-884-2221 www.mastercraft.com
Hood River, OR 509-427-4950 www.slingshotsports.com
O’Brien International
Sport Dimension
Redmond, WA 407-852-2424 www.obrien.com
Carson, CA 310-320-7873 www.sportdimension.com
Pacific Watercraft
Tige Boats
Redmond, WA 206-257-2301 www.solowatersports.com
Abilene, TX 325-676-7777 www.tige.com
Acme Propellers Big Rapids, MI 888-661-2263 www.acmemarine.com
DECKadence Ft. Lauderdale, FL 954-536-3660 www.marineflooring.net
AM Skis Orlando, FL 407-412-5971
Eagle Sports Houston, TX 800-862-4424
Argotrak
www.eaglesports.com
Naples, FL 239-300-2197 www.argotrak.com
Fineline Industries Pleasurecraft
ZF Marine LLC
Aquaglide
Merced, CA (209)-384-0255 www.centurionboats.com
Little Mountain, SC
Dartmouth, MA 401-261-1964 www.zf-marine.com
HO Sports
Rixen Cableways GmGh
Redmond, WA (425)-885-3505 www.hosports.com
Deachau, Germany 498737-54700 www.rixen-seilbahnen.de
Inland Surfer
Roswell Wake-Air
Bellevue, WA 425-747-6055
Cocoa, FL 321-890-7120 www.roswellwakeair.com
White Salmon, WA 509-493-4938 www.aquaglide.com
Boaters Insurance Marine Boatfun Sports, Inc Liberty Township, OH 513-379-0506 www.boatfunsports.com
www.pleasurecraft.com
Bonnier/Transworld Wakeboarding Winter Park, FL 407-628-4802 www.bonniercorp.com
Kent Sporting Goods New London, OH www.kentwatersports.com
Connelly Skis Lynnwood, WA (425)-775-5416
Kwik Tek
Correct Craft
Denver, CO 303-733-3722 www.airhead.com
Orlando, FL (407)-855-4141 www.nautiques.com
34
Williamsburg, VA 757-870-8900 www.zup.com
DEALERS Action Water Sports
Jet Pilot Vista, CA 760-734-111 www.jetpilot.com
Zup Board Company
Sanger Boats Fresno, CA 559-485-2842 www.sangerboats.com
Sesitec Orlando, FL 407-353-4286 thewakeparkproject.com
Hudsonville, MI 810-629-1342 actionwater.com
Action Water Sports of Fenton Fenton, MI 810-629-1342 actionwater.com
Adrenaline Watersports Skiers Choice Maryville, TN 865-983-9924
Belevue, WA 425-746-9253 adrenalinewatesports.com
American Marine & Motor Sports Shawano, WI 715-526-4300 www.americanmarina.com
Barefoot Central Katy, TX 281-395-9751
Gull Lake Marine
MasterCraft Rep
Nautiques of Orlando
Richland, MI 267-627-4507 www.gulllakemarine.com
Vonore, TN 423-884-2221 www.mastercraft.com
Orlando, FL 407-425-2678 www.orlandonautiques.com
Gunnells Marine
Mattos Marine Diesel Services
Omaha Marine Center
Fort Myers, FL 239-332-2515 www.mattosmarine.com
Omaha, NE 402-339-9600 www.omahamarinecenter.com
Greenwood, SC 264-223-2275 www.gunnellsmarine.com
www.barefootcentral.com
Idaho Water Sports North Webster, IN (574)-834-7666
Burley, ID 208-678-5809 www.idahowatersports.com
BoardCo. Inc
Island City Watersports
Springville, UT 801-747-3539 www.boardco.com
Cumberland, WI 715-822-8337 islandcitywatersports.com
Boulder Boats
JC Sports
Boulder City, NV 702-293-1122 www.boulderboats.com
Seneca, SC 864-882-4212 www.skijcsports.com
Bart’s Water Sports
Central Valley Marine Campbell, CA 408-371-6681 www.cvmarine.com
Lauderdale Lakes Marina Elkhorn, WI 262-742-3898 lauderdalelakesmarina.com
MC Boats of Arkansas Conway, AR 501-513-2628 www.mcboats.com
Overton’s Greenville, NC www.overtons.com
Memphis Boat Center Memphis, TN 901-744-4444 www.memphisboatcenter.com
Pacific Nautiques Pacific, WA 253-833-4140 pacificnautiques.com
Miami Ski Nautique Miami, FL 305-438-9464 www.miamiskinautique.com
Midwest MasterCraft
Parker Business Planning Orlando, FL 407-843-8808 parkerbusinessplanning.com
Crystal, MN 763-533-9666
Pellaton Enterprises
Conneaut Lake Navigation
Liquid Sports Marine
Great Falls, MI
Conneaut Lake, PA 814-382-3255 www.navcompany.com
Orlando, FL 407-281-7909 www.liquidsportsmarine.com
Brentwood, CA 209-815-2013 www.sbcglobal.net
MP Marine Products
Performance Ski & Surf
East Coast Flightcraft, Inc.
Marine Sales Group
Salt Lake City, UT 801-973-4017 www.marine-products.com
Middleton, MA 978-777-1721 www.eastcoastflightcraft.com
Charlotte, NC 336-918-6821 www.marinesalesgroup.com
Nautiqueparts.com
Fort Fremont Marine
MarineMax, Inc.
Elizabethtown, NC 910-247-6201 www.nautiqueparts.com
Fremont, WI 920-446-3220 www.fortfremont.com
Clearwater, FL (727)-531-1700 www.marinemax.com
Missouri River Marine
Orlando, FL 407-859-7544 www.perfski.com
SD Watersports Lake Buena Vista, FL 407-939-0754 www.sammyduvall.com
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MEMBER DIRECTORY Sebago Watersports
White Lake Marine
Raymond, ME (207)-655-7547 www.sebagowatersports.com
White Lake, NC (910)-862-3688 www.whitelake.com
Silver Lake Marine
Wilson Watersports
Silver Springs, NY 585-237-5185 www.silverlakemarine.com
Edmond, OK 405-330-0526 www.wilsonwatersports.com
Marco Island Water Sports
Skys The Limit Watersports, Inc.
Marco Island, FL 239-777-9977 marcoislandwatersports.com
Dunedin, FL (727)389-2209
Smile High Parasail Nutin Fancy Fishin, Inc Dunedin, FL
St. Augustine, FL 904-819-0980 www.smilehighparasail.com
OBX Parasail, LLC 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
PARASAIL OPERATORS & MANUFACTURERS
Paradise Parasail Atlantic Watersports N. Myrtle Beach, SC 843-272-2420 atlanticwatersports.net
Aquatic Adventures Panama City, FL 850-236-8677 www.pcbeachadventures.com
Daytona Beach Parasail VS Marine Atascadero, CA 805-462-BOAT www.vsmarine.com
Manteo, NC 252-573-8909
Daytona Beach, FL 386-547-6067 www.daytonaparasailing.com
Ft. Myers, FL 239-433-4337
Pinky’s Parasail Gloversville, NY 607-272-7245
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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Ft. Myers Beach, FL 239-440-2270
Dunedin, FL 727-403-8807 www.clearwaterparasail.com
UFO Parasail Lahaina, HI 808-661-78836 www.ufoparasail.net
Watersports4U Pleasure Island Parasail Orange Beach, AL 251-609-0244 pleasureislandparasail.com
Quepos Parasail Marco Island, FL 239-970-0618
Bayamon, Puerto Rico 787-306-7667
Xtreme Parasail, Inc. Honolulu, HI 808-737-3577 www.xtremeparasail.com
YOLO Watersports, Inc.
Estero Island Parasail Wakeboards.com
Top of the Line Parasail
Sage Sailing Surfside Beach, SC 843-232-8383
Captiva, FL 239-472-9656 www.yolowatersports.com
J.D.Q. Inc. Lake George, NY 518-668-4644 lakegeorgerecreation.com
SD Watersports Lake Buena Vista, FL 407-939-0754 www.sammyduvall.com
Just Chute Me Destin, FL 850-333-3984 www.parasaildestin.com
Siesta Key Watersports Sarasota, FL (727)642-2876 siestakeywatersports.com
CABLE PARK OPERATORS Action Sports Parks Chester Springs, PA 484-354-3096 www.actionsportsparks.com
Adrenaline Adventures 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
Orlando Water Sports Complex Orlando, FL 407-854-1800 www.orlandowatersports.com
Indexic, Inc Mt. Pleasant, SC 800-742-4781 www.indexic.net
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
Red Rock Wake Park St. George, UT 801-867-0241 www.redrockwakepark.com
Texas Ski Ranch New Braunfels, TX 830-627-2843 www.texasskiranch.com
Wake Nation Fairfield, OH 513-846-4063 www.wakenation.com
Knoxville, TN 865-691-5141 www.labelindustries.com
IWWF
Belter Insurance
Mission Bay Aquatic Ctr
Willows, CA 1-800-540-2258 www.belterinsurance.com
(SDSU) San Diego, CA
Wake Park Project Orlando, FL 407-353-4286
Minden, NV 775-315-2468
Hialeah, FL 305-476-9253 miamiwakeboardcomplex.com
ASSOCIATES Boating World 949-660-6150 www.boatingworld.com
Coleman Company Wichita, KS 316-832-3084
David Layne
Polk City, FL 863-324-4341
Wake School Argentina Edgewood, NY 631-254-2155 x145 www.swimline.com
Buenos Aires, Argentina 5411-4728-0031 www.wakeschool.com.ar
Wakescout Tearepair, Inc.
KC Watersports
Miami Water Sports Complex
Tulsa, OK 918-633-3952 www.fwmurphy.com
thewakeparkproject.com
Western Oasis Wakeplace
Polk City, FL www.iwsf.com
USA Water Ski
Swimline
www.wowwakeplace.com Paola, KS 913-783-4300 www.kcwatersports.com
Groveland, FL 352-429-9027 www.jacktravers.com
Label Industries
FW Murphy CajunXcables
International Tournament Skiing
Land o Lakes, FL 800-937-3716 www.tear-aid.com
ASSOCIATIONS, FRIENDS & SCHOOLS
San Juan Capistrano, CA 949-496-2178 www.wakescout.com
REPS Matt McDevitt Maryville, TN MasterCraft
AWSEF Polk City, FL 863-324-2472
Parker Stair
www.waterskihalloffame.com
Vonore, TN MasterCraft
First Flight Insurance Group
Zane Schwenk
Kitty Hawk, NC 252-261-1903 x230
Zane Schwenk, Inc.
Winter Haven, FL
www.firstflightinsurance.com
Ashland, KY
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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