NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012
Remembering Water Sports Pioneer
Herb O’Brien Hall of Fame Jumper and Industry Veteran
Sammy Duvall Manufacturer Profile
Sesitec Retail Spotlight
BoardCo Published by the
Guest Editorial by Peter Rietz
Have You Checked Your Corporate Structure Lately? +MEMBER DIRECTORY
1
LETTER FROM HEADQUARTERS Herb O’Brien
Issaquah, Washington. The brand
compression-molded wake-
was named after Herb’s infamous
board that launched the entire
Radar Lake, a beautiful parcel on
wakeboarding industry in 1993.
The watersports industry lost an
a bluff outside of Woodinville,
Herb was known for backing for
icon of the highest magnitude on
Washington with a man-made ski
his dealers and once quipped,
October 21, 2012 when waterski
lake where he lived. Herb had the
“The only reason I advertise is to
and wakeboard legendary de-
vision for Radar Lake as a young
support my dealers!” In the ‘80s
signer Herb O’Brien died near his
man when he climbed a tree on
and ‘90s, he resisted distribution
home at Radar Lake in Washing-
the east end of the property to
through popular mail order cata-
ton. Herb was a huge figure in the
get a better view of what it could
logs and in the process is partially
watersports industry. Thousands
be. He accomplished his goal by
credited for saving the individual
were touched by his life and his
ultimately owning the property,
pro shops from extinction. Yet
work.
digging his own ski lake and mak-
another great example of how
WaterSports Greatest Contributor
ing Radar his home where he has
Herb O’Brien was a leader, not a
He first started O’Brien Water
lived with his wife Pam for many
follower.
Skis in the early ‘60s with his rev-
years.
On behalf of the Water Sports
olutionary concave ski design - an industry first. Armed with his new
Herb was the chief engineer for
Industry Association, the entire
design, Herb soared through the
each brand and held a fondness
watersports industry, it’s partners
competitive skier ranks propelling
for tinkering in his 10,000 sq. ft.
and suppliers and the countless
O’Brien to become a dominant
shop. Many watersports industry
individuals that he touched, we
ski brand, which at one point was
participants thought of Herb as
salute Herb O’Brien for all his
one of the Top 50 most well-rec-
the wise, grandfatherly type be-
many watersports contributions
ognized brands in the world. In
cause he had an uncanny ability
and fond memories. Rest in peace
1981, Herb founded HO Skis and
to listen to their ideas and then
Herb O’Brien, rest in peace.
in the early ‘90s he started Hy-
create whatever the mind’s eye
perlite - two brands that became
dreamt. Sales Reps were aston-
the industry’s market share leader
ished that he could return to a
based on his revolutionary de-
meeting just minutes later with a
signs and creative manufacturing
prototype in hand, asking, “Is this what you wanted?”
techniques.
His watersports career
In 2006, Herb and
The WSIA, with plenty of local support, has successfully argued
fellow team members
spanned five decades
for the continued use of Lake
launched Square One
producing numerous
Austin near Austin, Texas. A few
industry firsts along
Distribution, pro-
the way. For
ducers of Ronix
example, it
Wakeboards and Radar
was Herb
Water Skis
O’Brien who first
based in Industry icon Herb O’Brien
2
Water Sports Alert Network News
built a
months ago, a vocal group of
locals (primarily those that live
including 10 year-old Raleigh
lying their dealers, sales reps and
on the waterfront) launched a
Hager, the current Women’s Pro
customers to attend the meeting.
campaign to restrict watersports
surf-style World Wake Surfing
on Lake Austin. Lake Austin has
Champion to attend the public
Support the WSIA
been a huge part of the history of
meeting on October 22, 2012.
It Supports You!
Young Raleigh addressed the
The WSIA has been actively
commission on the night of the
involved in saving dozens of
vote arguing that public water-
U.S. waterways from closure or
ways such as Lake Austin should
restriction. The threats seem to
remain available for all and not
come from some of the nations
just a select few. The commis-
most notable boating areas with
sion agreed and essentially voted
no rhyme or reason. The next
When the challenge to shut down
down the challenge to restrict the
challenge could on your local
this historic waterway arose, the
waterway anchoring yet another
waterway! If you learned about a
WSIA came armed for the fight.
successful defeat. Chris Crysdale
prospective closure of your favor-
It’s core to the WSIA’s existence
of Tige, Buzz Watkins of Sail &
ite waterway, who would you call?
that waterways remain open for
Ski and Rob Falgout of Central
the public – as waterways go, so
Texas Watersports were all on
goes watersports! With the help
hand to show support. We also
of local counsel and a committee
would like to thank Centurion,
of impassioned volunteers, the
Malibu, MasterCraft, Nautique,
WSIA rallied dozens supporters
Skier’s Choice, and Tigé for ral-
watersports. This body of water is where Jimmy Redmon tested many of his board designs in the ‘70s and ‘80s eventually launching Redline Designs and today he’s the chief designer at Liquid Force.
The WSIA is doing more to protect our sports, our activities and the waterways we use than any other organization. If you are not an active member of the WSIA (dealer cost is only $100/ year) then you need to seriously consider it. If you’re a sales rep for a watersports brand, consider joining under the “Sales Rep” category for just $100 per year. The WSIA is a non-profit organization and your membership could be tax-deductible (please consult a professional tax advisor). For more information on joining the WSIA, please visit www.WSIA. net and look for the convenient online registration under the tab
Beautiful Lake Austin, TX.
called “Join WSIA.”
3
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5
MANUFACTURER PROFILE
Sesitec: Celebrating 20 Years of Motion What you need to know about this booming business and how it can help yours. By: Kevco Since 1992, Sesitec cableways have helped
business
centers
and
exciting
redefine our activities and have introduced
attractions for their customers. Sesitec’s focus is
high numbers of new participants to both
to build the highest quality and most innovative
wakeboarding
Founder
product possible, while providing the best
Christian von Lerchenfeld now has two decades
possible service to current and future customers.
of experience in design and innovation, and
Pat Panakos, a legend in rail design and
completed more than 250 installations around
ambassador to the sport, teamed up with
the globe, including full size cableways and
Sesitec in 2007. With the popularity of rails,
Sesitec’s groundbreaking, two-tower System
kickers and other creative features on the rise,
2.0®.
Panakos was able to help give Sesitec parks
and
waterskiing.
Sesitec’s dedication to wakeboarding has resulted in innovative solutions such as patent
a modern upgrade for riders to enjoy, while improving safety at the same time.
pending full-size cable systems, a proprietary
WaterSports Retailer sat down with Panakos
Lake Control operating system, UNIT Parktech
for a discussion on this booming company, and
features, and System 2.0®.
the following interview includes great advice for
Cable parks have proven to be amazingly energy efficient and sustainable, while becoming
W
6
profitable
retailers interested in building or improving their own cable parks.
hat has been the biggest
Explain the evolution of System
and made an agreement, phased
change since you started
2.0, the partnership with UNIT
out our Sesitec features and went
with Sesitec in 2007?
and other main sub-categories of
all UNIT. These features have no
Panakos: “I think the change over-
the business.
visible screws, nails or bolts. It’s
all is the two tower cables, with
Sesitec has always manufactured
all internal. We are always think-
the amount being installed, mas-
their own features. UNIT came on
ing to ourselves, “What’s simpler?
sive awareness, facilitating educa-
the radar as a snow park builder
What’s safer?”
tion, understanding what it is and
and are experts in PE (polyethyl-
what it can do for their sport, city,
ene) welding. These guys are spot
Where are your best markets for
etc. Growth. System 2.0.”
on, masters of their trade. After
new parks?
meeting them, quickly partnered
Two hot spots are Texas and the
Southeast. Globally, we are spread
live on NBC in millions of house-
know how to classify, regulate or
out all over 40 different countries
holds. Every time we open a park
understand the impact to the en-
and growing fast.
whether it’s full-size or System
vironment. It’s different all over. I
2.0® people are talking about us
would say the four things to over-
What has been the greatest fac-
and social media has been amaz-
come are water, land, finances and
tor for growth of cable parks
ing. The toughest challenge is also
environmental impacts. You have
in the US, and what’s been the
education, or a lack thereof. Lots
to jump through hoops and in rare
toughest challenge? Education is
of people have the initiative to
occasions unfortunately, people
what helps us open more parks.
open their own parks, but this is a
simply can’t afford to.
This happens through city pre-
relatively new development pro-
sentations, and events like the
cess involving federal, state and
Do you see the purchase of OWC
Red Bull Wake Open, which was
local laws, and some regions don’t
by Correct Craft as a sign of a
The Red Bull Wake Open in Tampa, Florida
PHOTO: RED BULL PHOTOFILES
7
MANUFACTURER PROFILE coming trend, with established
event for the Olympics. Cable is
brands entering the cable park
the way in, and could probably
business?
pass through the Olympic com-
Yes, and I think it’s great trend that
mittee. I hope they would make
every boat company is now inter-
our sport look good. I also hope
ested in cable parks. Instead of
the X Games would invite us back
competing, they’re thinking, “How
someday soon.
do we get more of these open to get a larger participant base? And
Could you argue that cable riding
vice versa. Nautiques took an ex-
is more eco-friendly than other
tra step to create a company ini-
methods like a boat?
tiative to fuel the growth even
You could, but we don’t. The boat-
faster with their own dollars. More
ing community is our friend and we
and more companies are investing
support cross-pollination. Techni-
in existing parks, new parks, spon-
cally speaking though, we’re run-
sorships and events.
ning off of 480-volt three-phase power and this is a very efficient machine. We’re talking 10-15 dol-
the way for wakeboarding be-
lars a day in electricity cost for a
coming an Olympic sport. Do you
System 2.0 – all day long. This is
don’t build it and they will come.
agree?
a great, cost efficient way to get
Like any business, you have to
Electronically controlled towing
people into our sport, and has
keep pushing marketing, brand-
devices definitely stand the best
proven to get these people behind
ing, customer service, events and
chance. I think a park atmosphere
a boat too.
communication. Most businesses
would be best. Like a Red Bull Wake Open or Battle Falls style
are profitable within five years or Once a park is installed and run-
less. Sesitec has installed over 40
ning, what’s the aver-
full size cables and over 200 Sys-
age annual revenue for a
tem 2.0s worldwide. Not one of
business?
our full size parks has yet to close
It varies, but we’ve seen
their doors. This just does not hap-
many
become
pen because a park opens their
profitable in three years.
door. Our staff provides a massive
It usually takes 1.5 to 2.5
amount of knowledge to the park
million or more in startup
owner about development and
costs for a Full Size Cable
operations. We’re with them every
($45,000 to $80,000 or
step of the way, from site location
more for a System 2.0).
to permitting to development to
Being profitable or break-
operations to service and support
ing even quickly depends
and beyond, like bringing in events
a lot on the owner’s busi-
such as “Wake The Line” qualifiers
ness practices. You just
to our parks.
UNIT Quarterpipe at Hydrous Wake Park
8
System 2.0 A-Frame
Cable riding seems to be paving
parks
The System 2.0 lake at Red Rocks Wake Park in Utah.
What’s your advice to a retailer
there too. Overall, you’re looking
Austria, Italy and Canada. In the
who wants to get involved?
to create a cost effective business
US, we are way proud of Hexagon,
Do your research. Spend the time
where customers can try and buy
in Benson, North Carolina, Hy-
to visit existing cable park instal-
new equipment.
drous in Allen, Texas and the only
lations. You know your location
Full Size Cable in California, Wake
the best and who your customers
Where is a good resource for
Island in Sacramento. Aderna-
are that will use the park. The big-
more information?
line Adventures in Winnepeg is
gest mistake people make is com-
Sesitec.com just launched our
great and they offer fun things like
mitting to build a Full Size Cable
new site on 12/12/12. We did every-
snow tubing in the winter months
without ever having visited other
thing to make the web experience
to help create a year round busi-
full size parks. Go see as many as
easy and informative. There’s a
ness. Take a look around our web
you can, get out there and ride,
products page, where you can see
site and send us an email so we
note the customer service, site lay-
everything we’ve done globally
can help you with your decision of
outs, etc. The mistakes have been
including Germany, Sweden, Thai-
opening a cable park in your area.
made. They’re out there for all to
land, Jakarta, Philippines, Austra-
see. But, the successes are out
lia, South Korea, France, Croatia,
9
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Sammy Duvall Hall of Fame Water Ski Jumper & Entrepreneur Describe the transition for you
titles, six world records, #1 in the
Describe the advantages and
from athlete to business-focused
world for 17 years and many other
challenges of having both your
as you retired from competi-
national and international accom-
Water Sports Centre and the Curl
tive waterskiing. What were the
plishments as well as the Inter-
retail shop. Which takes up more
largest milestones for you during
national and US Hall of Fame.The
of your time now and why?
that time?
point is that it was my everyday
There are many days I question
Skiing and competing had been
existence and I put everything
being an entrepreneur. It can be
a major part of my life for almost
into competing. When I suffered
super stressful and super reward-
30 years at that time. I started
a major injury it finished off my
ing like many things in life. When
very young, was competing when
competitive career. So when I
I first started the Water sports
I was six years old. I won my first
made the transition full time into
Centre it took up the majority
national title when I was 12 and
business inside and outside the
of my time. Through the years I
turned pro at the age of 15. So
industry I approached it the only
have gathered a strong team that
for 20 years I traveled the world
way I knew how. Work hard to
makes it happen on the water ev-
competing professionally. I was
perfect what I do, give more than
eryday. I have charged them with
not the biggest, strongest, fast-
100% and follow my gut instincts.
offering a world class guest expe-
est but I trained effectively and
That was 1998 and it is still how I
rience second to none and they
absolutely hated to lose. I had
operate today.
do this on a daily basis. When our
many accomplishments, six world
guest are done we want their time with us to be the highlight of their vacation. We expose the sports of waterskiing, wakeboarding and other water sports to the masses. It is very different then the school I had when I was competing. Now the Curl takes up the majority of my time. We have an excellent team there as well. High volume retail has many challenges and you cannot let up for a second. We have been on a growth stage the last few years and are presently designing and building a new location at Downtown Disney. The Curl is a beast and it
Sammy Duvall’s Curl
10
takes work to feed it. We are the
The finely-tuned inventory inside Curl largest single door account for
been my life. While I had several
I think the vast majority in the
many of our vendors in the South-
business in the industry my first
industry have done a good job
east region and in most cases the
retail experience was owning
of managing through the tough
East coast US. Now with the new
a MasterCraft dealership and
times.
location we are preparing to take
board shop in Orlando in 1986. In
With politics they way they are
it to a whole new level.
three years we took this market
it is difficult to predict what may
Our new location is located on
from one of the worst to #3 in
happen the next four years much
the Westside next to Disney
the nation for MasterCraft. I lived
less ten.
Quest, Wolfgang Puck’s, House of
through the industry’s growth
Blues and our anchor is Splitsville
and contraction from the early
Many people will tell you “loca-
lanes that opens in December.
nineties until recently. I have seen
tion is everything,” As a man
the landscape change and it has
with businesses on Disney prop-
With over two decades in the
been a tough one that few ever
erty, would you agree and why?
water sports business, what
envisioned.
That is my belief. If you are going
trends have you noticed, and
As a business owner, it’s pretty
to put in the time and effort why
what do you predict for the in-
unsettling where the country is
not work a little more and do it on
dustry in the next 10 years?
heading and the unknowns that
a larger scale. When we opened
The water sports industry has
will be presented. That being said
the Curl, we had a smaller shop
11
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH What aspect of your Water Sports Centre business is the best for you, and where do you see that particular business growing? They all are important in different aspects. Volume wise, parasailing is the most important. In the past, several operators have attempted to set regulations to make the sport safer. The operators who cut corners, do things as cheap as possible, do not need to be in the industry. These operators give the sport a black eye while the majority of operations are safetyfirst oriented. This is why WSIA has been so important in bringing regulation into the sport of parasailing and assisting operators in self regulation. Many people do not realize the connections and relationships that have been built up by Larry Meddock and WSIA through the many years of existence. They have always had Parasailing at the Sammy Duvall Water Sports Centre
a great BOD who have a broad view of the industries and offered the best support that we as retail-
that was doing about $1,000 per
formance by every brand. We
ers, manufactures, operators can
square foot. The Curl had been
react very quickly when brands
get. If you are a parasail operator
opened about three weeks when
underperform. It is not an easy
or water sports operator and you
it became clear that the Curl’s
choice but every square foot has
are not a member of WSIA then
volume was a whole other level.
to perform. From the outside
you are making a mistake.
I closed the small shop shortly
looking in this is one of the major
there after. It allowed us to focus
mistakes retailers make. They do
What products in your Curl retail
on the growth of the Curl. Be-
not focus on reporting, drilling
surf shop are your best sellers,
ing in a high-traffic area creates
down. The numbers don’t lie and
and how do you see that trend
a very different business model
when it’s not working you need to
continuing or changing in the
than most and your focus has to
change quick!
next 1-2 years?
be on inventory turns and per-
12
The key to any retailer’s success
PWC rentals from the Water Sports Centre offer a different perspective on the Disney property. is finding the upcoming trends
ing them to over-distribute to big
foot traffic in brick and mortar.
early and often and locking them
box discounters and drive sales
I continue to analyze the online
down. It takes a lot of work and
through their own website. It is
business and the expansion of
a little luck as well. An example
hurting the industry as a whole
the Curl Private label channel. It is
at the Curl would be Tom’s shoes
and hurts the brands in the long
something we will be able to offer
which we picked up three years
run. There will be a point where
that no one else has and we have
ago which was a small up and
the brand is no longer considered
built in traffic to drive to the web.
coming brand with an amazing
cool, the bottom falls out and it is
I do not want to do it half-way
story. Last year we were the 7th
very difficult to get off that slip-
so we will wait until we can do it
largest retailer for them in the
pery slope. Some of them made
right out of the gate.
country and one of the top two
it back and some are no longer
single door accounts.
relevant.
Do you have a particular approach to using social media to
The big surf brands are going to continue in importance/anchors
What is your strategy for your
grow your business?
but there is a strong movement
online business, and how does
It is such an ever-changing
to smaller up-and-coming brands
that contribute to your overall
platform and frankly we have
that offer a fresh perspective and
success?
not done as much as we should.
limited distribution. Examples
It’s a tough business to play in,
I am redirecting more focus to
would by Duvin, Brixton, Vstr. If
with brand-owned websites and
social media. It is an important
you are a publicly held surf brand,
the big box chains. Our focus has
foundation for any business going
the pressures for growth is caus-
been on converting sales through
forward.
13
14
15
RETAIL SPOTLIGHT
BoardCo Mitch Mann, Vice President
facturers or partners. I’ve learned
Hyperlite, CWB, Slingshot, Phase
over the years that there is typi-
5, Inland Surfer, Centurion and a
cally a way to make every situation
ton of others and I know we would
beneficial for everyone.
As a retailer who’s been in busi-
never be where we are if we hadn’t
ness for over 20 years, what are
had their support. Obviously we
What is your most popular prod-
some key sales lessons you have
have done a lot of things to get
uct category, in-store and online?
learned?
where we are, but the relation-
Wakeboards are just so hot right
There are a few key lessons we
ships we have built along the way
now. With new innovations in ma-
have learned over time. The most
is what has developed our best
terials, flex patterns, bindings and
important, in my opinion, is that
business opportunities. Too many
the emergence of cable parks na-
you need to appreciate and sup-
retailers try to do what is best
tionwide the demand for wake-
port the companies that helped
for them, even if it means harm-
boards / boots has been growing
you get where you are. I look at
ing their relationships with manu-
and growing.
the support we’ve received from
Inside BoardCo’s shop
16
companies such as Liquid Force,
BoardCo.com website
Describe your strategy behind
want someone on my team that
our company – both on or off the
the BoardCo pro team — what
will have a conversation with a kid
water.
makes you choose the riders you
and the only thing going through
do?
that kid’s mind is “wow… what a
What brand’s products have you
Our team strategy is simple, we
d-bag”. Everyone on our team,
carried the longest?
have and will continue to work
from top to bottom, has to as we
There are 2 companies that we
with riders who are having a posi-
like to say “get it”. I never have to
have carried from day one and
tive impact on the sport. I don’t
worry about how they represent
still push today – Connelly / CWB and Centurion boats (at our boat dealership). We have grown a lot since 1989 and so have these companies. We truly appreciate everything they have done for us over the years and, without either of them, we probably wouldn’t exist today. Of the younger water sports, where have you seen the greatest sales growth and excitement?
The inner workings at BoardCo
WAKESURFING! We love to
17
An array of wakeboards and wakeskates on display at BoardCo
wakeskate and definitely sell our
our biggest opportunity, and I’m
How do you adjust/change your
fair share of wakeskates, but we
happy we did because I can’t even
business through the seasons?
embraced wakesurfing right from
imagine trying to start up an on-
the beginning and it has made a
line store right now.
huge impact on our business over
This has always been a challenging one since most watersport gear is sold in a 6-month window.
the last 10 years. Not only with board sales, but also being a Centurion dealer, we just happen to sell the best wakesurfing boats too. What percentage of your revenue comes from online-only sales? Are you trying to drive that ratio in one direction or the other? The majority of our sales are online-based. Online has been the main focus of our company since we first launched our original online store (mmwatersports. com) in 1996. We always saw it as
18
An extensive inventory behind the scenes at BoardCo
Unlike most other stores, we don’t
py life, we say happy
carry snow or skate gear at all,
customer happy life.
which most people find odd, espe-
In the short term,
cially since we are based in Utah.
you can get away
We have always taken the position
with
that we will focus on wake 365
service but we have
days a year and, believe me, we
a vision that is much
definitely work hard year round.
more long term.
having
poor
This has been a great thing for us, though sometimes we question
What do you see as
that decision around the end of
your biggest oppor-
February.
tunity over the next
Every square foot used wisely
1-3 years? Your website offers many incen-
We feel like we are
tives and guarantees, free ship-
in a position to help the industry
ping and low-price matching.
grow. Let’s face it, the number one
How do those fit into your overall
problem our industry faces is a
customer service plan?
lack of participation in the sports
Pure and simple, we want to pro-
we love. I think the biggest op-
vide the best customer service we
portunities for all of us will come
can even when it may not seem to
when we get more people out
be a profitable move at the start.
there, enjoying time on the water.
Some people say happy wife hap-
Too often we spend our time try-
ing to snag a bigger piece of the metaphorical pie that is the watersports consumer. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll never complain about having a larger slice, but our main mission as a brand and as a company is to help create a bigger pie. Oh, and in case you haven’t yet, JOIN THE WSIA!
Boots on boots on boots
19
“Daddy, you promised to wear your life jacket!” Trust us, she’ll know if you don’t. Brought to you by the National Safe Boating Council and the women who nag love you.
safeboatingcampaign.com 20
21
GUEST EDITORIAL
Have You Checked Your Corporate Structure Lately?
By Peter Rietz
recent move into conglomer-
businesses. Rather, it is only a
WSIA General Counsel
ates, the business structure may
primer, designed to alert chief op-
include subsidiaries, affiliates and
erating officers, general manag-
sister-companies. Some of you
ers and owners to scrutinize their
Watersports manufacturers
may even operate as sole propri-
legal corporate structure with an
and businesses operate under
etorships. Whatever your choice
eye toward potential ramifica-
a myriad of different guises.
of operating entity, one of the
tions.
Usually those guises take the
challenges you may face is the
Anderson v. Snow Valley
form of business entities such
maintenance of your operating
as: S corporations, C corpora-
entity as a separate entity.
Introduction
tions, partnerships, and limited
22
This article is not a global
In Anderson, a catastrophically injured lift maintenance employee managed to circumvent the
liability companies. And, in many
treatise on corporate practices as
worker’s compensation bar be-
instances, given our industry’s
they relate to the aforementioned
cause the ski area was structured
as two corporations; one operat-
attempts to pierce the corporate
the gamut from opening the door
ing the area and one owning the
veil, which allows parties to sue
to corporate documents to juror
area. The employee was barred
entities up the chain and even,
perception in the courtroom. The
from suing the operational entity,
under certain circumstances, to
larger the corporation named,
whereas the corporation that had
sue individual executives or board
in the eyes of the jury, often the
no operational responsibility, the
members. Pay attention and
less sympathy extended to the
one who owned the area, was left
maintain corporate separateness
company and the more that will
exposed to a large verdict in the
by setting up legitimate corpora-
flow towards the suing party. Your
amount of $31 million.
tions; i.e., avoid “shell” corpora-
defense is much better served
tions. Make sure that your corpo-
by having an entity that directly
ideal segue into examining wheth-
rations are adequately FUNDED
operates the: boat or component
er your corporation is structured
and are not mere “shell corpora-
manufacturer, ski/wakeboard
in such a way as to minimize the
tions” of the parent company or
manufacturer, parasail company,
exposure from the risks of the full
companies. Just as important,
cable park operator, ski school/
panoply of litigation out there,
follow corporate formalities
camp or other holdings being
whether it be product liability, real
including: annual board meetings,
sued, as opposed to the entire
estate, personal injury, property
minutes, and, in the event that
corporate organizational chart up
damage, construction defect,
you are public, compliance with
to and including the parent com-
trade practices or transactional.
the SEC rules and regulations and
pany. This is particularly true in
accounting practices in our post-
more rural jurisdictions where the
Enron world.
business is typically a large em-
The Anderson case provides an
Protecting Parent Corporations Trial lawyers will always endeav-
The author has handled a
ployer and is most often viewed
or to go “up the chain” to bring
number of cases where opposing
in as many corporate entities as
counsel has pursued companies
possible, including, the parent
higher up on the organizational
company or holding company
chart from the entity that pur-
at the top of the organizational
portedly runs the business. Thus
merger or acquisition takes place:
chart. Accordingly, it is wise to
far, we have had them dismissed
for instance, when a company
structure your business entity
successfully. However, businesses
that already owns one or more
in such a way that it is isolated
do not always make it as easy,
business acquires a new business
from other entities within your
as it would otherwise be, if they
and fails to pay attention to the
corporate structure. This means
were more properly observing
formation of the appropriate en-
minimizing shared directors and
corporate formalities.
tity to own and operate the new
board members, segregating day-
While suing “up the chain” may
favorably. Mergers and Acquisitions Challenges often arise where a
business or other holding. In most
to-day operations, accounting,
not affect insurance limits in a
circumstances, setting aside tax
and the vast majority of business
particular lawsuit, given the fact
considerations, there is a benefit
decision-making to a subsidiary.
that most companies name each
to forming a corporation in the
and every layer or subsidiary
state where the newly acquired
on the same policy, it can cause
business is located.
Piercing the Corporate Veil For a business that is part of a conglomerate, another risk is
difficulties for your defense from start to finish. Such difficulties run
23
GUEST EDITORIAL Jurisdictional Issues
jured party is from New York and
true, unless, of course, they are
names Watersports Inc. and all
formed through thorough analysis
in instances where a plaintiff is
its subsidiaries in the complaint.
relative to their organizational
trying to sue your company in
Of course the minimum contacts
structure, their function and that
a foreign jurisdiction. This re-
will be expanded exponentially as
corporate separateness is fol-
quires a “minimum contacts”
compared to the minimum con-
lowed thereafter.
analysis. Minimum contacts are
tacts that the cable park subsid-
simply “business contacts” in the
iary has in New York which maybe
jurisdiction where the plaintiff
nonexistent. Defense counsel has
is attempting to sue you. They
endeavored to dismiss the case
mindful of not only the tax conse-
involve, among other things in
in New York and force the injured
quences of the structure of your
that jurisdiction: bank accounts,
party to file in Texas since their
company but also the effects on
employees, 800- numbers, local
release has a forum selection
potential litigation. Corporations
advertising, brochures, trade
clause designating that they must
are wonderful entities, if formed
shows, ad agencies, ticket sales,
be sued in Texas.
properly and operated appropri-
Other challenges are presented
travel agents/vacation travel
Corporate lawyers must be
In the event this company has
ately with respect to corporate
packages and any other business
successfully maintained corporate
formalities, corporate separate-
contacts that you have in that ju-
separateness, defense counsel
ness, capitalization, operations
risdiction. Of course, websites can
should be able to gain dismissal
and reporting procedures. Often-
now be accessed virtually any-
of the case in New York for lack
times, the corporate lawyer does
where in the world and make the
of jurisdiction over the cable park
his or her job in structuring your
minimum contacts argument that
company and force the plaintiff
company and then the subsidiary
much more complex as compared
counsel to refile in Texas which is
corporation with respect to its
to the pre-electronic world.
a much more favorable jurisdic-
interface with other corporations
tion for the cable park company.
or partnerships, within the con-
glomerate, call it “Watersports,
But of course the subsidiaries that
glomerate operates sloppily. This
Inc.”, which owns six businesses
manufacture i.e. skis, wakeboards
can lead to problems in a litiga-
and has three layers in its corpo-
and inflatable’s can be sued
tion setting.
rate organizational chart includ-
anywhere as they presumably do
Bear in mind three Fs, which
ing a parent company or holding
business in all 50 states and likely
may help in protecting your cor-
company at the top. Assume
Canada.
poration structure:
Let us take a hypothetical con-
24
Formation
the six businesses include two
Should you be a small or
subsidiaries that manufacture
medium business, the same
Formation
skis, wakeboards and inflatable’s,
hypothetical applies, albeit on a
Formalities
a subsidiary that conducts special
smaller scale. Remember that the
Function
events and competitions, a mari-
Anderson case involved a small
na with a pro shop as well as two
ski area with two corporations.
cable parks. Assume further that
Many business people today feel
the cable park where the subject
that the more corporate layers
mingling of a corporate structure
accident occurred is located in
created, the more protection
may create difficulties in litiga-
Texas. Let’s further assume the in-
afforded. This is not necessarily
tion is the area of trade marking
Trademarking Exposure Another arena where the
your businesses’ name, and failure
tures wherein the ownership body
sure your business is mindful of
to scrutinize the use thereof and
is engaged in other businesses.
these tenets and “running its own
protecting your trademark or
Additionally, economies of scale
shop”.
company name. For example, if
and sharing of accounting struc-
a concessionaire uses your name
tures, vehicle fleets, purchasing,
in brochures, and other collat-
equipment, marketing and PR,
eral materials, or in the media,
often create environments ripe for
and function will minimize your
your business could arguably be
a breakdown of the very corpo-
company’s exposure to piercing
named in a lawsuit even though
rate structure set up for protec-
the corporate veil, jurisdiction
the business had no operational
tion. Be mindful, the observation
problems, and parent companies
responsibility or oversight capa-
of corporate separateness will
ending up as a co-defendant with
bility with respect to that conces-
make it easier to ask a court to
your subsidiary actually run-
sionaire’s operation.
dismiss a non-operating company
ning the business involved in the
from a lawsuit. This is not to say
lawsuit.
Economies of Scale Many watersports businesses of all sizes have ownership struc-
Conclusion Following formation, formalities
one cannot take advantage of economies of scale. However, do so with care and diligence. Make
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The Rietz Law Firm specializes in sports and recreation defense work and Mr. Rietz is completing his 2nd year as General Counsel for WSIA and has run a water ski/wakeboard school since 1971.
25
MEMBER DIRECTORY MANUFACTURERS: BOATS
MANUFACTURERS: EQUIPMENT
Correct Craft
Acme Propellers
Orlando, FL (407) 855-4141 www.nautiques.com
Big Rapids, MI 888-661-2263 www.acmemarine.com
CWS Boats
Alliance Wakeboard
Cape May, NJ (609) 780-6326 www.cwsboats.com
Cardiff, CA 760-943-6600 www.alliancewake.com
Fineline Industries
AM Skis
Merced, CA (209) 384-0255 www.centurionboats.com
Orlando, FL 407-412-5971 www.amskis.com
Malibu Boats
Argotrak
Merced, CA (209) 383-7469
Naples, FL 239-300-2197 www.argotrak.com
MasterCraft Boat Co. Vonore, TN (423) 884-2221 www.mastercraft.com
Boaters Insurance Marine
Boatfun Sports, Inc Sanger Boats Fresno, CA (559) 485-2842 www.sangerboats.com
Liberty Township, OH 513-379-0506 www.boatfunsports.com
Body Glove Int’l Skier’s Choice Maryville, TN (865) 983-9924 www.skierschoice.com
26
Redondo Beach, CA 310-374-3441 www.bodyglove.com
Tige Boats
Bonnier/Transworld Wakeboarding
Abilene, TX (325) 676-7777 www.tige.com
Winter Park, FL 407-628-4802 www.bonniercorp.com
Breathe Boardwear
Goode Skis
Rathgar, Dublin, Ireland 353-1-4914170 breatheboardwear.com
Ogden, UT 801-621-2300 www.goode.com
Camaro USA
Griffin Boards
Kent, WA (253) 867-5735 www.camaro.at
Denver, CO 303-815-5161 www.bluegriffins.com
Carolina Watersports
HO Sports
Spartanburg, SC (864) 332-0090 www.4wake.com
Redmond, WA (425)-885-3505 www.hosports.com
Connelly Skis
Indmar Products Co.
Lynnwood, WA (425)-775-5416 www.connellyskis.com
Millington, TN 901-353-9930 www.indmar.com
Creative Water Sports
Inland Surfer
Redlands, CA 909-335-1885 www.ezski.net
Bellevue, WA 425-747-6055
Jet Pilot Custom Chutes, Inc. Bradenton, FL 941-753-4818
Vista, CA 760-734-111 www.jetpilot.com
DECKadence
Jobe Sports USA
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 954-536-3660 www.marineflooring.net
Orlando, FL 407-352-3655 www.jobesports.com
Eagle Sports
Kent Sporting Goods
Houston, TX 800-862-4424 www.eaglesports.com
New London, OH www.kentwatersports.com
Kwik Tek Flyboard, Inc. Lady Lake, FL 352-750-0048 www.flyboard.com
Denver, CO 303-733-3722 www.airhead.com
Liquid Force
Rave Sports
Top of the Dune
Zup Board Company
Encinitas, CA (760) 943-8364 www.liquidforce.com
St. Paul, MN 651-255-4805 www.ravesports.com
Mary Esther, FL 850-855-4335 turn-key-marine.com
Williamsburg, VA 757-870-8900 www.zup.com
Masterline USA
Rixen Cableways GmGh
Underwater Reef Surfer
Oakland, FL (407) 342-5284 www.masterlineusa.com
Deachau, Germany 498737-54700 www.rixen-seilbahnen.de
Auburn, WA 253-332-7285 www.reefsurfer.com
Nash Mfg / Nash Sports
Roswell Wake-Air
Unit Parktech, AG
Fort Worth, TX 800-433-2901 www.nashmfg.com
Cocoa, FL 321-890-7120 www.roswellwakeair.com
Roesrath, Germany 4.92206E+12 www.unit-parktech.com
DEALERS
Action Water Sports of Fenton Fenton, MI 810-629-1342 actionwater.com
Action Water Sports, Inc. NRS
Sesitec
Wake Journal
Moscow, ID 208-882-2383 www.nrsweb.com
Orlando, FL 407-353-4286 thewakeparkproject.com
Orlando, FL 407-476-4791 www.wakejournal.com
Hudsonville, MI 810-629-1342 actionwater.com
Adrenaline Watersports O’Brien International
Skylon/ECI
Water Sport Industries
Redmond, WA 407-852-2424 www.obrien.com
Perris, CA 951-940-9999 www.skylonsports.com
Mt. Dora, FL 352-516-6134 www.theskiseat.com
Belevue, WA 425-746-9253 adrenalinewatesports.com
Ambush / Buywake.com Pacific Watercraft
Slingshot Sports
Redmond, WA 206-257-2301 www.solowatersports.com
Hood River, OR 509-427-4950 www.slingshotsports.com
WOW World of Watersports Boystown, NE (402) 516-8034 www.wowwatersports.com
Kennesaw, GA 770-974-9757 www.ambushboardco.com
American Boat Center Performance Diesel
Sport Dimension
Webster, TX 281-464-2345 performancediesel.com
Carson, CA 310-320-7873 www.sportdimension.com
Pleasurecraft
Square One Dist.
Little Mountain, SC www.pleasurecraft.com
Issaquah, WA 425-369-6850 www.squareoneco.com
Rad Rails Mindon, NV 775-315-2468
XSR Xtreme Storage Rack Twin Falls, ID 208-431-1118 www.boardstoragerack.com
ZF Marine LLC Dartmouth, MA 401-261-1964 www.zf-marine.com
Knoxville, TN 865-777-2628 americanboatcenter.com
American Marine & Motor Sports Shawano, WI 715-526-4300 www.americanmarina.com
Stereo Skis
Aqua Sport Marine3
Skarnes, Norway 479-515-8426 www.stereoskis.com
St. Agathe-des-Monts, QC 819-326-9998 www.aquasportmarine.com
27
MEMBER DIRECTORY Art in Surf
Cleveland Boat Center
Gull Lake Marine
Liquid Playground
Cayucos, CA 805-440-6065 www.artinsurf.com
Cleveland, TN 423-472-1201 clevelandboatcenter.com
Richland, MI 267-627-4507 www.gulllakemarine.com
San Jose, CA 408-435-8088 theliquidplayground.com
Barefoot Central
Conneaut Lake Navigation
Gunnells Marine
Liquid Sports Marine
Greenwood, SC 264-223-2275 www.gunnellsmarine.com
Orlando, FL 407-281-7909 www.liquidsportsmarine.com
Bart’s Water Sports
Heinen’s Motorsports
Lynnwood Motoplex
North Webster, IN (574)-834-7666
Osseo, MN 763-425-2178 heinenmotorsports.com
Lynnwood, WA 425-774-0505 www.motoplex.net
High Adventure
Main Channel Marina
Salt Lake City, UT 801-924-9244 highadventurereps.com
Syracuse, IN 574-457-4200 www.mainchannel.com
Idaho Water Sports
Marine Outfitters
Burley, ID 208-678-5809 www.idahowatersports.com
Charleston, TN (423) 336-1088 www.marine-outfitters.net
Island City Watersports
Marine Sales Group
Cumberland, WI 715-822-8337 islandcitywatersports.com
Charlotte, NC 336-918-6821 www.marinesalesgroup.com
JC Sports
MarineMax, Inc.
Seneca, SC 864-882-4212 www.skijcsports.com
Clearwater, FL (727)-531-1700 www.marinemax.com
Lauderdale Lakes Marina
Mattos Marine Diesel Services
Elkhorn, WI 262-742-3898 lauderdalelakesmarina.com
Fort Myers, FL 239-332-2515 www.mattosmarine.com
Katy, TX 281-395-9751 www.barefootcentral.com
Conneaut Lake, PA 814-382-3255 www.navcompany.com
Culver Marina Culver, IN 574-842-3375 www.culvermarina.com
Bell Marine, Inc. North Webster, IN (574)-834-1334 www.bellmarine.net
Dockside Marine Ilmington, IL (815) 476-7802 www.docksidemarine.net
BoardCo. Inc Springville, UT 801-747-3539 www.boardco.com
Driport Marine O’Fallon, MO (636) 978-9999 www.driport.com
Boulder Boats Boulder City, NV 702-293-1122 www.boulderboats.com
East Coast Flightcraft, Inc. Middleton, MA 978-777-1721 www.eastcoastflightcraft.com
Bradenton Beach Marina Bredenton Beach, FL 941-778-2278 bradentonbeachmarina.com
Central Valley Marine Campbell, CA 408-371-6681 www.cvmarine.com
Chessie Marine Sales Elkton, MD 410-620-2628 www.chessiemarine.com
28
Flash Watersports & Marina Lake Hopatcong, NJ 973-663-7990 www.flashmarina.com
Fort Fremont Marine Fremont, WI 920-446-3220 www.fortfremont.com
MC Boats of Arkansas
Nautiques of Orlando
Pellaton Enterprises
Sail & Ski Center
Conway, AR 501-513-2628 www.mcboats.com
Orlando, FL 407-425-2678 www.orlandonautiques.com
Brentwood, CA 209-815-2013 www.sbcglobal.net
Austin, TX www.sailandski.com
Memphis Boat Center
New Found Boat Shoppe
Performance Ski & Surf
SD Watersports Memphis, TN 901-744-4444 www.memphisboatcenter.com
Bristol, NH 603-744-0777 newfoundboatshoppe.com
Orlando, FL 407-859-7544 www.perfski.com
Lake Buena Vista, FL 407-939-0754 www.sammyduvall.com
Sebago Watersports Miami Ski Nautique Miami, FL 305-438-9464 www.miamiskinautique.com
Pinecrest Marine Offshore Marine, Inc Branchville, NJ (973) 948-7177 www.offshoremarinenj.com
Fishers, ID 317-579-2628 www.pcmarine.com
Raymond, ME (207)-655-7547 www.sebagowatersports.com
Silver Lake Marine Midwest MasterCraft Crystal, MN 763-533-9666
Recreation Station Omaha Marine Center Omaha, NE 402-339-9600 www.omahamarinecenter.com
Minnesota Inboard Watersports Excelsior, MN 952-474-1742 www.mninboard.com
Overby Marine Sales/ Service Littleton, NC (252) 586-3593 www.overbymarine.com
Great Falls, MI
Overton’s
Salt Lake City, UT 801-973-4017 www.marine-products.com
Nautique Central Anstead QLD, Australia 61-7-5679-2246 www.nautiquecentral.com
Nautiqueparts.com Elizabethtown, NC 910-247-6201 www.nautiqueparts.com
Silver Springs, NY 585-237-5185 www.silverlakemarine.com
Ski and Sports, Inc. Redline Water Sports
Missouri River Marine
MP Marine Products
Spearfish, SD 605-717-4386 www.recstation.net
Chilliwaer, BC www.tige.ca
Rogers, AR 479-631-1653 www.skiandsports.net
Redline Watersports
Ski Dock
Madison, WI (608) 838-0838 www.redlinesports.com
Austin, TX 512-918-2628 www.skidock.com
Regal Marine Pty Ltdt
Ski Rixen of Quiet Waters
Greenville, NC www.overtons.com
Pacific Nautiques Pacific, WA 253-833-4140 pacificnautiques.com
Vermont, Victoria 03-9874-4624 www.regalmarine.com.au
Smooth Water Sports Riptank Boardshop
Parker Business Planning Orlando, FL 407-843-8808 parkerbusinessplanning.com
Deerfield Beach, FL
Lubbock, TX 806-799-8265 www.riptank.com
Ganesvoort, NY 518-793-5808 www.smoothwatersports.com
Stan Craft Marine Russell Marine Alexander City, AL (356) 212-1465 www.russellmarine.net
Coeur d’Alene, ID 208-457-8000 stancraftmarinecenter.com
29
MEMBER DIRECTORY Stengl Marine Minocqua, WI 715-356-2220 www.stenglmarine.com
Superior Boat Repair & Sales Rancho Cordova, CA 916-638-3382 superiorboatrepair.com
The Wakeshop DHL & SKI Nashville
Water Ski Pro Shop
Daytona Beach Parasail
Boise, ID 208-336-3270 thewaterskiproshop.com
Daytona Beach, FL 386-547-6067 www.daytonaparasailing.com
Watercraft Sales
Estero Island Parasail
Banora Point, NSW Australia
Three Lakes, WI 715-546-3351 www.watercraftsales.com
Ft. Myers Beach, FL 239-440-2270
Tigé Performance
Waterskis.com
Mesa, AZ 480-861-0666 www.tigeaz.com
Crystal, MN 763-533-9666 www.waterskis.com
Tigé Watersports
White Lake Marine
Corona, CA 951-737-9801 www.tigewatersports.com
White Lake, NC (910)-862-3688 www.whitelake.com
Tommy’s Slalom Shop
Wilson Watersports
Denver, CO 303-455-3091 www.gettommys.com
Edmond, OK 405-330-0526 www.wilsonwatersports.com
Old Hickory, TN 615-330-0655 www.thewakeshop.net
Tigé Boats Australia
Holland America Surf & Offshore Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 732-892-8303 www.surfandoffshore.com
Ft. Lauderdale, FL (206) 626-8091 www.hollandamerica.com
J.D.Q. Inc. Texas MasterCraft Fort Worth, TX 817-589-7547 www.texasmastercraft.com
Lake George, NY 518-668-4644 lakegeorgerecreation.com
Just Chute Me Texas Ski Ranch New Braunfels, TX 830-627-2843 www.texasskiranch.com
VS Marine The Liquid Edge Farmer City, IL 217-649-2698 www.theliquidedge.com
Atascadero, CA 805-462-BOAT www.vsmarine.com
PARASAIL OPERATORS & MANUFACTURERS
Aquatic Adventures Wakeboarder.com The Ski Shack Springfield, MO 417-882-8480 www.theskishack.com
Austin, TX 512-789-3149 www.wakeboarder.com
Panama City, FL 850-236-8677 www.pcbeachadventures.com
Destin, FL 850-333-3984 www.parasaildestin.com
Key West Parasail Key West, FL 305-294-2437 www.furycat.com
Lighthouse Harbor Marina Greentown, PA 510-857-0220 www.lighthouseharbor.com
Atlantic Watersports Wakeboards.com The Twister Ski Shop Blair Athol Adelaide, SA 61428826400 www.twister.com
Crystal, MN 763-533-9666 wakeboardwarehouse.com
N. Myrtle Beach, SC 843-272-2420 atlanticwatersports.net
Marco Island Water Sports Marco Island, FL 239-777-9977 marcoislandwatersports.com
CWS Tours WakeSide Marine Elkhart, IN 574-264-2874 www.wakesidemarine.com
30
St. Thomas, VI (340) 775-9360 www.viwatersports.com
Nutin Fancy Fishin, Inc Dunedin, FL
OBX Parasail, LLC
Sea Isle Parasail
YOLO Watersports, Inc.
Manteo, NC 252-573-8909
Linwood, NJ (606) 602-3465 www.seaisleparasail.com
Captiva, FL 239-472-9656 www.yolowatersports.com
H3O Development Partners Sammamish, WA 206-227-5178
Paradise Parasail Ft. Myers, FL 239-433-4337
Siesta Key Watersports Sarasota, FL (727)642-2876 siestakeywatersports.com
Parasailing the Harbor Dallas, TX 214-317-0845 parasailingtheharbor.com
Pinky’s Parasail
Sky Pirates Watersports Destin, FL 850-837-5797 skypirateswatersports.com
Marco Island, FL 239-970-0618
St. Augustine, FL 904-819-0980 www.smilehighparasail.com
Pensacola Beach, FL (850) 934-9743 www.radicalrides.com
Dunedin, FL 727-403-8807 www.clearwaterparasail.com
Surfside Beach, SC 843-232-8383
SD Watersports Lake Buena Vista, FL 407-939-0754 www.sammyduvall.com
Allen, TX 214-390-3088 www.hydrous.com
Headingly, Canada 204-800-2060 www.adrenalinemb.com
Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park Portland, CT 866-860-0208 www.brownstonepark.com
Informes y Soluciones Lima, Peru 51-1-372-2200 informesysoluciones.com
Jibtopia Wake Park Chapel Hill, NC 919-801-0083 www.jibtopiawakepark.com
Homestead, FL 602-663-2623 facebook.com/cablesk8
KC Watersports Paola, KS 913-783-4300 www.kcwatersports.com
CajunXcables UFO Parasail
Sage Sailing
Hydrous Wake Park
Cable Sk8 Top of the Line Parasail
Radical Rides
Chester Springs, PA 484-354-3096 www.actionsportsparks.com
Dunedin, FL (727)389-2209
Smile High Parasail Quepos Parasail
Roxboro, NC 336-263-6412 www.hexagonwakepark.com
Adrenaline Adventures Skys The Limit Watersports, Inc.
Orange Beach, AL 251-609-0244 pleasureislandparasail.com
Hexagon Wake Park
Action Sports Parks
Gloversville, NY 607-272-7245
Pleasure Island Parasail
CABLE PARK OPERATORS
Lahaina, HI 808-661-78836 www.ufoparasail.net
Watersports4U
Lafayette, LA www.cajunxcables.com
Eagle Mountain Cable Park Saratoga Springs, UT 801-420-0290
Bayamon, Puerto Rico 787-306-7667
East Coast Wake Park Xtreme Parasail, Inc. Honolulu, HI 808-737-3577 www.xtremeparasail.com
Greenville, NC 919-801-3507 eastcoastwake.webs.com
Keys Cable Adventure Park Islamorada, FL 305-853-9728 www.keyscable.com
Miami Water Sports Complex Hialeah, FL 305-476-9253 miamiwakeboardcomplex.com
31
MEMBER DIRECTORY New Wave Cable Park
Velocity Island Park
Boating World
Shred Ready
Buford, GA 678-758-8488 newwavecablepark.com
Woodland, CA 530-908-2309 velocityislandpark.com
949-660-6150 www.boatingworld.com
Auburn, AL 334-239-0179 www.shredready.com
Orlando Water Sports Complex
Wake Island Watersports
Orlando, FL 407-854-1800 www.orlandowatersports.com
Pleasant Grove, Canada (415) 747-4119 wakeislandwatersports.com
Chris Craft Sarasota, FL 941-351-4900 www.chriscraft.com
Sportspower Altadena, CA (626) 456-1969 www.sportspowerltd.net
Coleman Company Red Rock Wake Park
Wake Nation
St. George, UT 801-867-0241 www.redrockwakepark.com
Fairfield, OH 513-846-4063 www.wakenation.com
Wichita, KS 316-832-3084
Swimline Edgewood, NY 631-254-2155 x145 www.swimline.com
David Layne Ashland, KY
Tearepair, Inc. Ski Rixen
Wake Park Project
Deerfield Beach, FL
Orlando, FL 407-353-4286 thewakeparkproject.com
Texas MasterCraft Ft. Worth, TX 817-589-7547 www.texasmastercraft.com
Texas Ski Ranch New Braunfels, TX 830-627-2843 www.texasskiranch.com
The Barracks Wellborn, TX 979-229-5906 barrackstownhoes.com
The Liquid Edge Farmer City, IL 217-649-2698 www.theliquidedge.com
Valdosta Wake Compound Valdosta, GA 229-375-3060 valdostawakecompound.com
32
Western Oasis Wakeplace Minden, NV 775-315-2468 www.wowwakeplace.com
ASSOCIATES
Ball, Bounce and Sport Ashland, OH 888-434-891 www.hedstromplastics.com
FW Murphy Tulsa, OK 918-633-3952 www.fwmurphy.com
Land o Lakes, FL 800-937-3716 www.tear-aid.com
CAMPS & SCHOOLS
Indexic, Inc Mt. Pleasant, SC 800-742-4781 www.indexic.net
Allatoona Adventures Canton, GA 404-849-1245 allatoonaadventures.com
Label Industries Knoxville, TN 865-691-5141 www.labelindustries.com
Chain O Lakes Water Ski School Three Lakes, WI 715-546-2014 chain-o-lakes-skischool.com
MITO Corp Bartlett Lake Marina Cave Creek, AZ 480-221-0503 www.bartlettlake.com
Elkhart, IN 574-295-2441 www.mitocorp.com
Protomet Corp Belter Insurance Willows, CA 1-800-540-2258 www.belterinsurance.com
Oakridge, TN 865-425-0600 www.ptmedge.com
International Tournament Skiing Groveland, FL 352-429-9027 www.jacktravers.com
Mission Bay Aquatic Ctr (SDSU) San Diego, CA
The Boarding School Orlando, FL 407-484-5525 theboardingschool.com
The Liquid Edge Farmer City, IL 217-649-2698 www.theliquidedge.com
Dive and Marine Consultants Boca Raton, FL www.dmci.com
First Flight Insurance Group Kitty Hawk, NC 252-261-1903 x230 www.firstflightinsurance.com
Wake School Argentina Buenos Aires, Argentina 5411-4728-0031 www.wakeschool.com.ar
iDrive
REPS
Luc Adams Northwest River Supplies Moscow, ID luc@nrsweb.com
Matt McDevitt MasterCraft Maryville, TN matt.mcdevitt @mastercraft.com
Lake Alfred, FL 863-956-4607
Chris Owen WakeSurf NC
INT League
Littleton, NC 252-203-7000 www.wakesurfnc.com
Black Diamond, WA 360-886-7822 www.intleague.com
MasterCraft chris.owen @mastercraft.com
Zane Schwenk WaterSki & Wakeboard Charters Marco Island, FL 239-825-7015 www.wakeboardFL.com
IWWF Polk City, FL www.iwsf.com
Logan Insurance
ASSOCIATIONS, FRIENDS & SCHOOLS
AWSEF Polk City, FL 863-324-2472 www.waterskihalloffame.com
Consumer Testing Bentonville, AR 479-286-2300 consumertesting.com
Pensacola, FL 850-438-1448
Zane Schwenk, Inc. Winter Haven, FL activerep@aol.com
Parker Stair MasterCraft Vonore, TN parker.stair @mastercraft.com
USA Water Ski Polk City, FL 863-324-4341
Wakescout San Juan Capistrano, CA 949-496-2178 www.wakescout.com
WWA Lake Alfred, FL (407) 362-7841 www.thewwa.com
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“Daddy, you promised to wear your life jacket!” Trust us, she’ll know if you don’t. Brought to you by the National Safe Boating Council and the women who nag love you.
safeboatingcampaign.com