Sunday, August 31, 2008

Malibu Boats Pushing Limits at the 2009 DVD Shoot

The 2009 Malibu Boats DVD Shoot went off last week at Lake Don Pedro in California. The temperatures were in the 100's and we were on fire getting amazing footage of 12 2009 Malibu boats in four days. We captured High Definition footage on three cameras with a small group of crew and talent. The high level of production resulting from the shoot was a direct result of the Malibu factory team, camera crew and pro athletes who attended the event. We saw these people raise their game to get the job done and the footage we have in the can is a shinning example of this effort.

Take a look at some of the behind-the-scenes images in the Malibu Boats 2009 DVD Shoot Flickr gallery.

The Malibu Factory Team roster included photo shoot veteran, camera boat driver and R&D engineer, Shane Stillman. I would compare Shane's performance at these shoots to competing in the Iron Man. He begins the morning at 5am driving the camera boat for about 5 hours. Then he spends the middle part of the day swimming boats around for jibs shots. The end of the day, which is around dark, is filled with launching and trailering boats as well as helping to prepare for the evening's shots. This guy never stops. He prepares for the DVD shoot weeks ahead of time and cleans up for days afterward. Shane puts as much energy and effort into special events like the DVD shoot as he does the interior design of Malibu boats.

We were also supported by other Malibu factory personnel like Tyler Grise, Adam Perez from Marketing and Steve Frietas from R&D. These guys went where ever they were needed, from cleaning and driving boats to posing for the camera to making gas, food and ice runs. Tyler also helped Shane swim most days, he was relived by Adam and Steve when he was needed elsewhere. These Malibu Team members stuck it out until the very end, even staying to clean the houseboat, the day after the shoot. You won't find more dedicated, hard-working employees in the marine industry.

Even the Malibu women got into the act at Lake Don Pedro last week. Daisy Gonsalves and Tisha Schortzmann, who work in Customer Service and oversee the sales of Malibu-branded merchandise, got up well before the sun every morning and still managed to look beautiful and happy in the boats. When these two weren't on the water they were helping clean the houseboat and preparing meals. They are awesome team players. Nicolette D'Heilly, one of the Malibu Boats receptionists, also helped out.

Ellery Sanchez in Marketing and Sylvia Juarez in Human Resources helped us get ready for the shoot. Ellery handles all of the pre-shoot logistics including permits talent coordination and insurance, while Sylvia helped with the huge task of shopping for our crew.

Mark Gibbs, Malibu's Northwest Sales Manager, not only ran himself raged driving and trailering boats he also did his time in front of the camera. Mark, his wife Cindy and their 4-year-old daughter Zoe were filmed in and around the DVD boats as well as speaking on camera about the boats. This Malibu family is on the road quite a bit, yet they still found time to come and help us out. We can't thank them enough for all they did last week. The results of their excitement and dedication to Malibu is evident in the footage we captured. Thanks Gibbs Family!

It's one thing to see this level of production from Malibu employees. This kind of work ethic is old news when we are talking about Malibu Boats. It's quite another phenomenon to see a group of independent contractors and companies put forth Malibu's brand of effort at a video shoot. This type of production speaks to the caliber of people Malibu Boats chooses to work with. Charles White from Mtek Studios, Mark Bame and Eric Jeffocat form Bump Films, Jack Hodgkins and Robert Beland made up the Malibu Boats 2009 DVD camera crew.

Robert Beland, who has been shooting video for Malibu Boats since our first DVD was produced in 1999, is an accomplished sports cameraman who loves to wakeboard. He is invited to the Malibu DVD each year because of his amazing talent to get great shots the first time and because he is a good guy who keeps us laughing. Robert is not your typical cameraman. This year, after he worked his behind off all day in the blazing sun capturing amazing footage, Robert finished the day barbecuing his famous chicken and mixing up salad for our dinner. And when he's between shots throughout the day, Beland drives boats, swims boats, he helps no matter what the situation.

The rest of the camera crew works up to this same level. Jack Hodgkins runs the jib and aside from schooling us all on diet, he's in great shape, he is also a team player. Between jib shots Jack was in the boat with us cleaning. No, that's not a misprint. Jack is one of the first to grab a towel and can of window cleaner to attack some windshield smudges or jump in a boat and wipe a spot from the upholstery. He does what needs to be done, like we all do. And we eat a lot better when Jack is around.

Charles White, who produces the Malibu DVD, empowers his crew to make decisions and be creative. That is one of the reasons we have such an amazing DVD to hand out at boat shows. Charles is also a very good friend of Malibu Boats and works with us through out the year on a variety of projects. He furthers the team work on this kind of shoot be helping out where help is needed. In the kitchen, on the dock, Charles is as much there to lend a hand as he is to create a fun and informative DVD.

Seasoned water sports video producers Mark Bame and Eric Jeffcoat from Bump Films have also worked with Malibu Boats for a number of years. These guys do whatever it takes to get the shot. Mark is the Camera AC in the morning, in the water shooting driver-bys during the middle of the day and on a tube shooting riders in the afternoon. He never stops... Eric is the cameraman shooting boat details and there are quite a few in our boats. He does that in the morning and then assists with the jib camera in the afternoon.

Finally, we have to mention the pro athletes who make us look so good. They show off the water sports capabilities of Malibu boats on the DVD. And this year we invited pro riders Nick Jones and Kevin Henshaw to the shoot. These guys both went off behind the boats! Check out the behind-the-scenes photos of the Kevin riding.

And because we choose to work with athletes who have as much character as they do talent, it shouldn't surprise anyone to find out that the riders at this year's DVD shoot did much more than ride. Nick and Kevin were an extension of the crew. They drove boats, puts boats on trailers, filled and emptied ice chests and helped clean up. Both of them were always asking what more they could do to help. This attitude is why they are part of the Malibu family.

This is a long post just to recap a photo shoot, but we feel it is important to share the stories of the people of Malibu Boats. It's not just about the boats. Malibu Boats is built on amazing people. Big projects like the 2009 DVD give us an opportunity push our own limits as well as the limits of the media. We've grown closer and stronger thanks to these efforts and you will have a better DVD because of this. Look for the 2009 Malibu Boats DVD at a dealership or a boat show near you this winter.

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Thursday, August 21, 2008

Malibu Wakeboard Wednesdays in Illinois

For the past four years, Kief’s Reef near Burtons Bridge, Illinois has hosted Wakeboard Wednesday. Long-time Malibu Boats Dealer, Munson Ski and Marine in Volo, Illinois brings out a Malibu wakeboarding boat and all the gear. Patrons sign a waiver and put up $15 for all the wakeboarding they can handle. It starts about 1 p.m. and continues until sunset, but patrons should call (1-888-488-BOAT) or e-mail Munson’s to find out available times.

“It’s a good day out of the boat shop,” said Don Schnurr II, Munson’s pro-shop manager who also sells Malibu boats. “We get a couple sales out of it a year. It’s all about enjoying the sunshine.”

Lakemoor resident Shannon Ronkoske stopped by Wednesday on her lunch hour. She said her 30th birthday was coming up and she wanted to try something new.

Read more about Wakeboard Wednesdays on the Northwest Herald Web Site.

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Monday, August 18, 2008

MaliView Photos Posted on Flickr

Just posted some great MaliView photos in our Flickr gallery. Check them out. Also visit the Malibu Boats YouTube channel to view MaliView in action.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Video on the New MaliView Dash System

Just posted this short 1.5 minute video featuring MaliView, our new optional 6.5" dash system. This short clip gives you an idea of how this innovative dash component looks and functions in real life. To experience MaliView first-hand visit your nearest Malibu Boats dealer. Go to www.malibuboats.com and click the "Dealer Locator" button.

Malibu Boats is offering you "a dash with a view" in most of the 2009 model line-up. MaliView is an optional 6.5" color LCD system that allows you to graphically control, monitor and customize almost every boat function. This new in-dash LCD also gives you the ability to watch video in the boat. Play instructionals, music videos, movies even the Malibu Boats DVD. MaliView supports almost any device with video and audio out RCA connections. Talk about changing your point of view. The possibilities are endless with this latest Malibu innovation.

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Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Malibu Pro Wakeboard Team Challenge Going-off This Weekend

With $25,000 on the line, the 2nd Annual Malibu Pro Team Challenge offers one of the single biggest event purses in the sport of wakeboarding. This three part competition - boat pass, rail jam and double-up contest - will feature some of the top pro riders in the world riding for their prospective board manufacturers, a shot at the “winner-take-all” prize and bragging rights as the best team in wakeboarding for the next 12 months.

The Pro Team Challenge will take place August 16th and 17th at the Silver Lake Executive Resort in Eatonville, Washington…just South of Seattle. At Silver Lake, riders and spectators will enjoy great water conditions and a rustic Pacific Northwest setting, all nestled in the shadow of Mount Rainier. Five pro teams are scheduled to compete including defending Champions, Team Hyperlite. Teams from CWB, Gator Boards, Liquid Force and Ronix will all be on-hand to try and de-throne the Champs.

The battle kicks-off on Saturday, August 16th at 12 noon with a traditional competition run behind the tournament Malibu tow boat. Saturday evening from 6p-9p, riders will compete in a pool-to-lake rail jam and Sunday, August 17th the competition will wrap up with the always exciting, big air double-up contest.

For more information visit the Malibu Series web site or download the Malibu Pro Team Challenge PDF.

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Cool 21 vRide Color Combination

Malibu Boats' customization touches all of our boat models, including those on the "entry" level. We spotted this 2009 21 vRide going through production the other day and had to snap a few photos. This boat was built for a customer in Canada and ordered through Wizard Lake Marine. They took the new Ride gel coat style and put their own twist on it adding Silver Metallic, which is an option. The boat looks sick!

Take a look at collection of 21 vRide photos we have placed on Flickr.

We have also seen some Ride boats go through with another panel of Ebony where this Silver Metallic is. So the boat is all black except the deck and the hull base. That looks really good too.

We will continue to share cool color combinations we see on the factory floor so you can have some examples when you are building your new Malibu boat.

To learn more about the 2009 21 vRide check out the August issue of the Malibu Boats E-newsletter.

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New 2009 21 vRide Information Released

The 21 vRide is a 21-foot by 8.2-foot wakeboard boat that offers pro-level wakeboarding accommodation without the high-flying price. Malibu’s Ride Series of boats features much of what you need to bolster your riding potential, but nothing you don’t. You’ll find some of the same core riding systems on the 21 vRide that you find in Malibu’s coveted Wakesetter Series. The 2009 Ride Series from Malibu Boats is redefining entry-level.

Visit the Malibu 21 vRide Flickr gallery to see more photos of the boat.

Training partner to the stars, the 21 vRide has been the difference in many professional wakeboarding careers. Dallas Friday, Phillip Soven, Randall Harris, Chad Sharpe, Brian Grubb and Kevin Henshaw have all trained behind this 21-footer at one time since its introduction as a Wakesetter in 2005. Before being dubbed the 2009 21 vRide this boat pulled Friday to an unprecedented string of wins in 2006, Soven to a Pro Tour title in ‘07 and the legendary Randall Harris back onto the wakeboard scene. You won’t find this caliber of credentials surrounding any other entry-level wakeboard boat. The same can be said for the vRide’s list of standard features.

To read the entire news release on the 2009 21 vRide visit the August issue of the Malibu Boats E-newsletter.

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Monday, August 11, 2008

Soven Captures WWA National Title

WakeWorld.com reported that, five riders battled it out for the national title in the Pro Men's division at the WWA Wakeboard National Championships. Last year's winner, Rusty Malinoski, looked to have a repeat performance in the finals, but Team Malibu's Phillip Soven threw down a near perfect run, posting 98 points to take the top spot in the finals and ride away with his first-ever national title. Malinoski finished in second-place followed by Andrew Adkison in third.

"I have won a lot of contests and awards throughout my career, but never a national title," said Soven. "This trophy means a lot. It's a dream come true to finally win it."

Team Malibu's Brian Grub finished second in wakeskate and Team Malibu pro Dallas Friday finished third in women's wakeboard. Go Team Malibu!

To read the event's entire recap visit WakeWorld.com.

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Friday, August 8, 2008

New European Record for Will Asher

Britishwaterski.org.uk reported that having already picked up the US Masters and two wins on the US Pro Tour, Team Malibu Slalom Pro, Will Asher, continued his outstanding form this season at the British National Championships by running the 10.25 metre line length for the first time in his career.

Will then came back on the unbelievably short 9.75 metre line to post the best score of the season anywhere in the World this year managing to get his ski out round buoy one and hooking back up on the boat to complete the full buoy score. Unbelievable skiing from an athlete at the top of his game.

Here's a 2008 Team Malibu video that included Will Asher, as well as, other Team Malibu skiers and barefooters.

Congratulations, Will!

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Thursday, August 7, 2008

Wakeboard Wally Sales Training



I came across this blog post this morning. Wakeboard Wally turned sales trainer on SalesandMarketingManager.com. Looks like they pulled this video off of the Malibu Boats YouTube channel. Pretty cool!

This goes to show, we can all learn something from Wakeboard Wally. Log on to receive your Wally sales and marketing training at SalesandMarketingManager.com.

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Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Team Malibu's Randall Harris Turns Company Man


Team Malibu's Pro Rider Randall Harris, signs with Company Wakeboards. Last week Harris announced he will be signing with a brand new wakeboard manufacturer that has yet to release a product to the public, Company.

In Harris's last column on WakeWorld.com he was asked about the flex-technology that Company Wakeboards is developing. Read Randall's response on the WakeWorld.com web site.

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