Prince Charming Proposes Malibu Boats Style

Tyler Prince "Charming" used Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) in his plan to propose to his girlfirend Nicole earlier this year. We saw some of the pics and heard bits and pieces of the story on Facebook from Tyler's coworkers at Malibu Boats Dealer Sundown Sport & Marine in Richland, WA. We wanted to know more so we went straight to the source for the whole story. Here are the details Tyler emailed us.

Nicole & I have been dating for 5 ½ years. We meet in summer, and enjoyed spending a lot of our time together on the water. Our relationship blossomed from there.

Nicole is a branch manager in the Tri-Cities for a local Credit Union (HAPO Credit Union), and I am the General Manager for Sundown Sport & Marine.

On the day of the proposal, I had a few of her girlfriends help. It was her birthday, so the girls wanted to treat her to lunch. So a limo picked her up from our home and took her with a dozen close friends to lunch, and then to a local winery for some wine tasting. After the wine tasting one of her friends told her they had one more treat for her but they would have to blind fold her. So they hopped back into the limo with Nicole blindfolded and made their way to Columbia Park, where I had an all white 2010 Malibu 23 LSV tied up to the dock. I had covered the dock in rose pedals, and had a bottle of champagne on ice sitting on the center table of the boat. I was dressed up in a suit, (with a set of sunglasses on – just in case) standing down on the dock. When then limo pulled up a friend escorted Nicole (still blindfolded) down to the dock then booked it back to the limo. Once Nicole removed the blindfold and saw me there, I think she started to put everything together. We had a few words on the dock, and then I proceeded to one knee and presented her the engagement ring and asked her if she would spend the rest of her life with me.

ONCE she said yes, we un-tied the boat, and cruised the Columbia in the new Malibu, celebrating with Champaign for about 3 miles down river until we reached a nice restaurant in our area, that had a dock. Once we got to the dock, the group from the limo was there to congratulate us. We had a few drinks and appetizers there, and began the celebrations.

Way to go Tyler! That was deffinately a special proposal, one we're sure Nicole will remember for the rest of her life. We are so proud that Malibu Boats was a part of it. Thank you for including us and good luck as you start your life together!

We're always looking for fun Malibu Boats stories, photos and video. Send any and all of these things to blog@malibuboats.com!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Tyler Prince | marriage proposal | wedding | Sundown Sport & Marine | Malibu Dealer | Wakesetter 247 LSV | boat cruise | proposal | surprise | wakeboard boat | prince charming

Malibu Family's New MMA Addition Dominates

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) MMA fighter Shane Carwin (@ShaneCarwin) made his presence known on Saturday night at UFC 111 in Newark, New Jersey. Carwin faced Frank Mir in the Octagon for the UFC Interim Heavyweight Championship.

As the introductions started and the commentator chatter turned to a steady buzz the favorite was made clear. Mir had receive more air time leading up to the fight coupled with a more dramatic entrance. Add this to what seemed to be the confidence of most analysts and it seemed as though Mir had the fight all but won. Carwin however, did not get this memo. He walked out confident and took his place in front of his sponsor banner, which included Malibu Boats and Malibu Dealer Tommy's Slalom Shop, in Octagon waiting for the Mir show to end and the big show to be begin.

Carwin was introduced to the roar of Team Carwin (#TeamCarwin) while he paced with the Malibu Boats logo in the background. The rest of the Malibu Boats family cheered from a pay-per-view vantage points.

Carwin continued to show the past champ respect until the battle began. Then he morphed into the "Beast" that Team Carwin knows as their favorite fighter. And this guy is the reason #TeamCarwin is still one of the main trending MMA topics on Twitter this morning.

The two men started the first round measuring each other and tangling against the cage. Carwin passed his infamous 1:40 mark and did not turn to dust. They fought on and at 3:30 Carwin turned on the power that he is known for pummeling Mir with 22 unanswered shots to the head and shoulders. The battle was called at 3:48. Carwin was declared the winner by knockout.

Carwin's confidence was humbled as he took the mic after the fight and admitted he was speechless. It had been a year since he stepped into the Octagon. All of that preparation, hard work along with the "on again off again" fight dates had made the road long. But as good as this victory felt for Shane, he is the first to say it is only a short stop on the road to Brock Lesnar. His goal of toppling the UFC Heavyweight Champion has never changed. He is focused on that fight now and looking to drop the "Interim" from his title in early July against Lesnar.

Carwin said, "I am honored to represent Malibu Boats in and out of the Octagon. What Malibu Boats and Tommy's Slalom's has done is helped me reach my goals and provide a rewarding escape for my family and friends. After big wins you always hear the athlete saying they are going to Disneyland, for me I am going boating on my Wakesetter VLX."

Malibu Boats is so proud of you Shane! Your abilities in cage are only matched by your integrity and your drive. Keep pushing limits and the next belt will be yours. Congratulations Shane Carwin!

Related blog post Top Ranked MMA Fighter Chooses Malibu Boats.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Shane Carwin | Mixed Martial Arts | MMA | UFC | UFC 111 | Frank Mir | Brock Lesnar | UFC Heavyweight Title | Wakesetter VLX | wakeboard boat | Tommy's Slalom Shop

Clift Family Repeats with Malibu Boats

2nd-time Malibu boat (@MalibuBoats) owners Blake and Nicole Clift just took delivery of their 2010 Wakesetter VLX from Grandpa's Marine in Greensboro, NC.

Blake sent a great email to our own Kerri Johns in Customer Service this morning thanking her for a signature Malibu Boats effort that pushed the limits of typical customer care. This is some of what Blake had to say. "The time you invested and dedication to Nicole and I as customers is the exact reason we bought a Malibu the first and now second time. Thank you again for all that you did/do daily to satisfy us crazy Malibu owners. (Don’t forget you’re one too!!) Wear your [Malibu Boats] 10-year ring with pride, you clearly deserve it!"

Check out some hilarious pics of Blake surfing behind his previous Malibu boat on the Malibu Boats Flickr Channel.

Thanks for the photos and the email, Blake. Thanks for re-upping with the Malibu Difference. Finally thanks for the giving our girl Kerri the praise she deserves! We're so happy to have you Nicole, Carlie and Kasey as a part of our family!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Clift Family | Blake Clift | Grandpa's Marine | Malibu Dealer | Kerri Johns | Malibu Difference | Malibu Family | Wakesetter VLX

Malibu Boats Dealer Excellence in NC

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Dealer Grandpa's Marine in Greensboro, NC was recently recognized by a new Malibu boat owner as an outstanding boat dealer. Here's some of what Ralph Bentley had to say about his Malibu boat buying experience and his dealings with Grandpa's Marine.

I am send you this emailing to applaud your Malibu dealer “Grandpas Marine” located here in Greensboro North Carolina.

“Today my family and I are proud owners of a 247 LSV Malibu Boat and we are so glad to be an active part of your Malibu Boating Family.”

I am a Design/Development Engineer in Automotive Electronics. I am solely driven by superiority of mechanics and specifications, which are just plain part of my very nature. Details, details, details!

I became annually haunted by PowerBoat Magazine’s Award for Product Excellence consistently being awarded to Malibu Boats. Every year! But what really infatuated me was the innovative mechanics and awe-inspiring design details within the Malibu advertisements that became immediately imprinted deeply within my mind and inter-being; never letting my mind rest.

With that said; I decided to see for myself these manufactured miracles hence the beginning of my experience with your Malibu team of excellence in Greensboro.

Upon my initial phone call with Jimmy Holyfield and Mike Fahnestock every question and point of interest was thoroughly explained and defined fully satisfying my factual computing minds eye. We set up a meeting.

My first visit to Grandpas Marine was after hours and with Allen Brown. Upon meeting Allen it quickly became apparent that not only did Jimmy and Mike know their stuff but Allen was their equal. Allen’s personality quickly positioned him as the brother I’d never known; honest down to earth and extremely knowledgeable easily and seamlessly blending mine and Malibu’s best interest into one working reality.

I would have to say Allen is an invaluable asset to your organization and I credit my new boat ownership directly back to his incredible knowledge of these boats and their capabilities. The expertise of which Allen has handled himself thru-out this sale/acquisition could not have been bettered. Every request has been met with an intense drive to provide 110% customer satisfaction and if not possible Allen has diligently explained why and what other options exist. He has represented Malibu with a face of distinction solely upholding the honor and integrity that the Malibu nomenclature name plate demands.

Allen has supervised the rigging and installation of extra options we’ve had added to this boat package with the same critical watchful veracity I personally demand just as if this was his own boat.

The actual Malibu purchase is another historical first for me and my family actually being a pleasurable experience made so by Grandpas financial guy Mike Fahnestock. I have to say this is the first time I’ve completed a purchase of this magnitude and not afterwards had flash back moments of ice water rushing thru my veins every time the thought crossed my brain of “What Did I Just Do?” Mike diligently worked to assure we were given the best choices and coverage’s that met our family and boating needs.

Limited involvement with owner Jimmy Holyfield has revealed an owner/manager who truly knows how to manage his business and staff while encouraging Allen and Mike to uphold his personal values in symmetry with those of their customers.

Please accept our most heartfelt thank you for making this boat buying experience memorable as well as wonderful by having this caliber of preeminence represented by the Grandpas Marine Dealership handling your Malibu products.

Respectfully,
Ralph, Deb, John and James
The Bentley’s

Thank you so much for taking the time to write and send this great email, Ralph! We are extremely proud of Grandpa's Marine and the entire Malibu Boats Dealer Network for the high level of sales and service they practice. It's all in the Malibu Family! Have fun this summer in your Wakesetter 247 LSV and send us some pics!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Bentley Family | Ralph Bentley | Grandpa's Marine | Malibu Dealer | Jimmy Holyfield | Malibu Difference | Malibu Family | Wakesetter 247 LSV | Mike Fahnestock | Allen Brown | Greensboro NC

2010 Wakesetter VLX Schoolin' in the UK

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) is covering the world of water sports! Check out LDB Wakeboard School's new 2010 Wakesetter VLX featured by Alliance Wake Magazine UK.

It's the start of a new season, and for most clubs and wakeboard schools that means getting a new boat. Well today Mr. Lee Debuse met in Thorpe with David Webster from D2 Marine to receive the delivery of LDB Wake School's brand new Wakesetter VLX. The new boat in a tidy black, white and green colour scheme to match the LDB logo, is fresh from the states this week, and after some running in Lee had his first customers out on the boat. So I headed down to meet George Newell who was keen to test out the wake.

After 15 minutes in cold weather with a ripped wetsuit, George still had the same smile on his face that all Lee's customers have had today as the wake on the new VLX is top notch. LDB is taking bookings now for the 2010 season, and will have some special sessions like the up coming Chicks Day this Friday. For more info and to book a tow, check out the website.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Wakesetter VLX | UK | International | D2 Marine | LDB Wakeboard School | Malibu Dealer | Wakeboarding | Alliance Wake UK | wakeboard boat | Lee Debuse

Top Ranked MMA Fighter Chooses Malibu Boats

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) welcomes the UFC’s No. 1 Heavyweight Contender, Shane Carwin (@ShaneCarwin), to the Malibu Boats family. A huge fan of Malibu Boats, Carwin is pumped to bring the Malibu brand of fun and performance to the Mixed Martial Arts Octagon. Malibu Boats reciprocates this admiration as fans of Carwin’s integrity and determination as much as his 11-0 record. Carwin is looking to punch-up his wakeboarding with his family this summer behind his new Wakesetter VLX. But, before that can happen Malibu Boats will be pulling for Carwin, in a different way, as he fights for the Interim Heavyweight Title against Frank Mir March 27th at UFC 111.

Additional Links
Shane Carwin’s Web Site
Follow Shane Carwin on Twitter
UFC 111

Wearing the Malibu Boats name, Carwin will enter the Octagon with Frank Mir on March 27th in Newark, New Jersey to decide the Interim Heavyweight Title at UFC 111. Carwin will draw on his 11 and 0 MMA career experience to defeat Mir, a 2-time UFC Heavyweight Champion. Success in that arena will pit Carwin against the UFC’s only other fighter to wear 4XL gloves, current UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar.

When asked why he chose Malibu Boats, Carwin responded with this statement, “My family and I love being on the lake and spending time together. We all ski, wakeboard and just enjoy the water. When looking for a boat I wanted a brand that worked as hard as I do to be the best. Malibu is not only the best performing boat they are the only boats good enough for my family and me.”

Carwin’s record is extremely impressive, but not the only reason Malibu is so excited about this new relationship. Just like the other talented individuals that make-up the Malibu Boats Family, Carwin is as strong on character and determination as he is fierce in the Octagon.

Paul Singer, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Malibu Boats, had this to say about the addition of Carwin to the Malibu Crew. "Shane has a level of dedication that is impressive whether it revolves around his family, his sport or his fans so he made an immediate impression on us in the cage and out. Singer continued, "The fact that he has dreamed of owning a Malibu boat and wanted to bring us in the Octagon was icing on the cake. Both vessels of extreme performance, strength and precision, Shane and his new Wakesetter VLX create a strong team."

Carwin fulfilled his mother’s goal for he and his brother, two times over, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a second degree in Environmental Technology. Carwin was also National Runner-Up Heavyweight in NCAA Division II Wrestling two years running and NCAA II Wrestling Heavyweight National Champion in 1999. In his spare time he managed to become a two-time All-American in football. He was focused on family and driven then. He remains that way today.

Carwin works as an Engineer as he pursues his Mixed Martial Arts career with UFC, but his devotion still lies with family. Carwin’s wife Lani, his son Kamden and their new baby girl Alexia remain the priorities in his life. They are all looking forward to a fun summer in their 2010 Wakesetter VLX from Tommy’s Slalom Shop in Denver, Colorado. Malibu Boats will keep you updated on Carwin and his family as they wakeboard and have great times in their Malibu boat this summer.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Shane Carwin | Mixed Martial Arts | MMA | UFC | UFC 111 | Frank Mir | Brock Lesnar | UFC Heavyweight Title | Wakesetter VLX | wakeboard boat | Tommy's Slalom Shop

Winter Training Paying Off For Dallas Friday

Team Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Dallas Friday never does anything halfway! Even now, in the off season, she is constantly pushing everyday to better herself and her sport. Check out this video shot and edited by TheWakePlace.com (@TheWakePlace) of Dallas landing some monstrous moves behind her Wakesetter VLX!

Jonathan Pears from TheWakePlace.com had this to say about Dallas and this latest video. "Dallas Friday works hard at her sport, she lives and breathes it as much as she physically can. It has been the coldest winter in Florida for something like 25yrs, and even as we approach April, we are still in wetsuits. But that isn’t stopping riders like Dallas, and as this footage shows - its paying off! This was shot this morning (Tuesday 23rd March) and in the short words from Mike Ferraro you can see how windy it was. The 2 lines that Dallas threw down are insane, a nice jump forward in the female side of the sport for sure!"

Great video, Jonathan! And keep up the hard work Dallas! Where can you possibly go from legendary status? Immortal? Malibu Boats will be pulling for you when you reach it!

Tags: Malibu Boats | TheWakePlace.com | Dallas Friday | wakeboard video | female wakeboarder | Wakesetter VLX | pink boat | Jonathan Pears | training | pro wakeboarding

Ashbaugh Malibu Family Photo

This Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) family photo of the Ashbaugh family was taken on their 2006 Response LXi. They purchased their Malibu LXi from TNT Water Sports in 2006. This photo was taken on Percy Priest Lake during the Fall of 2009. Kurt Ashbaugh tells us "we get many compliments on the image and I wanted to share it with my favorite boat company" We can see why, great photo. Thank you for sharing it with us!!

If you capture or come across a cool Malibu Boats-related photo like this one let us know. We would love to post it on the Malibu Boats Blog and Flickr Channel. We will even Tweet about it on Twitter and add it to the ever-changing Malibu Boats Screen Saver. You can also submit your photo or video through our Malibu iPhone App.
E-mail blog@malibuboats.com with links and/or images. Also make sure to include the name of the person who took the shot and give us a short description of the photo's contents. If you do not know this information and you are only forwarding a link, we can track it down. Thanks!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Ashbaugh Family | Kurt Ashbaugh | TNT Water Sports | Malibu Dealer | Response LXi | family photo | Malibu Family | ski boat

Malibu Selects Top Servicing Lake Norman Boat Dealer

Malibu Boats' (@MalibuBoats) first choice for a new dealer in the Piedmont region of North Carolina was North Point Watersports, a service-centric dealership in Mooresville, NC on Lake Norman. Just like Malibu puts their family of owners first, North Point Watersports prides itself on timely service that goes above and beyond customer expectations. With many years of collective marine tech experience, everyone at North Point has the technical know-how to support customers in a service capacity as well as sales. North Point is already trying to wow existing Malibu Boats customers with superior customer service and they look forward to expanding these benefits to Malibu boat sales as well as all of the area’s existing Malibu owners they have yet to meet.

Additional Links
North Point Watersports
Marine Industry Certified Dealerships
North Point Watersports Facebook Fan Page

North Carolina’s top trouble-shooting marine tech - Service Manager, Russ Baker - is known for his quick and accurate diagnosis and has made North Point Watersports his professional home since 2003. Baker is at the center of this service-focused boat dealership, but the entire staff is tech savvy, all making a concerted effort to get their customers back on the water quickly and reliably. This is why North Point Watersports became one of the first Marine Industry Certified Dealerships in the country.

North Point’s Service department is open 9:00am-5:00pm Tuesday through Saturday and has a convenient service boat drop-off lane. A service writer meets service customers outside in the drop-off lane, documents their concerns, takes down pertinent vessel information, and point out anything that may have been missed by the customer. The service writer will unhook the boat from the customer’s tow vehicle and the customer is on his/her way! When the customer returns to retrieve the boat, North Point’s service staff will make sure the trailer is hooked up properly. Every member of the staff is qualified to act as a service writer, including the pro shop manager. This makes each service-related hand-off quick and accurate. Mobile service is also provided for customers that do not have trailers in the area. Nearly 40% of the service North Point provides is off site, proving this North Carolina dealer is willing to go the extra mile for their customers.

You can also set a maintenance appointment if you like. Simply arrange a time to bring your vessel in and as the service staff completes your maintenance, browse through the large water sports pro shop or have a seat and watch some TV in the showroom lounge area. Three TVs surround the seating area, one of which measures 52” - perfect for catching up on sports while waiting for your boat. Typical waiting room chairs are replaced by a plush L-shaped sofa that truly allows customer to take a load off while their boat is being serviced.

With the largest water sports pro shop on Lake Norman, North Point Watersports was made to carry Malibu boats. They are the leader in their area in pro shop sales and customer service. Now they will be offering the world’s best selling water sports boats as well.

When asked how he likes being a Malibu Boats dealer, Dave Natkin, President of North Point Watersports answered with a question of his own. “What’s not to like?” He continued, “Malibu is the most innovative water sports boat manufacturer and has always been on the leading edge of design. We’re happy to be a part of that.” “We are also very proud that Malibu chose us out of the other dealers in our area!”

“We are extremely excited to welcome North Point Watersports to the Malibu Boats family,“ commented Chris Crysdale, National Sales Manager for Malibu Boats. Crysdale continued, “They have an amazing reputation for superior customer service. They also have extremely close customer relationships and most of all they have fun!” Crysdale summed it up this way. “North Point has always operated like a Malibu Boats dealer now it’s official.”

Tags: Malibu Boats | North Point Watersports | Lake Norman | customer service | Dave Natkin | Russ Baker | North Carolina | Mooresville | Malibu Dealer | Marine Industry Certified

The Haps with Pro Rider Sam Thomson

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Team Rider Sam Thomson (@SamRThomson) has been shreddin up the scene "Down Under" this winter. He sent us an email update with some cool Australian highlights and we thought we'd share. Also posted a couple shots of Sam on the Malibu Boats Flickr Channel. Check it out!

Hi Everyone,

This is an email to let you know what's been happening this season, what I've achieved and what I have planned for the future. From now on I'm going to send these little updates more regularly, maybe fortnighly [Aussie for 4 weeks] or monthly depending on how busy I've been.

I've had a successful year with lots of competitions, newspaper articles, magazine shots, my first cover, an award and 2 new sponsors. In mid-September Marlon Platt from Wake Magazine came to my home in Lake Conjola and we shot for 3 days for a cover shot and 9-page story. In late November I spent a week in Echuca coaching, driving and riding at the Malibu Just Ride Elite Camp at Brett Sands Watersports on the Murray River. Last weekend I spent 2 days at Del Rio Resort in Wiseman's Ferry for a Malibu owners reunion where I did coaching and demo's, and helped out with a barbeque for all the owners. 2 weeks ago I did my first Interview for a US magazine Alliance, It's called a Coming Up interview and is intended to showcase the new up and coming riders who ride in the US. In February at the annual Riders Choice Awards I was given the "Best New Talent" award.

This season I rode in as many competitions as I could, including grass roots event's and went to 4 NSW rounds and 1 ACT round. I wasn't able to make the 5th NSW round because it clashed with the Moomba Masters and ended up 2nd overall for the series. The first big pro event for the season was Wake Wars in Adelaide, where I finished in 4th. Then a few weeks later was the Pro Am at Stoney Park, Port Macquarie coming
5th. I also competed in 4 events at Brostock in Penrith which were cable orientated, and finally at the Moomba Masters in Melbourne finishing 5th. There's definitely room for improvement in competition's, I've been training hard, and have the ability to do much better, but just need to get my head right on the day, which is something I've been focusing on.

This season I picked up 2 new sponsors, the first was Capix helmets, and the second is a wetsuit company called Hi-Fi. Hi-Fi is a new company that are developing high quality wetsuits and vests. They haven't launched their brand yet, but you will be seeing more from them in the future. From here I am heading to South Australia tomorrow to do some riding at another Malibu Just Ride Tour stop, and then spending a week down there preparing for the Nationals, and then shortly after will be heading over to the states for the beginning of the US season and to ride in the US Pro Tour.

Thanks for all your help and support!

Cheers,
Sam Thomson

PS - Here's a cool trick I landed yesterday

Thanks for the update Sam! Glad to hear you're doing so well. Keep it up! Malibu Boats is pulling for you! In more ways than one...

Tags: Malibu Boats | Sam Thomson | pro rider | Team Malibu | wakeboarding | pro wakeboarder | Australia | down under | wakeboarding video | Wake Magazine | wakeboard boat | Wakesetter | Just Ride Tour

2009 Malibu Open Kids on the Sea of Galili

This Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) 2009 Malibu 23 LSV is on the Sea of Galilee in Israel. Photographer Lior Eliyahu submitted this photo to us through our Malibu iPhone App. This photo was taken at the Malibu Open Kids 2009 Memorial Day Weekend. Pretty cool! It was very successful! The kids had a blast!

Thank you Lior very cool shot!!

If you capture or come across a cool Malibu Boats-related photo like this one let us know. We would love to post it on the Malibu Boats Blog and Flickr Channel. We will even Tweet about it on Twitter and add it to the ever-changing Malibu Boats Screen Saver. You can also submit your photo or video through our Malibu iPhone App. E-mail blog@malibuboats.com with links and/or images. Also make sure to include the name of the person who took the shot and give us a short description of the photo's contents. If you do not know this information and you are only forwarding a link, we can track it down. Thanks!

Day on the Lake with the Andersons

This Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Wakesetter VLX is floating on Tims Ford Lake in Winchester, TN. Owner and photographer Laurie Anderson told us "We LOVE our Malibu-BEST boat on earth, and we love even more taking it out and seeing heads turn, it's a looker, that's for sure" Looks like baby Paxton and family dog Molly love it too! Check out the Day on the Lake with the Anderson's set on the Malibu Boats Flickr page.

Thank you Laurie for sharing your family photos! They are our favorites for the Month of March!

If you capture or come across a cool Malibu Boats-related photo like this one let us know. We would love to post it on the Malibu Boats Blog and Flickr Channel. We will even Tweet about it on Twitter and add it to the ever-changing Malibu Boats Screen Saver. E-mail blog@malibuboats.com with links and/or images. Also make sure to include the name of the person who took the shot and give us a short description of the photo's contents. If you do not know this information and you are only forwarding a link, we can track it down. Thanks!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Anderson Family | Malibu boat owners | lake | Dog Molly | Baby Paxton | baby boating | dog boating | Tims Ford Lake | Wakesetter VLX | Winchester TN | Laurie Anderson

World's Best Riders at Relentless Wakestock

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) is towing the World's best riders at Relentless Wakestock in the UK July 4th weekend. British Malibu Dealer D2 Marine will have boats on the water for Europe’s largest wakeboard music festival, July 2nd, 3rd & 4th. Relentless Wakestock is combining the cultures of music and the world's fastest growing water sport a weekend of high-octane excitement!

The festival began in Abersoch, North Wales in 2000, when it was a wakeboard contest with a party in a car park for 800 people. It has grown to become one of the coolest, most revered festivals in Europe playing host to some of the industries leading bands and DJ’s, along with the biggest wakeboard competition in Europe. In 2010 the festival enters it's 2nd decade so make sure you book tickets now!

Over the past ten years Relentless Wakestock has established itself as the World’s leading independent wakeboard event, and for 2010 they’ve joined forces with the World Wakeboard Association (@TheWWA) and sanctioned the event as part of the Wakeboard World Series.

The focus will be firmly on North Wales as the best riders in the world descend on the Llyn Peninsula to battle it out in front of thousands at Pwllheli Marina for a piece of the prize money and the sports most prestigious crown.

Relentless Wakestock will be the third stop on the WWA World Series which is held in 6 locations, in 6 different countries and across 4 continents! The World Series is the richest prize purse in the sport with over $200,000 up for grabs over the course of the Series.

The best riders in the world will be traveling to the UK for Relentless Wakestock and will be giving it their all as they compete for the title of Relentless Wakestock Champion.

Learn more about Relentless Wakestock and the Pro riders who will be battling it out behind Malibu Boats at http://www.wakestock.co.uk/abersoch.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Relentless Wakestock | D2 Marine | Malibu Dealer | wakeboarding | Europe | The WWA | UK | British | tournament | wakeboard competition | July 4th | Wakesetter | wakeboard boat

Malibu Towing World's Premiere Wake Event

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) is pulling the world's premiere professional wakeboarding/wakeskating event, Wakestock (@WakeStockCanada), part of the World Wakeboard Association (@theWWA) World Series of Wakeboarding. Wakestock is also Canada's largest annual action sports and music festival featuring one of the biggest music line-ups of the summer, plus skateboarding, surfing, kiteboarding, and country's largest action sports expo and marketplace showcasing youth action sports lifestyle clothing, gear and accessories.

Wakeboarding
One of the most progressive and richest events in pro wakeboarding and wakeskating for 12 years running, Wakestock is globally renowned as an innovative rider’s event that showcases the best in wakeboarding, wakeskating and the action sports lifestyle including incredible live band line-ups and legendary parties.

Wakestock was the first pro wakeboarding tour event to include rails, wakeskating and winch pools and consistently attracts the biggest spectator crowds in the world. Past Wakestock champions include legends like Team Malibu's Darrin Shapiro, Parks Bonifay, Brett Eisenhauer, Jeff Heer and current superstars like Team Malibu's Chad Sharpe (@ChadESharpe), Shane Bonifay, Daniel Watkins, Keith Lidberg, Team Malibu's Brian Grubb (@BrianKGrubb), Reed Hansen, George Daniels, Stuart Shinn, Rusty Malinoski, Team Malibu's Phil Soven (@PhillipSoven) and Aaron Rathy.

Wakestock is one of five events, including the WWA World Championships, that comprise the 2010 WWA World Series of Wakeboarding, the world’s richest pro tour. The defending Wakestock Billabong Wakeboard Pro Champion is Aaron Rathy. The defending Wakestock Malibu Boats Wakeskate Pro Champion is Brian Grubb. Wakestock also features Canada’s largest grassroots amateur wakeboarding and wakeskating contest presented by Malibu Boats and sanctioned by the Water Ski & Wakeboard Canada.

Music Festival
Wakestock features two days of incredible bands on the Monster Energy Music Stage and nightly shows at local venues. Past Wakestock music artists include the Deftones, Social Distortion, RZA and GZA of the Wu-Tang Clan, De La Soul, Metric, Goldfinger, Classified, Hot Water Music, Lupe Fiasco, Dead Kennedys, Rise Against, Reel Big Fish, Andrew WK, Alexis On Fire, Sloan, Dillinger Escape Plan, USS, Story Of The Year, Silverstein, Boys Night Out, Bedouin Soundclash, ill Scarlett, Silverstein, Closet Monster, No Use For A Name, Gob, Moneen, Social Code, Kardinal Offishal, Protest The Hero, Die Mannequin and many, many more greats.

Visit http://wakestock.com for more information on this event.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Wakestock | Canada | wakeboarding | official towboat | SBC Media | tournament | competition | wakeskating | Chad Sharpe | Brian Grubb | Phillip Soven | Darin Shapiro

Friends Discover Boating and Cash-in with Video

Malibu Boat (@MalibuBoats) Owners Justin Spence and Josh Redstone went in partners on a 2008 Wakesetter 23 LSV. The two were new to water sports, when Josh suggested they check out the boats at Malibu Boats Dealer Waterski America in Dallas, TX. They were so impressed by the boats and the way they were treated at WSA, they decided to jump into the world of water sports boats by purchasing a Malibu.

Justin is a freelance commercial video producer. His firm Volition Studios has won awards for commercial spots featuring products and companies like Old Spice, InfoLinks, Capella University, ForRent.com and now Discover Boating. "I'm always on the lookout for contests or companies looking to outsource commercial creation." Justin continued, "I came across the Discover Boating opportunity and jumped on it."

Justin and Josh put their new found passion for water sports into a commercial and entered it into the i-Discovered Boating Video Contest. Justin and Josh's commercial was one of four video ads chosen as "i-Discovered Boating" winners. Justin and Josh received $5000 for their commercial.

Justin and Josh "Discovered Boating" in a Malibu and what they found out is that both of them and their wives love water sports like wakesurfing and wakeboarding. Josh even throws his slalom ski on and takes a few cuts behind the boat. "We surf and wakeboard, but I still like to ski too," Justin explained.

Justin and Josh were just beginners when they bought their Malibu, but they have wasted no time improving their skills. The two purchased the boat as a partnership and most times they go out in a group on Joe Poole Lake in South Dallas. This group also includes some friends that happen to be amazing riders. These seasoned veterans like Matt Sherstad are psyched about the wakeboard boat choice their friends made. They agree the 23 LSV is a phenomenal boat for wakeboarding. They are very impressed with "Monkey Fish Frog" and its wake. By the way, Justin and Josh named their '08 Wakesetter "Monkey Fish Frog" after a South Park episode.

The "Monkey Fish Frog" crew have all benefited from the versatility and superior perfromance of the Wakesetter 23 LSV. They all appreciate the customizable wake enhancement they can achieve with the Malibu. "We love the electronic ballast and the Power Wedge. The electronics, in general, are great!" Justin told us. "Josh and I can do 360s as well as clear the wake and our wives now love to surf!" Justin concluded, "We have all progressed behind the Malibu."

We would like to thank Justin and Josh for including their Wakesetter in the winning video and congratulate them on this great accomplishment. Way to go y'all! Keep having fun on the lake.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Justin Spence | Josh Redstone | Malibu video | Discover Boating | wakeboarding | wakesurfing | water skiing | Wakesetter | 23 LSV | wakeboard boat | Waterski America | Dallas TX | Power Wedge

Dallas Friday Dominated Abu Dahbi

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Factory Team Rider Dallas Friday captured victory at the Wakestock wakeboarding event in Abu Dahbi this past weekend. Santioned by the World Wakeboarding Associations (@TheWWA) and the first stop of this year’s Wakeboard World Series, Wakestock Abu Dahbi was a great way to kick of the wakeboarding season. Congratulations Dallas! Way to come out of the gate swinging in 2010!

Read more about the Wakestock Abu Dahbi event at WakeboardingMag.com.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Team Malibu | Wakestock | Abu Dahbi | World Series | The WWA | wakeboarding | Dallas Friday | competition | tournament |

Malibu Boats Pulling CIE Spring Ride 6

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) has been chosen as the official tow boat for CIE Spring Ride 6.

The CIE Spring Ride attracts wakeboarders from all over the country to celebrate the kickoff of each wakeboarding season. In its 6th consecutive year, the CIE Spring Ride continues to host the biggest double-up contest on the West Coast for professional wakeboarders. It is a meet-and-greet atmosphere that is offered for everyone’s enjoyment.

The Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV will be churning-out double-ups as the Official Tow Boat of the 2010 CIE Spring Ride. $1500 cash goes to the biggest air and another $1500 goes to the best double-up!

The 2010 event will be hosted again at the Pines Resort on the majestic Bass Lake. This venue offers every accommodation for Spring Riders with allotted parking, dock space, and chalet rooms. The staff is professional and friendly, helping to assist in anyway possible.

Spring Ride 6 will again attract some of the biggest names in Wakeboarding to compete for thousands in cash. Best and Biggest are the title’s to be captured behind the slammed Malibu boat as the company displays its latest wake-creating machines. Wakeboard manufacturers like CWB, Hyperlite and Phalanx will be onsite with 2010 products as the Wakeroots Ride Shop has every accessory you may need for the upcoming season. Crispy Bikini will have there girls showing off the latest swimwear as boat audio enjoyment will be displayed by Chucktronics and NVS.

Following the double up contest, CIE will begin raffling off thousands of dollars worth of wakeboarding gear, clothing, boat audio equipment, wakeboarding instruction and a lot more. Two lucky Spring Riders will also have a chance to spend Sunday morning with a professional rider. The CIE after party will have the crowd saying “UHHHH” as the drinks flow and the exclusive DJ brings the noise!

Tags: Malibu Boats | CIE Spring Ride | CIE Wakeboarding | double-up competition | double=up | wakeboarding | wakesetter | wakeboard boat | Wakesetter 23 LSV | Wakesetter | competition | Pines Resort | Bass Lake | California

Girls Ride the Wake Behind Malibu Boats

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) has been chosen as the Girls Ride the Wake (@GirlsRideWake) official tow boat. With the 2010 event scheduled for July 31st & August 1st at Camp Far West Reservoir near Wheatland, CA, Becky Carter from Girls Ride the Wake is working hard to plan big wake activities and fun for the girls.

Stay tuned to the Girls Ride the Wake Facebook Fan Page for continued updates on this event.

The Girls Ride the Wake event is for girls of all ages and big wake sport skill levels. The list of pro female wake riders attending the event continues to grow. So far there will be pro appearances by Raequel Hoffman, Shawna Hoffman, Shelby Kantar, Jenacee Jackson and Danni Petraitis. These ladies will also be instructing wake clinics during the event.

Information on entry fee amounts and clinic schedules will be posted soon on the Girls Ride the Wake Facebook Fan Page.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Girls Ride the Wake | girls wakeboard | Pro Women | NorCal | wakeboard boat | event | Wheatland CA | Camp Far West Reservoir | tow boat | official boat | wakeboard clinics | girls clinics | Wakesetter

National Malibu Boats Demo Day May 1, 2010

Dealers plan to put their Malibu boats (@MalibuBoats) where their mouths are across the nation on May 1st. These dealers are demonstrating the truth on the water and exposing boat buyers to 2010 Malibu models and innovations first hand. Attendees will have the opportunity to test 2010 models like the industry topping Wakesetter VLX, Wakesetter 23 LSV, the value-class Ride Series and the Response models as well as the Patented Power Wedge, the MaliView Dash/Entertainment System with Rider Presets and the new Illusion G3 weightless fold-down tower. Experience the boats that have garnered 8 consecutive Boat of the Year Awards, been honored with 28 industry awards and earned 14 World Records on the water where it counts.

On May 1st the truth is on the water all across the nation. On this date Authorized Malibu Boats Dealers will be assembling fleets of ’10 Malibu boats at lakes throughout the United States. These boats are not just for show. The Malibu Truth is on the Water Demo Day is a chance to experience your Malibu Boats model and/or innovation of choice, up close and personal.

Malibu Dealers will take this opportunity to strengthen existing customer relationships and create some new ones. Dealership representatives will be available to answer questions, facilitate a demonstration or allow new boat buyers to explore and drive the Malibu models on their own. All of this exploration will happen in close proximity to refreshments so participants can replenish after the jaw-dropping Malibu Boats experience.

To find your nearest Malibu Boats Truth is on the Water Demo Day on May 1, 2010, visit the Malibu Boats Demo Days List or e-mail demoday@malibuboats.com. We are adding more dealer details everyday!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Malibu Dealers | demo | test drive | test ride | Wakesetter | Sunscape | Response | Ride | Power Wedge | MaliView | wakeboard boat | ski boat | boating | water skiing

Wakesetter LSV packed with Volleyball Team!

This Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) 2008 Wakesetter LSV if packed with the North Greenville University volleyball team. Heath Whaley took the girls out for a team building day on Lake Keowee located in South Carolina.

Thanks Heath great photo!!

If you capture or come across a cool Malibu Boats-related photo like this one let us know. We would love to post it on the Malibu Boats Blog and Flickr Channel. We will even Tweet about it on Twitter and add it to the ever-changing Malibu Boats Screen Saver. E-mail blog@malibuboats.com with links and/or images. Also make sure to include the name of the person who took the shot and give us a short description of the photo's contents. If you do not know this information and you are only forwarding a link, we can track it down. Thanks!

World Class Skiers Heading to Malibu Open in Milwaukee

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) and Milwaukee County Parks and Recreation have teamed up to bring the 2010 Malibu Open to Veteran’s Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin August 6-7. Records are ready to be rewritten with Malibu as the official towboat. The world’s top slalom and jump skiers will be competing for $50,000 in prize money on the smooth waters of the National Recreation and Parks Association Gold Medal-winning Veteran’s Park. Spectators are poised to witness a weekend of history-making performances amidst the fun and excitement that a Malibu Boats-supported tournament is known for, at a venue reserved for high-profile events.

Check out this set of Malibu Open photos and logos on Flickr.

The site of Harley-Davidson’s 105th Anniversary Celebration, Veteran’s Park is home to the 2010 Malibu Open. This Milwaukee County Park has hosted numerous large events. The Harley event welcomed crowds in excess of 100,000. The perfect body of water that has never been available to water ski events before is now the site of the Malibu Open.

"We are so excited to have the International Water-ski Federation (IWSF) on Milwaukee County Park's lakefront for competitive water-ski competition this summer. This international event, combined with the Air Show, AVP Volleyball tournaments and the Kite Festivals, are just another reason for the residents of Southeastern Wisconsin to come out and enjoy over 14 miles of pristine park setting lakefront property on Lake Michigan. It's events such as this that truly make the Milwaukee County Park System a Gold Medal System." Sue Black, Milwaukee County Parks Director stated.

Sixty of the finest skiers from around the globe will ascend on Milwaukee to vie for $50,000 in prize money. In addition to the Record Capable Slalom and Jump events, Show Ski, Free Style Jumping and Barefoot Skiing will also hold the crowd’s attention during the show at Veteran’s Park.

“We are very excited to have the event come to Milwaukee,” commented Kelly Peiffer, Sports Marketing Director for Milwaukee convention and Visitors Bureau.

The event will take place over 2 excitement-filled days with qualifying both Friday and Saturday. The qualifying rounds will narrow the field to the finale on Saturday night under lights, where jumpers like World Record Holder, Freddy Krueger will hurl themselves over a 6-foot ramp to distances in excess of 220 ft. Slalom skiing is a very technical and exact sport. Add night skiing to this event and the excitement escalates by leaps and bounds. Will Asher, current world champion, and Chris Parrish, current world record holder, will be among the favorites to take home the coveted Malibu Open title.

“This is the best possible venue for our sport,” comments Dana Reed, President of Pro Slalom Events LLC, the Malibu Open Tournament Organizer. “Never before have we had the opportunity to showcase our sport at a site with so much potential for viewership.”

The World’s No. 1 selling water sports boat manufacturer, Malibu Boats was chosen as the title sponsor and the official tow boat for the 2010 Malibu Open. Malibu’s World Record-breaking competition ski boat, the Response LXi, will do the pulling honors. 14 World Records, a long list of national and event records as well as countless personal bests speak to the performance of this Malibu boat. As Malibu Boats suggests, “The truth is on the water.”

When asked about her expectations for the 2010 Malibu Open, Lani Farmer, the National Event and Team Director for Malibu Boats answered, “The Malibu Open is the perfect blend of promotion, performance and venue.” Farmer explained, “Dana Reed is passionate about the sport and willing to do whatever it takes to provide the athletes with a first class venue in which to compete. Our participation [Malibu Boats] guarantees heated competition and the possibility of new World records. Add in the perfect water conditions, superior accommodations and crowd-friendly shorelines of Veteran’s Park and this could be the best Malibu Open yet!”

When Reed was asked why Veteran’s Park was the best location for the Malibu Open, he replied, “In these tough economic times, we wanted a site that would create excitement. Wisconsin is the center of the show ski world and we would like to tap into the excitement that has been created over the many years.”

Crowds will enjoy the wide variety of activities planned for the Malibu Open. Great food and drinks will be available on site courtesy of Milwaukee Parks and Recreation along with many water sports related vendors. The Malibu Open will be a free event for all to enjoy with family and friends.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Malibu Open | Milwaukee | County Parks | water skiing | competition | tournament | slalom | jump | ski boat | Response LXI | Will Asher | Dana Reed | Pro Slalom Events