Thursday, March 29, 2012

Malibu Open Set For Aug 3-4


The Malibu Open is returning to Milwaukee’s lakefront Veteran’s Park Lagoon on August 3-4, 2012. Top professional water skiers will compete behind the Response TXi in slalom skiing and jumping events as they compete for $65,000 in prize money.

Sure to surpass the amazing performances of last year, some of these athletes could be poised for record-breaking success. This momentous event is free to the public and will also feature exhibitions like freestyle jumping, barefooting, hydrofoiling, show skiing and trick skiing.

Stay connected by joining the Malibu Open Facebook Event Page at: http://www.facebook.com/malibuboatsfan/events

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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

From Lake To Stage With Troy Gentry

When two worlds collide, interesting things usually happen. Such was the case in Florida earlier this month, when country music star Troy Gentry invited us out for a day on the lake.

Gentry, a Kentucky native, began singing with Eddie Montgomery in 1999, founding one of country's most popular duos ever, Montgomery Gentry. The band has recorded five number-one hits and received numerous American Music and Country Music Association awards. With a sponsorship from Jim Beam running over 12 years, these "Rebels On The Run" are widely regarded as a staple in country music.
Gentry's 23 LSV
Water skiing made up a small part of Gentry's past, but the 44-year-old was recently exposed to wakesurfing in California and caught the bug -- and he wanted a boat. After thorough research on the web and talking to friends, Gentry decided that Malibu was the best boat for his needs. "I was looking for a good all-around water sports boat for me and the family," Gentry said. "I love the room, comfort and great looks of the 23 LSV and was impressed with how user-friendly it was. Plus, the wakesurfing wake is huge and clean." Once Gentry took delivery of his 2011 Wakesetter, he noticed this boat was creating more quality time with his family. "This was the best decision I could've ever made."

Troy Gentry
With Gentry's boat launched at the KOA Campground on Lake Whipporwhill, along with Freddie Wayne's brand-new Wakesetter MXZ from Liquid Sports Marine, we assembled our own crew including Malibu riders Brian Grubb and Alexa Score. Grubb, known for being the best-of-the-best in wakeskating, went to town on his Hyperlite signature wakesurfer, entertaining the crew with multiple shove-it variations, spins and overall waterman skills. He even inspired Gentry to try some 360's, which he came really close to sticking.

After the boats docked for the evening, Gentry invited us to their RV campsite, loaded with all the essential drinks, food and amenities. Stories were told and new friendships were made while Gentry's playlist, "Boat Mix" rocked the speakers. Lets just say it was an eclectic mix of rock, country and R&B with some funny surprises.




Impromptu "Guitar Pull"
We had caught wind of a jam session scheduled that evening at the KOA recreation hall at 6 p.m. At 6:30, Gentry pried himself away from the campsite to meet his talented group of back-up musicians who had already been jamming. As we entered the hall, we saw a crowd of 50 people (many senior-citizens) with astonished looks on their faces, as Gentry himself sat down with the group and picked up his guitar. The boys jammed for an hour, filling the hall with stripped-down sonic perfection, playing their hits and impromptu songs that related to each and every person in the room.

The following day, Gentry set out to tackle a demon. "One thing I've never done is actually get up on a wakeboard," he said. Perhaps it was Alexa's shred session that inspired him to strap on the boots, and ultimately pop up for the first time. "It was really impressive for his first time," Alexa said. "He was cruising all over and riding smooth. Unfortunately, Troy experienced a classic front edge-catch to faceplant, but that just comes with the territory. At least Goofy got it on film."

Greeninger & Gentry
Goofy, a.k.a. Jeff Greeninger, is Montgomery Gentry's production manager and all-around right hand man. He was also shredding on his Noserider from Liquid Force and has really enjoyed this new activity for the boys on the road. "We get to travel to so many great spots," Greeninger said. "So it's great to have a killer boat to drop in places like this during our down time."

Greeninger and Gentry's friend Rafael were all over the place with their GoPro's, Contours, and SLR video cameras. Look for some great footage to be integrated with their productions online and possibly in a music video someday.

After all was said and done in Orlando, Gentry casually offered us a once-in-a-lifetime experience. "You guys should come down to West Palm this weekend and be our guests for the show." This show would be the closing act of a huge all-day country music festival called the 2012 Rib Round Up at the Cruzan Amphitheater. Ironically, Jake Owen would play before Montgomery Gentry. With Owen also being a part of the Malibu family, we entertained the invite with great enthusiasm.

Backstage, Gentry and Greeninger were incredibly accommodating and gave us an inside look at their whole operation, which is very professional and fun. When it was time for Montgomery Gentry to come on, Gentry gestured for us to walk with him and Montgomery from backstage. As we crossed the threshold behind the set, the lighting technician slammed the levers down and the amphitheater went pitch black, igniting the crowd into a roar. The atmosphere was electric -- a true rockstar moment.


Montgomery Gentry

Even on his way to the mic, Gentry took time to make sure we had a spot to stand on the side of the stage, which provided an incredible view of the whole production. The duo opened with their upcoming radio single, "So Called Life" and the set list kept building with their top hits and involved a deep connection to the audience. Themes of patriotism, family life, the working man, small towns and good times filled the air.

Jake Owen
To our surprise, Jake Owen was soon chilling right next to us -- barefoot, wearing blue jeans with Budweiser in hand, after he had just slayed the stage himself. He saw my Malibu shirt and approached us. "How's Grubb doin?" he said. Owen is another incredibly friendly character and noticed our red Solo cups were empty, so he invited us to his RV for a quick refill. Thankfully, we got back on stage just in time for "Roll With Me" and a powerful encore that left Gentry hollering yells of excitement all the way back the bus.

As the tens of thousands of fans headed for the exits, we had a chance to say goodbye to Gentry, who was already kicking back on the couch in the bus wearing boardshorts and sandals, Jim Beam and Coke in hand. "Y'all drive safe, OK? Let's do this again sometime," he said. This entire experience was both an honor and very inspiring in many ways. We are glad to have these gentlemen as a part of the Malibu Boats family. I'm sure this won't be the last time our world's collide, and we can't wait until it happens again.

Our Favorite Montgomery Gentry Tracks:
"Roll With Me"
"My Town"
"Back When I Knew It All"
"Where I Come From"
"Ain't No Law Against That"
"Work Hard, Play Harder"

Montgomery Gentry's newest album, "Rebels On The Run" is in stores now, or download on iTunes

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(click to view gallery)

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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Queen Of Wake Amber Wing Joins Malibu Boats

photo: meddock.com

Sponsors: Malibu Boats, Oakley, Liquid Force, Rockstar, Wing Wetsuits, The Wakeboard Camp, StraightLine
Titles: Queen of Wake, first female to land a 900 and 720, WWA Worlds, US Nationals, Pro Tour Season, Masters, Wake Games, TransWorld's Best Female Wakeboarder, Alliance Female Rider of the Year
Residence: Sydney, Australia / Orlando, Florida
Speed and line length: 80-feet / 24.5 m.p.h.





photo: meddock.com
2011's most decorated female rider has done everything a girl can do on a wakeboard, including the first and only 900 to date. And now, Amber Wing has chosen Malibu as her towboat to push the sport even farther.

David Thorpe, Marketing Manager of Malibu Boats in Australia said, "Amber is one of the most progressive and innovative riders of this generation. She is a hero to any girl who wakeboards Down Under and a great ambassador of the sport worldwide."

This Australian ripper is the current Queen Of Wake, which is the highest honor in wakeboarding, awarded to the best rider of an eight-stop series. With residence in Australia and Orlando, Amber will be riding everyday behind her Wakesetter and also will be producing an all-girls feature film. "I want the world to see how amazing the girls are riding these days. We will be shooting in everyone's most comfortable environment. For me, I wanted that to be behind a Malibu."

Her reasoning was pretty simple. "The wake behind a Malibu is rampy, giving you plenty of kick and has a great transition for landing. It is a very consistent wake making it easy to learn new tricks and progress your riding. And the boat has a smooth look which complements the classy Malibu image."

Amber comes from a family of legends on the water. Her uncle, Brett Wing was the best overall waterskier of his time. He is a three-time world overall barefoot champion and set 11 world records in slalom, trick, jump and barefoot. Both Amber and Brett were raised into a family of greatness. "My Grandparents and parents all waterski. My Mother Bronwyn was the 1979 World Race ski champion and my Father Robert hold the backwards barefoot speed record. My brother Joel is also the 2012 overall champion at Moomba Masters. I'm sure if wakeboarding was around earlier, then Brett would've been amazing at it. My family has tried everything behind a boat, and competed at a high level. "

Outside of the Wakesetter's performance, Amber feels like Malibu is a great fit. "The company has a super friendly vibe. Everyone who works for Malibu has a passion for the company and it shows." Amber joins a stacked roster of girls on Team Malibu including the legendary Dallas Friday, who is ready to rip this season, as well as 7th ranked Tarah Mikacich, who is the 2011 "Coach of the Year." Be sure to follow Amber throughout the summer on tour and also online:


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amber-Wing/151891788157262
amberwing.com.au
twitter.com/AmberWingWake
wakegirls.com

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Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Inside The New Red Bull Commercial: Brian Grubb



It's hard to miss Red Bull's television commercial from the "Gives You Wings" campaign, which is currently running in heavy rotation on today's top networks. This inspirational piece gives you a high-def glimpse into numerous athletic endeavors that Red Bull supports, woven to the track "Outro" by M83. "Outro" was originally scored for Travis Rice's epic snowboard film, The Art Of Flight, and you can see Travis dropping out of a helicopter onto a steep, powdery mountain face. "Yo, I'm ready. Lets do this."

photo: Tom King
Overall, the campaign targets great physical achievements in life and captures the feeling when, "The only thing you can think of is that moment, right there." Longtime Red Bull athlete, Brian Grubb, had previously produced some impressive wakeskating footage for his FUEL TV Firsthand episode, and Red Bull came across the clips on file while conceptualizing this commercial. Apparently the two clips of Grubb's backside 360 and his carve filmed underwater fit perfectly. Grubb was pumped to become a part of this monumental campaign, which now has 2.3 million views on YouTube. "I wasn't exactly chosen for it, but I guess Red Bull liked my footage and thought it fit well in the commercial," Grubb said. "When they told me I would be in their national campaign on major networks, I was more than psyched. Red Bull has always done so much to support us as athletes, and this footage shows what they help make possible."

Follow Brian Grubb here:
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Brian Grubb rides behind his all-black Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV where he resides in Orlando, Florida. Look for him to be a top competitor this year at The Byerly Toe Jam, WWA Nationals & Worlds, and on The Wakeskate Tour in 2012.

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