5 Questions With Raph Derome

After a banner year in 2012, Raph Derome found himself on two magazine covers and winning “Best Wakeboarder” and “Rider Of The Year” with TransWorld WAKEBOARDING and Alliance WAKEBOARD, respectively. He won many events all over the world, highlighted by his coveted, overall victory at the inaugural Red Bull Wake Open. Here is where Raph’s head is at coming into 2013.

1.) Now that it’s Spring of a new season, what is your perspective on last season and all of your success?

It was amazing. I had a lot of fun and it was great to be back riding and traveling. Everything has really motivated me to figure out my plan for this 2013 season.

2.) What are your goals behind your WAKESETTER 22 MXZ this season?

I would honestly just like to ride more and have fun behind my boat. I didn’t get to ride that much behind the boat last year with all the contests and traveling. And the year before, I had my elbow injury so hopefully, I can get out and ride a lot this year.

3.) You are a creative rider on all levels. What do you think can be some areas for progression behind the boat?

Hard to say. But I believe the best progression happens naturally.

4.) Your lifestyle seems to be a little cleaner than a lot of other pros, how to you resist the urge to fall into the rockstar lifestyle?

I don’t know, I do my own things. I guess I’m just not a rockstar.

5.) What advice would you give to young aspiring pros, and those just looking to have fun and learn a few tricks this year? What is the key to keeping the fire and passion for wakeboarding?

You need to just ride and appreciate the present. I meet a lot of people who have a strong desire to become pro. To have fun, they need to become pro. Once the dream doesn’t happen, they stop riding. But that’s not what it’s all about. When wakeboarding is not going well, people should do something else, like go skateboarding or pick up a guitar. But always give it another shot.

Tags: Malibu Boats |

New Video “TEMPO SHIFT” Makes A Splash Online

With a timed release on MalibuBoats.com, YouTube, Vimeo and Viddler, Malibu’s new video “TEMPO SHIFT” highlights all the action from our 2013 catalog shoot and more, including our Pro Team, new boats and SURF GATE! Click the image to view!



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Northwest Region Summer Recap

By Chad Douglas

Whew… what a season. I would like to start this off by saying thank you to Malibu Boats! Thank you for building amazing products. Thank you for having excellent customer service. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to promote, advertise and enjoy an amazing summer in the best wake boat around.

Summer Highlights:

• Watching dozens of individuals land their first something’s. From wake jumps, to surf 360s, to glides and handle-pass mobes, the WAKESETTER 22 MXZ served up consistent wakes and waves all summer long. “Glitzy” truly earned her reputation for having the biggest wake in the Northwest this season.
• Watching people wander from all over the sand dunes at Crescent Bar and form an instant dance party while tied up in the floatilla during Memorial Day weekend.
• Hearing from someone who has been towing competitive water skiing their whole life, “This is the most pleasurable driving experience I’ve ever had in a wakeboard boat.”
• Discussing, demonstrating and just plain showing off products that speak for themselves to hundreds of people all summer long.

Although this was only my first season as a Malibu Northwest Region promotional rider, I felt it went very well. Throughout the season I was able to accomplish the following:

•    Over 180 hours of running time on the boat
•    Towed over 130 wakeboard, wakeskate, and surfing sets in competition over 4 different events
•    Had over 150 individuals onboard the boat at different events and occasions
•    Sold the boat so that I can spend the 2013 season showing off the latest and greatest, the WAKESETTER22MXZ with SURF GATE!

With the hours of available sunlight beginning to dwindle here in the Northwest, I am getting ready for winter. The plan forward is to expand on the foundation we built this season and aim for even more promotional events next season. We will continue to keep the boat on Lake Washington in hopes of getting as much water time as possible. Our 2013 boat will again be towing all Northwest INT wakeboard events and hopefully a few other local events. I am also in discussion with local shops, Seattle Boats, and other interested businesses here in the Northwest on the potential for more activities that benefit everyone involved. I look forward to working with all of you this next season and hope that you are as excited about the results of this season as I am. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions, concerns, or comments. I am all-ears for any feedback on this season or ideas for next season. Take care, Chad Douglas thechaddouglas@gmail.com

Tags: Malibu Boats |

Malibu Releases 2013 WAKESETTER 24 MXZ

Malibu Boats, the global leader in state-of-the-art watersports towboats, will showcase the all-new 2013 Wakesetter 24 MXZ at Surf Expo in Orlando, Fla. September 6-8. The 24 MXZ joins the 22 MXZ, which was introduced last year at Surf Expo, and has now become the fastest-selling new boat launch in Malibu’s history.

“The addition of the 24 MXZ to our wildly successful MXZ family will maximize the boating experience in the large boat, pickle-fork market,” said Scott Davenport, director of sales at Malibu. “This boat is for a big crew that attacks every activity imaginable. And, thanks to SURF GATE, we’ve significantly reduced the time it takes to switch between these activities, letting our customers focus on watersports versus boat setup.”

New features include flip-up Wakeview seating, a dual-purpose built-in cooler with oversized drop-in cooler and expanded storage throughout the boat at convenient access points. The 24 MXZ is outfitted with Malibu’s patented SURF GATE technology and a plug-and-play ballast as well as a Mobile Device Gateway, utilizing Bluetooth technology.  Additionally, customers can personalize their 24 MXZ with gel and metallic gel combinations, and even a matching G3 tower.

“We have designed the 24 MXZ for big lakes and variable water conditions, or any situations where you have a large group of your closest friends and family,” said Dan Gasper, Malibu’s director of product design. “The elevated Wakeview seating provides an excellent vantage point to watch wakeboarding and wakesurfing.”

The WAKESETTER 24 MXZ will make its debut at Surf Expo in Orlando, Fla., at booth #307.

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Malibu Boats is the world’s largest manufacturer of watersports towboats.  Malibu markets the Response,  Wakesetter, and Ride models as well as the Axis Wake Research brand through a worldwide dealer network.  Malibu is a privately held company with approximately 450 employees and manufacturing facilities in California, Tennessee and Australia.