10-yr-old Lands TS 5 and Whirlybird Behind Malibu

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) received an update from Brent Kappler today regarding his son Mitch. Of course we consider him our Mitch too! We even had a Malibu t-shirt designed after this kid. We have been following this young man since he was 7. You may remember the blog posts we wrote about Mitch landing his first back roll in competition at age 7 and his first front roll at age 8.

Today Mitch's dad let us know that Mitch will be competing at Wake Games this weekend. To prepare for this wakeboard competition Mitch has been working on a toe side 540 and a whirlybird. This short video shows Mitch nailing those two wakeboard tricks.

10 year old, Mitch Kappler is from Lake Gaston, NC and this video features him landing a toe side 540 and a whirlybird. Mitch is coached by Adam Fields of the AF Wakeschool and sponsored by Malibu Boats Dealer ProMarine Boats of Durham, NC and Liquid Force. He rides behind a Malibu boat.

We're pulling for you, Mitch! Good luck buddy!

Read more about Mitch Kappler and his family on the Malibu Boats Blog.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Mitch Kappler | Brent Kappler | Wake Games | wakeboarding | wakeboard boat | kids | Grommet | wakeboard competition | whirlybird | toe side 540 | front roll | back roll | 10-year-old | Adam Fields

Tantrum Pride!

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) wakeboard boat owners, the Kappler Family, sent us an email with photos of their son Mitch sporting his new biographical Kappler Malibu kids shirt. He is wearing his "I See A Tantrum in My Future" shirt proudly! However instead of doing a Tantrum behind his Malibu wakeboard boat on Lake Gaston to celebrate, Mitch decided to throw a 360. Either way, you do us and that Malibu Boats t-shirt proud, Mitch! Keep riding!

Mitch's dad Brent sent us the following in an email:
I wanted to thank you very much for the Tantrum T's and send a picture of Mitch in his shirt. We really appreciate Malibu for thinking of him and having him be the inspiration for the new shirt. If you can offer them in adult sizes, that would be great. We've had many requests for them from adults who see a Tantrum in their future, as well.

Good point on the adult sized shirt, Brent! I bet that's in the works.

We're proud to have your family as part of the Malibu Family. Thanks for being Malibu Gear inspiration Mitch and keep up the awesome riding! Have fun!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Malibu Gear | Tantrum T-shirt | Mitch Kappler | wakeboard boat | INT | youth | t-shirt | wakeboarding | Tantrum | Back Roll

New Tantrum T Inspired by 9 Year Old INT Rider

The Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Gear web site is posting new clothing additions daily. This week Malibu has added a new youth t-shirt inspired by young INT League (@INTLeague) wakeboarder Mitch Kappler and his family. Owners of a Malibu wakeboard boat, the Kapplers ride behind Malibu Boats in and out of competitions.

We met Mitch back in 2008 at the age of 7 when he landed his first Back Roll behind a Malibu Boats Wakesetter VLX at USA Nationals. Since that time we have followed Mitch as he has progressed through the ranks of INT, an amateur water sports organization.

One of the most memorable posts we did about Mitch was titled "8 Year Old Throwing Tantrum Behind Malibu Boat." This blog post inspired Malibu Boats gear designers to develop a youth t-shirt featuring a youngster throwing a tantrum. No, not that kind; a Tantrum wakeboarding move. It only seemed right to model the shirt's design after Malibu's favorite Tantrum thrower and young wakeboarder, Mitch Kappler. So the artist sketched an action shot of Mitch and named the new youth t-shirt "The Kappler Malibu". The caption reads, "I See A Tantrum In My Future."

So when you buy your Kappler Malibu t-shirt think of Mitch. The first kid to be commemorated on a t-shirt for throwing a Tantrum. Take care Kapplers! We are proud to call your family a part of ours and we look forward to following Mitch as he has fun riding behind Malibu boats.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Malibu Gear | Tantrum T-shirt | Mitch Kappler | wakeboard boat | INT | youth | t-shirt | wakeboarding | Tantrum | Back Roll

Kappler Family Malibu Factory Tour Thank You

The Kappler Family stopped by and took a Malibu Boats Factory Tour a couple of weeks ago and they sent us a great thank you email this morning. Thought we'd share...

My family and I wish to thank you for arranging a recent Malibu plant visit for us. While on our way to Little Rock, AR last month for a regional INT tournament, you made it possible for us to visit and tour the Loudon, TN plant. It was remarkable to us to see first hand just how Malibu boats are built and we learned a great deal about the boat building process. After meeting with Kerri Johns and the other Malibu employees, it was very apparent why so many Malibu boat owners refer to you as "family". Everyone we met was so gracious with their time and didn't hesitate to take a few minutes from their busy day to talk with us. Each employee seemed to truly enjoy their job and it was clear that each person took great pride in their work. I was amazed at the amount of individual hands on craftsmanship that goes into building each boat. It's no wonder Malibu boats are the best in the industry. They clearly have the best people in the industry.

From our family, to yours, thank you so much, again, for allowing us to come through the plant and meet the people that make up Malibu.

Best Regards,

The Kappler Family
Brent, Renee, Mitch and Jake

No need for thanks, Brent. We love giving Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Factory Tours. Kerri and the rest of the Malibu Fam in Tennessee told us they had a great time with you four. They hope to see you back again! Take care and tell the boys to keep practicing.

If you are interested in taking a tour at Malibu Boats Factory in Loudon, TN like the Kapplers please call (865) 458-5478 or fill out the Malibu Boats Contact Us form online. Make sure to include your desired tour date and time in the comments section. We would love to see you at the Malibu Boats Factory.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Mitch Kappler | Brent Kappler | iRide | wakeboarding | wakeboard boat | kids | Grommet | wakeboard competition | tantrum | scarecrow | front roll | back roll | 8-year-old | factory tour | Kerri Johns | Little Rock | INT | Tennessee

Malibu Wakeboarders Make INT Regionals Family Affair

The Cleburne Times Review recently posted an article featuring long-time WaterSki America customers and Malibu boat owners, the Cain Family. These Cleburne, TX wakeboarders recently competed in the INT Southeastern Invitational tournament in Little Rock, Ark as a family.

Marcus and Matthew Cain and father, Scott, all Texas state champions, competed against state champions from 10 other states. The event lasted three days.

Marcus Cain, a Cleburne High School student, won the first day of competition.

“The competition was stronger than anything I have encountered before,” he said, “but the atmosphere was very laid back and fun.”

The second day of riding brought a change of boats.

Marcus Cain stood up his first pass and landed his first toe-side 180 spin.

He had some trouble adjusting to the new boat’s wake but was one of the few riders to almost complete his second pass without a fall.

At the conclusion of the tournament, Marcus Cain held off a strong surge from the rest of the field to secure a third place overall finish.

“It felt really good making the podium at a national tournament,” he said.

He is sponsored by Malibu Boats and Waterski America and rides a Hyperlite board. He is coached by JoJo Lemberg and Scott Flanagan of the Wakeboard Coalition.

Matthew Cain, one of the youngest competitors at the event, secured an honorable mention award in the mini outlaw division.

“It was scary standing on the dock waiting for your turn,” he said, “but you just have to go through it.”

“We’re so proud of Marcus and Matthew,” said the boys’ mother, Chris Cain. “Watching from the shore, I was probably more nervous than the boys,” she said.

The INT is the world’s largest amateur competition for wakeboarding.

“Despite the rain, the riders had a great time,” Scott Cain said. “For me, it was a once in a lifetime event. It was great riding with my boys.”

The Cains plan to continue to wakeboard until Thanksgiving.

“Now that the competitions are over, we have to start training for next season,” Marcus Cain said. “I’m working on a back roll and some new spins for next year.”

When he’s not training, Marcus Cain spends his time on the water teaching others how to wakeboard.

“Marcus does a great job representing the sport,” said Scott Cain.

To read more about the wakeboarding Cain Family in the Cleburne Times Review.

Congratulations, Cain boys! Keep it up, Malibu Boats is cheering for you!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Cain Family | Cleburne Times | INT Regionals | wakeboard competition | wakeboarding | Wakeboard Coalition | Marcus Cain | Matthew Cain | Scott Cain | WaterSki America | Dallas TX

8-year-old Boarder Still Shreddin Behind a Malibu Boat

Mitch Kappler is 8 years old and loves to wakeboard. His family owns a Malibu iRide and since we received that first video of Mitch landing a back roll in competition at the age of seven, we have been hooked on this kid. We watched him land his first front roll earlier this year behind his family's Malibu boat. Brent, Mitch's dad, kept us updated on the runs Mitch threw down at the WWA Nationals and sent us a video of Mitch Throwing a Tantrum (wakeboard move) behind the iRide.

Yesterday the Malibu Boats Family had the chance to meet Mitch in person when he and his family stopped by the Tennessee Factory on the way to Little Rock, AR for the INT Eastern Regional Invitational. The Kappler Family took a tour with long-time Malibu employee Kerri Johns who works in Customer Service. Kerri said it was a lot of fun because of how excited the Kappler Family was to see the boats being built and just how pumped they are about Malibu Boats.

The tour also gave us a chance to catch up on the progress Mitch has been making with his riding over the past couple months. Mitch took 2nd place in the Jr. Boys division (9 and under) at the WWA Worlds tournament in Orlando back in August. Mitch ended up edging out the youngster who beat him at the INT Nationals in Texas, which had to feel pretty good.

According to Mitch's dad, Brent, "Mitch has a few more tournaments to compete in this year, but he's already starting to think about new tricks for next year."

We can't wait to see what's next! Keep photos and video coming. We love following Mitch's progress. And good luck in Little Rock, Mitch!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Mitch Kappler | Brent Kappler | iRide | wakeboarding | wakeboard boat | kids | Grommet | wakeboard competition | tantrum | scarecrow | front roll | back roll | 8-year-old | factory tour | Kerri Johns | Little Rock | INT | Tennessee

Malibu Boats First To Re-sign With INT for 2010 Season

Malibu Boats and The INT League are excited to announce that we are partnering for the next three seasons to host amateur and pro wakeboard, wakeskate, waterski and kneedboard events. Malibu has partnered with INT as an official tow boat sponsor for several years now and we were the first boat manufacturer to re-sign the 2010 agreement this year.

“It has been a tough year for everyone. We are thrilled to have dedicated partners like Malibu Boats on our team so that we can continue to promote the water sports industry and grow grassroots events,” said Rick Stocks, president of the INT League, when he met with Paul Singer, Malibu Boats VP of Sales and Marketing, to make the partnership official.

“INT gives us the amazing opportunity to support the water sports passions of individuals who are near and dear to us, the Malibu Boats Family. We are honored to be a part of their growth and their fun,” says Singer. “We’re proud to partner with INT for the 2010 season.”

By sponsoring INT, Malibu is able to join with the rest of the water sports industry to host several hundred grassroots events per year. The partnership also allows Malibu dealers to get involved at the local INT events in their state. The corporate partnership allows Malibu dealers to sponsor their local INT tour, provide boats for INT events, have a booth at INT events, and use INT’s marketing tools to promote Malibu products to INT’s demographic of water sports enthusiasts.

Look for Malibu Boats pulling INT competitions across the nation!

Tags: Malibu Boats | INT | sponsorship | grassroots | wakeboarding | water skiing | wakeboard boat | ski boat | wakeboard tournaments | water ski tournaments