Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) is pulling America’s premier professional night jump water ski competition, King of Darkness 2011, in Southeastern Michigan June 24-25, 2011 at Groveland Oaks County Park (14555 Dixie Highway, Holly). King of Darkness event link on Facebook.
Professional water ski jumpers from around the globe (this year adding top women jumpers to the mix) will take to the water to qualify for a chance to win their share of $35,000 in prize money. Sponsors for this year’s event include: Labatt Blue, Malibu Boats, Skiers Pier, Connelly Skis, HO Skis, Boaters Insurance, Indmar, Tahoe Boats and Eagle Trailers. The event is presented in partnership with Oakland County Parks and Recreation.
Skiers will be flying more than 230 feet through the air at speeds exceeding 75 miles per hour, all under the lights in a high-energy, crowd-pleasing format. Skiers will be pulled behind the top-of-the-line 2011 Malibu Response LXI with a Corvette LS3 motor, custom built for the King of Darkness event.
“Based on past experience putting on pro water ski events, a night event lit by flood lights is more exciting and unique than a daytime event. Fans will feel like they’re a part of the action and will get a chance to interact with the athletes” said PJ McMillan, event organizer.
The event gives world-class athletes a venue to showcase their breathtaking talents while promoting the sport and the healthy, high-energy lifestyle that goes along with it.
Event-goers will also have a chance to see world-ranked wake boarders Chris Laske and Mike Dowdy perform between rounds. “The goal is to keep the crowd entertained during the jumpers’ down time for an evening of non-stop action,” said McMillan. The King of Darkness will be a three-hour extreme water sports event like nothing else in southeast Michigan.
“We are excited to again be partnering with Oakland County Parks and Recreation to put on the King of Darkness event,” said McMillan. Stewart Lake at Groveland Oaks County Park is the perfect location for this event, with ideal small lake size and large spectator areas, and a location just off I-75. The park hosts several large events each year (including a 4th of July fireworks show) and has parking and facilities to accommodate large crowds.
“Skiers Pier is proud to be the title sponsor of the King of Darkness Night Jump,” said Ron Koenig, Skiers Pier Owner. “We are all about supporting the sports around which our business is centered, and this type of event is the best way to capture new athletes and encourage and motivate those already addicted to water sports.”
Tentative Event Schedule: Friday Night, June 24: Seeding for skiers, live music, food/drink, vendors, sponsor booths – Gates at 5:30, competition starts at 7:30.
Saturday Night, June 25: Main competition, live music, food/drink, vendors, sponsor booths - Gates at 5:30, competition starts at 7:30.
Tags: Malibu Boats | Skiers Pier | King of Darkness | night jump | ski boat | Response LXI | water ski jumping | water skiing | Michigan | Malibu Dealer | Labatt Blue
