Watch the Malibu Open Live August 5th & 6th

Join Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) and watch live online August 5th & 6th as the world’s best water skiers compete for $65,000 in prize money during the professional water ski event. Pro Slalom Events and Eagle Sports to Host Live Webcast of the Malibu Open (#MalibuOpen).

The Malibu Open professional waterski event, including athlete interviews and behind the scene shots, will be webcast live on August 5th and 6th from Veteran’s Park Lagoon in Milwaukee. The Malibu Open hosts the world’s top professional water ski athletes as they compete in traditional slalom and long-distance jumping for $65,000 in prize money. Free-style jumping, barefoot skiing, hydrofoil, show ski and trick flip demonstrations round out the exciting two day event.

Eagle Sports is providing the resources and equipment to host the live webcast which will be available on four industry sites including www.theproskitour.com, www.eaglesports.com, www.ballofspray.com and www.malibuboats.com.

The webcast enables people from around the world to share in the excitement and emotion of a world-class waterski event and the ability to get up close and personal with the athletes from the comfort of their own home. The entire event will not be available, however some of the preliminary rounds on Friday and all of finals on Saturday will be shown as well as behind the scenes shots and athlete interviews. Please see the schedule of events to know when to tune in.

When accessing the webcast, viewers will be prompted to provide an email address. This will enable them to join the live chat, ask the announcers questions and interact with other viewers. The webcasted events will immediately be archived underneath the viewing window and accessible for watching at any time.

Not going to be in front of a computer this weekend? Download the LiveStream app on your iPhone for free and watch the Malibu Open webcast on the go. For live scores and updates on Twitter, follow your favorite Team Malibu athletes like @TGas81 and @WillASher as well as @MalibuBoats, @taddh2oz and @the_krista.

The Malibu Open is a free event for family, friends and all to enjoy both onsite and online. The event is produced by Pro Slalom Events and sponsored by Malibu Boats.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Malibu Open | live feed | webcast | video | water skiing | slalom skiing | The Pro Ski Tour | Will Asher | Regina Jaquess | Freddie Krueger | Veteran’s Park Lagoon | Milwaukee | Team Malibu | Response Series | ski boats

Malibu Open Water Ski Event Returns to Veteran’s Park Lagoon

The Malibu Open (#MalibuOpen) is returning to Milwaukee’s lakefront Veteran’s Park Lagoon on August 5-6. The world’s top professional water ski athletes will compete in traditional slalom and long-distance jumping for $65,000 in prize money. Free-style jumping, barefoot skiing, hydrofoil, show ski and trick flip demonstrations round out the exciting two day event, which is open and free to the public.

The Milwaukee Parks and Recreation is estimating 15,000 to 20,000 spectators. In addition, the Malibu Open will be in conjunction with the Thunderbirds Air show bringing in an approximate 100,000 spectators over the Friday and Saturday event.

“The Malibu Open is another example of our park system bringing quality programming to the lakefront for the benefit of Milwaukee County residents," County Executive Chris Abele said. "Unique events such as the Malibu Open attract participants and spectators from across the country, helping to shine the light nationally on our beautiful lakefront and award-winning parks."

“Athletes from around the world will be here competing,” event organizer, Dana Reed said. “Fans will have an opportunity to interact with them, grab photos and autographs. Returning Malibu Open Champion Will Asher of England, World Jump Record holder Freddy “The Nightmare” Krueger of the United States and World Slalom Record holder Regina Jaquess, will be just a few of the top athletes making a splash in the Veteran’s Park Lagoon.”

In slalom skiing, athletes navigate through a six-buoy course while the boat travels at a constant speed of 36 mph with an initial 32-foot line. After completion of each pass, the rope is shortened by a pre-determined length to increase difficulty. Whichever athlete rounds the most buoys at the shortest line length, wins. In the breathtaking long-distance jumping event, skiers race toward a 6-foot high ramp reaching speeds of 70 mph and fly distances over 200 feet. Top men’s jumper, Ryan Dodd of Canada jumped 226 feet at the 2011 Moomba Masters night finals held in Melbourne, Australia earlier this year. The athletes get three approaches at the ramp. Whoever goes the furthest, wins.

“Professional waterskiing events are usually held on private lakes, so we are very excited to be returning to the perfect venue that Milwaukee offers the Malibu Open,” Reed said. “The finals will be held Saturday night starting at 5 p.m. and ending with the men’s jump finals at 8 p.m. A country concert with Milwaukee’s own Michael Scott, will be held immediately after the event at 9 p.m.”

The Malibu Open is a free event for family, friends and all to enjoy. The event is produced by Pro Slalom Events and sponsored by Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats). Concessions and parking will be organized by the Milwaukee County Parks Department.

Malibu Open Schedule of Events
Friday
7:30 AM - Open Women Slalom Round #1 qualifying
9:30 AM - Open Men Slalom Round #1 qualifying
1:30 PM - Open Women Jump Round #1 qualifying
3:30 PM - Open Men Jump Round #1 qualifying
5:30 PM - Open Women Slalom Round #2 qualifying
6:45 PM - Free Style Jump (8)

Saturday
7:30 AM - Open Men Slalom Round #2 qualifying
11:00 AM - Free Style Jump competition (4)
11:30 AM - Open Women Jump Round #2 qualifying
1:00 PM - Open Men Jump Round #2 qualifying
2:30 PM - Hydro foil
2:45 PM - Open Women (6)
3:30 PM - Open Men Slalom (6)
4:15 PM - Barefoot Central
4:35 PM - Open Women Final (4) head to head
5:00 PM - Open Men Final (4) head to head
5:25 PM - Rock Aqua Jays
5:55 PM - Open Women Final (2) head to head
6:10 PM - Open Men Final (2) head to head
6:25 PM - Hydrofoil
6:40 PM - Open Women Jump Finals (6)
7:30 PM - Free Style Jump Finals (2)
7:45 PM - Barefoot Central
8:00 PM - Open Men Jump Finals (6)
9:00 pm - Country Concert—Michael Scott

Tags: Malibu Boats | Malibu Open | water skiing | slalom skiing | The Pro Ski Tour | Will Asher | Regina Jaquess | Freddie Krueger | Veteran’s Park Lagoon | Milwaukee | Team Malibu | Response Series | ski boats

Degasperi Earns Another World Slalom Title

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Pro Slalom athlete, Thomas Degasperi (@TGas81) captured his second World Championship Title at the 2011 World Water Ski Championships in Dubna, Russia.

A past World Champion and silver medal Men’s Slalom winner, Team Malibu’s Thomas Degasperi was skiing towards a repeat at the 2011 World Water Ski Championships in Dubna, Russia. The Italian born slalom skier took the water in Russia with the confidence of his recent domination at the Global Invitational and his rigorous Malibu Response LXi training regimen as an advantage. Degasperi climbed to the top podium spot on July 23, 2011 with 3 buoys at 41’ becoming a 2-time World Champion Slalom Skier and the holder of the World title for 2011.

Additional Links
Malibu Response LXi Video

Going into the final round Degasperi was not even in the top three, but that didn’t seem to faze him. He stretched for every turn and in the end came out on top slicing past fellow pro Aaron Larkin by an entire buoy for a winning run of 3@41’(10.25m). Degasperi received his new World Champion Title on Saturday, July 23, 2011. Larkin and Nate Smith finished second and third respectively.

Lani Farmer, Team and Event Director for Malibu Boats, had this to say about the current World Champion. “We’re so proud of Thomas. The World Slalom Title could not be held by a better guy. He’s not only a wonderful skier, but he’s a great person and an unbelievable ambassador for Malibu Boats and the sport of slalom skiing. Great job Thomas!”

Skiing extremely well this year, Degasperi’s competitive performances seemed to be hinting to a new level in his skiing. He edged out the 2010 World Slalom Champion and his Malibu Boats teammate, Will Asher, at the Global Invitational. Degasperi took this confidence and skill into Worlds and came out with his second Men’s Slalom Title.

His training regimen also had a lot to do with Degasperi’s resurgence as a World Champion. During the summer Degasperi trains in his home town of Trento in Northern Italy with his Father Marco and the Italian Federation coach, Bubu Alessi. The other half of the year Degasperi trains behind the Malibu Response LXi at the Drew Ross Ski Academy in Orlando, FL. A fellow competitive slalom skier, Team Malibu member and good friend, Ross helps push Degasperi to be his best with the help of the LXi’s pull.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Thomas Degasperi | World Water Ski Championships | World Champion | World Slalom Champion | Response LXi | Dubna Russia | water skiing | tournament | competition | Worlds | ski boats | slalom skiing

Driving Force

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Malibu Open organizer, Dana Reed’s passion for water skiing has helped bring professional cash-prize tournaments back to the mainstream public.

Written by Chrös McDougall for USA WaterSki's Waterskier Magazine we thought this article really deserved a repost on the Malibu Boats Blog. Dana is a close partner of Malibu Boats and we believe he deserves this type of recognition and more. Thank you for all you do Dana!

Any kid who has ever dreamed of making a living as a professional water skier ought to take notice of Dana Reed. Not that he’d want you to notice him. While the economy has kept many would-be promoters on the sidelines, Reed has put his heart and soul into giving the world’s top water skiers a bigger spotlight to shine – and make some money – in the United States. And he’s really just getting started. The breakthrough came last summer. After several years of organizing well executed but not so well attended pro events at out-of-the-way private lakes, Reed teamed with Malibu Boats to bring the annual Malibu Open to Milwaukee. This time, Reed sacrificed the perfect skiing conditions at private lakes for a beautiful venue at Veteran’s Park, located on a strip of land that separates downtown Milwaukee and Lake Michigan. In return, he got nearly 10,000 spectators for the two-day slalom and jumping competition and created one of the most talked about events of the year.

That success just got him more excited. Speaking from his home in Hickory, N.C., during one of the rare moments when he’s not on the road planning an event, the 55-year-old promoter speaks of big things: becoming truly profitable, having purses as high as a half-million dollars, and getting the events back on television. “I’d love to write a check for $100,000 for somebody to win an event,” he says. In the short term, though, Reed is thinking of his three events for this year: the annual Global Invitational in Grand Rapids, Mich.; the new Katy Ski Jam near Houston; and most prominently, the 2011 Malibu Open in downtown Milwaukee. And he’s thinking big. “The Malibu Open,” he says, “will be the largest event in the history of the United States this year, and you can quote me on it.”

Last year’s event was a success, to be sure, with around $45,000 in purses, high-energy nighttime finals, exhibitions from local show ski teams and barefoot skiers, and a call from the Milwaukee park’s director the day after the tournament to re-up for this year. But still, that’s a pretty bold claim. It’s not so much, though, when you have some added help.

This year, the purse is up to $65,000, the show skiers and barefoot skiers will be back, and Reed has hired local country singer Michael Scott to entertain the crowds on Saturday night of the tournament, which will take place Aug. 5-6. The biggest boon for this year’s event, though, will be the Thunderbird Air Show, which is expected to draw around 150,000 people to Veteran’s Park and nearby Bradford Beach that same weekend. “We hit a home run last year,” Reed says, “but we’re going to hit a grand slam this year because of the air show being involved.” So what’s Reed’s trick?

It’s simple: He works hard, and he’s not in it for the money. Reed, who owns a commercial cleaning company in North Carolina, is basically a one-man show who takes no profit from the events; instead, he reinvests everything into either a better event or bigger purses. “I’ve got two goals,” says Reed, who largely organizes the events by himself but who gets lots of help with the actual execution from a dedicated group of volunteers who share his passion and work ethic. “My first one is to give as much money that comes my way to the athletes. And my second goal is to get the sponsors their money worth. If there’s five dollars left at the end of the day I’m good with it. That’s about all I am.”

“I think the main thing that makes him successful and the reason he is able to continue doing what he’s doing is his passion for water skiing,” says Lani Farmer, who manages the pro team, sponsorships, and pro events for Malibu Boats. “He’s mainly focused on putting on a great show for the fans and will do whatever it takes to make that happen. Since it’s not his core business, he’s not focused on the bottom line. Dana has no problem giving every bit of profit he makes right back to the athletes.”

That deep dedication to the athletes goes back to the beginning of Reed’s promoting days. They began in the early 2000s, when women no longer had a pro water skiing tour. For little reason other than to give an opportunity to his friends who had been on that tour, Reed began organizing his own small scale but well-run pro events in North Carolina. When the men’s pro tour began losing a lot of its stops a few years later, he added them to the lineup as well. Momentum picked up when MasterCraft took notice of Reed’s events in 2008 and began helping him out. But then things stalled. With few fans and a souring economy, it didn’t matter how well the skiers were performing – sponsorship money was drying up. There were times when Reed felt like quitting. He was putting on top-notch tournaments for the skiers – sometimes subsidizing them himself to keep them afloat – but he just couldn’t get fans to show up at the private ski lakes, which were often out in the country.

And then he found Veteran’s Park. After a year of prodding to Farmer, with whom he had been working with on some smaller events, Reed finally got his wish. Farmer and Malibu agreed to give Reed the reigns to the 2010 Malibu Open. “I took a chance and it ended up being phenomenal, just phenomenal,” Farmer says, still sounding almost in disbelief at how well things worked out. “And I was very happy for him because he deserves it. He does a lot for a lot of people out of just his passion. He doesn’t get anything out of it aside from the satisfaction that comes from helping the athletes and the sport he loves.”

It was fitting, then, that the star of the 2010 Malibu Open was one of Reed’s longtime friends from North Carolina – and one of the good friends whom he wanted to give pro opportunities to in the first place. April Coble-Eller turned pro 20 years ago and was a top competitor during pro skiing’s heyday in the 1990s – when ESPN broadcast the tournaments, purses were high and stops were plentiful. Yet despite a junior world championship, 28 national championships and even a U.S. Masters overall title, Coble-Eller had never won an individual pro event in her career. So in the era of around four domestic pro events per year, smaller purses and no ESPN, Coble-Eller went to Milwaukee considering retirement.

Then, magic happened. After her husband told her, “go have fun, Dana needs your energy,” that’s exactly what she did, all the way to the pro women’s slalom title. “It was just like everything was meant to be,” says Coble-Eller, who decided to continue competing. “It was awesome.”

“[The Moomba Masters in Australia] has probably been one of my favorites,” she adds, “ … because of the hype, skiing in front of all the people, skiing downtown, and Dana created that in America. He created the Moomba Masters in Milwaukee last year.”

Reed might have a little ways to go to catch up to Moomba, which with tens of thousands of spectators is known as the biggest water ski and wakeboard event in the world, but he is definitely on the right track. “He deserves every bit of credit that he’s never gotten,” Coble-Eller says, “because he is awesome for the sport.”

Reed Credits Volunteers
If it’s not the athletes, Dana Reed prefers that his volunteers be in the spotlight ahead of him. Among them is Jeff Gilbert of Charlotte, N.C., who paid for his own flight to Milwaukee and then worked two 12-hour days installing the slalom and jump courses before the 2010 Malibu Open. Or there’s chief judge Bill Murbach, as well as sponsor reps Jim Stanley (Global Marine Insurance Agency) and Chuck Gleason (Eagle Sports), all of who stayed Sunday after the Malibu Open and helped tear down the event. Reed also mentions Tommy Harrington, who manages Reed’s Web site. “They all give up their time, sometimes three days, and they come and they work tirelessly because they all love it like I do,” Reed says. “But they give up their time, they take off a day, sometimes two days of work, and they put on these great events. “If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be able to do it.”

Chrös McDougall is a freelance writer based out of the Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul.

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 | USA WaterSki | The Waterskier | Chrös McDougall

Malibu Open Water Skiing Heats Up Again This Summer

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) will pull the world’s best water skiers to compete for $65,000 in prize money August 5th & 6th at Veteran’s Park Lagoon.

The most talked about water skiing competition of 2010, the Malibu Open, is returning to Milwaukee’s lakefront Veteran’s Park Lagoon in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 5-6, 2011. World record-breaking Response Series Malibu ski boats will pull the world’s top professional water ski athletes in slalom skiing and water ski 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 water sports event is free to the public and will also feature demonstrations like free-style jumping, barefoot skiing, hydrofoiling, show skiing and trick flipping. Make plans to be at the 2011 Malibu Open.

The Milwaukee Parks and Recreation is estimating attendance in the neighborhood of 15,000 to 20,000 spectators. In addition, the Malibu Open will be in conjunction with the World-renowned Thunderbirds Air show bringing in approximately 100,000 spectators over the Friday and Saturday event.

When Lani Farmer, Event and Team Director for Malibu Boats, was asked what makes the Malibu Open so successful, this was her reply. “The Malibu Open in Milwaukee seems to breed high performance. The athletes, the boats, the lake, the crowd it all combines to create a kind of momentum that is as obvious in the performances on the water as it is in the buzz along the shore.” Lani explained, “We saw some of the highest cuts ever in a water ski competition last year. This year we may see some records fall.”

“Athletes from around the world will be here competing,” event organizer, Dana Reed said. “Fans will have an opportunity to interact with them, grab photos and autographs. Returning Malibu Open Champion Will Asher of England, World Jump Record holder Freddy “The Nightmare” Krueger of the United States and World Women’s Slalom Record holder Regina Jaquess of the United States will be just a few of the top athletes making a splash in the Veteran’s Park Lagoon.”

In slalom skiing, athletes navigate through a six-buoy course while the Malibu ski boat travels at a constant speed of 36 mph with an initial 32-foot line. After completion of each pass, the rope is shortened by a pre-determined length to increase difficulty. Whichever athlete rounds the most buoys at the shortest line length, wins. In the breathtaking long-distance jumping event, skiers race toward a 6-foot high ramp reaching speeds of 70 mph and fly distances over 200 feet. Top men’s jumper, Ryan Dodd of Canada jumped 226 feet at the 2011 Moomba Masters night finals held in Melbourne, Australia earlier this year. The athletes get three approaches at the ramp. Whoever goes the furthest, wins.

“Professional waterskiing events are usually held on private lakes, so we are very excited to be returning to the perfect venue that Milwaukee offers the Malibu Open,” Reed said. “The finals will be held Saturday night starting at 5 p.m. and ending with the men’s jump finals at 8 p.m. A country concert with Milwaukee’s own Michael Scott, will be held immediately after the event at 9 p.m.”

The Malibu Open is a free event for family, friends and all to enjoy. The event is produced by Pro Slalom Events and sponsored by Malibu Boats. Concessions and parking will be organized by the Milwaukee County Parks Department.

About Pro Slalom Events, LLC: Pro Slalom Events, LLC’s goal is to bring water skiing back to the national spotlight giving our spectacular athletes a stage to perform on. Founded by Dana Reed, Pro Slalom Events, recreated the Pro Water Ski Tour for the 2008 season which became an immediate success. In 2011 Pro Slalom Events will continue its momentum supporting events in Michigan, Wisconsin and Texas. Through its passion and enthusiasm for water skiing Pro Slalom Events will continue to bring the amazing talent of these athletes to fans across the country and around the world for many years to come.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Malibu Open | water skiing | slalom skiing | The Pro Ski Tour | Will Asher | Regina Jaquess | Freddie Krueger | Veteran’s Park Lagoon | Milwaukee | Team Malibu | Response Series | ski boats

King of Darkness Crowned in June

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

Joel Wing Wins Australian Overall Championship!

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Team Skier, Joel Wing (pictured here with Thomas Degasperi) returned from Townsville last weekend as the Australian Overall Champion. After 3 big days of competition, Joel outclassed 12 time champion, Ryan Green and young gun Tim Bradstreet to win by a massive 240 overall points. Joel had the advantage of his very own Malibu Response LXi as the towboat for the Championships "The LXi performed great all weekend, providing some great power for big jumps as well as the beautiful trick and slalom wakes we are all used to from the LXi". After a great Australian season, Joel was named as one of the six Australian team members to compete in the World Championships in Russia in July this year. Great job Joel!

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!

Orlando Channel 9 Spotlights Tgas

Team Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) pro water skier Thomas Degasperi (Tgas) has been a busy guy behind his Malibu Response LXi. Not only has he been training five days a week for the 2011 pro slalom season, but he was recently photographed for the cover of the May issue of WaterSki Magazine . And yesterday he was featured on Orlando Channel 9 Sports (@WFTV). They interviewed Thomas about his road to the World Championships in 2011 as well as how he started in the sport of water skiing. It is a great video. Give it a watch!

Congratulations on all of the coverage Thomas. You deserve it! We're pulling for you this season!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Thomas Degasperi | WaterSki Magazine | water skiing | Response LXi | ski boat | ski boats | slalom skiing | Channel 9 | Orlando FL | water ski video

WaterSki Covers Degasperi

Team Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) pro water skier Thomas Degasperi is featured on the cover of the May WaterSki Magazine as a part of the the 2011 Best Slalom Ski Issue. The former World Champion was shot in full lean capturing a slalom buoy behind his Malibu Response LXi. It's a great cover and a great issue! Pick it up at a newsstand near you. Great job Thomas!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Thomas Degasperi | WaterSki Magazine | water skiing | Response LXi | ski boat | ski boats | slalom skiing

Team Malibu Dominates 1st Slalom Comp of 2011

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Pro Slalom Skiers Will Asher (@WillAsher) and Thomas Degasperi crowded the podium at the first slalom competition of 2011, setting an event record along the way. Will and Thomas took 2nd and 3rd respectively at the 2011 Moomba Masters. And if that wasn't enough, during the first round of skiing Will shocked the slalom world by setting an event/lake record of 3 @ 41.5 off, beating the record previously set by Andy Mapple.

"Skiing second to last in the qualifying heat, Asher looked in control as he worked his way down the rope shortenings, setting his sights on – and beating – the record set by the great Andy Mapple." - Australian WaterSki Magazine

What a great start to the 2011 Pro Slalom Season! Must be all that training behind the 2011 Response LXi! Congratulations Will and Thomas! We're pulling for you both to have a great season!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Team Malibu | Will Asher | Thomas Degasperi | slalom skiing | pro skiing | water skiing | ski boats | Response LXi | ski tournament

World's Greatest Ski Lake Goes Malibu

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) dealer Performance Boats in Mexico let us know that the Malibu Response LXi is now making its home at Acua Ski. Known as one of the best ski lakes in the world, Acua Ski is located between Acapulco Bay and Mexico City and is one of the most popular training destination for the World's best slalom skiers. It is known as one of the top 5 places to train worldwide because of the perfect water conditions it provides. Water skiers visiting this paradise will now be pulled by Malibu Boats' World Record Breaking Response LXi.

The official presentation of the Performance Boats Response LXi will take place in the next couple weeks; witnessed by a crowd of Media, VIPS and families. There is more coverage to come. Stay tuned!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Acua Ski | ski lake | Performance Boats | Mexico | slalom skiing | ski boat | Response LXi | pro skiers | slalom training | training lake | Acapulco Bay | Mexico City

The Joy of Owning A Malibu

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) receives great owner stories throughout the year, but some of the most passionate seem to come during Malibu Boat Show Season. We met Gene Haldeman at the Hartford, Connecticut Boat Show in Malibu Boats' Dealer Candlewood East Marine's booth. After scrolling through tons of water skiing and boating photos of her family friends we asked Gene to send us some of the pics to post online. We had no idea she would send us this great story! Thank you, Gene!

It all started in the summer of 2000, when my husband and I bought our first ski boat. It was an entry-level MasterCraft, and (unfortunately) we were not pleased with it for long. By summer's end we were looking for something classier (sorry, MasterCraft!) and after some research realized that we should look into Malibu. We were at that time living on the Seacoast of NH, and went to see the nearest Malibu dealer - East Coast Flightcraft in Middleton, MA, to see the boats there. We found the perfect replacement - a 2000 black & tan Response LX. The dealer had this boat in their showroom under the lights, beautifully detailed after about 80 hours of demo use, and we fell in love with it immediately.

In the Fall of 2003 we moved to CT, but had no boating friends yet. The following April I was out driving and saw a Malibu out in front of an auto repair place. I stopped, met the owner, and looked over the boat - a 2003 Response LXi. At the same time I met a friend of the LXi's owner, who was new to boating but had always wanted to own a boat and water ski. He was so proud of his new I/O, just purchased (without his friend's advice). We all boated and skied together that summer, mostly on the 2 Malibus. By the end of that summer I so admired the LXi that I decided to look around and found one I liked advertised online by a dealer in NY. My I/O friend and I went to see it - another demonstrator with lots of extras and about 80 hours on it. We took an in-water ride and I fell in love with it - a blue & white 2004 Response LXi. What followed was a domino effect - I bought the blue & white, my friend bought my black & tan, and finally sold the I/O. I also acquired a Shetland Sheepdog puppy - Sammy - that summer; she became our boating mascot. Sammy goes out with us every boating day. Her little head can be seen on the blue & white, at the rear of the boat.

So now we have 2 fine Malibus in our little "fleet", both of which I have lovingly owned and maintained. For me, Malibu is the very definition of quality, style, design excellence and elegance on the water. As long as I continue to ski, Malibu is the only boat I will ever own - I was an admirer at first sight and my opinion has not changed as the years go by. I follow Malibu's technological and design advances that come along each year with great interest, but my '04 blue & white Response LXi continues to be the perfect boat for me, absolutely the best in its class for 2004. The only changes I made over the years were adding a Titan II stainless tower and a Scarpa plate.

In closing, I cannot begin to describe the pride and joy this fine machine brings to my summers. I only wish I had more summer in my life - might have to move away from New England to get it!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Malibu Owner | Gene Haldeman | Response LX | Response LXi | Candlewood East | Malibu Dealer | Hartford CT | East Coast Flightcraft | ski boats | water skiing

Jaquess Strikes Gold at Pan Ams in Chile

Team Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Pro Water Skier Regina Jaquess earned four gold medals in the 2010 Pan American Water Ski Championships. Jaquess left the biennial event, Nov. 22-28, in San Bernardo, Chile with an Elite Team Gold as well as golds in women's slalom, tricks and jumping. For good measure she threw a Silver in for Overall. But Jaquess wasn't alone. Athletes on the six U.S. teams combined to win 67 individual medals, including 26 of a possible 48 gold medals.

The U.S. Elite Water Ski Team won the overall team gold medal, tallying 8,259.41 points. Canada earned the silver medal with 7,904.69 points and Chile earned the bronze medal with 6,421.69 points.

Jaquess won gold medals in women’s slalom (1 buoy at 39-1/2 feet off), tricks (7,830 points) and jumping (167 feet), and the silver medal in overall (2,867.52 points).

Way to go, Regina! We're pulling for you! Keep up the great work!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Pan American Water Ski Championships | Regina Jaquess | water+skiing | Chile | slalom | tricks | jumping | ski boat | Response LXi | gold medals | Pan Ams

Watch a 14-year-old World Record Fall in This Video

Watch Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Pro water skier Regina Jaquess break the 14-year-old World Women's Slalom Record in this video. Listen to her talk about breaking the record twice over the weekend. This video was produced by GOODE Skis.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Regina Jaquess | water skiing | slalom skiing | Response LXi | ski boat | ski boatss | world record | Cory Pickos | Team Malibu | Goode Skis | video

Jaquess Smashes 14-year-old World Record Twice

Team Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) newest water skiing addition, Regina Jaquess put a Response LXi ski boat to good use on October 23rd and 24th setting two consecutive pending world records in Women's Slalom, something that has not been done even once in the last 14 years. Regina scored 1 1/4 @ 41 off on Saturday and 1 1/2 @ 41 off on Sunday at Cory Pickos World Ski Center in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.

The current Women's Slalom World Record of 1 @ 41 off was set in 1996 by Kristi Overton and tied by Karina Nowlan in 2008 and by Regina in 2009. For the last 14 years the best any female slalom skier could do was tie this record, until October 23rd and 24th, 2010.

Sharing the Women's World Slalom Record of 1 @ 41 off since July of 2009, Regina has been striving to own the record outright. She recently signed with Malibu Boats in an effort to do just that. Regina felt skiing behind the Response LXi gave her an edge and bolstered her ability to break the record. Looks like this strategy paid off.

Regina skied in the Red Bar Belgian Open on Saturday, October 23, 2010. In her first record-setting run she fell soon after the 1 ball @ 41 off, but held on long enough to capture 1/4 of the next buoy. That sent the first pending world record of 1 1/4 @ 41 off.

Regina was confident that she could capture at 1 1/2 buoys at 41' off so she went back out behind the Malibu Boats Response LXi on Sunday even more determined. And sure enough at the Eddie Green Open on October 24, 2010 she set her second pending Women's Slalom World Record in Santa Rosa Beach at back to back competitions.

When we asked Jaquess her feelings about her new Response LXi ski boat that pulled her to these two records she had this to say, “This boat is awesome! I have run more 39s behind it than any other boat. The wakes are so small and the boat makes the pull seem so easy you hardly even know how short the rope really is.” Jaquess continued, “I just set two new pending world records and that has a lot to do with the Response LXi.”

"We could not be any prouder of Regina and the job she did this past weekend. We were simply excited to welcome her to the team, but to see her set 2 pending world records in as many days, was amazing!" Dennis Kelley, National Promo Team Director for Malibu Boats, went on to say, "We respect her dedication and determination. She's an inspiration and an asset to the sport of water skiing!"

Regina was skiing behind a 2011 Response LXi with a Monsoon 350 (350hp) engine. Her slalom ski is a GOODE 9900SL with PS5 boots.

Visit your local Malibu Boats dealer to experience the record-breaking performance that pro athletes and families seek in the 2011 Response LXi.

“My sponsors Goode, Eagle Sports, Performance Ski and Surf, Masterline, Wileys, and Girls 4 Sports have helped me become #1, and joining Team Malibu is allowing me to stay #1!” Jaquess said.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Regina Jaquess | water skiing | slalom skiing | Response LXi | ski boat | ski boatss | world record | Cory Pickos | Team Malibu

Regina Jaquess Joins Team Malibu for Response LXi

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) welcomes world class women’s slalom skier Regina Jaquess to their Pro Water Ski Team. One of the most accomplished women of water skiing, Jaquess has been on fire over the last year tying the world record and finishing well in nearly all of the sport’s pro tournaments. Competing and training behind every major ski boat brand, Jaquess has her sights set on the Malibu Response LXi to help her finish the 2010 season with a bang. The strength in her turns is only rivaled by her strength of character and her passion for the sport, which are the reasons Jaquess is a great addition to Team Malibu.

Born in Atlanta, GA in 1984, Jaquess has been passionate about water skiing since her parents put her on her first pair of skis. She has carried that passion with her, and it seems even stronger today with the accomplishments she continues to string together behind the boat. Jaquess has run 39' off five different times in less than 18 months at record capable tournaments. She has tied the World Record [1 @ 41 off] three times at three different sites with three different drivers. She has set the World Overall Record three times in the last year. She even broke the US National Open Women’s Jump record with a jump of 176’ in 2010. When asked about the accomplishment she is most excited about right now, Jaquess exclaimed, “I have run 39 off more times in the last two weeks behind a Malibu Response LXi than I have in my entire life!”

“We are extremely flattered that Regina thinks so much of the LXi and Malibu Boats to approach us about being on the team,” said Lani Farmer, Event and Pro Team Director for Malibu Boats. “We have just as much respect for her skiing ability and her level of character. That’s why we did not hesitate to bring her on board.”

When we asked Jaquess her feeling about her new Response LXi ski boat she had this to say, “This boat is awesome! I have run more 39s behind it than any other boat. The wakes are so small and the boat makes the pull seem so easy you hardly even know how short the rope really is.” Jaquess continued, “I have been running past 1 @ 41 off in practice and that has a lot to do with the Response LXi.”

Currently sharing the women’s world slalom record of 1 @ 41 off, Jaquess feels she is very close to besting that performance. On her quest to break the Women’s World Slalom Record Jaquess asked to sign with Malibu Boats to train behind the World Record Breaking Response LXi ski boat. Jaquess will put her slalom skill and world record capable Malibu boat to the test October 23 & 24 at the Cory Pickos World Ski Center in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Jaquess is skiing in the Red Bar Belgian and Eddie Green Opens this weekend.

“I am focused on getting past 1 @ 41' off. I want to own the Women's World Slalom Record,” Jaquess stated.

“We are extremely happy to have Regina on the team and will be pulling for her in more ways than one when she breaks the record,” Farmer concluded.

Visit your local Malibu Boats dealer to experience the record-breaking performance that pro athletes and families seek in the 2011 Response LXi.

“My sponsors Goode, Eagle Sports, Performance Ski and Surf, Masterline, Wileys, and Girls 4 Sports have helped me become #1, and joining Team Malibu will allow me to stay #1!” Jaquess said.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Regina Jaquess | water skiing | slalom skiing | Response LXi | ski boat | ski boatss | world record | Cory Pickos | Team Malibu |

Newlon Factory Tour

These Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) photo’s are of Dave and Patty Newlon from New Mexico and proud owners of a 2006 Response LXi. Dave scheduled a plant tour with Kerri Johns at our TN plant, they wanted to see how the boats are built and had a few questions. Dennis Kelly Promo Director for Malibu in TN gave Dave and Patty their tour. Dave had demoed several different manufactures before he made his decision. Dave had this to say “I selected the Malibu based on my own personal head to head to head comparison. What I didn’t realize was how GREAT the Malibu and associated companies are. I talked with Dennis Kelly many times after the purchase, he was very helpful. So, not only did I get the BEST boat, I got an entire support team. Malibu surely has a great people and partnerships with great companies who still believe in EXCELLENT customer satisfaction.”

Thank you Dave and Patty we are glad you chose Malibu and we are glad you enjoyed your tour!

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!

Mad-City Ski Team to Compete in China

Now training behind the Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) world record-breaking Response LXi, the Mad-City Water Ski Team will be competing in an international water ski competition in Liuzhou, China. Mad-City was selected over several other competing teams to travel for eight days to China and compete in The Sino-American Water Ski Competition. Hosted by the Chinese Water Ski Association, fifteen of Mad-City's most talented skiers will perform 2 days of head to head competition against the Chinese in front of over 20,000 spectators.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for the Mad-City Ski Team,” said Mad-City board member Gary Pickney. “The hard work and dedication the team has put in over the last several years has not only produced 5 National Championships, but now the opportunity to travel all over the world to showcase our talents.”

Area water skiers have been invited to perform in various water ski shows world wide. Recent trips to Jamaica, India, and Dubai have given water skiers a chance to travel the world, and only those that excel are selected. The Mad-City Ski Team has a history of excellence, and they have been rewarded with the chance to compete in China.

“The chance to represent USA water skiing is a tribute to the quality of skiing we have on the Mad-City Ski Team,” said Pickney. “We're excited about heading to China and performing some top notch skiing.”

The Mad-City Ski Team has been performing shows on Sunday nights in Madison for 48 years. Shows run from Memorial Day to Labor Day on Sunday's at 6:00 p.m. As one of the finest show ski teams in the country, the Mad-City Ski Team has won 5 National Championships since 2004.

Local sponsors Lands End, Evinrude Outboards, Skipper Buds, Malibu Boats, Mueller and Future Foam have helped outfit the team to send them to China.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Mad-City | ski team | waters ski competition | China | Malibu Dealer | Skipper Buds | ski boats | ski boat | water skiing | Mad-City Ski Team | international | Liuzhou | Response LXi | Sino-American Water Ski Competition

Eyer Family's Secret Hiding Place

Eyer Family's Secret Hiding Place
Originally uploaded by MalibuImages

This Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) photo was sent to us through the Malibu Boats iPhone App. Chris & Marci Eyer are the proud owners of this 2007 Malibu Response LXi Chris tells us “Our secret hiding place on the Pend Oreille River in Eastern Washington, taken moments before we headed out for a ski. Get water like this all day. Love this place”

Thank you Chris for sharing your “secret hiding place” photo with us! Hopefully it stays a secret!

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 | Eyer Family | Repsonse LXi | ski boat | ski boats | water skiing | Pend Oreille River | boat owner | Malibu boat owner | Malibu Family

Barefoot Water Skiing with a Senior Citizen

Karen Putz (@DeafMom) tweeted Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) with this great barefooting article she wrote for the Chicago Tribune. It is as an extremely inspiring read!

Twenty six years ago, I went from hard of hearing to deaf in an instant. I was water skiing on my bare feet and crossing over the wake when I caught a toe and hit the water sideways. When I climbed into the boat, I thought I simply had water-stuffed ears; it wasn't until weeks later that I realized that being deaf was here to stay.

Last fall, my husband sent me a link to the Today Show featuring Judy Myers, a 66-year-old woman who took up barefooting at the age of 53. Judy competes in tournaments and she can barefoot backwards and on one foot. Judy inspired me to get on the water again. In the spring of this year, I flew down to the World Barefoot Center and I went back to barefoot water skiing at the age of 44. I've been having a blast ever since.

To read the entire article visit the Chicago Tribune online.

Thanks for sharing Karen and congrats on getting back on the water! Keep footin'!