Inside Will Asher’s New World Record Tie

All photos: Thomas Gustafson

Excerpt from Todd Ristorcelli at WATERSKI Magazine

The most competitive round of men’s slalom is officially in the record books. For the first time in the history of the sport, three men have rounded all six buoys at 41 off in a single tournament round. Swiss Nation 2, one of the last events of 2012, was held at Swiss Ski School in Clermont, Florida, on Nov. 11, and Will Asher became the second man in the world to run 2 at 43 off, setting a pending jointly held world slalom record. “I had a great start at 43, my best ever,” Asher says. “I finally got the ski on edge long enough to have some time to finish 1; then I laid the hammer to get to 2.”

That stellar performance was the second time this season that Asher has tied Chris Parrish’s world record, although his first experience of rounding two buoys at 43 off, which he did at a record event at Jack Travers’ Ski School in Groveland, Florida, couldn’t be approved, because there were technical issues with the boat camera.

The month of November, which is usually scarce for tournaments, let alone world records, proved great for shortline skiing. With water temperatures in the mid-70s, some skiers say that the cooler temperatures allow better glide and require less effort compared to warmer summertime water temps that can hinder cross-course width. Asher also credits his equipment. “The A3 has given me more time in the course and several different turning options. I can now turn from high and early or low and late,” he says. “And of course skiing behind a Malibu RESPONSE TXialways gives me an advantage.”

Read more at WATERSKIMAG.com

See more of the RESPONSE TXi

Will Asher rounds 2 ball at 43 off at the Swiss Nation 2 tournament to set a pending jointly held world record.

Tags: Malibu Boats |

Will Asher and Regina Jaquess Win At Diablo Shores!

Congrats to Will Asher and Regina Jaquess for winning Mens and Womens Slalom at the Diablo Shores Pro-Am in Brentwood, California on Sept. 23. Will rounded 2.5 buoys @ 41 off for the win in the head-to-head final with Nate Smith. Malibu’s Thomas Degasperi took fourth place with 5 @ 39 off.

Regina posted 3 @ 39 off in the head-to-head final with Karina Nowlan to take first place in Womens Slalom.

photo: BallOfSpray.com

photo: BallOfS

Tags: Malibu Boats |

Regina Wins Slalom, Jump & Overall At Pan Am Games

Athletes on the six U.S. teams combined to win 72 individual medals at the Pan American Games on Sept. 12-15, at the Pickos World Ski Resort in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. The U.S. Elite Water Ski Team won the overall team gold medal, scoring 8,457 points. Regina Jaquess won gold medals in Elite Women’s Slalom, Jumping and Overall, as well as the bronze medal in tricks.

For the whole story and all results, go to: http://www.usawaterski.org/default.asp?Display=1517

Tags: Malibu Boats |

Malibu Open Raises The Bar In Milwaukee

(photo: billdoster.com)

Energy was running high as the world's best water skiers stormed into Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the Malibu Open on Aug. 3-4. The RESPONSE TXi would serve as the official towboat, and confidence was running high, as this boat already debuted at last year's Malibu Open and went on to tow several world records. Fans packed the shore and also tuned around the world on the live webcast produced by Eagle Wetsuits.

Mens Slalom saw the most heated battle of the weekend, possibly the highest cut lines in tour history. Skiers had to make 2 @ 41 off just to make it to the quarterfinal round of 16, then 3 @ 41 to make the semi final round of 6 skiers. Several skiers ran into 41 and didn't make the cut. Nate Smith took the win, with Chris Rossi in second and Will Asher in third. Another fun fact: 39 off was run 32 times at the Malibu Open this year.

Regina Jaquess, hot off setting the new world record of 3 buoys at 41 off, edged out April Coble in the Womens Slalom final, shredding through a full pass at 38 off. Regina also won "Female Skier Of The Year" at the 1st Annual Waterski Awards presented by WATERSKI Magazine on Friday evening. Read the full story and see the video of Regina's 3 @ 41 world record here.

Freddy Krueger ended the night going big as usual, launching 222 feet for the win in Mens Jump. Check out some of these amazing photos taken by BillDoster.com

Freddy Krueger

Chris Parish

Will Asher

Will Asher

Will Asher

Thomas Degasperi 

Thomas Degasperi

A New Pair Of World Records For Regina

 

After Malibu's launch of the all-new Response TXi last August, Regina Jaquess made a statement in October, 2011 by setting a new women's slalom record of 2 buoys at 41' off. Regina reflected, "When I tied the record two years ago with 1 @ 41 I was living on a cloud that I had tied a world record, then I ran 1 1/4 and then 1 1/2, and I owned the world record all by myself. When I ran 2 @ 41, I thought it was amazing, and that 3 would be nearly impossible."

On June 17, Regina found herself behind the TXi again, this time in Cedar Ridge, Mississippi with perfect conditions to see how far she could push into 41 off. After two powerful turns around the 1 and 2 ball, Regina stretched out to get around 3, dealt with her slack, and crossed back over the wakes, successfully scoring a pending world record of 3 buoys at 41 off.

Just the day before, she beat her own record, improving on 2 @ 41 to 2 1/4 @ 41. "These records are different," Regina said. "Because now I have the confidence to get deep down the course at 41 off."

A number of factors played into this new pending world record. "It was definitely a combination of my training with Cory Pickos, at the Pickos World Ski Resort in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, my Goode ski that I have been able to help develop with Dave Goode, and the new Malibu Response TXi.  The TXI has small narrow wakes that allow you to change your edge earlier going into the buoy, resulting in running the lines easier and making my skiing enjoyable. The TXI is a great looking boat, that drives incredible.  When I ski behind it, I feel confident that I will get the best pull ever, every time!" 

Regina Jaquess Is "Athlete Of The Month"

Both congratulations and happy birthday wishes are in order for Regina Jaquess, who was just named the May 2012 "Female Athlete Of The Month" by USA Water Ski.

Regina just won her third Masters womens slalom title, rounding 1 buoy at 39-1/2 feet off on May 27. In the semifinals, Jaquess earned the event’s top seed with a Robin Lake course record of 2-1/2 buoys at 39-1/2 feet off. The old record of 2 buoys at 39-1/2 feet off had stood since 2003. Regina also placed fourth in women’s jumping at the Masters, soaring 162 feet in the finals.

photo: billdoster.com

Regina Jaquess skis behind the all-new Response TXi and is the current women's slalom world-record holder with 2 buoys at 41 feet off.

Thomas Degasperi Factory Visit

Malibu skier Thomas Degasperi, who is currently #2 on the Elite Slalom Rankings, came by the factory in Loudon, Tennessee to check out his new Response TXi. 

He also had a chance to check out the boat building process, where he showed a genuine interest. Degasperi also got to hang with CEO Jack Springer, Lani Farmer and Ritchie Anderson. Later that evening, Drew Halford (Director of International Sales) took him out on the town. "We had a great time and left a trail of broken hearts in our wake," Halford said. "I think Thomas is still receiving texts from a few local women who want to be the next Mrs. T-Gas."

Here is a recent excerpt from WATERSKI Magazine's Leading Edge about Degasperi:
There are few skiers on the planet who have the confidence to perform their best when it really matters. Thomas Degasperi is one of those skiers. This season, he took first place in slalom at Global Championships and Worlds, not to mention third at Moomba, fourth at Masters and fourth at the Malibu Open. It takes a clear mind to consistently ski well, he says. “If I start to look at the people on the banks, if I listen to music or the announcers, if I look at other skiers to see what they’re doing, then my concentration level decreases.”
So how does the two-time world slalom champion stay on his game? His aunt Mariella, a therapist who studied sports psychology, talked through several relaxation techniques, which she recorded for him to use before he competes at tournaments. “Her techniques help me relax both my mind and my body, so that I’m ready to compete when the time comes,” he explains.


Tags: Malibu Boats | Thomas Degasperi | Malibu TXi | World Slalom Champion | Malibu Open | Worlds | Global Championships | Elite Slalom Rankings | Loudon Tennessee | Jack Springer | WATERSKI Magazine

Regina Wins Four Medals at Pan Am Games

Congrats to Regina Jaquess on her recent success at the XVI Pan American Games, Oct. 20-23, at Boca Laguna in Chapala, Mexico. Jaquess led the way for the U.S. Team, winning four medals. She also set four Pan American Games’ records and one pending world record. She has now won 10 medals in three Pan American Games’ appearances, the most of any U.S. water ski athlete. She won gold medals in women’s overall (2,955.71 points), slalom (3 buoys at 39-1/2 feet off) and jumping (166 feet/50.6 meters). She earned the bronze medal in women’s tricks (6,090 points).

Tags: Malibu Boats | Regina Jaquess | Pan American Games | Waterski |

Will Asher Named Slalom Skier Of The Year

From WATERSKI Magazine (waterskimag.com): "There was no award that caused more heated debate among our colleagues than male slalom skier of the year. With Thomas Degasperi banking wins this season and Nate Smith running 41 off in pro events, the choice is difficult. However, WILL ASHER’s competitive stats and electrifying skiing speaks for itself, and he continues to lead in an era where the talent pool is extremely deep. Just when it begins to seem as though any skier could win on any weekend, Asher continues to gather the majority of the titles. With four major wins in the second half of 2010 and a big victory at this year’s Malibu Open, his no-nonsense mental toughness continually takes him to the top step of the podium. With his dogged determination and unmatched work ethic, Will Asher is the guy to beat at any event he enters."
http://waterskimag.com/features/2011/10/05/best-of-the-best-2011-waterski-awards/7/
Tags: Malibu Boats | Will Asher | Slalom Ski | Waterski Magazine | Slalom Skier of the Year | Malibu Open | Thomas Degasperi | Nate Smith

EXCLUSIVE: Regina Jaquess Speaks On New World Record

Slalom Champ Raises The Bar to 2 Buoys @ 41' Off

It was like déjà vu. Regina Jaquess walked into the Eddie Green Budweiser Octoberfest with fond memories. Exactly one year ago, she signed with Malibu Boats and set a world record at the same site, getting through 1 & 1/2 buoys at 41' off behind the Response LXi. This year, on the first day of October, this 27-year-old competitor would have an opportunity to top her own record and she was psyched to give it a crack behind the all-new Response TXi.

The event took place on Lake Louie, where Regina resides in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. It's also the site where the legendary Cory Pickos runs the Pickos World Ski Center. After sailing through the full course at 39' off (something only five women have ever accomplished), Regina set her sights on 41' off. This is a totally different ballgame, because when the 34-foot rope is outstretched alongside the boat traveling 34 m.p.h., the handle is still 3.5 feet away from the skier's buoy. That's where Regina is at a slight disadvantage at 5'4" tall, compared to her other competitors with a longer reach. But she was able to combine her skill, focus and intense training to make history as she carved around both the one and two-ball, entering into a territory no other woman has ever been.

"That was a great feeling," Regina said as she climbed onboard the TXi, which has been getting rave reviews. "This boat is driving way better than any boat out there. It's not pushing as much water and the wakes are smaller and softer." She's also noticing something that every slalom skier wants more of, "When you make your edge change, you gain so much free time. It helps you swing and really maximize every inch of the course. You are always connected with this boat."

Driver Chad Scott has now towed the current world record for both men and women and knows exactly what he wants out of a towboat for peak slalom performance. "This boat drives down the course on a rail. It's glued to the water, but you still have the ability to react if you need to. There's less counter-steering involved compared to other boats because the TXi has no slide, no floating feeling. But it's still maneuverable and easy to drive. There were some really good scores behind it all weekend in every division. The TXi is the best boat I've ever driven."

On Monday morning after the event, Regina shifted gears to another focus of hers, where she is part-owner at a local pharmacy. Regardless of the inherent, lack of adrenaline around the office, she was still buzzing from her killer performance. Regina took time to reflect on the past year and values her role on Team Malibu tremendously. "Between Will Asher, Thomas Degasperi and myself, we really feel like a special crew. Malibu's staff takes time to make sure we are taken care of and you don't always see that out of a boat company. When you know they are there to back you up, you can't ask for anything more as an athlete. In the end, they are just pushing themselves to be the best boat out there. I've driven every boat on the market today and the TXi is the best… hands down."

Video:Watch Regina break her previous World Record Run



Tags: Malibu Boats Response TXi Regina Jaquess World Record Slalom Budweiser Lake Louie Pickos World Ski Center Chad Scott Team Malibu Will Asher Thomas Degasperi Tow Boats Ski Boat

Malibu and Axis Make Big Impact At Surf Expo

(photo: BillDoster.com)

Surf Expo is undoubtedly the industry's biggest weekend of the year. In 2011, Malibu Boats dug deep with intentions to make a big impact. With the launch of two new models, the Wakesetter 22 MXZ and Response TXi, all eyes were on the boats and the team was psyched to show them off.

The trade show kicked off with a bang on Thursday morning, with our booth featuring a sparkling metallic, dark blue/white MXZ and a metallic Charcoal/Reuben Axis A22. Besides talk of the perfect wakes, plush amenities and the spacious bow on the MXZ, anticipation was creeping for the 8th Annual Wake Awards that evening. Malibu went big, securing an 80-person VIP list and coming on board as a title sponsor.

Excitement set in early, during the WSIA Industry awards, where Malibu won "Best Ad Campaign." Ad creative and photography was a big focus this year, and it was an honor to take home this coveted award. Special thanks to Larry Meddock of the WSIA and our incredible photographer, Tom King. Also, congrats to Chessie Marine for their hard work resulting in the "Break Out Dealer Of The Year" award as well as Tommy's Slalom shop for winning top honors as "Retailer Of The Year." "Best Promotion" went to Active Watersports, which made a clean sweep for all three retailer awards going to Malibu dealers!

Friday's action was shared between the trade show and Malibu's on-water demo day in Windermere, just minutes from Surf Expo. Team rider Brian Grubb brought his all-black 23 LSV, which is still one of the most appealing boats on the water today. Over 20 dealers showed up from places all over the world like Argentina and Poland to get a first glimpse of the new MXZ and TXi. Eddie Trogdon, an active INT League member was on hand and we also saw appearances from owners like David Henderson and his son Hunter, (8), who just took first place in the Junior Boys division at the WWA World Championships.

The Response TXi already made its mark at the Malibu Open in August, but here, the dealers got a chance to take it for a spin, including Mark Watts from Liquid Sports in Orlando as well as Tommy Phillips from Tommy's Slalom Shop in Denver, Colorado. Tommy was impressed with his continuing tests of the Response TXi. "The TXi handles like a dream, has no wake at 15 and 22 off and very little fluff," Tommy said. "All the skiers at our ski school think it's their favorite boat of all time and I would agree. The drivers seat feels secure and you have command of the boat. There is no glare off the dash like other boats and the simplicity of the operating system is a big plus."

With deep roots in wakeboarding, going back to literally day one, Tommy knows what his customers are looking for in boat design and he likes how the MXZ accommodates everyone. "The MXZ has great wakes for all levels," Tommy said. "Very rampy, clean and smooth! The bow space is maximized and we had four people comfortable up front and they could see all the action as Chad Sharpe put on a show. Deep storage allowed us to have ten people comfortably on board with lots of gear stowed. The auto pull up feature will turn new boat owners into pros at driving their family and friends."

The Auto Pull-Up feature Tommy speaks of is another unprecedented innovation from Malibu and Indmar, and implemented into the line by Danny Gasper, Malibu's Director of Product Design. It allows a rider or skier to record the rate of acceleration they prefer, and the driver just punches the throttle and you will get the same start every time.

The MXZ's Hi-Flow ballast pumps were also a hit. The hoses were enlarged to 1-1/8" with an 1100 GPH pump, which allows an increase in filling speed from 40-50 percent. The riders on hand were impressed with the wake without having to add any additional ballast. Phillip Soven actually got to take this gem home with him.

Dealers came into Saturday's trade show amping on the new boats, and it was a great plus to be able to have them share the on-water experience with others. Lani Farmer also attended the WSIA meeting on Sunday morning, where the board of directors discussed and voted on multiple issues affecting our waterways and industry.

Overall, the Malibu staff and dealers considered Surf Expo weekend a home run. The factory is busy churning out new orders and the sales team are getting geared up for boat show season. Look for new videos from demo day in a matter of days! For any questions, please email Kevin Michael at kevinmichael@maibuboats.com



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Tags: Malibu Boats | Wakesetter 22 MXZ | Response TXi | Wakeboard Boat | Brian Grubb | Phillip Soven | Chad Sharpe | Ski Boat | Hi Flow Ballast | Surf Expo | WWA World Championships | WSIA Awards

WATERSKI Mag Editor Praises All-New TXi

Making its debut at the Malibu Open in early August, the all-new Response TXi made an immediate impact, pulling slalom champion Will Asher into 41 off. Besides the TXi's proven high-end performance, the new T Cut Diamond Hull will accommodate different levels of skiers as well, by taming the flow of water to allow smoother wakes at slower speeds and longer line lengths. And customers can also expect the finest styling and plush amenities Malibu is known for. In essence, every skier will feel connected to more than just the rope.

Todd Ristorcelli, Editor of WATERSKI Magazine has skied behind every new ski boat in the last 15 years and was very impressed with the 2012 TXi. "Malibu must have had big-time confidence in their new Response TXi, by immediately launching it to the competitive scrutiny of the Malibu Open," Ristorcelli said. "The result: flawless performance. The boat's innovative running surface produces pillow-soft wakes for skiing's elite as well as for advancing longline skiers looking for every competitive edge they can get." Look for the TXi to be featured in a three-page gatefold advertisement in WATERSKI's Winter, 2011 issue, which will arrive in time for Orlando's SURF EXPO in early September.


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Tags: Malibu Boats | Response TXi | Ski Boat | Waterski Magazine | T Cut Diamond Hull | Malibu Open | Will Asher | Surf Expo

New Ski Boat to Debut at Malibu Open

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) plans to introduce the world to the new Response TXi at the Malibu Open in Milwaukee, WI August 5th & 6th, 2011.

The “T” in Response TXi is for “Tournament”, so it is only right that this pro slalom skier’s dream be introduced on the waters of the world’s most competitive Waterski Championships. The Malibu Open is going off at Veteran’s Park Lagoon in Milwaukee, WI August 5-6, 2011. It is here that the new Malibu Response TXi will be pulling world champs and world record breakers to big performances. Of course, even if you’re only competition is yourself, the Response TXi will bring out your best. The 2011 Malibu Open is your chance to get a first look at your next ski boat. See you there!

Built on the new T Cut Diamond Hull, the TXi tames the flow of water behind the boat at speeds and line lengths from pro to beginning levels. World Champions like Thomas Degasperi and Will Asher as well as World Record Holders like Regina Jaquess have trained with the Response TXi. Look for crowd pleasing performances out of these Malibu athletes along with an entire field of world-class water sports royalty.

At the Malibu Open 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.

Malibu Boats’ National Promo Director, Dennis Kelley, had plenty to say about the debut of the TXi at the Malibu Open. “This move is a real statement about the confidence we have in our engineering and design.” Kelley continued, “The introduction of this boat is almost as extreme as its performance. We are putting the TXi in a position to pull record-breaking runs in front of tens of thousands of people on a World stage. If that doesn’t tell you just how excited we are about this boat, I don’t know what will.”

Malibu builds boats to take you to that next level in your water sports performance whether that is breaking a record or simply standing up a free skiing pass. From the record-breaking waters of the Malibu Open to your family’s next day on the lake, the new Response TXi will provide the perfect pull every time.

The Malibu Open is a free event for family, friends and all to enjoy. Visit the Malibu Open in person, tune in to the live webcast or simply stop by your nearest Malibu Boats dealer and learn the truth about the TXi on the water. The Malibu Open is produced by Pro Slalom Events and sponsored by Malibu Boats. Concessions and parking will be organized by the Milwaukee County Parks Department.

Response TXi SpecsLength: 20'6"
Beam: 93.5"
Draft: 22”
Capacity: 9 persons
Weight: 2750 lbs.
Fuel: 40 gallons
Hull Type: T Cut Diamond
Std HP: 330
Max HP: 410

Tags: Malibu Boats | Malibu Open | Response TXi | introduction | new model | 2012 | ski boat | ski boats | tournament | slalom competition | Milwaukee | Wisconsin | Pro Slalom Events