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 |

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

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

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

Malibu Boats 2011 Backstage Pass

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) has updated the video that pulled back the curtain on the performance, innovation, construction and interior excellence that goes into their award-winning boats. The new video contains 2011 model footage as well as an in-depth look at Malibu Boats Illusion G3 Tower and accessory production. As the only water sports boat manufacturer to design and produce their towers in-house, Malibu Boats has some unique shots to share. The 2011 Backstage Pass video is available to view and share on Malibu Boats YouTube Channel.

The “Malibu Boats Backstage Pass” was filmed to give viewers a 10-minute glimpse into the Malibu Difference. Performance, innovation, construction and interior details are described and shown through out this video. Watch this video and gain a better understanding of the World’s No. 1 selling water sports boat manufacturer, the Malibu people and the award-winning boats they create.

The Malibu Backstage Pass video demonstrates the power behind Malibu Boats performance. Amy Mauzy, PR Manager for Malibu Boats, explains Malibu’s custom hull options, big wake enhancement versatility, World Record slalom performance, handling characteristics and ride. Malibu’s National Promo Team Director, Dennis Kelley, also talks in detail about the research that goes into Malibu performance design.

“Versatility, handling, ride, wakes, it all comes together on the water and that’s where Malibu boats separate from the pack,” Mauzy concludes.

Paul Singer, Marketing Director, outlines the developments that have made Malibu Boats the innovation leader in the water sports industry. Singer describes a few of the industry firsts implemented by Malibu including the MaliView Dash and Entertainment System, frameless windshields, the new Illusion G3 tower with weightless fold-down and the engineered fin-saver swim platform.

Singer also goes into detail about Malibu’s proven production processes. He focuses on their meticulous gel coat preparation and application, the extra steps Malibu takes in lamination, the Malibu Fiberglass Engine Chassis System (FibECS) and the unibody construction that creates a Malibu boat’s quiet ride. Malibu Boats Production Manager, Reese Stansell weighs in on the company’s superior in-house production of components in additional to the boats, like the new G3 tower. Like many signature Malibu parts, this new industry-altering wakeboard tower is designed, created and assembled in-house at Malibu Boats to ensure quality.

“We don’t build boats this way because it’s easier or inexpensive. We do it because it’s the right way and gets us closer to our goal of building the best boat possible,” Singer explains.

This updated video gives you unrestricted access to factors that make the Malibu Difference. Enjoy!

Watch this new video from Malibu Boats learn more about the Malibu Difference.

Tags: Malibu Boats | video | Malibu Difference | factory tour | WaterSki Magazine | Paul Singer | Amy Mauzy | Dennis Kelley | Reese Stansell | performance | innovation | construction | interior excellence | Boat of the Year | Illusion G3 | G3 Accessories

Malibu Factory Video Makes WaterSki Mag's Top 10

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) was featured in 4 of WaterSki Magazine's Top 10 videos for 2010 including the Malibu Boats Backstage Pass factory video. Video from World Champion Slalom Skiers Will Asher (@WillAsher) and Thomas Degasperi (http://www.thomasdegasperi.net) made the top 10 too. Radar Skis was also included in the top 10 with their Radar team video shot behind their Response LXi at Radar Lake.

Thanks WaterSki Mag!

Tags: Malibu Boats | WaterSki Mag | waterskiing | ski+boats | Will Asher | Thomas Degasperi | Radar Skis | video | top 10 | Twitter | Response LXi

Asher Helps WaterSki Fantasy Camper to Best

Team Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Pro Slalom Skiers Will Asher (@WillAsher), Thomas Degasperi and Drew Ross are teaching behind the Response LXi at the 2010 WATERSKI (@WaterSki_Mag) Fantasy Camp at Swiss Ski School this week. Already the progression is flowing. In this water ski how to video, find out the simple way Team Malibu world champion Asher was able to help Fantasy Camper Kevin Engel ski six buoys at 30 mph.

Nothing like instant progress! Way to go guys!

Sponsored by Malibu Boats and Boatmate Trailers, the 2010 WaterSki Fantasy Camp is now in its fourth year. WaterSki magazine’s Fantasy Camp offers water skiers of all levels the opportunity to ski with and learn from the best of the best. Attendees of the 2010 Fantasy Camp will ski behind the Malibu Response LXi, Malibu’s premier ski boat and one of the top tournament-rated ski boats in the world. Fantasy campers will also receive one-on-one coaching from Malibu pro skiers like Thomas Degasperi, Drew Ross and Will Asher.

More information on WaterSki Magazine's Fantasy Camp.

Tags: Malibu Boats | WaterSki Mag | Will Asher | Thomas Degasperi | slalom skiing | fantasy camp | Swiss Ski School | campers | water skiing | ski boat | Response LXi

New Video Your Backstage Pass to Malibu Difference

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) pulls back the curtain on the performance, innovation, construction and interior excellence that has netted them 8 consecutive Boat of the Year Awards in a new video just posted on WaterSki Magazine's web site.

This latest video from Malibu Boats was not shot merely as a factory tour, which Malibu encourages in-person Monday through Thursday 9am to 4pm. The “Malibu Boats Backstage Pass” was filmed to give viewers a 10-minute glimpse into the Malibu Difference. Performance, innovation, construction and interior details are described and shown through out this video. Watch this video and gain a better understanding of the World’s No. 1 selling water sports boat manufacturer, the Malibu people and the award-winning boats they create.

The Malibu Backstage Pass video demonstrates the power behind Malibu Boats performance. Amy Mauzy, Marketing Manager for Malibu Boats, explains Malibu’s custom hull options, big wake enhancement versatility, World Record slalom performance, handling characteristics and ride. Malibu’s National Promo Team Director, Dennis Kelley, also talks in detail about the research that goes into Malibu performance design.

“Versatility, handling, ride, wakes, it all comes together on the water and that’s where Malibu boats separate from the pack,” Mauzy concludes.

Paul Singer, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, outlines the developments that have made Malibu Boats the innovation leader in the water sports industry. Singer describes a few of the industry firsts implemented by Malibu including the MaliView Dash and Entertainment System, frameless windshields, the new Illusion G3 tower with weightless fold-down and the engineered fin-saver swim platform.

Singer also goes into detail about Malibu’s proven production processes. He focuses on their meticulous gel coat preparation and application, the extra steps Malibu takes in lamination, the Malibu Fiberglass Engine Chassis System (FibECS) and the unibody construction that creates a Malibu boat’s quiet ride. Malibu Boats Production Manager, Reese Stansell weighs in on the company’s superior in-house production of components in additional to the boats, like the new G3 tower. Like many signature Malibu parts, this new industry-altering wakeboard tower is designed, created and assembled in-house at Malibu Boats to ensure quality.

“We don’t build boats this way because it’s easier or inexpensive. We do it because it’s the right way and gets us closer to our goal of building the best boat possible,” Singer explains.

Mauzy concludes the video with a look inside the superior fit and finish of a Malibu boat. She specifically points out what makes the interior so comforting, strong and luxurious.

Watch this new video from Malibu Boats learn more about the Malibu Difference.

Tags: Malibu Boats | video | Malibu Difference | factory tour | WaterSki Magazine | Paul Singer | Amy Mauzy | Dennis Kelley | Reese Stansell | performance | innovation | construction | interior excellence | Boat of the Year

Malibu Boats Pulling WaterSki Mag Fantasy Camp

WaterSki Magazine (@WaterSkiMag) announced Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) and Boatmate Trailers have signed on as official sponsors of WaterSki’s 2010 Fantasy Camp.

Now in its fourth year, WaterSki magazine’s Fantasy Camp offers water skiers of all levels the opportunity to ski with and learn from the best of the best. Attendees of the 2010 Fantasy Camp will ski behind the World Record-breaking Response LXi, Malibu’s premier ski boat and one of the top tournament-rated ski boats in the world. Fantasy campers will also receive one-on-one coaching from World Champion Malibu pro skiers like Thomas Degasperi, Will Asher (@WillAsher) and Drew Ross.

WaterSki covered its 2009 Fantasy Camp in its August/September issue with a 10-page feature that included a ton of camper photos.

WaterSki’s 2010 Fantasy Camp will be held on June 13-18 at Swiss Ski School in Clermont, Florida. The camp includes five nights in lakeside accommodations, first-class meals, three sets a day of coached ski lessons for four days, question-and-answer sessions with world-renowned coaches, a pro-am tournament and much more.

Sign up at waterskimag.com/fantasy-camp and pay in full by December 31, 2009, and WaterSki will give you a 5 percent discount on the total cost of the camp.

To learn more about WaterSki magazine’s 2010 Fantasy Camp and reserve your spot at this ultimate water skiing experience, go to waterskimag.com/fantasy-camp.

Tags: Malibu Boats | WaterSki Magazine | Fantasy Camp | waterskiing | professional waterskiers | Thomas Degasperi | Will Asher | Drew Ross | Team Malibu | World Slalom Champions | ski boat | Response LXi

WaterSki Mag Interviews Team Malibu Pro Skier Will Asher

What’s next on the list for Team Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) pro slalom skier Will Asher (@WillAsher)? WaterSki Magazine interviewed Will with this very question in mind. He continues to train behind the World's best selling boats, Malibu. The Response LXi is Will's boat of choice and it seems to be working. He has cemented his place among slalom skiing’s elite with wins at the 2009 Masters and Worlds. WaterSki chatted up the world’s number one slalom skier about his most successful season to date, his research and development role at HO Sports alongside Bob LaPoint and his recently acquired citizenship.

Read the WaterSki Magazine Will Asher Interview at waterskimag.com.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Will Asher | slalom skiing | water skiing | ski boat | Response LXi | WaterSki Magazine | interview | Team Malibu | World Champion