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

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

Malibu Open Title - Best Birthday Gift Ever

Team Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) pro slalom skier Will Asher (@WillAsher) defeated Jamie Beauchesne at the Malibu Open in Milwaukee, WI over the weekend with a score of 3 buoys at 41 feet off. Beauchesne finished second with 2 buoys at 41 feet off in, some are saying, the most exciting head-to-head finale ever.

Asher had a rough start to the event, not performing the way he wanted on Friday. Skiing behind the new 2012 Malibu Response TXi, he was undeterred by his shaky beginning and returned to the Veteran's Park Lagoon on Saturday with renewed confidence. He was having fun and he had a kind of swagger that told the Milwaukee crowd this was going to be a special day. In fact, the day was special before Will even hit the water. Saturday, August 6, 1982 was the day Willy was born. He turned 29 at the 2011 Malibu Open and took the title as his gift.

Not only did this World Champion slalom skier turn a year older, he also won the Malibu Open for the second time in two years. Now that's a great day! Way to go Will! We're proud to be pulling for you!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Malibu Open | Will Asher | slalom skiing | water skiing | water skiing competition | ski boat | Response TXi | ski boats | tow boats | Jamie Beauchesne

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

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

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

Take your skiing and riding to the next level!

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) will be on the tour with INT this summer. Will we see you there? You can get involved with competitive watersports this summer with the INT League. INT hosts a tour of amateur slalom, wakeboard, wakeskate, kneeboard and wakesurf events, culminating the season with regional competitions. The divisions are based on ability, beginner through pro. People of all ages are invited to compete or watch for free. Registration Information and the event calendar are online at www.intleague.com.

Tags: Malibu Boats | INT League | amateur | competitive watersports | slalom skiing | wakeboarding | wakeskating | kneeboarding | wakesurfing | wakeboard boats | ski boats

Malibu Facebook Friend Fired-up

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) was tagged in a photo on Facebook yesterday by a new Malibu boat owner. He also tagged his local Malibu Boats Dealer on Vancouver Island, Parker Marine. This photo came up in our notifications and we had to get the story behind it!

Turns out the whole scene took place at a Parker Marine camp out last summer at Cowichan Lake on Vancouver Island in Canada. Jake, who is a hardcore slalom skier and footer, had recently purchased a Malibu Response from a Parker Marine customer who upgraded to a new Wakesetter VTX. Jake, the Parker Marine boys and a bunch of other Malibu owners were hanging out by the camp fire when someone brought up the fact that Jake was not wearing a shirt to match the boat he now owned.

Ian, from Parker Marine, described the photo op, "I told him if he was to toss his old shirt in the fire I'd give him a new Malibu t-shirt. He said 'Hell yah!' As he sacrificed it to the fire, I took a quick pic for the Malibu owners of the world!" Ian added, "Jake now wears his shirt proudly because he loves his Malibu!"

Tags: Malibu Boats | Parker Marine | Cowichan Lake | Vancouver Island | Jake | slalom skiing | barefooting | Response | Wakesetter VTX | wakeboard boats | ski boats

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

Wing Wins Australian Open

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Australian Pro Slalom Skier Joel Wing returns from injury with a win at the Australian Open.

Team Malibu Australia skier Joel Wing returned to competition over the weekend after 13 months away due to a knee injury. He came back in great form, winning slalom at the first professional event of the Australian calendar, the Australian Open at Port Macquarie. After coming into the final in third position behind Victorian Nick Adams and Austin Abel from the USA, Joel put forward his best round in the final with a score of 2 @ 39 1/2 off (10.75m), which proved to be too much for his younger rivals. This puts Joel in a great position coming into the Moomba Masters in melbourne, less than 3 weeks away.

Way to go, Joel! We're pulling for you! Good luck this season.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Malibu Australia | Joel Wing | pro skier | injury | Australian Open | water skiing | Port Macquarie | Malibu Team

Promises Fulfilled

That’s what the Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Response LXi brings to the lake. See for yourself in this latest video on the record-breaking ski boat from Malibu.

The truth about the LXi is on the water. That’s where you’ll find your next personal best no matter what your skill level. Whether you're searching for World Records or simply looking to make that next slalom turn, the Response LXi delivers.

World Champion slalom skier Will Asher trusts the Response LXi to provide the performance he needs to train for his next milestone in professional slalom skiing. The Cut Diamond hull produces soft, flat wakes that gives pros like Thomas Degasperi as well as slalom faithful like you an edge. This year the Response LXi has also become known for it’s girl power, pulling both Pro Jumper June Fladborg and Pro Slalom Skier Regina Jaquess to World Records.

The Response LXi is not just the boat of World Champions. It is also helping to groom the next wave of record-breakers. Ski schools and Pro skier/instructors like Drew Ross can rely on the Response LXi to grow a student’s skills all the way to the professional level.

All this versatile 3-event performance and the Response LXi won’t leave your family on the dock. Rated for 9 people the LXi accommodates family and all of their stuff. Thoughtful LED lit storage centers line the interior of this boat. The LXi also supports you with the available MaliView dash an optional Zero Off speed control system for precise course runs. Maliview is a graphical way to navigate the boat’s systems, and also allows for video playback, rear view camera connectivity and even iPod® and iPhone® control when paired with the optional Malibu Rockford Fosgate Sound System.

Malibu’s 2011 Response LXi is literally a dream machine, test-drive one today.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Response LXi | video | water skiing video | Will Asher | Thomas Degasperi | June Fladborg | Regina Jaquess | world records | 2011 | ski boats

Malibu Goes 3D in 2011

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats ) introduces the 3-discipline Wakesetter VTX for boarding, surfing and skiing.

Malibu Boats, long regarded for their incredible performance versatility has raised the bar once again with the 2011 Wakesetter 3DVTX. Founded on the Cut Diamond hull and equipped with the exclusive Power Wedge and quad ballast system the 3DVTX does what no other boat has come close to accomplishing. It has achieved world class levels in the most diverse disciplines in water sports – Slalom, Wake and Surfing. If your family loves to be together but has divided interests in water sports the 3DVTX could be the answer for you. Visit your local Malibu Dealer or 2011 Boat Show to get a sneak peak and set up your personal demo ride.

Additional Information
Wakesetter 3DVTX video on YouTube
Wakesetter 3DVTX images on Flickr

The Malibu Wakesetter VTX is known for big wakes and big comfort in a 20-foot package, but thanks to Malibu’s versatile Cut Diamond hull there’s another side to this wakeboard boat. Malibu hesitates to call the VTX a crossover because they don’t feel that label does it justice. Typically the crossover designation insinuates you are giving up specific professional level performance in exchange for average versatility. That is not the case with the VTX.

The 3DVTX is designed to give you the optimum slalom wake with the ability to supremely displace the hull. There is no compromise in the wake or surf disciplines. This boat helps you excel no matter what your water sports passion. Malibu Boats has pushed the limits of the cross over to another dimension with the 3DVTX.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Wakesetter VTX | 3DVTX | water+skiing | wakeboarding | wakesurfing | wakeboard+boats | ski+boats | crossover | versatility | 3 discipline