5 Questions With Raph Derome

After a banner year in 2012, Raph Derome found himself on two magazine covers and winning “Best Wakeboarder” and “Rider Of The Year” with TransWorld WAKEBOARDING and Alliance WAKEBOARD, respectively. He won many events all over the world, highlighted by his coveted, overall victory at the inaugural Red Bull Wake Open. Here is where Raph’s head is at coming into 2013.

1.) Now that it’s Spring of a new season, what is your perspective on last season and all of your success?

It was amazing. I had a lot of fun and it was great to be back riding and traveling. Everything has really motivated me to figure out my plan for this 2013 season.

2.) What are your goals behind your WAKESETTER 22 MXZ this season?

I would honestly just like to ride more and have fun behind my boat. I didn’t get to ride that much behind the boat last year with all the contests and traveling. And the year before, I had my elbow injury so hopefully, I can get out and ride a lot this year.

3.) You are a creative rider on all levels. What do you think can be some areas for progression behind the boat?

Hard to say. But I believe the best progression happens naturally.

4.) Your lifestyle seems to be a little cleaner than a lot of other pros, how to you resist the urge to fall into the rockstar lifestyle?

I don’t know, I do my own things. I guess I’m just not a rockstar.

5.) What advice would you give to young aspiring pros, and those just looking to have fun and learn a few tricks this year? What is the key to keeping the fire and passion for wakeboarding?

You need to just ride and appreciate the present. I meet a lot of people who have a strong desire to become pro. To have fun, they need to become pro. Once the dream doesn’t happen, they stop riding. But that’s not what it’s all about. When wakeboarding is not going well, people should do something else, like go skateboarding or pick up a guitar. But always give it another shot.

Tags: Malibu Boats |

THE MVP SPEAKS ABOUT SURF GATE FIRSTHAND

Interview with Tim Walters of Liquid Force (West Coast Sales)

What was your perspective on SURF GATE FIRSTHAND?
From my perspective, the event was a first class ticket with extraordinary hospitality from the crew at Malibu Boats. Being able to indulge in boating with a diverse group of people from a broad variety of action sports heritage was a treat. Furthermore, when the venue is at a private lake in Southern California’s Wine Country, you start to ask yourself how you made it on the short-list on invitees.”

What was your reaction to winning the MVP award? 
I was incredibly honored to be singled out among wake veterans and peers as someone who contributed to the success of this unique event. It was a very kind gesture to say the least.

What are your thoughts on SURF GATE after experiencing it firsthand?
The SURF GATE technology has really pushed wakesurfing’s creativity and performance when it comes to user-friendly waves. SURF GATE creates the longest, largest, cleanest wave I have ever ridden behind a boat. It was so good that I was able to surf up and down the wave on my wakeboard without a rope!

How will SURF GATE make an impact on your Liquid Force customers?
Since the boat can be weighted symmetrically, this makes it easier to drive, decreases wear on the drive train and no longer requires passengers to pile onto one side of the boat. They can also transition from wakeboarding to wakesurfing surfing in seconds, and change sides in a snap. This makes my job easier and adds to the enjoyment for all. WAKESETTER’s with SURF GATE are really a dream come true!

Tags: Malibu Boats |

Minnesota Inboard Gears Up For New Grand Opening!

Not only is Minnesota Inboard one of the best Malibu and Axis dealers around, they have made a huge impact in the entire Minnesota boating market. Recently credited with selling more Malibus than any other fiberglass boat brand in the entire state, this success has created a need for a newer, larger location. Accessible from all directions, Minnesota Inboard sits right on HWY 7 in Exclesior, Minnesota and easily accessible from all directions. And their Baxter, Minnesota location is still going strong in the northern part of the state.

Owners Joe and Pam Mueller are ecstatic with their recent achievements and are psyched for the grand opening of their new location on June 1. “It’s a great move for us to be able to expand and display our boats in a better way,” Joe Mueller said. ”In addition to the convenient location, we also have a new delivery bay, which allows us to better serve our customers. The Lake Minnetonka area has been great to our dealership for the past 21 years, which is why it was so important to stay in this community.  It took a long time to find the right location and opportunity, but we couldn’t be happier with the result.”

Along with record sales in the region, Minesota Inboard has garnered many accolades in the past year including:

WSIA “Retailer Of The Year” — Sept. 2012

Malibu Salesmanship Award, Matt Mueller — Nov. 2012

Malibu Customer Service Award — Nov. 2012

Best Malibu Dealer Web Site — Nov. 2012

Recognition in WSIA’s “Dealer Alliance” — Summit In The Snow, Feb. 2012

If you’re in the Minnesota area, be sure to mark June 1 on your calendar and give them a call sooner if you want to test drive a new Malibu (with SURF GATE) or Axis Wake Research boat.

952-474-1742

mninboard.com

Tags: Malibu Boats |