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 |

Waterski America: New Location in Texas!

Waterski America, in Lewisville, Texas held a grand opening party for their new location on March 1-2, 2013. The Dallas area has proved to be a huge market for Malibu and Axis fans, and the newer, larger location will allow for better customer service than ever before. Tim Cvar, owner of Waterski America is thrilled with the new site and its potential. “We had a lot to celebrate, considering our 21 years in business, and with our new location, we are looking forward to the next 20 years.”

If you live in the Dallas area and would like to try out a new Malibu (with SURF GATE) or a new Axis Wake Research boat, give Waterski America a call now!

Waterski America
375 Oakridge Blvd.
Lewisville, TX 75057
972-221-2377

Tags: Malibu Boats |

Good Day LA (Fox News) Features SURF GATE Wakesurfing!

Check out Brandon Chathem, customer of Paradise Watersports on Good Day LA. Notice the evenly-weighted WAKESETTER kicking up a wave that impressed the news crew! Build your own custom Malibu here: malibuboats.com/boats



Tags: Malibu Boats |

Tarah Mikacich Interview From Wake World

Although she's gone from one famous watersports name (Benzel) to another (Mikacich), Tarah Mikacich has been quietly making a name for herself. Once you've been introduced to her bubbly personality and experienced her drive to progress in all she does, it's no surpise that she's successful in just about any undertaking. Even in the off-season we had to catch the busy Tarah between projects so you could find out more about her.

WW: Would it be impolite to start out by asking your age?
TM: Hahaha, I just turned 29, but the good news is that I still have to show my ID to sit in the exit row of an airplane!
 
WW: Did you marry Cobe Mikacich so that you will be forever young, relatively speaking?
TM: Wow, going right after the age gap! Well, Cobe is definitely a big kid. He always has fun ideas! And since I’ll never catch up with him birthday-wise, I just try to keep up with his fast pace and learn from some of his experiences.
 
WW: You currently reside in Orlando, Florida, but is that where you’re from originally?
TM: Basically. I grew up in Groveland (which is about 40 minutes from Orlando), but no one really knows where that is.
 
WW: How did you end up in wakeboarding?
TM: I had been water skiing at a high level for most of my life, but I got to a point where I needed to change things up. I just felt that it didn’t suit me anymore. I asked Cobe to take me wakeboarding because I’d never done it before and I thought it would be a fun change of pace. It was! Fortunately, I got great industry support from the beginning.
 
WW: How long have you been wakeboarding professionally?
TM: Well, I did my first pro contests in 2007. I blew out my knee at the end of that summer and had a very hard time coming back for a few years. I think I finally rode a full season in 2010 or 2011.
 
WW: You seem like you’re a super busy person. What occupies all your time?
TM: Cobe! Hahaha, but for real, Cobe has A LOT of projects!
 
WW: I hear that your wakeboard school is going to be expanding and moving to a new location. Can you tell me about that?
TM: Yes! We are opening Freedom Wake Park in the heart of Orlando! If you’re familiar with Orlando, our new location is about a mile from Performance Ski & Surf. It’s very exciting to have a private lake (with boat & rails) and be close to everything else that people want to do in Orlando!
 
WW: What’s your favorite part of teaching people how to wakeboard?
TM: It’s really fun for me when I can explain to someone the way that I understand a trick to work, and then all of a sudden they “get it” – they make a really good change and I can tell they’re feeling exactly what I described.
 
WW: How important is wakeboarding on the Pro Tour to you?
TM: It’s a great part of the sport for sure. But for me, it’s not where I feel I make the biggest impact. It’s a good way to be in the scene though.
 
WW: What’s the most important part about being a pro wakeboarder?
TM: I think that loving what you do has got to be the most important thing. Sometimes people get too caught up with little things and they forget to be grateful that they get to wakeboard and spend their days on the water.


Click here to see the rest from wakeworld.com

Tags: Malibu Boats |

Malibu Boats & The WWA Debut Innovative 'Rider Experience' For 2013

Have you ever picked up an autograph from a pro? Maybe you’ve ridden in a contest yourself? Perhaps. But, have you watched Phil Soven ride from the towboat, learned a new trick from Chad Sharpe, or heard an inside tip from Amber Wing on a competition weekend? Probably not, but here’s your chance.

How does an amateur like you get a chance to hang with the pros on a comp weekend? By entering the Malibu WWA Rider Experience, the most free-flowing ‘contest’ format ever created. The WWA has designed a custom wake experience that puts the competitor in front of the competition with a 3-day wakeboard, wakeskate and wakesurf experience that’s focused on making you a better rider – on the water and in your community.

After three years of development, the WWA has finalized the Rider Experience, a blend of the WWA’s founding mission of the advancement and progression of wake sports worldwide. The WWA Rider Experience encompasses a regional ranking system for amateurs, judge’s experience, rider development, regional championships, and SURF GATE® experience all-in-one event. In order to grow the sport in the right direction, the WWA has partnered with Malibu Boats, the world leader in watersports towboats, to bring you the most comprehensive event ever.

“Contests have always been a big part of the sport’s growth, but wakeboarding is so much more than a 20-second trick pass,” says Shannon Starling, president of the WWA. “The Malibu WWA Rider Experience is all about taking the focus off the competition itself and putting it on the rider. We want to give them all the tools to be a better athlete – from training to promotion to understanding how they’re judged. It’s about creating a new breed of informed, educated and enthused riders.”

Jack Springer, CEO of Malibu Boats, is thrilled with the partnership, “Malibu has always pushed innovation with new boats, new events and ways for you to enjoy your experience on the water,” Springer said. “Partnering with the WWA on the Malibu Rider Experience integrates into that philosophy seamlessly. We will make a great impact on the future careers of developing riders and also are excited to give top pros a way to be legitimized with the Malibu Pro Card. These regional events will also be a great way for people to experience the Malibu vibe and try out Malibu’s latest innovation, SURF GATE. We are very excited for the future of competitive wakeboarding.”

Offering more than just a few sessions behind the boat, the Malibu WWA Rider Experience packs just as much fun off the water as on. Along with a competition bracket where you can strut your stuff, WWA amateur members get the inside track on what it takes to live everything wake – straight from the top – from the pro riders, sponsors, photographers, and judges that shape the sport.

Freeride Friday where the amateurs and pros take center stage during the first morning session. Next, top WWA officials and judges provide tips on becoming a better rider in the Judges Experience, a seminar to help riders, parents and coaches better prepare for competitions and improve their tournament experience. The Rider Development portion of the weekend teaches riders how to build their personal brand in wake, using social media, community influence and networking from the guys who’ve made it to the top. On Saturday, the WWA Wakeboard Regional Championships gives riders the opportunity to get on the water and show their skills in a competition setting. Get regionally ranked and ready for the WWA Wakeboard National Championships, where seeding will be based off of WWA Wakeboard Regional Championships’ results. On Sunday, things ramp up again with the Wakesurf Experience, another jam session with the pros featuring SURF GATE® by Malibu, a revolutionary system that creates a big, glassy wave on either side of an evenly weighted boat.

The Malibu WWA Rider Experience features one of the most elite pro teams on the planet. Here’s your chance to become a better wakeboarder by riding and hanging with Phil Soven, Amber Wing, Brian Grubb, Chad Sharpe, Dallas Friday, Oli Derome, Raph Derome, Cobe Mikacich or Tarah Mikacich*.

*Not all athletes will be appearing at each event.

Check out wwariderexperience.com for more information and to book your experience.

Click here for more info regarding the Malibu Boats Pro Card

All events will be towed by the Malibu WAKESETTER 22 MXZ.

About the WWA
The World Wakeboard Association is the global leader in wake sport sanctioning. The WWA owns and operates the WWA Wakeboard World Series, WWA Wakeboard National Championships, WWA Wakeboard World Championships, WWA Wake Park National Championships, WWA Wake Park Triple Crown, WWA Wake Park World Series, WWA Wake Park World Championships, WWA Rider Experience and WWA Pro Card. With 27 affiliate countries worldwide, the WWA is the global leader in the sport of wake. The WWA is a rider-formed organization dedicated to promoting and growing wake sports worldwide. It is the leading source for riders, event organizers and competitive standards. For more information on the WWA and its events, check out thewwa.com.

About Malibu Boats


Founded in 1982, Malibu Boats, LLC produces and sells 2,800 boats per year across North America, South America, Europe, Australia and Asia through a network of independent dealers, making it the world’s largest provider of watersports-focused boats. Malibu’s line of boats consists of The Response® series, The Wakesetter® series and The Ride series. Malibu also includes the Axis Wake Research® brand. A privately held company, Malibu has approximately 475 employees with manufacturing facilities in California, Tennessee and Australia.

Freedom Wake Park Opens In Orlando!

COBE & TARAH MIKACICH ANNOUNCE NEW SITE FOR WAKEBOARDING & WAKESURFING LESSONS

After running a highly successful private coaching program for several years, Cobe and Tarah Mikacich have opened up a new location for wakeboarding in Orlando called Freedom Wake Park.

Cobe, one of the sport’s best ambassadors, has been working on this location for five months, and has been diligent with permits and regulations, because he knew this was the best venue. “It’s been a lot of work, but it feels good to know we have found the best spot for our students.” Cobe said. “This site offers perfect conditions for wakeboarding and wakesurfing and we have plans to set up a System 2.0 cableway with rails.”

It’s no secret that Cobe and Tarah have been training some of the best junior riders on the scene, as many of them are on the podium at King Of Wake events across the nation. “Developing junior riders has definitely been an area of focus for us,” Tarah said. “But we also help all kinds of riders from all over the world — from first timers to people training for the Pro Tour. And with wakesurfing’s growth, we’re going to offer specialized wakesurfing camps and have fun with that side of the sport as well.”

With a Malibu WAKESETTER VLX and full gear lineup from O’Brien, Freedom Wake Park is fully operational, so be sure to contact them for any inquiries. Also supporting the park is Ten 80, SAYiWON’T, Shred Ready, Indo Board, Hangtyte, B4BC and Great Lakes Boat Top.

Freedom Wake Park

7200 Lake Ellenor Drive Orlando, FL 32809

407-257-4325

FreedomWakePark.com | Facebook.com/FreedomWakePark | Twitter.com/FreedomWakePark

Instagram.com/FreedomWakePark

Tags: Malibu Boats |

Touch of Summer – Winter Boat Show Promotion

TOUCH of SUMMER  - Winter Boat Show Sales
Malibu Boats is looking forward to making sure you are ready to hit the water when the weather warms and the ice gives way by launching our 2013 Touch of Summer Boat Show Promotion. This promotion will run from the start of the attended boat show and extend 14 days after the end of the boat show. Our dealer network is ready to help you take advantage of factory rebates on some of our most popular Malibu models.

FACTORY Rebates

1.  $2000 on Wakesetter 21 VLX, 22 MXZ, 23 LSV & 247 LSV2.  $1000 on Response TXi3.  $1000 on 21Ride or 23Ride

Click here for a list of boat shows and dates

Tags: Malibu Boats |

Malibu Releases WAKESETTER 20 MXZ

After making a big splash with the WAKESETTER 22 and 24 MXZ, Malibu Boats has released theWAKESETTER 20 MXZ to complete the MXZ Series. This boat is for those who love to wakeboard and wakesurf and are looking for the numerous advantages of a 20-foot boat including responsiveness, easy garage storage and trailer-ability.

Completing the trio of the MXZ series, the 20 MXZ is sure to find its place based on the popularity of the already-proven 22 and 24 MXZ. “We’re incredibly excited to release the 20 MXZ to the market,” said Adam McCall, Malibu’s VP of Product. “This boat is focused towards the premium wake customer who just doesn’t need a longer boat. I wouldn’t let the size fool you however, as with the largest interior room in its class, our long-standing tradition of Malibu drive performance, and a very impressive stock wake for surfing and wakeboarding, we’re certain the 20 MXZ will be a crowd pleaser,” McCall added.

With the largest bow/cockpit combination in the 20-foot water sport boat market, and luxurious amenities, every inch of the 20 MXZ is MaXimiZed for the ultimate day on the water. You’ll also find several features not found in other 20-foot boats including a comfortable rear lounge at the stern and it also boasts the highest capacity rating and tallest freeboard (waterline to main deck), in its class.

This premium wake boat can be summed up in two words: Little Giant.  Create your own custom model with Malibu’s new BUILD A BOAT program.

Tags: Malibu Boats |

Keith McAlevey Leaves Wakeboarding To Serve The Country

By Tony Stracke of Tilly’s Marine

So often, we forget that it’s a privilege to do the great things we love, like wakeboarding and hanging out on a beautiful lake with our family and friends. A few years ago, I had the honor of meeting a young man named Keith McAlevey. He was pumped on wakeboarding and wanted to ride all the time. I took him out on my weighted-down Malibu WAKESETTER and he was boosting on every trick. Other people on the lake were giving us the thumbs up and said they enjoyed watching us ride. Keith was just doing what he liked to do and was super humble about it all.

Fast forward a few years and Keith is still wakeboarding and riding like a champ. After graduating high school, he made the admirable decision to join the US Army. After graduating boot camp, I got a text from Keith, “Hey man, I’ll be home for a couple weeks. Can we go wakeboarding??? Because after that, the only wakeboarding I’ll be doing is in the sand!” The reality of the situation hit me pretty hard.

Awesomely enough, we had the Tilly’s Marine 2012 CampOut scheduled for the week he was in town. Keith came out to the lake with his girlfriend Zulie and hung out and rode behind Tilly’s Axis A22 until his arms were going to fall off.

After Keith was stationed overseas, he posted a picture of him with a TV, a magazine, and what looked like an automatic assault rifle. He was on guard duty. His job was to sit in a metal shed in 110-degree heat and guard ammunition. I’m sure it was tough for him to know everyone was at home having fun, but what he was doing allows us to do the things we do.

The choice that Keith has made is huge and it was for OUR benefit to live in this country enjoying our freedom. The next time you are out on the boat and get mad at someone or get bummed that its windy or you can’t land a trick, think about Keith sitting in a metal shed looking at pictures of wakeboarding and counting the days till he can get back on his board.

Keith is currently in Fort Knox and is getting ready for his month in the field — 30 days with no showers or amenities. When he has time off, he tries to get out to Wake Nation to ride the cable. It’s a trek for him, so he usually spends the weekend there and sleeps in his truck. He is already trying to set up times to ride when he comes home in December for a few days. It’s getting cold out there already so I’m sure his stories will be gnarly when he comes home in December.

Thank you very much Keith McAlevey and everyone else that has, or is currently serving this great country. Here are some photos that were taken at our local lake, Lake Piru here in Southern California, when Keith came out for a recent visit. Plus some inspirational quotes from the man himself!

“I like to ride because I’ve grown up with it my whole life and I love the people I’ve met and the friends I’ve made through wakeboarding. But also it’s a chance for me to show people what I’ve been able to teach myself and learn from other riders.”

“My personality comes out alot when I wakeboard. I like to go big but also put style in my riding. A lot of people have all the tricks but it looks robotic. I like when a simple trick looks dope. It’s not about the craziest trick you have. It’s about the style you put into your riding. That’s what sets riders apart. Being able to know your board. Know the wake. Know the water and how it’s all going to respond is key.”

“Now I’m in a place where we all look the same. We all have the same haircut. Same uniform. Eat at the same place. Wakeboarding is a huge chance for me to put that all to the side and show my originality and style. I tend to look up to the pros that have so much steeze and make every trick look so good and different from everyone else’s. That’s how I like to ride. I like my tricks to have steeze and style.”

“Wakeboarding has made my life so great. Whether it’s learning new tricks behind a boat, riding a glassy wake surf wave, learning new rails at the cable park or going out with friends to clear 17-foot waterfall gaps. My mind always wants to keep going for the next thing in wakeboarding.”

“Even here in the Army. I write down new tricks, jot down new rails or Google new winch spots for when I come home. It’s truly the greatest sport and gives me endless amounts of happiness.”

Malibu Boats, LLC has a company-wide initiative to support all aspects of the US Military. Check out what Axis Wake Research is doing with their RECON edition. This package is available on the A20 or A22 and a portion of the proceeds goes to Jared Allen’s Homes 4 Wounded Warriors.

http://vimeo.com/malibuboats/axis2013recon

Tags: Malibu Boats |

Northwest Region Summer Recap

By Chad Douglas

Whew… what a season. I would like to start this off by saying thank you to Malibu Boats! Thank you for building amazing products. Thank you for having excellent customer service. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to promote, advertise and enjoy an amazing summer in the best wake boat around.

Summer Highlights:

• Watching dozens of individuals land their first something’s. From wake jumps, to surf 360s, to glides and handle-pass mobes, the WAKESETTER 22 MXZ served up consistent wakes and waves all summer long. “Glitzy” truly earned her reputation for having the biggest wake in the Northwest this season.
• Watching people wander from all over the sand dunes at Crescent Bar and form an instant dance party while tied up in the floatilla during Memorial Day weekend.
• Hearing from someone who has been towing competitive water skiing their whole life, “This is the most pleasurable driving experience I’ve ever had in a wakeboard boat.”
• Discussing, demonstrating and just plain showing off products that speak for themselves to hundreds of people all summer long.

Although this was only my first season as a Malibu Northwest Region promotional rider, I felt it went very well. Throughout the season I was able to accomplish the following:

•    Over 180 hours of running time on the boat
•    Towed over 130 wakeboard, wakeskate, and surfing sets in competition over 4 different events
•    Had over 150 individuals onboard the boat at different events and occasions
•    Sold the boat so that I can spend the 2013 season showing off the latest and greatest, the WAKESETTER22MXZ with SURF GATE!

With the hours of available sunlight beginning to dwindle here in the Northwest, I am getting ready for winter. The plan forward is to expand on the foundation we built this season and aim for even more promotional events next season. We will continue to keep the boat on Lake Washington in hopes of getting as much water time as possible. Our 2013 boat will again be towing all Northwest INT wakeboard events and hopefully a few other local events. I am also in discussion with local shops, Seattle Boats, and other interested businesses here in the Northwest on the potential for more activities that benefit everyone involved. I look forward to working with all of you this next season and hope that you are as excited about the results of this season as I am. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions, concerns, or comments. I am all-ears for any feedback on this season or ideas for next season. Take care, Chad Douglas thechaddouglas@gmail.com

Tags: Malibu Boats |

Active Water Sports goes for a ride behind the Wakesetter 22 MXZ!

Active Water Sports (@gregwaters)
left everyone on the edge of the dock with with their first MXZ teaser video not too long ago. Now, they have done it again... This time, they give everyone something to work with! Check out Greg Waters, Dan Lay, Ryan Potter and Zach Shneider shred behind the Malibu (@malibuboats) Wakesetter 22 MXZ. Another great video done by our friends at Active Water Sports! A little wakeboarding... a little surfing, and TONS of fun behind a gorgeous Stratosphere Blue MXZ! Click the video preview image above to watch.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Active Water Sports | Wakesetter 22 MXZ | Wakeboarding | Wakesurfing | Alliance Wake

Getting To Know Jake Owen and His Wakesetter

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) came across this awesome new video from Jake Owen (@JakeOwen). Team Owen just embedded it on Facebook! The video features Jake talking about what he likes to do, in addition to creating country hits. For the majority of the video he is speaking from inside or behind his 2011 Wakesetter 247 LSV. Jake talks about his love for water sports, where it comes from and why it is still so important to him. He also talks about how his love for boating, the water and wake sports inspired his new album and its title track Barefoot Blue Jean Night. Pretty cool! Check it out!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Jake Owen | country music | Barefoot Blue Jean Night | music video | Wakesetter 247 LSV | wakeboarding | wakesurfing | wakeboard boats | playlists | charts | CMT

Jake Owen's Malibu Boat in Hit Music Video

Malibu Boat (MalibuBoats) owner and country music star, Jake Owen (JakeOwen) took his love for wakeboarding and wake surfing a step further in his latest video. The music video for Jake's new summer hit, Barefoot Blue Jean Night, is filled with big wake riding footage, including a bunch of sweet shots of his 2011 Malibu Wakesetter 247 LSV. We were extremely honored to see Jake's boat in the video, but we keep watching and listening over and over for another reason. It's a great video and an even better song. Download Barefoot Blue Jean Night and find your favorite song for Summer 2011. The perfect Summer anthem meets the perfect summer activity, water sports. And we're not the only listeners who think so. Barefoot Blue Jean Night continues to climb the charts and push the video high in CMT's top 20. Keep it up Jake! We're looking forward to the release of your new album so we can add it to our Malibu boat playlists.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Jake Owen | country music | Barefoot Blue Jean Night | music video | Wakesetter 247 LSV | wakeboarding | wakesurfing | wakeboard boats | playlists | charts | CMT

Matthew Smith's 23 LSV and Friends!!

These Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) photos were sent to us through the Malibu iPhone App.. Malibu Boat owner Matthew Smith and his friends are Wakesurfing behind his 2006 Wakesetter 23 LSV on Lake Anna, Lake Anna Virginia.

Looks like everyone is having a great time!! Thank you Matthew! See more pics of Matthew and his friends wakesurfing at http://www.flickr.com/photos/malibuboats/sets/72157627085076374/

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!

Malibu Just Ride Clinic in Dallas Sunday

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Dallas, Texas dealer Waterski America is hosting a Malibu Just Ride 2 Clinic Tour Stop Sunday June 5th at Pier 121. This customer wake and surf instructional will be presided over by pro wakeboarding elite like Pro Tour and King of Wake Champion Phillip Soven (@PhillipSoven) and Chad Sharpe (@ChadeSharpe). These riders will be supported by wakeboarding's young guns Olivier Derome (@OliDerome) and Sam Thomson (@SamrThomson). Legendary wakeskater Brian Grubb (@BriankGrubb) will be schooling the wakesurfers. Wakeboard and surf sessions will be going off 9:30-11:30 and 12:30-2:30. Wakeboard sets will be pulled by a 2011 Malibu Wakesetter VLX wakebaord boat and Surf sets will be behind a 2011 Malibu Wakesetter 247LSV! Call Waterski America at 972-620-2377 to sign up for your spot. They're going fast!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Just Ride | JR2 | wake & surf clinic tour | Team Malibu | wakeboarding | wakesurfing | clinics | Phillip Soven | Brian Soven | Chad Sharpe | Waterski America | Olivier Derome | Sam Thomson | wake boats | wakeboard boats | Wakesetter VLX | Wakesetter 247LSV

The Just Ride Tour is Back

The Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Pro Team and the Just Ride 2 Wake & Surf Clinic Tour are coming to a lake near you this summer.

Since everything great always comes back around, it’s no surprise Malibu Boats has resurrected its immensely popular Just Ride Clinic Tour for Summer 2011. The Just Ride 2 (JR2) Wake & Surf Clinic Tour, headlined by Tour Champion Phillip Soven (@PhillipSoven) and the Malibu Pro Team, will follow the Pro Wakeboard Tour stops across the country for the 2011 season. After watching Malibu Pro Riders go big on tour, reserve your space to learn from them. Hosted by the local Malibu Boats dealer, these clinics will give you one-on-one time with the industry’s most accomplished wakeboarders as well as time in the best performing wake boats on the water. Book your spot in a JR2 Clinic, get on a board with Team Malibu and Just Ride.

JR2 Scheduled Stops
May 22 | Acworth, GA
Contact: Singleton Marine (770) 614-0244

June 5 | Fort Worth, TX
Contact: Waterski America (972) 620-2377

July 10 | Monroe, WA
Contact: Seattle Boats (206) 633-2628

Aug 28 | Knoxville, TN
Contact: Great Wakes (865) 988-7900

While each tour stop will be customized by the local Malibu Boats dealer, you can expect extreme amounts of fun and amazing personal improvement no matter which stop you sign-on for. Expect to take instruction from Team Malibu top guns like 2010 Tour Champion and King of Wake title holder, Phillip Soven. Legends like Brian Grubb (@BrianKGrubb), Chad Sharpe (@ChadeSharpe) and Dallas Friday (@DallasFriday) will also be sharing their endless knowledge of the sport and the best way to improve your skills. Even new Team Malibu members like Olivier Derome (@OliDerome) and Sam Thomson (@SamrThomson) are getting into the mix. There will be no shortage of style and expertise at these events, but spots are in short supply so book your space today.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Just Ride | JR2 | wake & surf clinic tour | Team Malibu | wakeboarding | wakesurfing | clinics | Phillip Soven | Brian Soven | Chad Sharpe | Dallas Friday | Olivier Derome | Sam Thomson | wake boats | wakeboard boats

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

$1500 up for Grabs in Big Air & Surf Event

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Dealer Cedar Port Marina is hosting their first ever Big Air and Surf Event in Disney, Oklahoma on May 21, 2011. A $15 entry fee gets you a shot at $1000 in prize money for the biggest air or $500 for the best surf session behind Malibu wakeboard boats.

Entries are open to all comers, but if you're not the competitive type come out to watch the action on May 21, 2011. You will also have the opportunity to test drive and/or ride behind the 2011 Malibu boats. A good time will be had by all!

Don't get filled up on the big air and big wakes at this event because you'll definitely want to hit the Grand Lake BBQ Festival in Langley, OK on the way home!

Email Jerry Cookson at Cedar Port Marina for more information on what is sure to be a fun and for one or two people a profitable event.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Cedar Port Marina | big air | wakesurfing | competition | $1500 | Grand Lake BBQ Festival | wakeboarding event | wakesurfing event | wakeboard boats |

Midwest Coast Surf Club Video

Midwest Coast Surf Club from Spencer Combs on Vimeo.

We came across this great video from a Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Twitter follower the other day. Spencer Combs (@spencercombspix) is not only a photographer in the Minneapolis, MN area, he is also an avid wakesurfer and happens to own a 2006 Malibu iRide. We liked him right away, but not just because he's a Malibu boat owner who has a passion for water sports. Spencer, along with a group of his friends and relatives are working to make a difference in their community with the help of wakesurfing.

Spencer founded the Midwest Coast Surf Club to introduce inner city kids as well as other interested locals to the sport of wake surfing. With his wife Alex, his dad Andrew, his mom Dana, his brother Wes, the Capture Studios film crew, Craig, Brandon, Rob, Will, Troy, Jon, Stephen, Amanda, Matt, Ty and tons of others that just show up, Spencer and Midwest Coast Surf Club are on a mission. "Love our community through boating and teach people about the fun of wakesurfing in person as well as through videos and photos."

Spencer described his crew and their motivation this way, "We are a group of photographers and film makers, web designers, and SUPER nice loving people. We thought with our gifts we could really push the sport to the next level!"

Spencer and Capture Studios have won Photographer and Videographer of the Year respectively for the state of Minnesota. Spencer said, "...we are so excited to share our gift with the community and what better way than something we are passionate about!"

While you will catch a few glimpses of Spencer's iRide in this wake surfing video, the feature boat is a 2010 Malibu Wakesetter VLX supplied by Malibu Boats Dealer Minnesota Inboard.

When we asked Spencer why he chose Malibu for this video and as the official boat of the Midwest Coast Surf Club he had plenty to write in response. "It was a pretty easy choice to choose Malibu boats! I mean come on, Malibu boats are probably the sexiest boats on the market; not to mention you can get one of the best wakes EVER behind these boats. Once you drop that Wedge and fill up the ballast your wake is high and the sweet spot is nice and long, plus TONS of room inside for friends! It doesn't get much better than that! Plus the quality of the boat is above and beyond all the other boats we have ridden in!"

Right now the Midwest Coast Surf Club is in the planning stages for 2011 events and clinics as well as more videos! We definitely hope to see more from Spencer and the Midwest Coast Surf crew soon. Way to go MCSC! You're off to a great start. This video is sweet! Thanks for including Malibu Boats!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Midwest Coast Surf Club | Spencer Combs | photography | videography | wakesurfing | wakeboard boats | iRide | Wakesetter VLX | wakesurf boats | Minnesota Inboard | Minnesota