Team Nautique

Nate Smith ties Men’s World Slalom Record.

admin — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:06:39 +0000

Team Nautique Skier Nate Smith tied the Men’s World Slalom Record running 2@43-off during the Little Mountain Spring Pro Am tournament behind the Ski Nautique 200 in Maiden, NC. This is the 13^th world record behind this boat since its release including fellow Nautique teammate and world record holder Chris Parrish’s Men’s World Slalom Record set in 2010.

“Feeling very honored to join Chris Parrish as the co-world record holder as my score from last weekend of 2@43 has been approved!!! Both of us have done it behind the best boat in the world, the Ski Nautique 200. Thanks to everyone that has been involved to get me here.” – Nate Smith.

Jeff McKee has Twins!

admin — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:02:36 +0000

Congratulations to Nautique Team Rider Jeff McKee and his wife Katy on becoming the proud new parents of twins Milo and Emma.

Bob Soven True to Form.

admin — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:23:47 +0000

Bob Soven continues to turn heads and impress fans with his riding in 2013, his most recent contest run at the Nautique Wake Games gained the admiration of Alliance Wakeboard Magazine editor Bill McCaffray. In the latest issue of Alliance McCaffray writes:

“After watching Bob Soven ride at Wake Games, I’m going to say that Bob may be the most underrated professional wakeboarder on the planet. He may have been mistaken as a reality television star, but he is actually an amazing wakeboarder. That ginger can fly and he makes wakeboarding look really good.” – Bill McCaffray

As you can see Bob is trailblazing his path to becoming one of the most influential riders on the scene. We can all look forward to what the future has to hold for Bob Soven’s riding and his influence on the sport. Bringing it back home, Bob said:

“Having the opportunity to ride the Super Air Nautique G23 Wake in a contest situation allows me the freedom and confidence to do exactly what I want on a wakeboard when it counts. While a small mistake cost me a round at Wake Games, the reactions I received confirmed that I was on the right track. I’m looking forward to the Nautique Wakeboard Nationals coming at the end of July for my opportunity to refine my approach and bring the fans, judges, and wakeboard community what they’ve been asking for.”

The 54th Masters Recap – One to Remember

admin — Thu, 30 May 2013 19:13:46 +0000

The Masters experience is one that can only be understood by feeling the energy first hand along the shoreline of Robin Lake as the worlds best put it on the line. Sitting in the pavilion watching the Ski Nautique 200, Super Air Nautique 210, and the Super Air Nautique G23 tow the greatest athletes in the world for the most pinnacle moments of their professional careers is something you never forget. This is where all of the supreme elements of watersports performance and competition come together on one lake every year in a grandiose fashion that earns its reputation as the most prestigious event in the world. This year unified our sports more than ever with competitors from each discipline glued to the action of every event and the inclusion of a wakesurfing demo that introduced the sport to a new crowd.

Competing for Team Nautique in Women’s Wakeboarding, Raimi Merritt won her first ever Masters title in dominant fashion setting herself apart with her amplitude and high scoring trick combinations in both rounds.

The Men’s Slalom competition was true to Masters form in an intense final round that saw Team Nautique Skier Nate Smith take second place running 39off and Jon Travers coming in fourth.

Whitney McClintock placed second in womens Slalom with 5@380ff and fourth in tricks. Nautique’s Clementine Lucine placed second in the women’s trick division with a score of 8040 pts

Representing Nautique’s Melbourne Australia dealer Ski Force, Jacinta Carroll Won her first Masters title in the Women’s jump division with a distance of 178 ft.

For more information and results from the Masters please visit www.Masterswaterski.com.

Watch Team Nautique Live at the 54th Masters

admin — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:25:31 +0000

Be sure to tune in and watch the world’s top water ski, wakeboard and wakeskate athletes compete for the most prestigious title in watersports on Robin Lake at beautiful Callaway Gardens in Georgia. The 54^th Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament is exclusively towed behind the world record breaking Ski Nautique 200, the legendary Super Air Nautique 210, and the award winning Super Air Nautique G23. The Masters will be streaming live May 24-26 at www.masterswaterski.com/video. Check back here after the event for a recap and photo gallery.

Team Nautique on Top Around the Globe

admin — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:15:40 +0000

With contest season in full swing Team Nautique has been on fire. Check out the latest top finishes.

Clementine Lucine wins the Womens Tricks title at the World Cup in Palambang, Indonesia.

Raimi Merrit takes 1^stplace in Women’s Wakeboard for her 8^th World Cup title in Palambang, Indonesia.

Bob Soven, Shawn Watson and JD Webb sweep the boat portion of TSR CableStock.

Team Nautique goes huge behind the G23 at Nautique Wake Games

admin — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 02:27:35 +0000

One year after the Super Air Nautique G23 made it’s contest debut, the 2013 Nautique Wake Games saw the impact this boat has made on the sport with an insane level of riding. Team Nautique turned up the heat with standout Mike Dowdy landing the first ever wake to wake double half cab in a contest run….twice. Danny Harf also had all eyes on the water this weekend with a unique, technical run that earned him a fifth place finish in the final. Dominant Team Nautique rider Raimi Merritt placed second in the Pro Womens division going HUGE on every trick. Check out the photo gallery below for pictures of all of the action as well as a clip of Mike Dowdy’s double half cab. For a complete list of results and more information on the 2013 Nautique Wake Games please visit http://nautique.com/event/wake-games/.

Mike Dowdy’s Wake to Wake Double Half Cab Roll

Wake Games Kickoff

admin — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:05:18 +0000

The 2013 Wake Games kicks off today at OWC with qualifying rounds in all divisions behind the Super Air Nautique G23 and 210. Semi-final and final rounds will be held Saturday from 8AM – 6PM then stay around for the Nautique & Rockstar Wake Park Showdown on the cable side from 6PM – 9PM. Join us on Sunday from 9AM – 4PM. Come out and support Team Nautique. Visit the Nautique booth on-site for giveaways and Autograph signings!

Check back right here on Monday for a full event recap and photo gallery.

New Additions

admin — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:00:53 +0000

Three of our athletes have big news coming into this season. Danny Harf married longtime girlfriend Carolyn, JD Webb and his girlfriend are expecting a baby girl in June and Jeff McKee and wife Katy are having twins!

“The wedding was awesome! It was on the beach in the Florida Keys. It was the best day of my life so far…I am married to my best friend and the most amazing girl. We both have huge families so it was a big wedding. It was really cool how many people came down to celebrate with us.” Thanks family and friends! – Danny Harf

“Nicole and I are thrilled to be welcoming our first little girl this June, Ehvie Noelle.” – JD Webb

“We’re on the homestretch. Twins are due in June. Settling into the new pad and stoked to have a new place to keep the G23 close to home.” – Jeff McKee

Checking in with Scot “Rocketman” Ellis

admin — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:19:11 +0000

Team Nautique Skier Scot Ellis has been ranked within the top 10 jumpers in the world since 1990 and remains one of the most influential athletes in the sport. Water skiing has been his whole life from ski shows as a kid to 300ft Ski Fly jumps that are just outright scary. Ellis has an inspiring, hard charging style that makes your hair stand on end every time he approaches the ramp. Earning his name “Rocketman” from his go for broke attitude, he was featured on the Discovery Channel show Stunt Junkies for a world record boat jump in which he launched over 19 boats. When he isn’t traveling to compete in the most elite jump events in the world, Scot spends his time coaching athletes from all over the globe at his school “Ski Fluid” in Central Florida. At 41 years old Scot shows no signs of backing down with strong finishes at the first three events of 2013 remaining a worldwide crowd favorite.

You just returned from a long trip overseas with podium finishes at three major events. Tell us about the trip!

This being my 21st Moomba Masters I am use to the long 30-hour trip and all the money you have to spend to get there. Finishing 3rd on all the events was a great bonus. It’s nice to see that I can still compete with the new guys coming up in the sport. Moomba is one of my favorite events I compete at; HUGE crowds, very challenging conditions, and a long way from home. I really feel Moomba has helped me become a great competitor. If you can ski well or win there, you can truly become an elite skier.

How long have you been skiing for Nautique?

I have been with Nautique for 14 years. Still waiting for the Rocketman limited edition boat….lol. I like how Nautique stays involved in our sport (big events like Masters and Moomba) and uses their athletes to make boat improvements. The product is one that last over time…kind of like me.

How did you get into Jumping?

My ski career stared by joining the Lakeland Water Ski Club and show skiing. I have even been to Show Ski Nationals at Cypress Gardens. These are pictures of me at Cypress Gardens during my 6th grade field trip. The Gardens let me ski in the show for my class. Kind of cool.

I have done it all, pyramids, slalom, jump, barefoot, shoe ski, disc …I have even done a helicopter in a Pro Jump event after making the finals! Jumping, I just love. I’ve always been jumping off stuff since I was a kid.

Picture of me in 1974 jumping off my parents car with a towel for a cape.

Picture of me doing the kids pyramid at show

practice for the Lakeland Ski Club. Little fact

in this picture: I am climbing on Rick and Lori

Powell. World Champions and Hall of Fame

barefooters from Lakeland. They are also

past Team Nautique Barefoot members.

Here I was at 8 years old, foot’in in the kids barefoot act in the 1979 Lakeland show behind a Nautique.

What was it like the first time you went off a ramp?

I was at Dee’s Ski School with Chuck Dees (Frankie Dees father – Frankie I think still is the youngest ever to win overall at the Masters at 15 years old.) I can’t really remember the first time. I am sure I flipped up side down, but I do remember loving jumping from the start. I would be told I couldn’t jump if I didn’t practice my slalom and tricks.

During the course of your career what would you say has been your biggest accomplishment?

I have had a great career and wouldn’t change one day of it, but the greatest accomplishment would be that I can still compete on a high level at 41.

What would you say is the hardest part about learning to jump?

Learning to jump. I would say getting over the fear of what might happen. It’s still a topic not talked about much in the jumping world. We never provoke it, but are always ready for it. A CRASH…it’s violent and scary! It’s better to get knocked out and not remember it then have to relive it in your mind over and over. I really think that is what separates the elite jumpers. The ones that can get up, forget the crash and keep going.

Where do you see yourself and the sport going?

Right now the sport is expensive. Gear, practice, coaching, and entry fees to tournaments. I feel like there is always a place for our “waterski” events, but to take it to the next level. We need to bring the fun back to it. I remember the PRO tour when I started and the crowds were massive. The event was FUN. Lots of off the water stuff going on. We really need to think along the lines of entertainment. There is no way the NFL would be so big if the games outside the playing field weren’t fun!!!!! Music, giveaways, stuff for the kids…not everyone who pays for a ticket likes what sport is being played. Entertainment off the water is what we need! It would be awesome to see Ski Fly come back. Now my mom would not like me going back out and flying 300′ again, but I sure do miss it. Skiflying, held at the proper place, has its entertainment value. We just need a super charged Ski Nautique 200…hint hint!

What are your plans for this year’s Rocketman Night Jump?

Every year I try to add something to the event and continue to get the best jumpers in the world competing in the night jump. It’s a party on and off the water with a live DJ, entertainment, VIP food and drinks, and just an all around good time. This year I would like to possibly add a wakeboard double up contest.

You now run a ski school with Kyle Eade at the Water Ski Hall of Fame. How did Ski Fluid come about?

Well, I have always liked coaching and helping other skiers. Once USA Waterski was looking for someone to lease Lake Grew, I was all over it. I made the bid and asked Kyle Eade to join me. We have made Fluid one of the best competition sites in the world in just 4 years. We have the best boat in the world and the best athletes come here to train. We are dedicated to progressing the sport and this is the perfect place to do that.