Team Nautique

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.

Team Nautique Raises the Bar at the 2013 Moomba Masters

admin — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 12:54:44 +0000

Taking place in Melbourne, Australia during the Yarra river festival, the Nautique Moomba Masters is arguably the largest stage in competitive watersports with tens of thousands spectators lining the shores during the competition. This year saw some of the highest-level waterskiing and wakeboarding in event history as well as the return of a legend. Team Nautique ‘s Andy Mapple, who has previously won the Moomba Masters 14 times returned to Pro Competition for select tournaments this season after retiring 8 years ago. At 50 years old Andy showed the same competitive fire he is famous for sparking nostalgia among the crowd as he entered into the finals in second place eventually finishing fourth overall with a score of 3@39-off.

“Not very many athletes get a chance to re-live and be a part of one the greatest events in their sport, after being out for over 8 years. Nautique and Moomba gave me that opportunity. It is amazing, as it felt like I was there for the first time again…..and not a 50 year old former champion! Those feelings will never get old. I am grateful to have experienced this great stage one more time. ” – Andy Mapple

Taking the win was Nautique team member and world record holder Chris Parrish who matched the course record with a score of 3@ 41-off. In his second consecutive win of the season, Chris has been skiing better than ever this year and looks to continue his dominance at the 2013 U.S Masters on Memorial Day weekend.

“I couldn’t be happier with this win! A course record behind the Ski Nautique 200 in the final and came away with the victory!” –Chris Parrish

Also, true to form was Nautique’s Whitney McClintock once again winning the women’s slalom title scoring 2@39-off and taking the overall win. In tricks, Clementine Lucine took to the podium in third place with a score of 8520.

“Rocketman” Scot Ellis earned a third place finish in open men’s jump with a distance of 64.2 meters.

“I really enjoyed skiing at the Moomba Masters this year. Even though it is my 21^st time competing, it still has the thrill of the first time I stood on the starting dock. The Moomba team knows how to make you feel welcome when you go down under.” – Scot Ellis

Team Nautique – Habitat for Humanity

admin — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:08:50 +0000

Last week, Team Nautique joined Habitat for Humanity to lend a hand with the build of a townhome community that Nautique sponsors here in Central Florida. For some of the athletes, this was the first time they had ever been on a build site or done any sort of construction work at all. For others, years of home improvement projects and rail builds really came in handy. There is a certain type of motivation you get when working for the greater good, and that feeling was apparent in every smiling face on the build site along with every blistered hand. They nearly had to force our team off the jobsite at the end of the day with the athletes checking schedules to see when they would be able to make it back to help finish the job!

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, non-denominational Christian housing ministry with a mission to provide simple, decent, affordable houses to families with a housing need.

Nautique has been working with Habitat for Humanity for a number of years; through the Nautique Cares program everyone in the Nautique family has the opportunity to give back through various organizations and projects all over the world. Beyond building world-class boats, Nautique is dedicated to making the world a better place on and off the water, and giving back is a huge part of our company culture.

Check out photos of our team build day!

Happenings

admin — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:28:33 +0000

The season is getting ready to start and everyone is ready to go! Check out some of the latest happenings with Team Nautique.

Jeff McKee gets his Super Air Nautique G23.

I’m not sure if we have ever seen anyone so excited to get their new boat as Jeff McKee pulled into our factory on Thursday. In fact, the phone has been ringing off the hook all week at Nautique Headquarters with Jeff asking for status updates on his new Super Air Nautique G23.

No Pain no Gain.

Team Nautique wakeboarding phenom Mike Dowdy took a hit early last week when he stuffed his head through the handle and broke a small bone near his nose called the maxilla. With a fat lip and a few stitches he will be back on the water in about a week. Dowdy is on a mission this season putting in the work and taking the falls to take his riding through the roof. He has been pushing it behind his Super Air Nautique G23 all winter with double flips, KGB 540s, and things we’re still making up names for.

Ride hard. Be Safe!

G25 set with Kyle Rattray

Check out this video edit of Team Nautique rider Kyle Rattray at home in Clermont Florida behind the Super Air Nautique G25 by alliancewake.com.

Dream Week – Traveling in Style

Team Nautique skiers Chris Parrish, Nate Smith, and Andy Mapple traveled in style on Saturday aboard a friends private jet heading to the Dream Week tournament held at Skiers Paradise in Acapulco, Mexico. This tournament puts the top four currently ranked skiers in the world along with legend Andy Mapple up against each other behind the Ski Nautique 200. This will be the first time Andy Mapple has competed in a pro event in 8 years. The tournament will be two separate rounds on February 14th and 15th with the first and second place finishers going head to head and side by side to crown the winner.

To stay up to date with our team athletes and to learn more about our world class boats please visit www.nautique.com

Dedication Beyond Measure

admin — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 22:08:31 +0000

Standing on the dock with Andy Mapple at his Mapple Skis private lake in Orlando, Florida, you can’t help but to feel inspired. Andy is considered the most dominant skier to ever hit the water winning numerous Worlds, Masters, U.S. Open, World Cup, and Pro Tour Slalom titles with 168 professional victories worldwide and breaking 11 World Records during his competitive career. After retiring from professional competition, Andy has stayed dedicated to the sport working with athletes and developing products that will push waterskiing and give everyone from pros to weekend warriors the ability to take their skiing to the next level.

Andy has been with Nautique since 1981 and has played a major role in the company both on and off the water. Most recently, he worked with us in developing the revolutionary Ski Nautique 200 that has seen twelve world records set behind it since its release in 2010. In 2012, Nautique designed the Ski Nautique 200 – Mapple Icon edition personally customized by Andy himself commemorating his domination in tournament skiing. Also in the works with Andy has been the recent release of Mapple skis, taking his wealth of experience and technical knowledge to developing his own brand of high-end slalom skis.

This past year, Andy has been spending a great deal of time on the water behind his Ski Nautique 200 at the Mapple skis testing facility, and rumor has it he will be returning to professional competition for the first time in eight years. First at the Dream Week Tournament in Acapulco, Mexico, and then at the Nautique Moomba Masters in Melbourne, Australia; an event he has won 14 times. Both events will be pulled by the boat he had so much involvement in developing, the Ski Nautique 200. The entire slalom world has goose bumps.

What first inspired you to start Mapple skis?
For so long I have worked for other companies and been very fortunate to have those opportunities. I have learned so much throughout my career and while I was competing, I was very reserved about how I trained, what I did with skis, and was not as accessible as I could have been. By starting Mapple Skis, I am able to assemble a team, design skis, and share the passion I have for this sport and the skiers involved. Team Mapple is a complete company where skiers from around the world can get resources and services to help their skiing and passion.

You’ve also been doing some coaching at your facility correct?
We have a private facility with a man-made lake right in Orlando. We are setup to have ski testing, development and coaching available. A skier can book skiing at the lake by the ski ride, day, or week. It can be booked with any of our team members. However, when there, you never know who may show up for a few sets!

Coaching gives me the opportunity to share my beliefs in slalom, as well as share my experiences, as all of our team members can. Team Mapple coaching and ski setup is not exclusive to our skis. Yes, the skis are available to test, but helping a skier improve or have a better setup is just as important to us.

Who is on the Mapple Skis team?
Our team is growing. Right now our core is Deena, Chris Parrish, Nicole Arthur, Marion Mathieu, and myself. What I really enjoy is seeing our customers come and hang at the lake or R&D facility just to enjoy being around what we do. They are all my team and it is growing!

What are your plans for 2013?
To enjoy what we are doing and make a difference. 2013 will be our first real season and we have one first impression. We love this sport and we are appreciative to be a part of it.

How long has it been since you skied in a pro event?
I think my last pro event was 2005. I skied in an event early season that year in West Palm Beach. Getting old though you know and the memory is not what it used to be!!

We hear you may be competing in a couple of pro events this season; what inspired your return?
The ski company has inspired my skiing again. I am involved and living the sport again. I feel that with the company, I am actually skiing again and figuring out how to get things done and win! BUT if I feel we win, it will be our customers that I hope win the most. Getting back out there a “little” helps me connect with the skiing world first hand. This is a big inspiration to feed off others passion and continue to grow mine. Both tournaments will be pulled by the Ski Nautique 200 so the setup and timing are a perfect fit.

How has your training been going?
It hasn’t been too much. I took some time off after Thanksgiving and figured I would get going at the start of the year. Been a little busy lately, so skiing has been sporadic. I have days where I can put out a decent score, but not enough skiing base in the body to train each day right now! Skiing in these couple of 36mph events in Acapulco and Moomba is purely an opportunity I could not pass up. I am not in the same league as the pro skiers of today anymore, but I can tell you I will give my best, have very competitive feelings and enjoy every minute of it.

You are the most recognized name in skiing and have been involved in the most important innovations in the industry from the development of skis, to speed control, to boat design. Where do you see the sport going and what do you think the industry needs in order to grow from where we are now?
I can get very opinionated on this subject! I love the technical aspect of the industry; designing skis and working in R&D for Nautique and Zero Off are all part of my motivation. From a sport standpoint we need change in how events are run and organized. We have driven the cost of an event way too high; the rules have taken over too much! I would like to see the sport and industry be together more on identifying “who we are” and “where we are going”. That’s probably enough said right now on that!!

For more on Andy Mapple and Mapple Skis visit www.mappleskis.com. For more information on our team and world-class boats please visit www.nautique.com.