BallOfSpray

Orlando, FLA (April 21, 2010) – Nautique is pleased to announce a new exciting slalom exhibition showcasing the sports two greatest legends in a head-to-head competition as well as a new Pro Men’s Trick format for the prestigious 51st Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament®. These exciting new changes are in addition to the already announced addition of wakeskating at this year’s event.

For the slalom exhibition, two of waterskiing’s greatest legends, Andy Mapple and Bob LaPoint will compete in an epic duel presented by HO Sports and O’Brien to raise awareness for Junior Development. This fierce battle between waterskiing’s most decorated athletes will begin with the semi-final on Saturday, with the final round on Sunday. You won’t want to miss the action between these two athletes who bare more Masters Titles than all other skiers combined!

The Masters reputation for innovation is being reinforced once again with the new Pro Men’s Trick format which will have skiers taking two 20-second passes to showcase their toughest and most exciting tricks and sequences. The new format will exemplify the trick skier’s highest levels of athleticism and is sure to add thrills to the 51st Masters.

“As the Masters enters a new era we are thrilled to be able to continue to evolve this wonderful event to include these changes; the Nautique team and the Masters Committee are committed to delivering the most exciting on water thrills for the 51st celebration of this incredible tournament” commented Larry Meddock, Masters Tournament Chairman. “Adding to the excitement this year will be the all new and revolutionary Ski Nautique 200 pulling its very first Masters” Meddock added.

The Masters will be held May 28 – 30, 2010 over the Memorial Day weekend at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA. For complete ticket and hotel information, please visit www.masterswaterski.com. To order advance tickets via phone, please call 1- 888-806-2783. Ticket office hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm EST.

An invitation to compete in the Masters is universally considered an acknowledgement of achievement for reaching the pinnacle in a given watersports discipline - only the world's most elite athletes compete at the Masters. This tournament is IWWF/USA Water Ski and WWA sanctioned. To learn more about the esteemed Masters tournament, visit www.masterswaterski.com.

LARRY MEDDOCK – MASTERS TOURNAMENT CHAIRMAN
"There are just a few names that pop up when talking about the greatest slalom skiers of all time", says Larry Meddock, Tournament Chairman, for the 51st Masters.  "Andy Mapple and Bob LaPoint are two that I have had the pleasure to know for many year. Both of these great athletes will be on hand at this year’s Masters at Callaway Gardens to show the experienced crowd that they are still indeed a force to be reckoned with. We could not be happier to have these Slalom Gods once again on Robin Lake for what is sure to bring additional excitement to the most prestigious tournament in the world".

GREG NELSON – HO SPORTS
“Nautique is gearing up for the 51st Masters Tournament and this year they have upped the ante by looking into our sport has a way of firing up the youth in our next generation of would be legends. To reward long time patrons and grab the attention of our junior athletes, we are excited to co-present the epic dual between our very own Bob LaPoint and Andy Mapple, in what is sure to be a great show for all. Both skiers are heavily involved in the industry and together hold more Masters Titles than all other skiers combined. Bob LaPoint shapes and deigns skis for HO Skis and our Syndicate Program and we'll be rooting for him to take down Andy on the coveted waters of Robin Lake at Callaway Gardens”, stated Greg Nelson, Marketing Manager, HO Sports.

PETE SURRETT
“O'Brien and Elite skis are exceptionally proud of our outstanding relationship with the Masters Tournament. This year we are pleased to take part in bringing two of the greatest slalom ski legends, Andy Mapple and Bob La Point, back for a head-to-head duel. To present this segment with the purpose of raising funds to promote junior development, truly will make this an thrilling addition to the 51st Masters Tournament”, states Pete Surrette, VP of Sales and Marketing for O'Brien.

These two athletes have such a heart and passion in promoting our sport and junior development. I applaud their efforts in supporting our industry!