MasterCraft Boats Teams Up with ESPN X Games to Boost Waterskiing Back into Spotlight

[Horton]

VONORE, Tenn. (May 6, 2015) – Two of the most progressive names in action sports, MasterCraft Boats and ESPN’s X Games, have announced a renewed collaboration providing an entirely new platform to showcase the latest, boundary-pushing athletes in both wakeboarding and waterskiing. MasterCraft Throwdown and Real Wake Driven by MasterCraft will debut as part of the World of X Games series on ABC this summer.

 

The invitation-only, inaugural MasterCraft Throwdown is set to take place at Millennium Park in Grand Rapids, MI on August 8 with thousands of spectators anticipated to attend and watersports enthusiasts everywhere able to watch live via the telecast on ABC. Upping the ante from traditional event formats, this first-of-its-kind competition will pit the best wakeboard athletes in the world in head-to-head elimination heats with the added pressure of a “one run, fall-and-you’re-done” format forcing riders to pull out their best tricks. Embracing the “go big or go home” mantra, the event will also feature an amped up version of long distance ski jumping in an attempt to break a world record.

 

Boasting the largest single event cash purse in the history of competitive wakeboarding/waterskiing, the MasterCraft Throwdown will showcase some of the biggest names on the water today including top-ranked pros, past X Games medalists, Pro Wakeboard Tour Champions and World Champions. Ski jumping legend Freddy Krueger will also be resurrecting the gravity-defying sport of skiflying with officials from the Guinness Book of World Records on hand to witness his attempt to soar the length of a football field in hopes of surpassing the current World Skifly Record of 299 feet.

 

“MasterCraft has long been at the forefront of progression in watersports from the company’s initial roots in competitive waterskiing to its current role reinvigorating the landscape of wakeboarding competitions,” said Terry McNew, President and CEO of MasterCraft Boats. “ESPN and the World of X Games will serve as the perfect platform to showcase the amazing athletes currently pushing the limits of the sport and expose the future of watersports to a global audience.”

 

In addition to the mind-blowing action on the water, the MasterCraft Throwdown will feature a full line-up of entertainment including a live musical performance by a renowned recording artist, pyrotechnics, zany stunts, flying unicorns and general pandemonium all being produced by Gregg Godfrey, the brain behind Nitro Circus. Wakeboarding legend Parks Bonifay will be emceeing the event bringing his insightful commentary and crowd-pleasing antics to the festival-like affair. Truly a full immersion experience for spectators, the event is all about going big and embracing the inspiring, infectious atmosphere of action sports.

 

Tickets for MasterCraft Throwdown will be available for purchase beginning Wednesday, May 6 at 1 p.m. ET at www.mastercraftthrowdown.com. Additional details on the event including invited athletes, music and entertainment will be announced at a later date.

 

In anticipation of the August event, World of X Games will add the first-ever Real Wake Driven by MasterCraft competition to the previously announced lineup of Real Series competitions. A video-based competition, Real Wake Driven by MasterCraft will feature eight pairs of wakeboarding’s top athletes and filmers producing original videos highlighting their unique styles. All eight videos will drop July 15 on www.XGames.com/RealWake where fans can view each segment and vote for their favorite. The competition will culminate in a one hour World of X Games program airing July 25 on ABC, highlighting the top five riders.

 

“We are thrilled to have wakeboarding back as part of the World of X Games,” said Tim Reed, vice president, X Games. “The MasterCraft Throwdown and Real Wake Driven by MasterCraft are both perfect and exciting opportunities for us to work with the leading boat brand to develop a brand new progressive event and compelling video series for the industry and its fans.”

 

World of X Games is a weekly program on ABC which features a variety of X Games and action sports athlete-focused content. For the most updated telecast schedule and information on World of X Games, go to www.xgames.com. Check local listings for additional details.

 

About MasterCraft

 

MasterCraft is one of the largest producers of inboard performance towboats in the world and remains the industry leader in new product innovation, styling, comfort, performance and quality. Handmade in Vonore, TN, MasterCraft boats continue the company’s legacy of excellence within all competitive and recreational niches of watersports. Recognized for its innovations in marine industry products and manufacturing, MasterCraft boats have claimed countless industry awards and the company boasts the only marine manufacturing facility on the planet to receive all three prestigious ISO certifications for Quality, Environmental, and Safety management systems. Since its modest beginnings in 1968, MasterCraft has remained a brand built on power, precision and progression.

[GOODESkier]

Too bad there are no little red buoys that anyone will be skiing around????

[John Brooks]

It is great that some towed watersports are getting more exposure.

[E_T]

@GOODESkier it's pretty boring in person.....let alone on TV. SKIFLYING!!! Is more exciting than wakeboarding can't wait

[disland]

So is Freddy the only skier who will ski fly?

[Texas6]

The only pure slalom skier yes.

[Chef23]

I hope there will be other skiers doing the ski fly. It would be nice to see a competition rather than an exhibition of someone trying to break a record. It reads like it might only be Freddy though.

[Horton]

@disland the story I heard was they are going to make a big deal about who gets invited. There going to try to create some drama & PR around the entry list.

[Than_Bogan]

AWESOME!

 

Aside: I will be surprised if the "one-and-done" wakeboard format causes what they are hoping. I'd expect the opposite: people being more conservative because the penalty for a fall is higher. I've always thought part of the reason wakeboarders throw crazy huge tricks in competition is that the scoring system doesn't punish them too harshly if they fall. (I reserve the right to be completely wrong; just an impression from watching some wakeboarding on TV like 10 years ago.)

[swc5150]

It's too bad they won't at least try having a slalom event along with the other two. If it's filmed from the boat, and displayed on a large-scale screen for the spectators, people might really dig it? It would seem new and extreme, with the speed involved I'd think? Marcus would be sure to take part, and his persona would fit perfectly into the X Games. If anyone could make slalom "cool" to the kids, it's MB.

[ntx]

I bet that since Dodd is a mastercraft skier, he gets some high consideration also.

[MopedMedicks]

Why wouldn't you throw MC sponsored Dodd in there too? Highlight the rivalry over the years and make it a head to head battle royale?

[Horton]

@MopedMedicks @ntx read my above post again

[LeonL]

Oh well, so much for slalom!

[ALPJr]

Side by side slalom is the best chance for a larger audience. For spectators traditional slalom is not so hot. Pretty much all slalom skier's runs look the same unless you have a really good understanding of the sport. Just my opinion... I think Marcus Brown and the Wilson brothers do a really nice job of capturing the slalom vibe, which I don't think is elite competitions.