Pine Mountain, GA (May 25, 2018) – Today marked the start of the 59th Nautique Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament® presented by GM Marine Engine Technology. The story of the first day of the event were the titles claimed during the 26th Junior Masters behind the all-new Ski Nautique and award winning Super Air Nautique G23 at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia. The best junior waterski and wakeboard athletes took to beautiful Robin Lake to make their mark in history and take home the most coveted Junior titles in all of watersports.
As the first official day of the Masters, the GM Marine Engine Technology powered Ski Nautique pulled Nautique team athlete Paige Rini (CAN) to a Junior Masters championships in both the Junior Women's Trick and Slalom disciplines. Paige scored a 8,020 behind the all-new Ski Nautique to win the Trick portion of the event, then turned around and got 2 @ 38-off to take the Slalom win.
During the Junior Men's Trick division, it was Louis Duplan-Fribourg (FRA) taking the victory with 10,500 points, while Felipe Franco Belmont (PER) came in second place in 9,260. The Junior Men’s Slalom final saw Federico Jaramillo (COL) showcasing his talents and receiving a Junior Masters title after he ran 2 @ 39.5-off behind the completely redesigned Ski Nautique.
In Junior Women’s Jump, the pull from the 2019 Ski Nautique saw Brooke Baldwin (USA) jump an incredible distance of 137 feet (41.7m) to win the 26th Junior Masters title. During the Junior Men’s Jump, it was Louis Duplan-Fribourg with a distance of 177 feet (53.8m) to win the Junior Men's Jump portion of the event.
When it was all said and done, it was Paige Rini taking the overall Junior Women Masters title after feeling extremely comfortable behind the all-new Ski Nautique. With a couple first place finishes, Paige had an incredible day of skiing to earn the victory. “I’ve been coming here since I was a little girl and I love the Masters. Winning Slalom, Trick and Overall on Robin lake is the most incredible finish to my Junior ski career.”
On the Junior Men front, Louis Duplan-Fribourg took the overall win after getting on the podium in 2 disciplines. His first-place in the Jump and Trick was enough to stake his claim as the 26th overall Junior Masters champion.
The 5-time Wakeboard Boat of the Year in the Super Air Nautique G23 set up perfect wakes for the Junior Men’s Wakeboard riders, and after the smoke cleared it was Sam Brown (AUS) taking the Junior Masters victory. After laying down two insane passes, Sam found himself on top of the podium for the first time in history and stoked to stamp his name in history.
For complete up-to-date scores of the 26th Junior Masters, please visit masterswaterski.com/standings/
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. To view the 2018 criteria please visit the Masters website. This tournament is sanctioned by IWWF/USA Water Ski and WWA. Watch all of 59th Masters action live on Saturday May 26th starting at 8:00AM EDT, please visit masterswaterski.com.
Read more: THE 59TH NAUTIQUE MASTERS WEEKEND KICKS OFF WITH JUNIOR TITLES!
We saw the merit for wider skis. It provided better performance and heightened improvement in the wider population of course goers. Doug Cannon has engineered Connelly products for 25 years, and along with a team of Connelly masterminds, he helped create the most efficient, effortless and predictable 34 mph ski on the market. Say hello to the Connelly Carbon V.
Forgiving, light and snappy, easily maneuverable, responsive. These are just a few of the qualities that set this buoy slayer apart from the pack.
Doug and the Connelly team originally bred the Carbon V from the Prophecy, the precursor to the GT. Unlike many other ski companies, Connelly created a ride that added more than just uniform width. They fashioned the Carbon V with a wider fore body to generate stabilization and speed as well as a slimmer tail for quicker edge changes. As a result, the Carbon V boasts aggressive turns without blowing out the tail and stays solid through the wakes.
According to Connelly elite slalomer Seth Stisher, the Carbon V is prime for people who are working their way to their max speed and need support at longer line lengths and slower speeds. It’s a great stepping stone for learning the course for the first time and honing clean, basic, efficient moves, he says.
Because the Carbon V was constructed with the same geometry (bevels, sidewall, tunnel) as the GT, skiers are able to work on the same principles as someone who is focusing on short line slaloming.
“Our top end skis were always designed to perform their best at a top level,” Doug says. “Skiing on them at slower speeds leaves some performance on the table. We wanted to make an extremely high performing ski that worked to its full potential at slower speeds (32-34 mph).”
Thus, the Carbon V was fabricated with efficiency in mind, so skiers could accomplish big goals with less effort.
If you are dreaming of 38 off but are still working on the yellow loop, we think the Carbon V is your answer to prayer.
The Syndicate Hilltop Pro-Am, a 2-day 4-round record slalom tournament capped off with a Head-to-Head Pro final will celebrate it’s 3rd year on August 4th and 5th, 2018. Held at the immaculate Hilltop Lake in Arlington, Washington, the event offers pro skiers a shot at a $10,000 prize purse at a venue capable of producing world record scores. In the record rounds, amateurs share the dock with pros, skiing for personal bests and HO gear at the heavily tree protected blue waters of Hilltop.
Check out our recap of the Syndicate Hilltop 2017 Action:
Last year, Nick Adams took home the crown after hard fought head-to-head matchups, defeating the likes of both Jon Travers and Will Asher, while Jaimee Bull took home the pro womens victory.
Amateurs can find more information and enter HERE and HERE
Pros can enter by contacting Shannon Strickland at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. All Pros welcome to compete. Bring your A game.
TEAM D3 World Record Holder Nate Smith continues his total dominance of every slalom event he enters. Since switching to his new D3 EVO Nate has been almost perfect at the 10.25 (41off) rope length.
Nate’s first pro event on the EVO was the TRAVERS GRAND PRIX last Friday the 11th. Nate won both rounds and the championship with scores into 9.75 (43off) No other skier ran 10.25.
Nate’s next event was the SWISS PRO SLALOM last Sunday the 13th. In the first round Nate again completed the 10.25 pass to lead all skiers. In the second round again Nate completed the 10.25 and scored This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. In the final Nate did what he needed to do, he scored 4 @ 10.25 for the victory.
FUN FACT- Nate Smith has run the 10.25 pass in competition more times than any other skier in the history of our sport. Unfortunately for the competition he isn’t showing signs of slowing down any time soon.
At D3 we are honored to have Nate as an ambassador for our brand and our sport. He is always willing to give back and drive the boat, judge an event, coach skiers, whatever he can do to help the sport we all love. Next up for Nate and TEAM D3 is the US Masters at Callaway Gardens, GA presented by Nautique Boats. The excitement starts on Friday the 25th and ends with finals on Sunday the 27th.
Be sure to catch the web cast for all the action or join us at our booth on site. https://www.nautique.com/events/masters
Connelly Skis is proud to announce, Manon Costard of France, European record holder and one of the handful of women to round buoys at 41’ off has joined Connelly Skis. Her prowess on the water combined with her warmth on shore makes her a perfect partner for the #connellycollective. Manon’s skiing is a direct reflection of her personality — tenacious, determined and quietly badass. Connelly couldn’t be happier to welcome her to our family. Our Connelly Spokesperson, Ellie Horton caught up with her this morning to give you a little taste of what is to come. 
Wade Cox has announced his 2018 Ski with Wade Tour, kicking off May 14th. This is your chance to ski with one of the winningest waterski pros of all-time with 47 pro victories. Sign up for a spot in his traveling coaching tour and get one-on-one instruction from the three time US Masters Champion turned well respected coach. Wade brings his decades of skiing and coaching experience with a unique perspective to a lake near you. A long time HO Skis posterboy, Wade will help you get your gear dialed, provide tips to get you to the next level and tell stories from his tour years that you’ll never forget. Space is limited, sign up now. (instructions after tour dates list below).
2018 SKI WITH WADE TOUR DATES:
May 14. Memphis, TN
May 15. Tyler, TX
May 16. Dallas, TX
May 17-18 San Marcos, TX
May 19. Austin, TX
May 25-27. US Masters
May 28. Divorce Lake, AL(Jr Dev)
May 29. Divorce Lake, AL
May 30. Lake Martin, AL
June 5-6. Cincinnati, OH
June 7. The Liquid Edge IL
June 9-10. Wade Cox Open At The Liquid Edge, IL
June 11-14. Kids Camp at The Liquid Edge, IL
June 18-19. Spencers Pond, NY
June 20. Potsdam, NY
June 21. Rochester, NY
June 25. Cleveland, OH
June 26-27. Cincinnati, OH
June 28. Charlotte, NC
July & August dates/locations announced soon, stay tuned!!!
EMAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. TO SIGN UP
Check out http://www.hosports.com/blog/?p=1482 for video parts covering wade’s illustrious career as a skier and coach.
Lake 38
Cash Prize for Professional
Trophies for Amateurs
Men’s – Top four advance from Rounds 1 & 2 to Elite 8 on Sunday
Men’s Payout – 1st $2,500, 2nd $1,500, 3rd $1,000, 4th $750, 5th $500
Women’s – Top two advance from Rounds 1 & 2 to Elite 4 on Sunday
Women’s Payout – 1st $2,500, 2nd $1,500, 3rd $1,000
Swiss Pro Slalom - $10,000 Cash Prize
Sunday, May 13th, 2018
Swiss Waterski Resort is proud to announce the 4th edition of the Swiss Pro Slalom featuring the best slalom skiers from around the World battling out a $10,000 Cash Prize in a 2-round & Finals competition. The Swiss Pro Slalom has become a classic event offering world record conditions pushing the skiers to the limit of their art of slalom skiing.
Reigning Champions Nate Smith and Regina Jaquess both from the USA will face fierce competition showcasing the best slalom skiing and drama to crown the next Swiss Pro Slalom Champions in Open Men & Women.
Tournament schedule
First round 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Second round 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Finals 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Prize Ceremony 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm
live webcast on www.swissproslalom.com
Hey Ballers! My name is Adelaide and I’m new here on the site, (though I have low-key stalked my dad Mr. Jones while using this site for some time.) My dad and Mr. Horton have been friends for years. In fact, my most distinct memory of him was when I was little and visiting Skidawgs house for a tournament. He had just awakened and his hair was like a giant poof… (description of poof: picture cartoon characters hair when dynamite blows up nearby, and you’ll be getting close to his hair…) Anyway, thats a little background on how I know Mr. Horton and who my dad is.
I recently decided to post on BOS for something really important to me, my family, and so many others… cancer. Most of y’all know my dad is a very private man, so he kept the fact that he had Non-Hodgkins lymphoma really quiet. He was diagnosed a couple weeks after the 2016 nationals. He has since gone through chemo and is currently in remission! He’s noticeably feeling and looking better, which is a huge relief to me and my family.
Because of dad’s cancer, I was nominated to do the Student of the Year fundraising campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). LLS has a ten week campaign called Man/Woman of the Year, and this is the first year they initiated Student of the Year in our neck of the woods… or should I say bayou. This great organization researches blood cancers and helps patients while they undergo treatment. Mr. Horton was on our list of people who we mailed letters to asking for support. He suggested that I post on BOS to give y’all a chance to donate who we might not have been able to contact otherwise.
Dad told me that a number of you guys have been or are currently battling cancer. Please know my prayers are with you. One thing that I’ve learned about LLS is that often times cures or treatments found in blood cancers can be used for other cancers. Hopefully, the money I earn through this campaign not only helps lymphoma like my dads, but others as well.
I just want to thank all of you for taking the time to read this, and thank you for your contributions. If you would like to donate, you can do so at the link below.
http://pages.mwoy.org/msla/laf18/ajones
Thank you,
Addieski
The Radar Nation Tour is back with six stops across North America! We’ll kick things off in Texas with Trent Finlayson at Zorn, then head over to Virginia and have a ripping weekend with Corey Vaughn at the Peace, Love and Waterskiing camp! From there we’ll head to Grand Rapids, Michigan where we’ll have a day with the team at Action Water Sports, next stop, Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri where we’ll spend the day shredding buoys with Wake Effects. Back to the home turf for a shred at Radar Lake and then cap things off with jMac at McClintock’s Ski School in Ontario! The Radar Nation Tour is a time to try out the latest and greatest skis in the Radar line or just come rip your Radar with the team! We look forward to skiing with you soon, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to get signed up.
Attention Ballers:
Write in your questions for VP of HO Skis/Syndicate Dave Wingerter to have them answered in an upcoming podcast posted directly to BallOfSpray.
Don’t miss your opportunity to pick the brain of one of the leading minds in our sport. Ask him questions about ski design, slalom tech theory, production and more! Enter your question in the BallOfSpray Forum. We will select a number of great questions to be answered and posted to the BallOfSpray newsfeed.
Background on Dave Wingerter:
Wingerter is the Mastermind behind HO Skis and the Syndicate Program. A life-long competitive skier, Dave worked formerly as an aerospace design engineer in the defense industry, contributing to projects like the Atlas III and V rockets. In 2006, after years of combining aerospace technology with waterski theory in his free time, Dave decided to give waterski development a try. His first passion project, the Syndicate A1, burst onto the scene and changed waterskiing design forever. Over a decade later, Dave continues to pioneer the cutting edge of watersport innovation. You can find him skiing tournaments on the professional and national waterski scene where he theorizes, prototypes, designs, builds and rides his creations.
ORLANDO, FL (April 9, 2018) – Nautique is extremely proud to announce the introduction of the all-new Ski Nautique. For nearly 60 years, the Ski Nautique has been the best waterski boat in the world. Those bloodlines continue today with the radically-improved 2019 Ski Nautique.
Tradition. Innovation. Performance. Craftsmanship. When a rare combination of elements like these come together in a ski boat, it’s sure to provide the next great waterskiing experience unlike any before it.
The two words “Ski Nautique” have been synonymous for personal bests and world records for the past 58 years. Today, the radically-new Ski Nautique once again raises the bar of what’s possible.
With a blended carbon fiber and fiberglass construction method that creates the perfect balance of strength and weight, this new icon is lighter than any other ski boat and creates the softest wakes imaginable. The new era in three-event waterskiing is here.
“Each new Ski Nautique has left a distinct impact on waterskiing and generations of athletes. We are excited to enter a new era for this iconic model and drive the technology and performance further than any previous generation,” said Greg Meloon, President of Nautique Boat Company. “Personal Bests and World Records are all going to be in the crosshairs behind this boat, and we can’t wait to see what the all-new Ski Nautique does for the progression of waterskiing.”
Check out all of Nautique’s new boat models and product innovations at Nautique.com
Imagine a ski that intuitively anticipates your every move, rips turns in the blink of an eye and quite simply breeds confidence. EVO is that ski. The all-new EVO is the next evolution of the ARC. Featuring quicker, more complete turns on both sides of the course the EVO is smooth and predictable with no surprises. But don’t be fooled… the EVO has the heart of a warrior. The EVO creates speed instantly out of the turn and builds progressive angle into the wake. The EVO’s heritage is taken from the World Record Holding ARC. If you liked the ARC you absolutely must experience the EVO.
JOIN THE REVOLUTION ON 3-30
E V O – Tour Red - 64” 65” 66” 67” 68”
E V O - Laser Blue - 64” 65” 66” 67” 68”
$1,699.99
Junior 62” EVO available after 5/15- $1,099.99
Lynnwood, WA. March 15, 2018 - Connelly Skis, a renowned water sports and towables brand of more than 50 years, welcomes its newest sales representative, Nick Ithomitis, to the Connelly sales team. Ithomitis brings more than 15 years of experience as a watersports enthusiast and sales rep to the Washington, Oregon and North Idaho region. He will report to Jay Quam, VP Sales and Marketing.
Ithomitis’ experience as a sales rep in the Northwest territory includes working with many crossover dealers to the wintersports business, particularly as the Territory Manager for Nordica Skis and Boots. He also reps Alp-N-Rock, Strafe Outerwear.
“Nick has a great track record of delivering consistently on the sales of his brands, and provides excellent customer service to the dealers and field at large, and we are excited to have him on board.” Quam said.
Ithomitis began waterskiing at the age of 2 and has served as a collegiate team president for Western Washington University in addition to serving the sport as a participant, driver, Malibu Boats promo team member and more.
“Having grown up three-event tournament skiing, and skiing on Connelly for years, not only do I have a ton of confidence in the brand, but also an extreme passion for the products Connelly builds, Ithomitis said. “It really is the perfect fit, and I am excited to begin working with the Connelly retail partners.”
Read more: Being a Healthy Individual isn't a Gym Exercise nor a Diet
The Radar Nation Tour is back with six stops across North America! We’ll kick things off in Texas with Trent Finlayson at Zorn, then head over to Virginia and have a ripping weekend with Corey Vaughn at the Peace, Love and Waterskiing camp! From there we’ll head to Grand Rapids, Michigan where we’ll have a day with the team at Action Water Sports, next stop, Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri where we’ll spend the day shredding buoys with Wake Effects. Back to the home turf for a shred at Radar Lake and then cap things off with jMac at McClintock’s Ski School in Ontario! The Radar Nation Tour is a time to try out the latest and greatest skis in the Radar line or just come rip your Radar with the team! We look forward to skiing with you soon, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to get signed up.
For 2018, Jolly Ski and RadaR Skis are excited to introduce the San Gervasio Junior Challenge.
Among the Pros and Amateurs that have been featured in the San Gervasio Pro Am since 2014, the iconic Italian tournament will now host this invitational, head-to-head event for the top 4 Under 17 Girls and Boys in the World.
These great Junior athletes will receive a formal invitation by Jolly Ski and RadaR Skis to compete during the San Gervasio Pro Am, for a total purse of $2,000, divided equally between Girls and Boys.
“Every year we organize our Pro Event at Jolly Ski, we strive to improve some aspect of our tournament” says Matteo Luzzeri, San Gervasio Pro Am organizer and Pro skier. “This year, we decide to invite the very best Junior skiers in the World. We want them experience what it is like to ski a professional water ski event, and in our opinion the head-to-head format is where Pro skiing should go. After all, these young rippers will be the Pros of tomorrow!”
“Having elite level tournaments for Junior Skiers is something we’re very passionate about here at Radar!” says Brooks Wilson, RadaR Skis Brand Manager “Allowing these kids to compete alongside and in the same format as professionals is something we believe is monumental in defining the start of their professional careers.”
Invited skiers will be selected according to the IWWF Weekly Ranking of Tuesday, March 27th 2018. Invited Junior athletes will not pay any entry fees and compete in the following format:
Invited Junior athletes will be recognized during the Skiers’ dinner meeting on Friday evening and handed their personalized bibs for the event.
Please follow our official website for updates and information on the San Gervasio Pro Am and its Junior Challenge.
Subcategories
Breaking News by Ellie Rae Horton
Ellie Horton is three event and third generation competitive water skier. She grew up skiing at Horton Lakes, which was built by her grandfather Dr Jack Horton, and began competing when she was ten years old.
Currently, Ellie is a second year student at Florida Southern College. She is studying journalism and skis on scholarship for the FSC water ski team. is ranked 3rd overall in the nation, 9th in the U21 overall world standings, and has her open women’s rating in overall.
She is a member of the D3 water skis Factory Team and is sponsored by CAMARO wetsuits and NewCity Clothing.
Her recent successes have included winning Division I women’s tricks at the 2013 collegiate nationals as well as taking the tricks and overall title at the U21 2014 Pan Am Championships.