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HO's blog
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6/2/08 A1 Syndicate Demo Tour
Posted by: HO
Stop #1: Whitestone Ski Club – Talking Rock, GA w/ H2Osmosis
On Location: Skiing legend Wade Cox, current Masters Champion Will Asher, and Syndicate Skis Technical Representative Jeremy Nelson give a quick brief on the first A1 demo stop.
Q: Before we get into the demo, tell me about the launching of the A1?
Wade: It was a big success. As you know, the ski was launched at the 49th Masters, we had a great A1 launch party on Saturday evening, and Willy took down the Masters on Sunday – giving him his second title in three years. So there has been a lot of excitement surrounding the ski!
Q: So tell me about the demo today. How were people reacting to the ski?
Wade: They were really enjoying it. Everyone that skied on it really liked it and had a great experience on it. It took no more than about 3 or 4 passes to have just a stellar pass. Everyone seemed to adapt to the ski quite easily.
Will: Yeah, all those guys who rode the A1 really liked the groove they had on the ski because of the ski’s weakside turning ability – it ended up giving them more room on the course.
Q: Is there a certain type of skier out there that this could really benefit?
Jeremy: This is a ski for those die-hard slalom skiers out there who might have a weakness on their offside turn. Everyone out here today just loved how the ski turned on that side of the course. There was only positive feedback about the stability of the ski and its ability to turn toeside.
Q: Lets talk about the tip: I have never seen anything like this before. Is there a purpose or is it just for looks?
Jeremy: It is totally for function. Dave Wingerter designed the Syndicate line so that everything about the ski was for a purpose. It is built for performance, nothing else.
Will: Most people were flipping out about how light the ski was, but even more so how balanced it is from tip to tail. Again, that is all a function of our man, Dave Wingerter. He made a great design which strengthened the nose of the ski so we could take weight out of it.
Wade: This is an idea we have had for some time. By taking weight out of the nose it gives us direct feedback on exactly where and how long the flat spot should be, and where we should make the transitions in and out of our 5-stage rocker line.
Q: So what does A1 stand for?
Will: Angle class, 1st generation.
Q: Thanks guys, just one last question, where are you going to be next?
Wade: Friday is at Miami Ski Nautique and Saturday is at Performance. Come check it out and sign up for the demo. We’ll see you all out there on the water!
Another summer has come and gone and no doubt boat shows will be here in no time.
Posted by: HO
Whether an amateur skier or a ripping pro, fall is always a favorite time of the year to get wet. The muscles are seasoned as well as the confidence. Same as all you retailers, this can also be the time of the year to remodel. You guys are questioning your merchandising and cleaning out inventory getting ready for more. While the skier is questioning his or her ski, fin setup, and most of all technique. Many times it is this prep time that leads to success the following year.
Team HO had another outstanding year. Will Asher, coming off arguably one of the greatest years of all time winning the Masters, World, and finishing #1, backed it up with another solid year. After winning the Pro Swerve in early June, He won the British National Slalom title again! Maybe his biggest win of the year came just a few weeks ago at the Diablo Shores Pro-am. This event is operated be our own Greg Badal. Will won the event in 2006 and was looking for a repeat and he got it. The event came down to the last 2 skiers of the tourney. It was Will vs. Jaime. Mano y mano. Not only did they end up in the head to head final but they even tied here. Will took it in the playoff to win the Diablo back to back. His last event of the year was the Boardstock event. Slalom at a wakeboard comp??????????
This was the 2nd time we have competed in this big party! It is held on a huge lake with hundreds of boats ripping it up during the comp. This did not stop Will as he ran 41 off in the semis. Granted, this was a 4 buoy course. But just for kicks, next summer set up a course on a public lake on the weekend and go out an try to just make a pass. But 41 off are you kidding. Jaime and Will ended up right where they were the previous weekend, tied! Will could not quite pull off the playoff finishing 2nd. Will finished 2nd for the year and also graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Business. Congrats, Will.
Our grom team had a killer year also! The Wilson Brothers are definitely the future of slalom skiing. It is incredible how good they are at such a young age. Brooks ,17, won the Junior Masters, finished 2nd at the Jr Us Open (he won in 2006), and 2nd at the US Nationals. Brooks is already running 39 1/2 off in practice and competed in his second US Open (not bad for a 17 year old). His little bro KC is a ripper also. He won the regional as well as the US National in the Boys 2 age division. The most impressive thing is not only what a cool kid he is but he ran 3 1/2 at 38 off in a tourney this summer. Did I mention that he is 13 years old? Can you even imagine this!
Greg Badal killed again as usual! I do not think anybody has improved this much after starting skiing so late in life. Greg started skiing 10 years ago. Now he is the Masters Men US record holder with 3@ 41 off. He destroyed the competition in the Big Dawgs Championships. After winning a qualifying event in Cali he took the finals in Florida beating an international field. Keep up the great work Greg!
Greg Badal Wins Big Dawg Championship
Posted by: HO
Winter Garden, Florida.-Team HO Skier Greg Badal dominates in winning the 2nd Annual Big Dawg Championships. Greg ran 3@39-1/2 off in the final to best Chad Scott who had scored 2-1/2@39. Badal, of Brentwood, Cailfornia also hosts the annual Diablo Shores Pro-Am.
There were 4 qualifying events throughout the US. Michigan, North Carolina, Texas, and California each hosted and event. The top 8 from each event plus the next best 18 made up the field of 50 for the finals in Florida. Badal had already put on a huge performance at the event in Cali. He ran 39 five out of six rounds in taking the Title.
He also tied the Masters Men Pro record of 3@41 in the Cali qualifier.
The Big Dawgs are defined as at least 35 and older, who have not placed in the top 10 in a pro tourney in the last 3 years. The top 50 got 2 chances of qualifying in very windy conditions. The top 16 would move on to the head to head. Ben Favret, a former pro water skier, led the way after 2 rounds with 2-1/2@41 off with Badal a close 2nd with 2@41 off..
In the bracket finale Badal faced Marco Bettosini of Switzerland in the first round and got by easily. In the quarterfinals Badal faced Scott Larson. This was the match of the tourney with both skiers running a full pass at 39. Badal outscored Larson 1-1/2@41 to 1@41. In the semis Badal won his match against Don Beaman, which put him into the final with Scott. These two had just faced off last year at the US Nationals with Badal winning in a runoff with 2@41. This time Greg didn’t need the overtime!
HO Congratulates Greg on his Big Dawg Championship!
Will Asher on Training, College and the Dynamics of Team Syndicate
Posted by: HO
Hey Guys, My name is Will Asher (A.K.A Willy), I have been an HO Pro Team member for 3 years, which has been the most positive experiences of my life, everyday I am motivated and pushed to levels I never dreamed possible. Team “Syndicate” is more then just a name, it is a phenomenon, and we are a driving force working together in perfect harmony. Headed by Wade, my mentor and confidant, He gives us great direction and clarity in our task. I am in constant Communication with the entire Team, I speak with Wade on a day-to-day basis, and we mostly talk about training, Cycling and skiing, comparing our weekly sessions and rides. Wade will dissect my sessions and fill my head with new unbelievable ideas from his many years of knowledge, Thanks Wade! Dave Wingerter is constantly challenging my mind, probing it for ways we can improve our current products, whether it’s a simple modification to a handle grip compound, or my thoughts on an off the wall ski modification idea he presents in his methodical nature. Dave has brought so much to the table, he is the most motivated, organized and systematic person I know, especially when it comes to skis and the building process, Thanks Dave! Chris Parrish and I chat on a regular basis, and always manage to have a blast, we mostly chat about life, and any new experiences we might have encountered since our last conversation, whether it’s a recent party or a new training experience. Parrish, like me, is an avid cyclist, we often trade tales of the “big ride of the week,” trying to outdo each other on either distance, average speed or who had the worst conditions, it’s always a competition, but healthy competition! Chris is such a positive character, and always manages to elevate my energy level, Thanks Chris!
One of the greatest things about HO is their dedication to product development, with the addition of the legend Bob LaPoint, our energy levels are at an all time high, I have never been so motivated to ski and train. An interesting story, I took a set with, Bob LaPoint, Wade Cox and Chris Parrish in the boat? Talk about jelly legs! Bob has opened all our eyes to a new testing process, and never seizes to amaze us with his knowledge and dedication. When we test skis we watch in anticipation at the next creation Bob pulls from the back of his car, its unreal!! Thanks Bob!
I am currently in my off water phase of my training, and it’s kicking my ass! My current program I developed through years of trial-n-error, and in-depth conversations with some of the best fitness and strength minds in the world. I live for training! I wake up every morning and smile at the thought of a new gym session, fin setting, or a technique that woke me from a deep sleep. I am constantly researching new training methods, anything that can give me an added edge on the water.
Besides training, I am currently diverting a lot of energy into my final Semester at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, wrapping up my degree in Marketing. Being at Lafayette has taught me so much about myself, by presenting me with challenges that explore my mind and discover where I am going with my life. Along my journey I have met some of the most amazing people who fill my life with amazing balance, Thanks Kyle B, Tito, Seth, Tommy boy and the rest of my Lafayette crew for being with me every step of the way.
In the next few days I am going to shift my focus, and take my first, rusty slalom set of the season. I am very excited to see how my off water training will effect my skiing, I already know its going to feel good, I have never felt so healthy.
On a final thought I would like to mention all our passionate HO Syndicate dealers, I met many of you guys at Expo, Boat Shows, tournaments and other random locations. I take this opportunity to thank you very much for you dedication and passion, we are working hard to make your job easier☺ Big thanks to Tommy at Tommy’s Slalom shop, and Scotty Barone for showing me the ropes in Denver, See you next year!
Willy
Syndicate Team News
Posted by: HO
Ever heard the phrase “living like a rock star”? Chris Parrish is doing just this. After a summer in which he competed in Russia, England, France, and Ireland, Parrish has continued his jet setting ways. Believe me after spending the last 20 years doing exactly this I can feel his pain. Nothing like taking a red eye home from Cali just in time to change clothes, go take a practice ride, and then off to the airport for another red eye to Europe! This is life for a lot of pro athletes. Sound fun?
After traveling to Cali for the INT Nat’s Parrish was off to Acapulco with Badal. He then flew back to Florida to ski with The Syndicate Team for a few days. Dave took him back to Seattle where he did the Evening of the Stars. He flew home for Thanksgiving is getting ready for his next trip to St. Thomas next week! Let’s review:
Orlando to Cali
Orlando to Mexico
Orlando to Seattle (five hour drive to Portland and back to Seattle)
Orlando to St. Thomas
All of this travel in six weeks no less!! He’ll sleep when he gets old!
Wade
11-30-2006 Syndicate Team News
Posted by: HO
HO Brand Manager Dave Wingerter is certainly using his team. Although the off-season or planning period for many, Dave has the team working and traveling. Bob LaPoint recently flew from his home in Truckee, Ca to the factory in Redmond. Bob won 5 World Titles, 7 Masters Titles, and held the world record numerous times.
What is most impressive about Bob, however, is the fact that he is a master craftsman. His knowledge of products is remarkable but even more so is the use of his hands. Just like Scott Bouchard builds surfboards, motorcycles, wakeboards, etc…Bob has built motorcycles, race cars, water skis, etc…They can take a problem and create a solution in no time. Their experience is hands on….what better way to learn!
LaPoint and Dave got dirty building some slalom skis. Bob gets so fired up doing this stuff. It is like a race car mechanic getting the car to go faster and handle better for the driver. We are getting to use his vast background; Dave’s engineering pedigree, and the best facilities in the industry! Everyone will benefit!
Wade
HO Sports launches New Water Sports Category through the Purchase of Portland based Wakekite
Posted by: HO
Redmond, WA (1 Nov, 2006) HO Sports President/COO Tim Joyce today announced the asset purchase of Portland based Wakekite Sports, Inc. Wakekite (www.wakekite.com) will be fully integrated into the HO Sports organization effective immediately. HO Sports will continue to market Wakekite product under the present Wakekite product identification. A mix of kite boarding and wake boarding, the new sport of “wakekiting” couples a boat and wakeboarder/water-skier with an inflatable, towable kite.
“I am excited to continue HO/Hyperlite’s long tradition of innovation and growth in water sports. HO/Hyperlite has always had a strong commitment to safety while pushing the boundaries of the sport. Wakekite gives us the best of both worlds. Wakekite is not a tube to be ridden upon, but rather an auto – stable inflatable kite that rides above the rider and is completely controlled by the rider.” said Joyce.
Wakekite’s launch model, the Superfly, has multiple safety elements built in, including an auto-release handle that sets the kite free from the tow line when the rider simply “lets go”. The Superfly delivers a sane and incredibly fun answer to the public’s appetite for big air behind the boat. The result is a much safer experience that allows first timers to savvy riders a new thrill on the water. “We like to think of wakekiting as wakeboarding on the moon. With a wakekite you can catch pro-style air but land ultra-soft with the overhead kite slowing your return to the surface. Wakekiting is not meant to replace wakeboarding, or even to compete head to head with it; rather, a wakekite represents a fun new way to ride and expand one’s list of tricks. With a wakekite, a whole list of never-before-possible tricks is ready to be invented.” said Dan Meyers Co-Founder of Wakekite Sports, Inc.
Wakekite will launch in Spring 2007.
HO Sports Company Inc. based in Redmond, WA is the premier water sports company by designing, manufacturing, distributing and servicing innovative and reliable products which are the brand of choice from the novice to the most proficient water sports enthusiast. HO Sports Company Inc. is comprised of the following brands: Hyperlite Wakeboards, which designs, markets and distributes wakeboards, wakeboard bindings, wakeskates, wakesurfers, apparel and accessories; HO Skis which designs, markets and distributes waterskis, kneeboards, inflatable’s, and accessories; Byerly, which designs, markets and distributes wakeboards, wakeskates, bindings, apparel and accessories; Accurate Lines which designs, markets and distributes water ski and wakeboard tow lines.
TEAM SYNDICATE #1 Congrats Will!
Posted by: HO
Team Syndicate skier Will Asher has finished the 2006 season ranked #1 in the world!
This is Will's first Pro Season Championship. He tore it up the last 3 events of the year
with two 2nds and the Diablo Title to secure the Championship! All of this to go along with being World Champ and Masters Champ! Congrats Will!
The results can be seen on IWSF.com. Click on Elite Rankings/men slalom.
Chris Parrish finished the season ranked 3rd! Although not exactly what Chris wanted,
he nonetheless changed companies and learned the one-hand gate, and still had a year most pros would dream of. It's crazy when winning 3 pro titles and finishing 3rd in the world causes such a stir!
I finished up the year ranked 7th. No victories for me but a very solid year. I put myself in place to win a lot but couldn't pull one off. This is my 19th year in a row to finish the season
ranked in the top 10! I would have never dreamed this up!
Congrats again to Will for his first Championship!
Wade Cox
Team Manager
TEAM SYNDICATE DOMINATES
Posted by: HO
I hope everyone had an awesome summer! Although summer is over and winter is already arriving for some, work has begun for ’07. Our team is hard at it in the gym, on the bikes, and on the water. Team Syndicate carved their way to uncharted waters in the last year. We currently have the WORLD CHAMPION, MASTERS CHAMPION,
US NATIONAL CHAMPION, AND US OPEN CHAMPION. This is unbelievable!
The next to last event of the season was the US Open. This event was held is Central Florida. The qualifying rounds were held at USA headquarters. 39 men were trying for just 6 spots is the final. That is tough, man! Willie ran 39 the first round as did Jeff and Jaime. It was a two round qualifier taking your best score. Chris ran 5@39 and I ran 4.
We both had to step it up the next round. We did! I ran 1@41 and CP ran 1 1/2 @41.
With Will, CP, and myself in the final we had half of the spots. We got a practice round at the finals locale. This was at Disney behind the House of Blues under the lights.
Did I mention the lights? The slalom final on Sat Night was held @9:30 pm. It was bloody dark! The lights were really awesome though and the performances were killer.
CP was second off in the final. Marcus was first and fell early. CP did not. He crushed 39 tail and got 1 ¾ @41. Although it was a 4 buoy course imagine running 39 tail, in the dark, with rollers so bad there could have been small craft advisories. No one topped this but Willie ripped it and finished 2nd with 3@39. I ran 1@39 to finish 5th. 1st, 2nd, and 5th, at the US Open with over 8,000 watching. The event was incredible!
The last Pro event of the year was the Diablo Pro-am. This event is in its 4th year and is operated by fellow Team Syndicate stud Greg Badal (Mens 3 Nat’l Champ). The event has 3 rounds of qualifying and the cut is to the top 8(best of two average). The first round was blown out. In the 2nd round Willie and I cruised 39. In the 3rd round I ran 5@39 and Willie ran 3 advancing both of us to the top 8. The top 8 are then paired into brackets and the rest is run head to head (Same as Princes Open). Unfortunately for me I got Willie in the quarterfinal. I fell at 3@39 and Willie advanced to the semis. Jaime was his semifinal opponent. Jaime ran 39 tail first and waited for Will. And we waited and we waited. A gate had come out and no one wanted to fix it. Finally, here comes Will.
He crushed 39 tail! He was raging inside! Jaime went on to run 2@41 and then in maybe the best performance of the year Willie ran 3@41 to win the semi and advance.
Rossi beat Rodgers in the other semi setting up the final. In an anticlimactic final Will
beat Rossi for the Victory!
WORLD CHAMPION
MASTERS CHAMPION
US NATIONAL CHAMPION
US OPEN CHAMPION
In my first summer as Team Manager I was rewarded immensely! Being able to work with the best 2 slalom skiers in the world is such an unbelievable experience. Their passion and dedication exceeds the natural talent they both have. And on top of everything they are the coolest guys in the world to hang out with.
And we are just getting started. Dave is just so awesome! He provides us much needed structure and support. With Dave and the addition of Bob LaPoint, we now have the best minds and the best bodies working together. The energy level is so high we believe the best is yet to come!
Wade Cox
Syndicate Team Manager
25 Years in the Making
Posted by: HO
 Twenty Five years ago, with goals and aspirations, we set out to become the premier watersports company in the world. By designing, manufacturing and selling innovative and reliable products we have diligently pursued this dream. Today, as always, we work to make HO Skis the brand of choice from the novice to the most proficient watersports enthusiast. This has been our mission statement for the past 25 years and will be for the next 25 years.
Thanks for all your support!
See you on the water.
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