ACTIVE WATER SPORTS

Shrouded in a cloud of cold wet dampness, the Boat Show acts like a ray of sunshine bursting through the rain.  We know that the Northwest Boat Shows are your oasis from the dreary days of winter and that’s why Active never holds back with our Boat Show Presence.

I sat down with Gerry Oppliger and Greg Waters (Active’s lead boat salesmen) to find out why Active makes the Boat Show so special.

Greg: We are the boat show.  We put on a huge, full-on display. We’ve got boats on the floor, boats on trailers, boats on lifts and a full retail display.  It is the only time that factories give out discounts (almost as good as Evening with the Stars). Plus we essentially bring the entire retail shop to the Expo Center where customers can look at all the new wake and ski gear as well as our discounted gear from last season.  It’s a great way to get away from the rain and see the boats in a clean dry location.

Gerry: If the boat show was a circus, we’d be the ringmasters.  Active takes up center stage at the boat show with the most boats, the most wake and ski gear, the best display, and staffed with the best crew to help with all your questions.

We’re all getting stoked for the 2011 Boat Show Season and hope to see you in Portland or Seattle for some of the best deals of the year!

• Portland Boat Show | January 12th-16th | Portland Expo Center
• Seattle Boat Show | January 21st-30th | Seattle Qwest Field

About the Portland Boat Show:
For more than 50 years the Portland Boat Show has been one of the biggest – all indoor – boat shows in the region. Each year the show looks for the most attractive features, seeks the newest boat designs and provides an abundance of boating choices for all boating aficionados. The Portland Boat Show is set to launch on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at the Portland Expo Center.

Of course, the big draw for Northwest boaters is seeing what’s new in boat lines, technology and accessories. Every year, manufacturers and dealers bring in their latest designs for introduction. Expect plenty of new boat lines this year, and see what’s new from a wide range of manufacturers and dealers. Plus, some dealers will bring in last year’s models with their new inventory for the ultimate in price selection and negotiation!

About the Seattle Boat Show:
The Seattle Boat Show, Indoors + Afloat, is the West Coast’s Largest Boat Show featuring more than 1,000 recreational watercraft, seminars and the latest accessories indoors at Qwest Field Event Center, plus afloat on South Lake Union.  A free shuttle runs every day between Qwest Field Event Center and South Lake Union every 30 minutes.

Christmas comes early this year!  Just in time for all you last minute shoppers, we’ve got a new shipment of discount Billabong impact vests.  These vests are all competition style, non-cost guard approved impact vests.  Lightweight and easy to move in, any skier, wakeboarder, or waterskier will appreciate the flexibility of an impact vest.

The Billabong Modernizm Vest is a pull over style with a boardshort tie in the back so it doesn’t ride up on you.  The Billabong neoprene and lycra combination make this vest soft and easy to pull on and off, while the geometric screen print keeps you looking hip on the water.

The Billabong Giharff Vest is a favorite among the competition vests.  With a similar style to the O’Neill Gooru Vest, the Giharff is a pullover, reversible impact vest.  The segmented panels are designed for maximum range of movement on the water.  Check it out in the Billabong Giharff Pink and Billabong Giharff Grey.

We’ve stocked up on Large and XLarge in these vests, as they seem to be the most popular sizes.  Remember that you want your neoprene vest to fit relatively snug and check our wakeboard vest sizing chart to get the recommended measurements.

Don’t wait around too long, these vests go quick!  Stop in to Active Water Sports or buy online today!

Orlando, FL –  Just in time for the holidays, sports of Wakeboarding and Wakeskating gained a new type of media in the form of a weekly digital magazine called “Wake Journal”.

As part of the big launch, “Wake Journal” Issue 3 is now viewable for free and as a $.99 download for iPad and iPhone at www.WakeJournal.com.

New issues publish every Monday morning online, and are automatically sent to subscribers by email.

Seen through the lens of award-winning photographer Joey Meddock, “Wake Journal” is packed full of iconic photos from the Meddock archives. The acclaimed photographer has been gathering photos for the project for some time.

“Every photo session in wake offers numerous photos to choose from, and finding a home for those photos is just part of the challenge. I believe there are still great uses for those notorious ‘cutting room floor’ shots. They just have to find their home. ‘Wake Journal’ is my final resting place of photographic satisfaction,” Meddock added.

For those last-minute shoppers, there are both printable and email-able “Wake Journal” Gift Certificates. They can be purchased for any amount and delivered on any date desired, including Christmas. It’s the perfect gift for anyone receiving an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.

“These days, you have to adapt and embrace the technology that’s out there. The “palm-of-your-hand” viewer interaction with “Wake Journal” through the iPad or iPhone uses cutting-edge technology, reaching unexplored avenues in the sport of wake. On the iPad, these pages zoom in and out, link to websites, videos and more. The potential for new content layouts and advertising creativity in the months to come will be unbelievable,” said Meddock.

Active employee, Greg Waters, really likes the Wake Journal;  “I look forward to receiving my new copy of the journal every Monday.“  We like to give him a hard time for his iPad, but you know we all huddle around it to check out Meddock’s latest photo collection when Greg receives it.

To see the brand-new Issue 3 or subscribe, go to www.WakeJournal.com.  Get your inspiration from the Wake Journal and then hop over to Active Wake to shop the new 2011 Wakeboards and Wakeskates.

Legit.  That’s how you describe Greg Waters.  Maybe even too legit…. If you have a serious wakeboarder on your list for Christmas gifts, you’ll want to follow Greg’s list closely.

1.  2011 Ronix Relik Boots and 2011 Slingshot Reflex Wakeboard – This set-up is pure HEAVEN, according to Greg.  The Slingshot Reflex is constructed with an all wood core and urethane sidewalls which makes it super durable, poppy, and the added flex lets you butter rails just like a snowboard!  The Ronix Relik boots really appeal to Greg’s style, but they’re more than just a pretty face.  The Reliks really combine the best of both worlds, easy flexing comfort with high-end performance.

2.  Ronix One Handle – The One Handle is rad because it allows you to find your perfect grip.  Easily interchange different diameter and shaped grips, while using one yoke.

3.  Straight Line Team Line (Silver) – Made with a Dyneema core, the Straightline Team Line is one of the strongest, no-stretch lines out there.

4.  Ronix Yonderosa Vest – Greg needs to use the compass that comes with this vest to ensure a proper landing on his wrapped back 3’s.

5.  O’Neill Boardshorts – Stay flashy, Greg.

6.  2011 Axis A20 – The boat that you have been waiting for, it fits in a small space and it puts out monster wakes!

Looking for some great gift ideas for wakeboarders, water skiers and all-around water lovers? Here’s Active Wake’s Top Best Selling Gifts for the 2010 Holiday Season. If you’re looking for even MORE ideas, check out our employees wish lists. Free shipping on all orders over $99 and guaranteed by Christmas if you order by 12/20.

	One of the best stocking stuffers of all time, wake DVDs fit perfectly inside a stocking and help keep everyone stoked during the winter months. Shop DVDs >>
	A Bucket of Babes is the complete wake/ski boat care kit. Ideal for anyone who wants to keep their boat looking shiny and new. Shop Boat Accessories >>
	The Liquid Force Party Island is fun for your whole crew. Sometimes you just want to lounge in the water with your friends and the LF Party Island is designed for the ultimate water hang out session. Shop Party Islands >>
	Add some style to your wakeboard and ski routine with an Impact Vest. Lightweight and flexible, these comp vests come in tons of great styles and allow for much more freedom of movement on the water. Shop Vests >>
	Everyone wants to extend their season. An O’Neill Drysuit is one of the easiest ways to add a couple months onto your wake or ski season. Pick one up in a Medium or Large and accommodate a wide range of people sizes. Shop Dry Suits >>
	Get the entire family standing up behind the boat with a wake surf board. We’re selling one of our most popular wakesurfs for just $199 this holiday season. So there’s no excuse not to get on board the wakesurf craze. Shop Wake Surf Boards >>
	Another great stocking stuffer. Ski gloves start at just $19.95 and are one of those items you should always have stashed in the boat. Shop Gloves >>
	Looking for another fun way to ride wake? Wakeskating has grown with more popularity each year. The Ronix Rove Karver is designed with the entry level skater in mind, which makes it a great gift for the entire family. Shop Wake Skates >>
	Choose your level of extreme with the Radar Chase Lounge 3. This tube can be a comfy cruiser or a wild ride. Shop Tubes >>
	Give your tower a more polished look with DGB Mirror Arm and Mirror. Made in the USA, this mirror arm comes with a CIPA mirror and really makes a classy addition to the safety features needed for towing. Shop Tower Mirrors >>

After too many serious injuries on the racquet ball court, Dan is changing the way he rides the water.  His knees just can’t take the harsh impact of wakeboarding anymore, so this spring he’ll begin his career as a tournament slalom skier.  To get a jump start on his new water ski gear collection, he’s compiled this Christmas list full of great gifts for water skiers.

1. 2011 HO Syndicate A-2 Ski – The Syndicate A-2 is packing enough carbon fiber to really get gnarly on those cut backs.  Expect to see Dan shredding the course on the HO Syndicate A-2’s this spring.

2.  Radar Strada Boots 2011 -   Heat moldable with a streamline design, the Strada Bindings are one of the most comfortable, high performance ski boots out there.

3.  Radar BOA Gloves – Initially, Dan just wanted the Radar BOA Gloves because they matched his ski.  Little does he know that the Strada BOA glove features one of the most advanced fits due to the BOA technology.

4.  Straight Line 10 Section Pro Mainline + Radar Strada Custom Handle – Get ready to grip it and rip it with this combo.  Choose your handle length and diameter with the Strada Custom and customize your line with the easy to use 10 Section Mainline from Straightline.

5.  O’Neill Gooru Vest – Lightweight and flexible, the Gooru vest gives you all the freedom of movement you need.

Tis the season!  ActiveWake has the best selection of gifts for your wakeboarder, water skier, or boat enthusiast.  Our HoliDEALS section features some of our best deals for this season.  Wakeboard packages starting at $249.95, Wake Surf Boards for $199.95, Vests from $89.95 and more.  From stocking stuffers to something really special for the whole family, we know how to keep your holiday season merry and bright.  Shop now and remember, all shipping is free on orders over $99.

Bryan’s been more nice than naughty this year, so we’re hoping that Santa will bring him everything he deserves from his Wakeskating Christmas List.  If you’re shopping for gifts for wakeskaters this holiday season, you may want to take a few tips from Bryan’s List.

1.  Liquid Force Roberts SST 40.5 Wakeskate – Bryan is convinced that if he gets the SST Wakeskate, he’ll ride just as good as Grant Roberts.

2.  Nike 6.0 Bratta’s – Light-weight and flexible, the Nike Bratta Shoe has a super grippy sole that is perfect for wakeskating in.

3.  O’Neill Boardshorts – O’Neill incorporates some of their wetsuit/neoprene technology into their surf shorts, making them extra comfortable to wakeskate in.

4.  Liquid Force Core Helmet – Safety first!

5.  O’Neill Gooru Comp Vest – Easy to move in and easy on the eyes.  (Hey Santa, we’ve even got these on Mega Sale!)

6.  Liquid Force Skate Bag – Bryan got sick of trying to make a wakeboard bag work for his wakeskate.  The LF Skate Bag is designed exclusively for wake skate use.

7.  Washed Up Before We Were Has Beens DVD – Everyone needs a little inspiration now and again.  Read our review on Obscura’s New Video here.