• What: Active’s biggest event of the year: Evening with the Stars
• Where: Active Water Sports, Oregon City |1224 McLoughlin Blvd
• When: 7-10 pm | November 18th, 2011

It’s already that time of year. The transition from the warm summer into the long cold winter. So when you are looking through the frost covered window at your winterized boat, you can look forward to one thing, Evening with the Stars! This is the one event of the off season you won’t want to miss! It is a one-night-only event that is free for everyone.

Enjoy: free food, 40% off all 2011 gear, 10% off all 2012 gear, better-than-boat-show-prices on all our Moomba, Supra, Axis, Malibu, and Nautique boats, and a chance to meet some of the greats in the water sports industry. A raffle drawing will take place, giving you a chance to win product from all your favorite brands.

All raffle proceeds are donated to the Children’s Cancer Association.

What Pros should you expect to see?

Jimmy LaRiche               Kevin Henshaw           Eric Ruck

Oli Derome                                           Mike Ennen                               Silas Thurman

We are excited to spend the evening with you as we say “bye-bye,” to summer and bring in the 2012 season together. If you have any questions on special Evening with the Stars pricing, please call 503-643-5018.

Please come and see us at Evening with the Stars as we present, for the first time ever, Nautique boats.

If you have any questions about Nautique, or any of our other boat lines, feel free to call us at the shop.

Axis Wake Research in the USA and Australia are welcoming Dean Smith to their Factory Pro Team because just like Axis wake boats, he is all about charging hard and doing it with style. Smith wanted a boat that would allow him to take his “go big or go home,” attitude into every riding session as well as every competition. It’s this approach that earned the Australian Pro the 2010 WWA Men’s Wakeboard World Championship title. A fun, unassuming guy, Smith has the heart of a lion and conducts himself with true professionalism. Together with his massive tricks and free-riding style, Smith’s character makes him a perfect fit for Axis Wake Research. Smith rides and lives each day to the fullest and that’s how these boats perform; like today is your best day on the water. Axis is proud to call Deano, as he is affectionately known, a member of the family.
When asked about his new team, this is how Smith responded, “I couldn’t be happier on joining the Axis team! It is a company that shares that same passion about wakeboarding as I do, and is moving in a positive direction in the process.” Smith continued, “Having Randall and Keith as team mates is also a huge factor for me. Having 2 of the most innovative riders in world on the same team is a huge honor, and will only push me with my own riding. I’m looking forward to the 2011 season!”

On the pro wakeboard scene since 2004, Smith is no stranger to the podium. He has inflicted years of domination on the Australian Pro Wakeboard Tour. In 2010 he won the hearts of wake fans around the world by becoming the WWA Men’s Wakeboard World Champ. This underdog’s success is proof that if you want it bad enough and train hard enough victory is always within reach.

“I have so much respect for Dean’s riding, versatility and professionalism,” says David Thorpe, National Marketing Manager of Axis Wake Research Australia.

Smith is the first native Australian to earn the title of Wakeboard World Champ. He was born in Sydney in 1984 and still lives there for half of the year. He splits time between his birth place and Orlando, FL wakeboarding as much as he can on both sides of the globe. Together Axis Wake Research USA and Australia are keeping Smith in an Axis wakeboard boat whether he is Stateside or Down Under. This way Smith’s rigorous training schedule can remain just as intense no matter his location.

“Sticking to the Axis roots for pro athlete consideration, it is such a logical fit. Just like our boats, the rider’s attitude, style, and skill level must find balance. Deano has that,” explained Adam McCall, Managing Director for Axis Wake Research. “We at Axis look forward to working with Dean and seeing mutual benefit to the brand and to his riding career.”

Get Dean Smith’s Ronix Wakeboard Gear – Free Shipping and No Sales Tax at ActiveWake.com!

Some people cure their hangovers with Xanax, greasy food, and coffee, but a boat show hangover requires a little more emotional therapy than that.  What better way to brighten our post boat show mood than by re-living some of our favorite boat show memories?  Here’s a quick recap and a few photos that made the Portland Boat Show one of the best for Active Water Sports.

The AWS retail team transformed a blank 1600 square foot piece of concrete into a full on pro-shop featuring all the top brands and gear for wakeboarding, water skiing, tubing, and wake kite.

Liquid Force flew in Melissa Marquadt to help out with the sale.  While she was there, Melissa not only signed all her 2011 Liquid Force Melissa boards (yes, we now have autographed Melissa Marquadt pro model boards), but she hung out and signed autographs for all of our customers.  When she wasn’t running around, stealing candy from other booths, she chatted with customers and even pieced together a super limited, crazy special wakeboard package for $199.99.  Some of our top-selling boat show specials from Liquid Force were the Liquid Force Witness Index Package for $329.95, the Liquid Force Venture Wake Surf for $199.95, and the Liquid Force Angel Plush Package for $249.95.

Danny Harf came out with the Ronix crew to shake hands, kiss babies, and talk about his new pro-model from Ronix (the Ronix One ATR Wakeboard).  At one point, Danny had a gang of 6 kids crowded around him waiting for him to sign posters.  Danny, of course, did it all with a big smile and made those kids’ weekend.  While Danny did sell quite a bit of gear, his charm was no match for the Ronix Australian distributor who also tagged along.  Stu was awe-some and his accent sounded even better when talking about 2011 Ronix wakeboards.

Also hanging out with the Ronix crew, was Trent Finylayson, the Canadian pro skier for Radar Water Skis.  We had tons of slalom skiers stopping by the booth this year and Trent was on the scene to answer all their questions and tell them  about the awesomeness of his pro-model, the Radar Vice.

Hyperlite had longtime NW Rep, Scott Sims, on hand who never had a free moment.  He was constantly talking to customers about the new Hyperlite System bindings, wake kites, and the latest 2011 Hyperlite wakeboards.

Slingshot Wake made the trek up from Hood River to hang out and talk about wood.  Wood cores, that is.  If you still haven’t checked out Slingshot wakeboards and their full wood core wakeboards, then you are missing out.   They have also revamped their entire binding line – speed lacing, light weight, and comfortable make them worth taking a look at!  (we’ll be getting all the new Slingshot wake gear online within the next week)

Over on the boat side of things, AWS was reported to have the best looking team of sales staff information buddies.  Along with the regular Active Water Sports boat posse, many of our boat manufacturers sent representatives of their own.

Amy, the lead marketing guru from Malibu, spent all 4 days with us at the show.   She was full of energy and spent all her time talking about Malibu and getting everyone excited about the new Malibu Touch Screen.  We even had a guest appearance by Malibu president, Jack Springer!

Mark Roske from Skiers Choice swung by to represent Moomba and Supra.  Moomba LSVs were a hot seller at the boat show this year.  Everyone was stoked on the new Moomba cruise control unit and new tower design.

Our teal Axis A-20 caught a lot of attention and Axis Wake Research rep, Matt Bishop, was there to answer everyone’s questions and give demos of all the new Axis features.

It was great to see lots of familiar faces and catch up with everyone since summer!  Thanks for visiting Active Water Sports at the Portland Boat Show this winter.  See you in Seattle?

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!

As the days grow shorter and the nights get cooler, your time on the water is sadly coming to an end.  It’s time to reward your boat for another summer of fun memories.  Fall is the perfect time to bring in your boat for maintenance, repair, and winterization.

The Active Water Sports Service Center is the largest of its kind in the Northwest.  Our AWS Service Technicians are master certified by Malibu, MB Sports, Moomba, Axis, and Supra and are unsurpassed in their experience with all tournament boats.  Call 503.650.5991 to schedule an appointment before the first freeze and treat your boat to a little love.  Thanks for another great summer!

The boys and girls at Axis Wake Research have done it once again. In the wakeboard boat industry it is not every day that you see a highly anticipated new model actually meet and then exceed expectations. The Axis A20 is so hot right now. Whether you need a smaller boat because of Lake Oswego’s length restriction or you drive a Land Rover Discovery like Greg Waters, Axis has you covered. Call Greg or Gerry and get your Axis A20 ordered today.

Shop Active Water Sports for Axis Wakeboard Boats

Professional rider Keith Lyman has made Axis Wake Research his wake boat manufacturer of choice.

Axis Wake ResearchLoudon, TN – Wakeboarder Keith Lyman is going big behind an A22 as the newest member of the Axis Wake Research Pro Factory Team. Known for his unique riding style, his dedication to the sport and clean living, Lyman joins, Randall “The Vandall” Harris representing the industry’s fastest growing wakeboard boat brand. The Axis Wake Team now fuses the highest-flying, strongest style riders of the East and West coasts into a team of professional athletes who are all about the ride Keith Lymanand perfecting their craft. Lyman is a free riding legend and, like Harris, the embodiment of Axis Wake Research. The company is stoked to have him on board.

This is what Lyman had to say about the logic behind that choice. “I believe in the company, everything from the way their boats are built to their moral stance within our industry.” Lyman went on to say, “I’m stoked to see that Adam McCall [Managing Director for Axis] is an actual wakeboarder! He gets it! He is extremely switched on and has an understanding for keeping things simple! A quality that a lot of individuals and companies are seeming to stray from these days.”

Keith LymanLyman believes the most important thing in life is, “staying positive and happy.” This guy may go huge behind his A22, but he is extremely grounded. Lyman prides himself on clean living and looks up to other riders who do the same.

Lyman’s list of respected, stylish, freeride mentors includes the “Who’s Who” of wakeboarding, with Ben Greenwood and Shaun Murray ranking right up there, but when we asked Lyman who has been most influential, he didn’t even blink before he answered, “Randall Harris.”

A motivating factor in Lyman’s decision to ride for Axis, his admiration of Team Axis Pro Rider Harris goes beyond wakeboarding. When Keith Lymanwe asked Lyman why he looks up to Vandall he responded, “Because he came from corruption to the light, as well as being unappreciated and black-balled back in the day to becoming one of the most respected and appreciated riders when he came back after taking a break for two plus years. He is the baddest rider on planet earth. He is wakeboarding.”

When Lyman had the opportunity to get behind the price-point wake boat rooted in style and performance, he was amped! Lyman said this after sessioning behind an Axis A22 for the first time, “…all I can say is WOW! It was awesome! It definitely opened my eyes and I can’t wait to get one of my own!” He continued, “The wake is all around world class! It’s the way a wake should be! It’s huge, really clean, a good width and a perfect shape; great for ridin’ big or for just poppy wake to wake riding.” Keith Lyman

Adam McCall, Managing Director of Axis Wake Research, had this to say about the newest member of the Axis Team. “The synergy with Lyman and Axis is clear. He’s a simple guy who rides because he loves it, takes every trick into the flats and has a style all his own. His riding’s only rivaled by his positive attitude and work ethic.” McCall concluded, “He is an exciting addition to our team!”

About Axis Wake Research: Axis Wake Research manufactures high performance, price point wakeboard boats with new levels of quality, performance, style and owner pride. Axis performance and customer satisfaction is unmatched in the price-point market thanks to aggressive grassroots research and development. These efforts revolve around the specific needs and wants of core riders and families alike. Or as the team at Axis Wake Research likes to say and the Axis name implies “We’re centered on you.”

Company wake’s own Randall Harris and Eddie Valdez join Liquid Force Wakeboards Melissa Marquardt for a tow behind the Axis A22 Wakeboard Boat. Looks like a cold day in SoCal but it doesn’t stop these riders from going huge.

The Axis Wake Research team is not limited to pro athletes or Axis owners. This team is a collection of individuals who would rather be on the end of a wakeboard rope than almost anywhere else in the world. It’s this common motivation that pulled them to the Axis movement. They are part of the team because they no longer see cost effective big wake boating as a list of sacrifices. As Axis Team members these individuals realize wakes, pride, performance and style can intersect in a price-point boat. The membership roster is constantly growing and includes everyone from Axis A22 owners to Axis employees to pro athletes to Axis dealers to industry partners.

Shop Axis Wakeboard Boats

The Axis Wake Research team is not limited to pro athletes or Axis owners. This team is a collection of individuals who would rather be on the end of a wakeboard rope than almost anywhere else in the world. It’s this common motivation that pulled them to the Axis movement. They are part of the team because they no longer see cost effective big wake boating as a list of sacrifices. As Axis Team members these individuals realize wakes, pride, performance and style can intersect in a price-point boat. The membership roster is constantly growing and includes everyone from Axis A22 owners to Axis employees to pro athletes to Axis dealers to industry partners.

Shop Axis Wakeboard Boats