ACTIVE WATER SPORTS

Our friends at Radar Skis summed up the act of finding the perfect ski like finding the perfect dance partner:

Riding a ski is like dancing.  The longer you have danced with your partner, the more in sync you become.  You know your partner’s every move and you soon are able to make effortless flowing moves without a second thought of how your ski/partner will react to your motions.

In addition, trying a new ski is like dancing with a new partner for the first time.  Our suggestion to you in trying any new ski is to slow down the pace for  “a song” or two and let your new ski/partner lead.  If you can take a step back and learn how your new ski is going to move, you will be able to add your own style into your new routine and soon will be moving flowingly again.  By following for a minute, you will same time in the long run, and your toes won’t get stepped on.

Ready to try a new step or get a new partner? Check out our new 2011 Ski Selection and read our Ski Buyers Guide for more help finding the right mate.

As half of the AWS crew is setting up in Seattle, the rest of us are left with a bit of a Portland boat show hangover.  After a week of trucking in 22 boats, recreating our retail shop in the middle of the Expo Center, and talking non-stop for 4 days to some of our favorite customers, industry reps, and pros, it’s no wonder we’re left feeling a little down and missing the high of the action packed boat show.

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.

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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.

Active Wake just received a huge shipment of Ronix T Shirts, Ronix Hats, and Ronix Sweatshirts today. For the Water Skiers we also received the new Radar T Shirts, Radar Sweatshirts and Radar Hats. Get them before they are sold out again.