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Water Sports Association Industry Announces Leadership Awards at Annual Summit

Steamboat Springs played host to another great weekend for the WSIA Summit

By Wakeboarding Staff

Updated: March 8, 2019

Each year the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA) hosts a gathering of members for an epic weekend of presentations, meetings, mind-melding, keynote speakers, elbow-rubbing, and more at Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The biggest news to come out of each Summit is who walked away with the awards that are presented at the closing banquet dinner. This year the winners included a variety of wake boat and board brands, including some legendary former pro riders.

Water Sports Association Industry Announces Leadership Awards at Annual Summit

When you put a bunch of Watersports lifers on the snow, good things happen! This is the WSIA Summit in the Snow. Bill Doster

Wake Park of the Year: Texas Ski Ranch

Texas Ski Ranch was awarded Wake Park of the Year for its outstanding programs in the community, safe practices, and continued efforts to grow the sports. Connor Stadtmueller

Camp/School of the Year: Freedom Wake Park

With its epic private boat lake, two-tower cable system, and commitment to everybody from beginner to pro, Freedom Wake Park was honored with Camp/School of the Year. Owner and wakeboarding Legend Cobe Mikacich was on hand to accept the award. Courtesy Freedom Wake Park

Retail Shop of the the Year: Wake Effects by Big Thunder

A Lake of the Ozarks staple, Wake Effects by Big Thunder was awarded for its selection, product mix, commitment to the sports, and efforts with the local grassroots and contest scene. Courtesy Wake Effects

Marine Dealership of the Year: SouthTown Watersports

SouthTown Watersports was awarded for its commitment to customers and engaging them in the on-water lifestyle experience, as well as its promotion of Wake Responsibly and #PASSTHEHANDLE efforts. Bill Doster/WSIA

Sales Rep of the Year: Andrew Adkison – Connelly

Longtime pro rider Andrew Adkison took the honor as Sales Rep of the Year, which is well deserved for his hard work and passion for towed watersports. Bill Doster/WSIA

Larry Meddock Award: Vince Castronovo – Wake the World

Oregon native Vince Castronovo has helped host events for Wake the World, among other organizations, since 2012. The biggest is the famed Big Kahuna gathering each summer on Lake Shasta in California. This year there were over 140 boats and 170 kids who learned to ride for the first time. Bill Doster/WSIA

Watersports Innovation Awards

Centurion Fi25 – Sweet Surf Spectrum

Centurion was awarded for its Sweet Surf Spectrum and the incredible 26-foot long wave created by the Fi25. Courtesy Centurion

Malibu Monsoon M6Di Engine

Malibu’s new Monsoon M6DI engine recently received a 5-star, “extremely clean” rating from the California Air Resources Board, making it the cleanest in the industry. Courtesy Malibu

Roswell DropZone Auto Tower

The DropZone Auto Tower from Roswell is lighter, stronger, and more functional than any other tower in its class. Courtesy Roswell

Supreme Boats ZS Series Tapered-V Hull

The signature Tapered-V hull on the new Supreme ZS line of boats has helped create the best wakes and waves in the brands history. Courtesy Supreme

Ronix RXT Wakeboard

The RXT is the lightest and most responsive board ever made by Ronix, which is why so many of the team riders are now using it as their daily ride. Courtesy Ronix

Supra and Moomba AutoWake

AutoWake continues to bring in the awards for its revolutionary technology in both the Supra and Moomba lines. Courtesy Supra Boats

Slingshot Hover Glide Wake Foil

The Slingshot Hover Glide Wake Foil package has helped bring the fun world of riding on a foil to the masses. Courtesy Slingshot

Liquid Force Wakesurf Edge

The Wakesurf Edge from Liquid Force helps boats that don’t have built-in surf systems create waves with tons of push for riders of all levels to enjoy the sport. Courtesy Liquid Force

Drop ‘n Fill v2.0

This is the second year in a row the Drop ‘n Fill has been awarded an Innovation Award from WSIA, and for good reason, it is great for all those who need to gas up a boat on the water or away from a gas pump. Courtesy Drop ‘n Fill

More: Articles, Wakeboarding News, WSIA

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