Billabong – Wakeboarding Mag

Boardshorts

Brandon Judd — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 22:13:43 +0000

Gear: This Summer’s Best Boardshorts | Photos: Art Vandelay

Get a Pair

We all know the biggest fashion statement you make on the water comes down to what shorts you’re rocking. Fashion aside, a comfortable pair of shorts makes a huge difference in terms of mobility and performance when you’re on the water. Everyone has their sweet spot when it comes to boardshort length, so we highly recommend trying on a few different pairs and finding that perfect length you love. For future reference, always remember what the outseam measurement is! That way you’re always dialed in and ready to make a purchase if you see some shorts you’re into.

Billabong — Pulse X | $65 | Shown in blue

Things We Like:

– The 20″ outseam for perfect performance fit.

– The PX2 stretch material Billabong used is recycled.

– These shorts looks as good as they feel, keeping you looking sharp.

billabong.com

Body Glove — Dis N Dat | $45 | Shown in indigo

Things We Like:

– A 360-degree drawstring keeps these comfortable and on your waist.

– The polyester-spandex blend is quick drying and super flexible.

– A classic cut and simplistic design keep you looking fresh on the water.

bodyglove.com

Fox — Sling Shots | $59 | Shown in black

Things We Like:

– Bob Soven signature shorts, so they’re Bob-approved.

– Bootlace drawcord keeps these babies up!

– A 19″ outseam keeps them above the knee and the perfect fit.

foxhead.com

Liquid Force — Hershal | $55 | Shown in blue

Things We Like:

– Perfect fit for riding with the 19″ length.

– Allover print and woven patch look great.

– Four-way stretch for good flexibility and superior comfort.

liquidforce.com

Ronix — Tight & Right | $65 | Shown in Aloha print

Things We Like:

– The waistband string cinches all the way around, keeping these where they belong.

– Great mobility with the four-way stretch of the polyester-spandex blend.

– The 20″ outseam makes these look great and stay comfy.

ronixwake.com

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Brian Grubb – ZEAL Optics

Brandon Judd — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 03:10:26 +0000

Brian Grubb talks ZEAL Optics and takes a set out in Colorado. I guess it’s finally time to stop squinting and getcha a pair. Check it out!

The post Brian Grubb – ZEAL Optics appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Pick-A-Trick and Grab It – JD Webb

Shawn P — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 22:29:10 +0000

Next up! JD Webb. Watch as he takes his wrapped toe back 5 and sees what type of new grab he can throw on it. JD is on fire lately, but like all of us you can go out with a plan but who knows what’s going to happen once you get on the water. Anyone else think his completely ungrabbed one at :45 looked pretty sick anyway? Check it out, and happy Friday!

The post Pick-A-Trick and Grab It – JD Webb appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Best Wakeboard Vests

Brandon Judd — Fri, 22 May 2015 00:25:43 +0000

Wakeboard vests .

Ahhhh…wakeboard vests. We all wear them; we all love them. Not only can you look like your favorite pro rider while you’re on the water, but you can be safe out there too. While we advise you to stay privy to the laws of the waterway you ride on in terms of picking a competition (comp) wakeboard vest versus USCGA vest, also be sure to choose a vest that keeps you afloat and your head out of the water if something were to go wrong. Every body type is different, so get out there and try a few wakeboard vests on to find out which vest style and size works best for you. Remember, when trying on wakeboard vests, the tighter the better! Any little gaps of air between the vest and your skin will undoubtedly cause the vest to rise up from your shoulders when you’re in the water. Happy hunting for your new wakeboard vest this year, and stay safe!

For more wakeboard vests, check out our page on how to choose a wakeboard vest.

Comp Vests

Billabong Slice

MSRP: $115 • billabong.com • Things We Like: Four-way-stretch materials for extra comfort. Fully articulating panels for perfect mobility. Front zip and extra lightweight. .

Body Glove Malinoski/Rockstar Comp Wakeboard Vest

MSRP: $130 • bodyglove.com • Things We Like: Superstretchy and comfortable Magnaflex shell. Lightweight and floaty Aerolight foam. Segmented panels for really good flexibility. .

CWB Team Vest

MSRP: $90 • ridecwb.com • Things We Like: Twenty-two separate foam panels for extra mobility. Thin profile and four-way stretch for an extremely comfy fit. Front zip and no buckles for easy entry and exit .

Hyperlite Franchise Blue Camo

MSRP: $150 • hyperlite.com • Things We Like: Fully reversible — like two vests in one. Pullover style for tons of mobility. Three-dimensional cut for improved flexibility. .

JetPilot Chris O’Shea Signature Wakeboard Vest

MSRP: $130 • jetpilot.com • Things We Like: One-hundred-percent flex-light stretch panels for maximum mobility. PVC foam core for great impact protection. Lightweight design for super comfort. .

Liquid Force Watson Comp vest

MSRP: $140 • liquidforce.com • Things We Like: Light and flexible Flex-Span neoprene and Air-Prene fabric. Fifteen panels for full range of motion. Light PVX foam that doesnÕt absorb much water and stays floaty. .

Ronix Parks black/volcano Impact vest

MSRP: $140 • Ronixwake.com • Things We Like: Front zip for easy entry and exit. Supercomfortable stretchy outer shell and segmented panels. Rad-looking black mesh over the orange material. .

Slingshot Impact Vest

MSRP: $120 • slingshotsports.com • Things We Like: The front zip and buckle for keeping the vest tight around your torso. Comfortable, simple design. Understated matte finish for stealth on the water. .

CGA Vests

Billabong Slice CGA vest

MSRP: $89 • billabong.com • Things We Like: Front zip and dual buckles for easy entry/exit. Tons of cushion and foam to make it extra floaty. Extra large arm holes for no chaffing. .

CWB Reverb CGA vest

MSRP: $70 • ridecwb.com • Things We Like: Adjusting “V” back flex panel for a lot of body types. Segmented foam panels for optimized mobility. Oversize arm holes for maximum comfort. .

Hyperlite Team CGA vest

MSRP: $150 • hyperlite.com • Things We Like: Insane range of motion from every direction. Separate rib panels for better range of motion.Great drainability of water. .

JetPilot Shawn Murray CGA vest

MSRP: $110 • jetpilot.com • Things We Like: Custom-designed by Shaun Murray. Low bulk and super lightweight for a CGA vest. Multiple panels for good range of motion. .

Liquid Force Reflex CGA vest

MSRP: $120 • liquidforce.com • Things We Like: PVX foam for extra floatation and low water absorption. Thirteen segmented panels for a huge range of motion. Power-Flex and Flex-Span materials for keeping you locked in the vest but still mobile. .

Ronix One Capella CGA vest

MSRP: $160 • ronixwake.com • Things We Like: Insanely comfortable round cylinder construction. Neoprene shell for minimal water absorption. Cylinder design with no seams on the sides for extra rub protection. .

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Mike Dowdy – Rider Set-Ups

Shawn P — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 03:37:43 +0000

Do you want to know what Mike Dowdy is riding on this year? Check it out as he describes each part of his rider set-up and exactly how he likes each piece of his gear before he goes out on the water. If you’re looking for a specific piece of his scroll down to the links below to find out exactly where to get it. Happy gear hunting!

1. CWB Dowdy 136

$430

cwbwakeboards.com

2. CWB MD Boots

$430

cwbwakeboards.com

3. CTI Custom Knee Brace

Prices vary

ctikneebraces.co.uk

4. Obsidian Knife (bought off a guy in a 7-Eleven parking lot)

$40

5. Proline Dowdy Handle with Vapor Series Mainline

$160

prolineropes.com

6. Handmade Bow and Arrow

$19 in Home Depot materials

7. Billabong Invert Vest

$100

billabong.com

8. Billabong Xero Furnace 3/2 mm fullsuit

$450

billabong.com

7. 8.4-ounce Red Bull

redbull.com

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JD Webb — Another One Down

Brandon Judd — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 00:42:00 +0000

In case you haven’t seen the video that won JD Webb and Spencer Norris Web Video of the Year at Wake Awards, now is your chance! And if you thought Run, Run, Run, was good, you’ll need to sit down for this one. Check it out!

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Vest of the Month: Raph Derome Comp Vest by Billabong

Brandon Judd — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 23:31:21 +0000

It’s VOTM time again! Raph Derome’s Non-CGA Signature Competition Vest by Billabong has been selected as our June Vest of the Month. I know a lot of riders that swear by it. It’s definitely one to check out if you are looking to step up your game while competing this year.

Vest of the Month: Raph Derome Comp Vest by Billabong

Weighing in at just 1.36 pounds, Raph Derome’s signature comp vest is built with simplicity and mobility in mind. The tacky texture on the vest’s exterior allows it to dry quickly and keeps the neoprene from stretching out too much over time. This is important with comp vests this flexible. The super stretch neoprene generally gets pretty sloppy after a season of entry and exit, but the elastic properties of the almost rubberized matte material on the outer shell keeps it returning back to its original dimensions after use. It also features a front zip so it’s much easier to put on and off than a pullover, but it equally as thin and light as a pullover comp vest once it is zipped up.

MSRP: $115

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The Vest Test

Brandon Judd — Wed, 21 May 2014 00:49:55 +0000

Whether it’s time for you to upgrade your vest or if you just want to know how much water your vest soaks up when you ride, pay close attention — you’re going to like this feature. In our May issue, we included a “Vest Test” in our Gear section. In honor of Safe Boating Week, we’ve made this baby digital in case you missed the original. Check it out!

The Test

Along with showing you some of the this year’s best vests, we wanted to bring you some insight on how each of these vests shed or held water. What we decided to do was to weigh the vests dry, submerge them and then weigh them wet. This told us exactly how much water the vests hold after you’re up on the water trying tricks.

Here was our process:

1. Weigh the vest dry.

2. Submerge the vest. In order to be consistent, we came up with a typical time a vest is submerged from when you fall until you are picked up. We kept each vest under water for 90 seconds.

_3. Weigh the vest wet. _We also estimated how long it takes from when you get up on your wakeboard to when you try your first trick. We weighed each vest 45 seconds after it was taken out of the tank.

_Soakage: _This measures the increase in overall weight from the dry vest to the soaked vest after 45 seconds of emerging from the water.

Comp Vests

O’Neill | Slasher Comp Vest

Dry: 1.21 pounds

Wet: 2.38 pounds

Water weight: 1.17 pounds

Soakage: 97 percent

Notable features: This competition vest is lightweight, flexible, reversible and anatomically segmented for maximum freedom of movement.

MSRP: $130

Jetpilot | Chris O’Shea Comp Jacket

Dry: 1.67 pounds

Wet: 2.93 pounds

Water weight: 1.26 pounds

Soakage: 75 percent

Notable features: Chris O’Shea’s signature comp vest features a long tapered design with one nylon strap to keep the vest snug and prevent it from rolling up, which is a common issue with vests this flexible.

MSRP: $130

Body Glove | Harley Clifford Signature Vest

Dry: 1.87 pounds

Wet: 2.95 pounds

Water weight: 1.08 pounds

Soakage: 58 percent

Notable features: Harley Clifford’s competition vest is a long, thin vest that is flexible and padded throughout for a nice sturdy construction.

MSRP: $130

Billabong | Raph Non-CGA Signature Vest

Dry: 1.36 pounds

Wet: 1.8 pounds

Water weight: 0.44 pounds

Soakage: 32 percent

Notable features: Raph Derome’s signature comp vest is built with simplicity and mobility in mind. The tacky texture on the vest’s exterior allows it to dry quickly and keeps the neoprene from stretching out too much over time.

MSRP: $115

Hyperlite | Franchise Comp

Dry: 1.32 pounds

Wet: 2.2 pounds

Water weight: 0.88 pounds

Soakage: 67 percent

Notable features: The Franchise Comp vest is simple yet effective. The front-zip entry makes this vest easy to get on and off while keeping a thin and lightweight profile for an easy-to-use, no-hassle competition vest.

MSRP: $135

CWB | Team Pullover

Dry: 1.14 pounds

Wet: 2.13 pounds

Water weight: 0.99 pounds

Soakage: 87 percent

Notable features: This pullover comp vest is light, thin, flexible, reversible and features loops that allow you to tie the bottom to your shorts, so it won’t roll up on impact.

MSRP: $100

Ronix | One Impact Jacket

Dry: 1.43 pounds

Wet: 2.22 pounds

Water weight: 0.79 pounds

Soakage: 55 percent

Notable features: Based on the Capella pattern, this comp vest is designed to fit your torso properly while providing impact protection for your core.

MSRP: $140

O’Brien | Team NCGA Vest

Dry: 1.23 pounds

Wet: 2.22 pounds

Water weight: 0.99 pounds

Soakage: 80 percent

Notable features: O’Brien’s Team comp vest features a 1.5-millimeter four-way stretch neoprene, which makes it very elastic and extremely comfortable to wear.

MSRP: $100

Liquid Force | Flex Comp

Dry: 1.47 pounds

Wet: 2.97 pounds

Water weight: 1.5 pounds

Soakage: 102 percent

Notable features: This comp vest’s 38-section construction is designed for easy entry, maximum comfort and extreme flexibility.

MSRP: $100

CGA Vests

O’Neill | Torque USCG Vest

Dry: 2.97 pounds

Wet: 4.25 pounds

Water weight: 1.28 pounds

Soakage: 43 percent

Notable features: The Torque is a buoyant, Coast Guard-approved vest that features an integrated lumbar design that supports the lower back when upright and moves with you when bending forward.

MSRP: $130

Jetpilot | Shaun Murray USCG Approved PFD

Dry: 2.18 pounds

Wet: 3.35 pounds

Water weight: 1.17 pounds

Soakage: 54 percent

Notable features: Shaun Murray’s signature vest features a lightweight, low-bulk design that allows for a wide range of motion while keeping you afloat up to the Coast Guard’s standards.

MSRP: $110

Body Glove | Prime

Dry: 2.46 pounds

Wet: 3.88 pounds

Water weight: 1.42 pounds

Soakage: 58 percent

Notable features: This vest has all the bells and whistles. The Prime features an air-foam interior for ventilation and easy drainage, hidden nylon straps, mesh vents, segmented panels, and more.

MSRP: $110

Hyperlite | Special Agent Team

Dry: 2.64 pounds

Wet: 4.26 pounds

Water weight: 1.62 pounds

Soakage: 62 percent

Notable features: This vest stands out with a superior range of motion in all directions thanks to independent segmented rib panels that bend and flex with you.

MSRP: $145

CWB | Absolute Vest

Dry: 1.58 pounds

Wet: 3.21 pounds

Water weight: 1.63 pounds

Soakage: 103 percent

Notable features: The Absolute Vest features an upside down U-shaped flex panel on the back and large armholes that greatly increase mobility.

MSRP: $75

Ronix | Parks Capella CGA Vest

Dry: 2.62 pounds

Wet: 4.34 pounds

Water weight: 1.72 pounds

Soakage: 66 percent

Notable features: The fit of this vest is designed with a cylindrical shape that is built to fit your torso properly to increase comfort and mobility, all while maintaining Coast Guard-approved safety and flotation standards.

MSRP: $150

O’Brien | Flex V-Back

Dry: 1.98 pounds

Wet: 3.32 pounds

Water weight: 1.34 pounds

Soakage: 68 percent

Notable features: The V-Back feature that the vest is named for is a flexible neoprene webbing that is stretched between the two lower back panels and plays a large part in the vest’s overall comfort.

MSRP: $80

Liquid Force | Watson CGA

Dry: 1.94 pounds

Wet: 3.1 pounds

Water weight: 1.16 pounds

Soakage: 60 percent

Notable features: The Watson CGA vest is designed for maximum comfort by featuring a super stretch material, 11 panels and a size-zip entry.

MSRP: $130

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ZEAL Optics Interview with Mike Dowdy

Brandon Judd — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 05:29:26 +0000

ZEAL Optics sits down with team rider Mike Dowdy for a Q&A. Mike has been gaining fame and popularity lately. With the track that his riding is on, you will likely see a lot more of him in the future. See what he has to say!

ZO: What’s your first memory of wakeboarding?

MD: I think my first memory of wake boarding is when I got to learn to ride from Gerry Nunn. My dad signed me up for a clinic to ride with him and I won. After 2 days of trying to get up I finally got it and then my dad bought me my first board.

Five words that describe your love affair with it:

Haha lets see:

1. inappropriate

2. she likes to get wet

3. she’s always clean

4. she’s good looking

5. she has a good personality.

What picture on your phone best describes this passion? Why? (send it over please)

I chose this photo basically because it shows the fun part of wakeboarding which I love most about it, and its the same reason more and more people are getting into it.

How about the most epic place you’ve ridden that you’ve captured on your phone? Tell us about it and send the pic over please.

This is my home lake, Brighton Lake, in Brighton MI.

How do you continue to see the lake differently each day and year, keeping the creativity flowing and adding to the Stoke?

I think I just try and make the most out of every situation. Theres always a reason to be positive even if it doesn’t pop out right at you. finding these positive notes helps keep me stoked on riding

What’s on your list of accomplishments to check off next year and beyond?

Basically to just try and keep pushing up. Trying to invent some new tricks as well as do well in contests, and get as much magian coverage as possible.

What sunnies are you rocking this season and why?

I’ll most likely rock multiple pair, but I’m a huge fan of the ACE. Super light and comfortable.

Why are you down with ZEAL?

Im stoked to be apart of the Zeal family because they have a really cool vibe about the company. They are super cool and laid back and everyone is friendly, and they are always coming up with new innovative products pushing the limits of sunnies and goggles. Stoked to be apart of such a rad team!

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Billabong team in North Carolina!

Shawn P — Sat, 21 Sep 2013 03:17:45 +0000

Mike Dowdy riding in North Carolina

Mike Dowdy

Mike Dowdy, JD Webb, Erik Ruck, Brian Grubb, Raph Derome and Shawn Watson all ventured up to longtime friend and Billabong main man Scott Bouchard’s place up in North Carolina for some insane riding and beautiful scenery. This place is heaven on earth for people who love to wakeboard. We sent up one of our favorite lensmen Jason Lee to go up with the boys and capture all the magic and riding that they were going to take in the entire week.

Click one of the photos to start the gallery, and if you haven’t already seen the video from the trip go WATCH IT HERE.

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