SFR SPORT 3 the french Extrem Sport TV channel come to surf Expo last September and Bruno Detente get a change to interview the Inventor of Wakeboarding, Mr Tony FINN Founder of LIQUID FORCE Company

More About TONY FINN

Back in 1985, two great minds thought alike. They were the minds of Southern California native Tony Finn and Texas native Jimmy Redmon, who separately and simultaneously thought along the same wave length to create the foundation for what would eventually evolve into a globally renowned sport.

Looking for alternatives to waterskiing and surfing, the two created waterboards that could essentially “surf” the wake behind a boat. Finn’s model, the “Skurfer,” was shaped very similar to a surfboard; Redmon’s water ski board produced by his Redline Designs was a bit lighter and the first to have foot straps.

The two met by chance when they were placed in adjacent booths at a trade show—the first time they would see their personalities complement one another.

Finn’s energetic personality as a natural salesman attracted much interest to his product. Redmon, a more soft-spoken designer, had a better product, but a less aggressive sales approach.

Tony observed Jimmy talking to a buyer for several minutes—making no progress in a sale. He strolled over to the booth and whispered to Jimmy “Are you gonna close this guy or what?” “What’s close?” Jimmy asked. Finn looked at him and said, “Ask the guy for his money.” Jimmy did, a sale was made, and a competitive friendship was born. The two acknowledge that in the beginning they were competitors, but it was a friendly competition and to this day they are aware and complimentary of each other’s strengths. As they sit recounting the history of how they came to be business partners it is almost as if each is as much an advocate for the other’s skills as they are for themselves, if not more.

In 1988 Redmon founded the World Wakeboard Association (WWA), a governing body for the sport known then as “ski-boarding,” which created several contests and affiliations as well as outlined rules and guidelines for the sport. Finn acted as an announcer for several of the contests and the two continued to cross paths.

In 1991 Finn and Redmon joined forces and started Waketech. They gathered a roster of riders that pioneered the style of the sport. Although board models continued to evolve, there were still inefficiencies with the design of the Skurfer, mainly its buoyancy and surfboard shape that made it difficult for riders to initially stand up on the board. Redmon’s original design was a bit better and lighter, however, it lacked proper durability, and was unable to withstand the beating riders put on it when competing.

In 1993, after much research, testing, and innovation, they produced the first twin-tip board, which would change the sport forever.

The twin-tip design ended up being a total game-changer. They put three of their team riders on twin-tip boards for the championship while everyone else was still riding pointed tip boards, and they won the whole thing. At that moment Finn and Redmon recall seeing the sport change before their eyes and they knew it was never going to be the same.

In 1995 Finn and Redmon—challenged by a dare that they couldn’t launch a company by the time of the World Championships only three weeks away—created Liquid Force, a company that the two say was “launched on stoke, faith, and a lot of energy.” The pair hustled to get boards made, and outfitted their riders in Liquid Force branded gear. When they showed up to the contest, they were able to get people stoked on this mirage of a brand that barely even existed. It was risky, but it was successful, and there and then the Liquid Force brand was born.

To this day, Liquid Force continues to reflect its name as a strong force in the wakeboard community. They work closely with their athletes to achieve the right designs, and their constant innovation has driven them to stay one of the leading manufacturers in the wakeboard market. Based in Encinitas, California, the brand is staying close to its roots and continues to sponsor numerous initiatives to grow the sport, including their Free For All Cable Tour that brings wakeboarding to cable park locations around the country where people can learn to wakeboard and ride alongside Liquid Force pro riders for free.

Tony and Jimmy are genuinely passionate about what they do, it is evident in their excitement and expression when they tell their story. From competitors to collaborators, they have watched their ideas foster a successful brand and a successful sport.

The post TONY FINN | Inventor of wakeboarding appeared first on Unleashed Wake Mag.

Last September a french Tv Channel named SFR SPORT 3 come to SURFEXPO ORLANDO  made a report on the 3W INDUSTRY…

In this TV show named “au coeur de l’extreme” (In the Heart of Xtrem), Episode 12 .

Bruno DETANTE brings you into the biggest worldwide surf show held in Orlando 2 times in a year( September and January ).
During this show, he meet Daniel Grant one of the wakeboard Star in the world ,Tony FINN the wakeboard creator CEO of LIQUID FORCE , and Phil SIRECH the CEO of UNLEASHED WAKEBOARD MAGAZINE where the headquarter located in Orlando since 3 years now, who was the Red Link of this Show and his host…

Au coeur de l’extrême – Episode 12 à la Surf… by SFRSPORT3

More About UNLEASHED WAKEBOARD MAGAZINE

14 years after its foundation UNLEASHED WAKE-BOARD MAGAZINE has come of age. 
After providing international coverage on wakeboarding, wakeskating, wakesurfing, and many major events, UNLEASHED has established itself as a globally renowned magazine. The fact that we make UNLEASHED available in multiple languages through our new website has proven to be a striking way to reach the largest possible number of people. 
From the beginning UNLEASHED has been a part of the “WAKE SCENE” covering the sport at wakeparks, boat camps, competitions, winch sessions, and more. With a unique approach to interviews, press reports, scoops, video and photo-shoots it has allowed us to gain the riders’ trust and faith. The pro riders’ passion for our photo sessions and videos available through the UNLEASHED website proves our reputation and following in the wakeboard world. 
Since 2004 the advertisers who have given us their trust have noticed a proven increase in sales and worldwide popularity! Being able to promote their image in an international way all over the globe is unparalleled in the world of advertising. UNLEASHED WAKEBOARD MAGAZINE is made by the riders for the riders in order to capture the underlying spirit of the wake way of life. Also, we are the main media partner of all the major wakeboard events of the world including the WWA world championships, the FISE World, Plastic Playground, Speed Pilots, Dutch Wakeboard Tour, UK Grass Roots Tour, French 2 Tower Tour, and the Spain Wakeboard Tour. Unleashed is the predominant media and support for this sport.

UNLEASHED WAKE MAG IN FIGURES 

Available in 25 countries, with more than 380 distribution points for the printed edition, and 187 countries for the digital version, Unleashed Medias reach now more than 3,000,000 world readers each year. Unleashed Wakeboard Magazine proves to be a powerful media with a strong following.
 With the addition of the specialty sections like Arts, Fashion, Design, Music, Entertainment, Alternative Sports, Health and so much more Unleashed Wakeboard Magazine reaches ALL types of people and brings more than information, but real content to the readers.
Unleashed is an open-minded magazine! We are aiming more than ever toward the multimedia area. The Trade Brand UNLEASHED talks to all wakeboarders across the globe and more, newsprint addicts and for digital followers (a high quality target with strong purchasing power).

The post SFR SPORT 3 | French TV at SURFEXPO Orlando appeared first on Unleashed Wake Mag.

About The 2016 SURF EXPO Trade show

Surf Expo is produced in January and September in Orlando, Florida and draws buyers from specialty stores across the U.S., the Caribbean, Central and South America and around the world. The show features more than 2,500 booths of apparel and hardgoods and a full line-up of special events, including fashion shows, annual awards ceremonies, and demos. Average buyer and exhibitor turnout exceeds 27,600 attendees including retailers, exhibitors and media per show. The September 2016 Surf Expo will be held September 8-10, 2016, with Board Demo Day on September 7. The January 2017 show will take place January 26-28, 2017. Surf Expo is a TRADE ONLY EVENT and is not open to the public.

Key Events at Surf Expo 2016

The 2016 SURF EXPO in Figures

2,500+ BOOTHS    9,500+ STORE FRONTS    27,600+ ATTENDEES

When&where ?

September 8-10, 2016, Demo Day September 7

Thur & Fri: 9 am – 6 pm

Saturday: 9 am – 4 pm

Orange County Convention Center
South Halls A & B
9899 International Drive
Orlando, Florida 32819

More Information and registration at SURF EXPO

The post 2016 Surf Expo | Bigger than Ever appeared first on Unleashed Wake Mag.