MasterCraft Unveils NXT

Vonore, TN --- MasterCraft Boat Company announced it has unveiled its first entry-level boat series, called the MasterCraft NXT, at the Minneapolis Boat Show on January 30th. The NXT, an all-new 20-foot MasterCraft hull, is designed and built in the same factory as our legendary line of premium towboats. However, the NXT is unique in its design, will have all new features including a new tower and it will be available with colors that no other MasterCraft series boat will offer.

Master Craft Unveils the NXT at the Minneapolis Boat Show

The MasterCraft NXT is for the customer who has always wanted a MasterCraft but felt it was just out of reach. With the introduction of MasterCraft’s entry-level line of boats, there's no reason to settle for a second-class ride. And those who are frustrated with the limited possibilities with their I/O boat, take heart. The NXT is the perfect introduction to a variety of action, including wake surfing. An NXT, with standard equipment, starts at a little south of $50,000. With good credit, a sample payment is approximately less than $400 a month, which makes the NXT the most accessible MasterCraft ever.

The NXT launches in Summer 2014. We expect demand to be high. To receive updates and exclusive content, sign up at mastercraft.com/NXTupdates.

Synthetic Swell - Kicking off the 2014 Season!

As I ascended down two thousand feet of narrow highway, I could see Lake Elsinore at the bottom of the mountain. I was here in sunny southern California to cover the first ever Synthetic Swell event. As I arrived into the parking lot of my destination I could see rows and rows of burly trucks with empty trailers, the boats were already out in the water. The sun was out and the weather was a comfortable seventy five degrees, a perfect day for wake surfing. I made my way over to the booth area where you could find companies like Body Glove, Liquid Force, Soulcraft, Walker, Jet Pilot, Hyperlite and Wake Sports pushing their new boards and upcoming gear for the New Year.  Both reps and riders were there hanging out, showing off their new boards and boats and giving away trick tips to up and coming riders.   I snapped a few pictures and made my way down to the boat dock to hop on the first boat heading out.

Pro riders Chris Wolter from Mendonesia surf and Emily Agate from Soulcraft Boarding were there on the boat along with Emily’s mom and a few others for a bit of fun. We all spent the next few hours on the boat riding, laughing and learning. The great thing about an event like this is that you can hang with the pros and learn from them at no charge. Whether you have zero experience or just a little, this event created a platform for all levels of riders to have a good time and shredding the endless wave. I personally saw both Chris Wolter and Emily Agate helping an up and coming rider with getting his airs down, an opportunity other events don’t always allow for. “Lift your arms straight up when you are trying to get air,” says Chris, “if you want to go up, your arms must lead the way.” A great tip from the third ranked surf style rider in the world. 

Rider: Chris Wolter

Transfer

When I asked Chris what he thought of the event he said this.“It’s always fun riding new boats and trying all the new systems that every new boat has. Teaching people that are getting more involved in the sport and helping it grow, it’s about shredding on the boats and having fun!”

Rider: Todd Johnson

Once we were all wet, sun burnt and hungry, we made our way back to the dock for lunch. Everyone from the pros to the groms, and families all got together to share food. Once water and fuel was back in our bodies and gas tanks, boards and boats were swapped and everyone was eager to get back out on the water. I spent the second part of the day with a different group and different boat, this time enjoying the stylish skills of Mendonesia Surf shaper, Todd Johnson. “There’s no pressure, just coming out and surfing events like this are super fun, you’re out here with the surf community just riding,” says Todd. Once the sun began to set and temperature started cooling, we packed up and made our way back towards the coast. 

Day two was scheduled to take place at Pepper Park on the coast of San Diego. I arrived early and was super stoked to see wake surfing take place in the ocean. After test riding the new Carver skateboards and mingling with riders and reps, I made my way onto a boat with Todd and Chris. We were blessed with more amazing weather, something you just get used to down in San Diego, as if it’s almost expected. 

It was amazing seeing the color of blues and greens that this wave of a wake produced in the ocean, especially when these guys are destroying every trick. Everyone was in awe as both Mendonesia riders produced flawless airs, three sixties, shove it’s and the occasional wake to wake transfer. Behind them in the background sat enormous navy vessels, ready to embark at a minutes’ notice. I tried my best to keep my camera in focus and ready as every few seconds Chris and Todd were blowing our minds.  After a few hours of being out on the bay, we all returned back to the boat dock a bit more salty and sun scorched. With new friendships formed, new tricks learned and smiles all around, the event was a huge success. Huge thanks to all the sponsors that helped make this event happen, as well as Marco Thompson for putting it all together.

Photos and article by: Dylan Bellingan – Follow him on his surf journey with is van “Pearl” at www.thessimplelife.tumblr.com - Instagram: @myamericandreamtour

SUP Race Training with Karen Wrenn

We caught up with professional paddler Karen Wrenn from Portland, OR the current champions of the 100-mile paddle NYC.  We wanted to learn a little about how she trains for races.  

Photo: John Wrenn

How many weeks before a race do you start your training focus?

I like to go into race season with a solid mileage base.  So, when it comes to training for an upcoming race I'm not worried about the miIeage and can focus on the next race's specifics.  About four weeks leading up to a race is when I focus in on that race.  The week before the race I should be tapering, so the three weeks before that is the real hard core part of the training.  Because I already have my mileage base dialed in I can focus on race techniques like buoy turns, interval training, sprints and race starts. 

Where do you train? Who do you train with?  

I train on the Willamette River, about ten minutes from my house.  The river is pretty mellow most of the time and is great for flat water training.  I always train by myself.  I like the time to myself so I have to use my training watch as my training partner, so I can judge my speed and to push myself. 

Photo: John Wrenn

Tell us about your training: daily, weekly, cardio? Food?  

I love to train, so that helps a lot in the overall training program.  I try to be on the water three to four days a week.  I'm a big runner and use running as my main cardio base and run about three to four days a week.  I work out with a trainer in a gym two days a week where we focus on circuits.  We will do something to elevate my heart rate and then add in weights and balance and a lot of body resistance work.  So, as you can see, I am usually doing some sort of daily doubles.  Then, the dreaded rest day, It's hard to take a day off, but it's so important.  Food plays a huge role in the training.  I have to make sure I am getting enough of the right protein and carbs to keep my body fueled and ready to rebuild and recover for the next days training.  Also, I am all about hydration.  I believe hydration is the key to being recovered properly. 

I do a lot of distance and ultra-distance races.  The training for my ultra-distance races, like the 100 mile paddle NYC I did last summer, is a whole 'nother animal. Just my training paddle sessions can be up to eight hours straight on the water. It's a big time commitment.  Hydration and nutrition become a key component of the training and racing.  I have to train with my nutrition and hydration to figure out  how much I need and how my body will react while I'm under that much stress.  It's been a lot of trial and error during training sessions, but a key part, so that I don't bonk, cramp or get dehydrated.

Race week I begin my tapering.  I usually do some sprintis and race starts on Monday of that week.  I will go for a run or mellow workout with my trainer on Tuesday. Wednesday, I will go out for a mellow distance paddle and that's it for training that week.  Thursday, is usually the traveling day to the event.  Friday, checking out the race course and getting on the water for a mellow paddle to get a feel for the water there.  I try to eat really clean race week and stay really hydrated.  The morning of the race I will generally eat oatmeal with chia seeds, bananas and honey.  About an hour before the race I will take few bites of a NOW energy bar? During the race, I always wear a CamelBak with water and electrolytes. 

Check out training tips and awesome photos of Karen Wrenn in the new issue of Boarders Magazine available now! 

Photo: John Wrenn