O’Brien Water Sports Since 1962

1973 - Click on photo to view larger

1962 – O’Brien started building water skis and manufacturing the first wood ski with a tunnel bottom.

1970’s – In the early seventies, O’Brien switched to compression molded fiberglass construction and product the first high wrap style water ski binding.

1976 – O’Brien added Sailboards and kneeboards to the product mix.

1980’s – O’Brien added towable tubes to their catalog of products rounding out a product mix that provides both the pro level athlete down to the weekend warrior with the best Watersports products on the market today.

Andy Mapple, copyright photo; Pete Surrette

Through the years O’Brien has been on the forefront of water ski design, helping to produce world champions and setting world records one after another. O’Brien’s latest technological advancement has been in producing the best-selling RTM (resin transfer molding) water ski on the market today. This very limited production method of manufacturing produces outstanding results in making sure each ski has the same performance characteristics as the one produced before it.

Always trying to be on the fore front of industry trends is the main reason O’Brien is very proud to be the title sponsor of the Big Dawg Series of events. Showcasing our leading edge technology in events such as Big Dawg makes perfect sense for O’Brien. Great products and great events!

Visit O’Brien Water Sports Blog for updated news and videos. 

Malhomme Wins Big Dawg Peru

1st Thierry, Dave 2nd, Chet 3rd

There were a lot of laughs and good times on the last day of the Big Dawg in Peru. As usual, the weather was perfect with only a slight breeze.

We had a visit from Bill Yeargin, CEO of Correct Craft. He was excited to see the merging of the Latin America and United States skiers all supporting each other and having a great time. I asked Bill what his motive was for expanding the Big Dawg to South America and he
said “The Big Dawg is a fun tournament, and it’s good for the sport of water skiing to bring this excitment to another country.” He also commented that there will be more to come, and the Big Dawg tournament series will continue to grow.

The tournament ran smoothly under the direction of Gonzalo and thanks to all the tournament officials and volunteers who are committed to the Latin America series.

I asked Mark Austin about his experience in Peru and he said “I am happy to be skiing in a place like this. The people are wonderful and thanks to all the sponsors for giving us this
opportunity.”

 The day ended with a head to head with this matchup
(forgive the name spelling, Im going on memory)

Thierry Malhomme 2 at 35 vs. Raul Dulhade (no gate)
Dave Miller 6 at 38 vs. Gonzalo 2 at 38
Raphael 1 at 38 vs. David Bental 3 at 38 Ruben 3 at 38 vs. Chet 3 at 39
______________________________________________
Thierry 4 at 38 vs. Dave Bentall 3 at 38
Chet 3 at 39 vs. Dave Miller 4 at 39
Thierry vs. Dave in the final; Thierry ran 39 and Dave came out with 3.5 at 39.
Malhomme attempted his 41 and manage to get just one.

Raul holds handle in his mouth refusing to give it up due to gates that were taken in the second round

There was a funny moment when Raul thought he beat Thierry. Raul did not know his gates were taken and Thierry stood up at 2 ball at 35. Raul went to Thierry and asked him if he was ok because Thierry lost.

I asked a couple of skiers about their skiing; Brad Cox said “Things happen.”  George Levein asked “Where are all the photos of me?” Paul Donatt thanked Dave Miller for encouraging him to come to Peru. George also got 5 buoys at 35 off all three rounds and said “I hate
5 ball, I’m taking up surfing.” We will be posting more photos as soon as the internet cooperates.

A special thanks to Juan Carlos Cuglievan, for his hospitality to the skiers and dedication to the tournament.

There are other winners worth mentioning from the Latin Team and other divisions. I will get the final information as soon as possible and post theresults here. Many thanks again to all the sponsors; Nautique, O’Brien, Radar, PCM, Polk Audio, Ramlin, Connelly, Overtons, Goode, HO, and a new sponsor on board SalefishProperties/OkeeheeleeRealEstate.com