It’s no secret that Rusty Malinoski’s new Hyperlite MAREK pro-model is getting a lot of attention right now. It’s definitely the most anticipated wakeboard of 2008, and with the world release coming up on May 15th, wakeboarders won’t have long to wait until they can ride the MAREK themselves.

If you can’t wait for the official release, we’ve got your MAREK wakeboard fix after the jump. Hyperlite released a video showcasing the construction process of Rusty’s new pro-model, everything from designing the graphics to pressing boards is detailed, and backed up with an awesome soundtrack.

Hit the jump to check it out.

DRIVE The Video is set to premiere. Northwest native Sean Kilgus and BFY Productions have finished the NEW 16MM wakeboard film. Kilgus has teamed up once again with the top riders in the world and captured the riders throwing down some of the best tricks ever caught on film to date… ! ! !

DRIVE is the follow up film to a long list of amazing releases by Kilgus. Most notably “The Butter Effect” and “Bent Felix”.

Riders featured in DRIVE are : Rusty Malinoski, Randall harris, Danny Harf, Chad Sharpe, Jeff McKee, Ben Greenwood, Jimmy Lariche, Adam Errington, Trevor Hansen, Gabe Lucas, and JD Webb.

Come see the world premiere of “DRIVE” at the Showbox SODO in Seattle, WA. DRIVE Premiere details are posted after the jump……

MasterCraft wants to take you on the Ride of a Lifetime!

Just imagine waking up to go snowboarding with Oakley Pros on Mt. Hood every morning. And then coming down to hop behind an X-Star to ride with MasterCraft Pros Andrew Adkison, Zane Schwenk, and Jack Blodgett every afternoon. Now you know why this trip is called the Ride of a Lifetime.

Check out a video with details at:
WakeboardNorthwest.com

Here’s an entertaining video we found on YouTube that serves as a great reminder of how boring things would be if we didn’t have wakeboarding. You have to admit, the guy has some skills to be able to throw down on a piece of a wood and a folding chair, but it’s still lacking some of the appeal of putting your feet in the bindings and going for a ride.

It’s starting to warm up throughout the country, so hopefully people are getting out on the water. Have you started riding yet this year?

Thanks to the resourcefulness of one forum member, a group of Malibu owners over at TheMalibuCrew.com have come up with a custom billet aluminum remote mount that includes a specific slot for Wet Sound’s new WS420 EQ. Designed to replace the factory remote bracket, the custom designed mount holds the factory Sony XM-RM55 remote, along with the aforementioned EQ, and optionally an additional switch like those used on the dash.

While this modification is specific to Malibus it shows what some creative thinking can accomplish. And thanks to the efforts of forum member liljohn, Malibu owners can have easy access to their Wet Sounds WS420 for on the fly adjustments of the tower speakers, sub and cockpit speakers.

Check out some more pics after the jump.

[Source: TheMalibuCrew.com]

Correct Craft and their longtime power partner, Pleasurecraft Marine Engines, have teamed up to bring catalyzed marine engines to the Nautique line for 2008. Although their claims of a “green” marine engine seem slightly contradictory to us, there’s no denying that the current crop of catalyzed marine engines are much better for the environment than their predecessors. Like Indmar’s ETX/CAT introduced last year, PCM’s new Catanium system combines the exhaust manifold with a solid-state catalyst that promotes the combustion of harmful components in the engines exhaust. These systems are very similar to those that have been installed in our cars for the last 20 years, with the necessary advancements to be used in the marine setting.

In addition to the cleaner emissions, PCM’s new line of Catanium equipped engines also features better fuel economy and enhanced power thanks to the more advanced engine control modules required by the exhaust catalyst system. Overall, it’s a win-win for everyone, the water we like to play in will be a little cleaner, and we’ll save money by using less gas while wakeboarding.

You can read the full details in Correct Craft’s press release after the jump.

It looks like Alliance Wake scored some new intel, in addition to what we brought you last week, on Rusty Malinoski’s new Hyperlite MAREK pro-model wakeboard. In addition to some more specs, they’ve also scooped the first look at the wakeboards official graphics, in addition to the source behind the MAREK (apparently all caps is the official way of writing it) name. Here’s the reader’s digest version of what we know so far:

• The MAREK is a bigger board, being offered in 136cm, 141cm and 146cm sizes.
• With a fully machined NOVA core, the MAREK will be part of the D.I.N.E. line.
• Designed for an aggressive rider that doesn’t mind a little extra weight
• Named after Rusty’s first-born son, Merek Jaxon Malinoski.

Every Wednesday we partner with WakePics.com, the premier wakeboarding media site, to bring you new and unique wakeboard media. Enjoy it, and head over to WakePics.com to view more user contributed wakeboard images and videos.

The next time you’re frustrated with your riding, choppy water, or in a bad mood when you’re on the water, think of Gnarlio, and the fact that he’s way more committed to this sport, and to living life than most of us will ever be. Remember, it’s all relative, and wakeboarders that don’t make excuses and rip like Gnarlio should be an inspiration to all of us.

Visit WakePics.com for more user contributed wakeboard pictures and videos.

There is currently legislation being proposed that will restrict any and all wake enhancing devices on the Wilamette River in Oregon. If you are a wake enthusiest of any type this should be a key issue, especially if you are a regular in that area. However, even if you are not in Oregon, this has the potential to effect us all.

Learn about the details … after the jump.

For 2008 Malibu added a new optional stereo system that features integrated control for Apple’s popular iPod MP3 player. Manufactured by JBL marine systems, the new headunit features a nondescript black module that is remotely mounted, and is controlled entire from the integrated LCD switch plates and available wired remote controls.

Recently though, a problem has appeared with the stereo system that severly impacts its functionality. The issue is related to the iPod interface, which, to put it bluntly, does not work. There are varying reports from 2008 model year owners, some stating that their older iPods work, while some claim that it the problem is related to the capacity of the iPod in quesion. Independent of which models are effected, the problem seems to prevent connected iPods from being accessible by the headunit at all, which not only means that the iPod won’t be charged when connected, but also that you can forget about listening to any music loaded onto it.

Regardless of what the problem actually ends up being, Malibu has stated they are aware of the problem, and are working diligently with JBL to develop an update for Malibu dealers to correct their customer’s boats. The solution should be available sometime this summer, and you can contact Malibu Boats or your local dealer for additional information if you are having issues with the stereo in your 2008 Malibu.