perfski

Just a short video update on this. Again, if you are considering any new D3 gear in the near future...you can save some real money buy doing this holiday sale now before the prices go up January 1. https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/TmFjxNgVINI?playlist=TmFjxNgVINI&autoplay=1&iv_load_policy=3&loop=1&start=

Hey Ballers, Bill from Performance Ski and Surf here.... First a quick thank you to all involved in this community for your support of our family owned business. We are one of the last of the pro shops still standing....and just wanted to say thanks for your support and patronage of our business as it truly makes an impact and we don't take that lightly. That said, many of you know we are still running the D3 Holiday Sale currently offering 10% OFF all D3 Slaloms, Tricks, Boots and gear when you use the code D3HOLIDAY at checkout. We are proud to be one of the original D3 dealers and Creed and his crew continue to be a big part of the water ski community and our business. But like all businesses, D3 is facing rising costs of materials and production ,so unfortunately we've learned that as of January 1, 2024, the cost of skis and gear from them will be going up. But some good news and transparency for you.... I reached out to D3 and asked if I could let this group know about the changes in pricing...also to just give you some real financial reasons you may consider buying some new D3 gear from us before the end of the year vs waiting till later. They said we could. So let me give you a couple of examples of some ways you can save some real $$: D3 ION 2 Slalom: Today: This ski sells for $1899.99 currently but is on sale for $1709.99 when you use the code D3HOLIDAY at checkout at perfski.com. January 1, 2024: The same Ion 2 will cost $2099.99. or $390.00 more than if you take advantage of the sale offer and price increase now. Thats some real cash. T-Factor Boots: Say you want to add a pair of T-Factor Boots to that ski. Order them today, and you pay $575.98 wiht the discount code. January 1, the same pair will cost you $689.98 Again, you can save $114.00 getting them now vs waiting till the spring. So using the sale code today a new D3 Ion 2 with Double T-Factors will save you $504.00 vs waiting till January 1. $504.00! These are just a couple examples, but as i was creating our new price lists for my staff on 2024 ski gear...these savings really stood out. And yes, obviously part of my goal here is to sell some D3 gear now.....but if you are like me, I'd rather have the knowledge and chance to decide if I wanted to save some money...vs finding that I missed out after the fact. If we can assist with any gear here...reach out to myself, Mike or any of our team here. Thanks again for your support and we'll work to earn your trust as always. Bill & the Crew at Performance Ski and Surf. Shop D3 Skis using this link. Remember to use the code D3HOLIDAY at checkout for the sale prices to kick in. If you have any additional questions email us at sales@perfski.com or call us at 407-859-7544

Hey Ballers, Have had a bunch of customers who have asked us what we will be doing for Black Friday and the overall Thanksgiving Weekend Sale and wanted to share with you what was happening in advance of it and some specials that are available now. For 2024 Product here is the deals: 2024 Radar Slaloms, Boots, & Accessories are 10% OFF from Friday November 24th - Monday November 27th. We will have a discount could for Radar we can share shortly. 2024 D3 Skis, Tricks, Boots & Gear are 10% OFF RIGHT NOW through the end of the year when you use the code D3HOLIDAY. IMPORTANT PRICING NOTE: We have been told by the crew at D3 that there will be a price increase on skis and much of their gear as we move into January. So if you are considering a new ski, or gear from them, you should take advantage of this sale especially before the pricing goes up! 2024 HO Skis, Boots and Accessories are 10% -15% OFF from Friday November 24th - Monday November 27th. for in stock product. Sale Code will be provided shortly also. CLOSEOUT SKIS: We decided to start the Black Friday Sale early on Closeout Slalom Skis and activated these prices live already. We went through each model of ski we have in 2023 and older skis online and have put them a prices lower than we could find anyone else selling them online. If you want to snag a deal on them now, take advantage of it. Here is the link: CLOSEOUT SLALOM SKIS LOW PRICE GUARANTEE: Another common concern is about finding a "better deal" in the future before Christmas. To help alleviate that concern, we have created our "low price guarantee" that says if we lower any of our closeout deals below one on our site as of today till the end of the year, we will issue you store credit for for that difference between that price. Here's a video on the Holiday price guarantee that explains things: Other Sales to Make note of: Camaro Wetsuits & Oneill Wetsuits and Drysuits will be 10% off. Masterline Ropes & Handles will be 15% OFF. Performance Bags, Apparel, & Accessories will be 10% - 25% OFF. If there are specific things you are wanting, or want to try to lock down your order in advance of Black Friday, reach out to Mike Mapple or myself at the shop and we will be glad to help as we can. Also, I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of those involved on this site who have supported us over the past thirty plus years! Please know that by shopping with us you are supporting our family owned business and its not something we take for granted. If we can help, please feel free to reach out to us...and we hope you and your family have a VERY Happy Thanksgiving! Bill & the Crew at Performance!

Ok... so how about a Radar Lake Photo taken by Herb himself sent to me Jan 10th, 2012. His message me: "31 degrees here but sure is beautiful!" This would have been at the back side of his cabin looking down in the valley!

I got a sneak peak.....and its pretty damn cool as you get a glimpse into the brilliance and attention to detail that Andy brought to skiing. Such a big part of history and was such an honor to get to see it. Thanks Mike for sharing this. And come on....its hard to not love seeing his cards still in there. I swear I sold a couple extra skis the day Mike showed this to me....the Mapple Magic rubbed off!

In Talking to Darren, I believe the old shop will be primarily used for building bindings in the long term and most inventory will be moved to Seattle Watersports Store...but not sure on the timeline here as most in the store feel they should at least finish this season from what I hear...but again, thats just random talk. That said, I agree, the old shop has so much history and character...but glad to hear they will continue with the their bindings and wish Darren and his wife a great retirement. They've earned it.

HO only offers it in Direct Connect currently. Possibly will go to inserts next year? but believe the discussion was the top sheet wouldn't allow the boots to fit flush on the top. And pretty sure there is no material / insert block put into the current skis for non direct connect bindings. Supplies are still limited on Hovercrafts currently. Have 65" and 69", but waiting to get 67" skis.

@lpskier For what its worth....I'm partial to Danielle too...although Mike.....he has the knowledge I only wish I had...

@markn thanks for your words.... the best part of this entire post is that I didn't have to rebuild the boot.....which I will always do for you.....but.....well you get it. BP

I can't speak to the technical concerns expressed above but we worked with Radar and a bunch of top ski school coaches, drivers, judges to try and make an easier shock tube to use that addressed alot of concerns and ease of use problems. They have a silicone and end cap and a larger very thin plastic tube through them to easy the passing of ropes through them that seemed to be a constant complaint. We offer them in both 2 and 4 foot lengths. Also they have the lower camera mount attachment. Only negative we expereienced is they can't be "bent" for shipping as the plastic tubing inside gets a crease in it.....so it bumps the shipping costs up. I don't know how aware skiers are of these, but there was some really solid ideas put into them. Want to thank all the people who helped us in this process with their ideas. The ski community was really supportive when we sought their advice. And also to Eric and Brooks at Radar who made this happen. Have a look: https://www.perfski.com/search/brands/performance-ski-+-surf?q=Shock+Tube

Here is a summary of information we've received on it.... skis should start shipping Monday! Sounds like this is going to be a great ski! Taking Pre Orders now from this link: https://www.perfski.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=NRG+R2 The NRG R2 has quick rotational turns that are smooth and effortless. The R2 gives you total control when and where to lay into a turn. The powerful R2 has improved stability and consistency. We accomplished our goal of maintaining the best attributes of the R1 while at the same refining the ski to match skier demands. The R2 has a deeper concave and tunnel volume compared to either the ION or ION-S. The R2 delivers powerful edge-control, with cross course holding power that is unrivaled. Turns are symmetrical and consistent with tip engagement predictable due to more parallel sidewalls under the front binding. The redesigned ski shape and concave means that the ski creates more angle so the R2 is fast through the wakes, with effortless edge change and direction out to the buoy. If you are looking to experience quick, symmetrical turns on both your offside and onside you must experience the NRG R2. The R2 wider width profile, compared to ION allows you to ride a shorter ski. Team D3 skiers’ comment - “The changes you made to the NRG are prefect. For me, I love the stable feel of the R2. It holds speed well through the buoy and never gets behind you.” The NRG R2 features: Large sweet spot- 1" more overall compared to R1 Redesigned rocker results in smoother quick turns Deep edge-to-edge concave for powerful hold across course. Wide forebody for stability and support. Tail shape allows the ski to move in the turn. Torsional flex control for precise edge changes and smooth acceleration. Machine screw inserts accommodate most current binding systems. Accuset Fin Block for laser aligned fin placement Sizes - 64", 65", 66", 67" & 68" in Blue / Green Sizes - 64", 65" & 66" in Pink Here are the updates on the ski and what skiers are saying about the new R2. What Test Team Says: “stable, predictable, and consistent” “the offside turn is fantastic” “I like the speed thru the wake, quick edge change and cast out to the buoy” “able to create a lot of angle across the wake” “holds the turn well” “have yet to blow the tail” “the ski continues moving out of the buoy” “I typically ski a 67”, but this may be the best 66” ski I have ever ridden” “very stable in the edge change, pre-turn, and on the back side of the buoy” “I create space before the next buoy and make my turn back siding the buoy” “no matter what shape I am in, I’m able to keep going” “I love how the ski holds the speed at the buoy and does not get behind you” R2 Technical Updates – Ski Changes: Slightly Narrower Mid-body – mid-body sidewalls more parallel – more predictable with better cast outbound Slightly Wider Tail – Frees the tail to move without tail blowout Overall – ski rides tip lower compared with R1 Allows skier to ride on edge in more balanced position. Easier for skier to move up over front foot. Easier to slow coming into buoy. Tip engages easier into turn. Smoother / less abrupt Rocker (new) Larger Sweet Spot – 1” more overall compared to R1 Less Tail Rocker than R1 – overall ski attitude is flatter with less tip rise Less Tip Rocker – allows the front of the ski to engage with more consistency Concave (new) Change in tunnel radius – reduce ski tension (drag) and unexpected tip bite. Improves speed. Bevels (new) Consistent bevel width and angle from tip to tail – similar to ION – smooth and predictable Slightly rounder at the tail - allows the tail of the ski to smear / slide more through the turn compared to R1.

Mission makes inflatables that go down most of the length of the boat. We brought these in this year: https://www.perfski.com/mission-titan-boat-tie-up-fender-10.html Also carry their other styles.

We have some older models $100 off in right if thats an option: https://www.perfski.com/ski/slaloms/waterski-bindings/ho-2020-syndicate-hardshell-plated-boot.html

Update...... Hey Everyone.... I wanted to circle back to this Post I did on Saturday. The new price list I received have skis back at retail pricing...but in talking with D3 today...they said they may still offer the same type of discounted pricing off retail on skis they offered since this past spring with the effects of covid still being a big part of the world we all live in. They also said "you never know when we (D3) will increase pricing back to retail so encourage your customers to take advantage of the deals now." So I owe you all my sincere apology on this as I spoke a bit pre-maturely. I went by the pricing I was sent...but should have clarified if they were going to offer a similar incentive after the new year. Pricing only stated the retail..which I went by. So my sincere apology here. I was not trying to mislead this community...but learned a valuable lesson here. That said, at 15% off the reduced price on skis...its the most aggressive pricing I've seen on their skis..and I still feel a solid time to get setup on a new ski / boots. If anyone purchased any gear from us that they felt I mislead them...obviously I'm willing to cancel the order / refund it.... My goal of providing transparency here was indeed a lesson learned that I need to also verify my information for the sake of transparency. Bill

I'm not sure this is the exact photo...but one similar shot by Bill Doster shows movement of the skier better in a very unique way. But hard to not love a great Joe Cash or Mapple Shot. Also check out Thomas Gustafson's page...some great shots here also: https://thomasgustafson.com/water-ski-1

Hey Everyone, Just a heads up to all the Ballers.... We have all our D3 gear on sale 15% OFF now through the end of the year. But the reason I write is that to let you know about updates on pricing. Back when the Covid Shutdowns started, the guys at D3 chose to reduce the price of their slaloms to $1499 for blank skis (down from $1849.) In talking with them, they just felt it was the right thing to do and encourage people to get on their skis / get out on the water. I've just received updated pricing on 2021 skis...and see that prices will be going back up in the new year so if you are considering getting a new D3 Slalom you need to buy now....as the prices now will be the lowest you will see in the coming year from what we've seen. Also there are slight increases to tricks and bindings...(nothing crazy) but still some savings to take advantage of now if you going to be in the market for any D3 gear in the coming year. As a shopper....I don't find many business' are 'transparent' on price increases...but I felt I would share this with the BOS community here. Creed and the crew at D3 have been super helpful to us as a business over the past year navigating the COVID world we live in. And while their products have a great reputation the world over and you may think they are a "big company" they actually are a small family owned business like ours....so know your support makes a big impact on them and us. I hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving and we truly appreciate the support of the BOS family here! Here is the link to all D3 Products if you need anything: https://www.perfski.com/brands/brands/d3-skis Bill @ Performance.

@Hucklefin call us at the store.... if you don't mind the top being folded probably can do it 2nd Day for around $10 in a fedex pak. Shop #407-859-7544

Hey Ballers, Just got word from our rep that Camaro being forced to raise their prices due to the jump in import duties being charged. Just wanted to give you all a heads up if you are considering ordering a suit or vest for yourself or for a holiday gify you might want to order it prior to Wednesday September 16th as most suits and tops are going up $20 / unit and vests going up $30 / unit. This is significant and wanted to share this as I heard about it on Friday. We have good stock now and will honor these prices through Tuesday, but on Wednesday they go up. If you want to order something here is the link: www.perfski.com/brands/brands/camaro-wetsuits

Hi @bojans Sounds like the group here is offering some great direction. We've had really good success demo'ing the katana for the exact reasons you are thinking about it. Its a great story of a ski as I've been told..... The original ski design was done by Herb years ago and sent to Matt Rini randomly....and somehow never got tested. While going through the trailer Matt and Sully found it and decided to give it a try and liked it so much that the "Butterknife" was brought to life. Seeing so much potential in the ease of getting up on it and a great overall ski, they chose to narrow it slightly and make a ski that could better while still having much of the same "easy to get up on" feel that they loved. Thus the birth of the Katana. So its definately worth consideration. Not sure what size you are looking or but we show new models in stock and some closeouts also. Also if you want a bit more width than your senate....the new Union has just that and was brought into the lineup last year from skiers who wanted more of the traditional ski design (a wider senate) in the ski. We also have HO's Omni lineup as well as their new Fusion freeride shape. We are here to help however we can. Bill

@Edmund I thought I'd help add some info here. Obviously as a retailer who sells alot of high end skis.....we end up dealing with some warranty issues like this. And as @Stevie Boy said above... Radar is really fair on warranties...even beyond the "1 year warranty" program as long as you are honest with them on what happened and its a legit defect in manufacturing. of the ski. But my first question to you is? Who did you buy it from? And have you called them / taken the ski to them to help you in this process? If not, that should be a priority. Part of the responsibility of a shop that sells product is to "service what they sell". Which unfortunately alot of shops pass the buck on and tell their customers to "just call call the factory"...especially alot of shops that sell online and have no real interest in servicing customers....only taking your money. So if you've not resolved this....call / go by the shop you purchased it from and get them involved. If they don't try to get involved and help...then I would encourage you to rethink who you support when you shop for your ski gear. AND if it was us that you bought it from...email us at sales@perfski.com or dm me here and I'll get involved. A couple final notes here....you'll need a proof of purchase here...if you don't have it, the shop you bought it from should be able to provide it. If you bought it second hand.... this may get a bit more complicated...and you might have to even get the former owner involved... When contacting the shop / factory....Provide good photos of not only the bottom of the ski but also the top and boots you have it...and don't just settle for the "its over a year....sorry" mantra if its truly a defect. Hope this helps. Bill

Hey @Robbo5252 , I wasn't sure in your message what boots / model you were coming off of...but can help offer some suggestions based on fitting people. The Carbitex Vapor is one of our best selling high end boots...fit wise if you are standard width / or narrower its a great option for comfort and performance. The lasting of the boot is spot on and fits great. Size has also been fairly true to size with heat molding as an option. The new Pulse boot has also really started to get some traction sales wise. It offers great support but with a bit more room in the toe box. It has a removable intuition liner also...and great later support. If you want an open toe boot with unreal support and comfort, you can't go wrong with the Vector BOA with the aluminum plate. We prefer the aluminum plate model for durability and energy transfer to the ski. We do also have the feather frame version... and standard Vector also. We will be glad to answer any questions / help however we can if you need us. Just email myself or Mike Mapple at the shop at sales@perfski.com or dm me here. Bill

We were thinking about bringing these shirts back that we did for 2015 Nationals. The works sucks t pays homage to the 25 plus year old Kidder Tee they did when we opened. Let us know what you think. Designs by Tony Teske

Some insights from a brick and mortar retailer.... First on all the surf industry companies...including O'neill, Rip Curl, Billabong, Reef, Fox, Quik, and more... From my experience...since all these companies at one point or currently have become incorporated or started selling direct....their focus is bottom line profit dollars. Especially if they have to report to stockholders. As such....EVERY...repeat EVERY "factory" website sells direct and has no real desire to connect consumers to shops (like mine) who invest in the brand and try to stock the product for consumers to try on / see in person. While the ski / wake companies haven't gone this route entirely....many ARE selling some items direct to consumer......AND they are allowing online stores who really don't stock much ski stuff / support skiing / or promote it to sell all their closeout products through channels like amazon and others.....ALL without having to stock the product... just drop ship it / let them collect the money. So shops like mine, who DO have overstock product they paid the regular cost on...have it in stock...are undermined by companies that don't stock it...don't support skiing...who can buy closeout products well below our cost, have it drop shipped and make money off skiing with investment OR any real connection to the sport. So if you are buying a slalom ski from just about any online store (other than the long time slalom specialty stores)...especially Amazon...be sure that your fin will not be adjusted right, and is being sold more than likely by a shop that DOES NOT support water skiing in any way, shape or form....much less gets out on the water to slalom ski...or gives back to the ski community. On O'neill, and other surf companies ....I have BEGGED them to provide me with images of waterskiers wearing their products...both men AND women. Time and again, i've heard its not in our budget to do this....can't "afford" to do this....but really this boils down to a lack of desire on these brands to WANT to do it and see the VALUE in doing it for their brick and mortar shops....as well as their own brand. I've beat my head against the wall for almost a decade on these topics. Please don't get me wrong...there obviously are some people within these companies that believe there is a market to sell products that cross over into waterskiing....but there is major disconnect between them / marketing / ownership and the value to have any images of skiers using / wearing their product. Which I don't get as they do want me to order more product / sell more product... but they really don't promote or sponsor skiing in real / tangible ways....much less make it visible on their websites / social media platforms. Ultimately....retail is changing. At one time...the surf / ski industry was focused directing consumers to shops that promoted and invested in the surf / ski lifestyle. Shops that stocked their products so that consumers could come in to see the new products, gain knowledge on the new gear, pick up the latest magazines....videos....and ultimately buy the product. But now...All your information on products, and creative content is available online...much of it on the factory websites that have "BUY NOW" buttons on them....but really don't make any real effort to connect consumers with shops that invest in the brand other than a hidden dealer locator at the bottom of a web page that lists any shop, mall store, theme park who has ever bought anything from them....but have no real vision of the purpose of a dealer locator... and the concept of connecting consumers....with shops that are stocking the products they are looking for. Also Manufacturers have opened up the Direct to Consumer sales directly with major shopping channels like Amazon, Google and others. For me as a retailer...to sell on Amazon....Amazon asks for a 20% cut of the sale...and to be a "prime" store....offer free 2nd Day shipping....the numbers just don't work adding in $50 plus to ship a ski / board if we want to be able to run a storefront, pay good staff, and try to support skiers / events. For a manufacturer....the numbers can and do make alot more sense as they make MORE money by selling directly to Amazon than selling to / supporting a specialty shop like ours. The other thing that I've really struggled to figure out relates to the growth of boat sales.....especially high end boats......the logical thought process here would like you to think that our sales for boards, skis, tubes and accessories would be growing if boat sales are growing....but this hasn't been the case. This has confounded me....as it doesn't make sense. People are buying more and more boats, but our sales a leading watersports specialty shop are NOT growing? Why? In talking to industry people...the general consensus is that ultra high end boats are NOT being bought as much by active enthusiasts.....as they are by people who are trying to have the biggest / baddest boats on the lake....and ones who want to "one up" their neighbors. Again, this is not a bad thing necessarily as they ARE new consumers, but we are struggling as a specialty pro shop to try and figure out how to better reach and nurture these clients. Ultimately my fear is that if they are having product "thrown in on the deal" that really isn't the right product for them to improve their time on the water...or isn't right for their needs.... So the customer gets their $150,000 boat...and lil Johnny jumps on the wakeboard, or ski throw in on the deal...but can get up on it.... is this really going to motivate mom and dad embrace the sport? Live the Lake Lifestyle? My fear is that we really aren't going to see these new customers stay in our sport for long. Where as a specialty shop like ours....the only way we stay in business is to focus on trying to help new customers ensure they have fun and success on the water. We HAVE to work to try and help consumers find products that meet their needs, and that work for them so they will have great times with their family on the water. If the ski industry / boat industry and online stores don't embrace this same type of focus...I worry that it will not help continue to foster the growth of these new boaters... and turn them from first time buyers to enthusiasts. Please note here....all my comments above are MY opinions. Some may be on point, some may be way off. I add them to contribute to the discussion. Hopefully you can gather some insight here from them. Also to my vendors / companies I work with who may read this...I'm want to grow my sales with you all...but as I have asked each of you...PLEASE have the vision to support watersking, take photos of the ski /wake lifestyle and your products in it. Have your sales managers, owners, CEO's get out of their office and come on the water with us and use your products and see what its all about. You CAN grow your business with specialty stores and other channels...but it takes vision and understanding. Also your time on the water will help you to make BETTER products! I promise. Lastly...to Horton, and all the Ball of Spray community....THANK YOU for your support of specialty shops like ours. Obviously we believe in the sport, forums like this, and learn from you all. We are working to find new ways to do a better job for you all...but also feel we owe it to you here to have some transparency of the challenges we face as a retailer. Its getting harder and harder these days...and we are streamlining to try and figure out how to move into the next 30 years of business in this industry. Thanks for the read. Bill Porter - Founder -Performance Ski and Surf of Orlando Inc.

10-11 is what used to be called "Large".....if you have a std width foot....I'd stick with that size. If you have a high instep or wider foot...go bigger. One note, you can put the boot in a bucket of hot tap water...again hot..not boiling...just what comes out of the faucet... and it will allow you to "shape" the EVA a bit if you need a bit more room.

Dave...what boot configuration is it...also what size ski / boot...can see what we have.?