Have you ever wanted to win something big, but you didn’t have the one-dollar lottery scratch ticket touch? Now all you need is simply your brain. You see, Sesitec – the makers of the System 2.0 is giving away the hottest product in our sport. Let’s hit the E brake on this prize before we go any further. If you don’t know what we are talking about – you need to check out www.thewakeparkproject.com/systems/system2.php right now. Now that everybody is up to speed – here is your chance to win a no-strings-attached (except your rope) electric powered System 2.0 by descrambling a riddle. (more…)
Last week Sesitec upgraded a preexisting Rixen cable park from a 4-tower cable to 6-tower cable wake park, near Graz, Austria. The Wake Park Project sent Pat Panakos to back up Fritz and Tony from Sesitec to install the new 6-tower cable system. From what Panakos said, they got all 6-towers up in less than 24 hours, which is a testament to Sesitec’s decades of installation experience and on-site efficiency. The new Sesitec cable design is similar to our CWC installation, but with a shorter running length. The new cable layout by Sesitec will also feature 4 custom fabricated wake park obstacles to start, and there are plans to expand to 8 for next season.
Other cable parks in Germany are also in the process of upgrading to Sesitec cable systems. Many exisiting installations want to take advantage of the innovative layouts that Sesitec offers for cable wakeboarding and other water sports in today’s marketplace, along with cutting edge equipment options such as Lake Control for turn-key customer management. These new Sesitec layouts are optimal for advanced riders but also yield an amazingly consistent and forgiving pull for beginner to intermediate riders, which helps park owners to maximize their revenue potential.
A few years ago, we made a trip down to Florida, to “roll” out our new wakeboards and boots. It was a pretty big time launch. Ha ha! It consisted of going to the Projects to let their crew check the stuff out. It was the first time we met Pat Panakos and Robby Jacques. So we show up unannounced. Robby had already secretly hooked up with Jeff McKee and put the product through the usual test, rails, wake to wake, basically doing everything he could to break it and see where Slingshot was coming in with regards to overall performance. He was freaking on the goods but was riding for another company at the time, so he played it cool on the “DL”. I knew eventually we would get him on the stuff. I could see it in his eyes. No way he could go back to an old construction. It was just a matter of time before he evolved. Cool with us. Anyway, Pat rolls up and introduces himself, and says. “Are you guys from another planet. This stuff (gear) has been in my head, and without ever talking, or meeting before, you show up and here it is right in front of me. In real life!“ We took that as a huge innovation compliment. We thrive on innovating cool stuff. So leap forward, a couple years. I would run into Pat and Matt Hickman at certain industry events, boats shows, etc. Both were always super cool and relaxed. This is when boat sales were diving and gas was over 4 bucks a gallon. I always thought what’s up? These guys are so laid back, yet everyone else is pinning. Unknown to me, they were secretly so far ahead of the curve. Why pin when you have the biggest thing to hit wakeboarding since the boat? Jump forward to Surf Expo 08. They launch the Sesitec System 2.0 with the Red Bull Wake lab event. They killed it! But other than a few top pro’s… who had really put this new cable to the test? What was the word on the street? Well when you have a industry changing innovation, word spreads fast. It has and it’s good. The Wake Park Project put one out at the Projects. More pro’s got a chance to check it out. Still good, no I mean great feedback. We instantly thought, “What’s better than a Sesitec [System] 2.0? How about two of them?!” Our team guys were so blown away, we hooked up with The Wake Park Project and helped set up number 2 over the Slingshot 100’ flat bar. Photographers, video guys, and riders are all going nuts this winter at the Projects. You can start finding shots and video at WakeBoarding magazine and Alliance magazine. More important is more of these cables could be going up in your area.
So what’s the prediction? Well we predict this cable will revolutionize wakeboarding. Or should we say, create real “rail parks”. Why? It’s cost effective. Now, I’m no math expert, but It seems like you can get one of these for the price of a cheap wake boat. Two of them for a good boat, and three of them for the price of a boat that is all decked out, like the kind wakeboarders you see that don’t actually wakeboard own (you know the type.) And that’s the good news for boat manufactures. They still have their customer base because those people don’t wakeboard anyway. But if you are into riding you have to recognize the innovation as stellar. Here more why. It’s a smart system. It’s portable, you’re not locked in to a riding location forever. We could see the local neighbors pitching in 5G’s each and family sharing these things. When your kid goes off to college, you just sell your shares to the new family that move in down the street. Or if that’s not in the cards, there will be one somewhere close to where you live. You don’t have to dig a ditch, or you could, but that’s up to you. You can pull it down during hurricane season. You can pop it up in the winter and hit rails on your snowboard. Look for one in the Chicago scene. Camps will teach better and riders will learn faster. You don’t need a jet ski or a driver. Let’s admit it that era was kind of gay anyway. Sesitec System 2.0 kills it! In short it offers a lot of options that are all well thought out. It makes the future of rail parks a reality.
So how does it ride? “It’s like hanging out at the skate park with all your friends. It’s a solid pull without all the noise of an engine; Just the sweet whispering of your wakes. System 2 eliminates almost all of the downtime you deal with using alternate towing devices so you’re riding more and waiting less. It’s by far the # 1 solution for riding small bodies of water, rail parks and no wake zones…(although you may want to check with the authorities first) haha. My name is Jeff McKee and I approve this message because I care about wakeboarders worldwide. Ski ya later!” - Jeff McKee. That’s all we need because, all the other team guys were still frothing at the mouth, so we could not really get decent quotes.
As innovators ourselves, we recognize the effort by The Wake Park Project to bring this innovation to the masses. Good work Matt and Pat! We only have one question. “Are you guys from another planet?”
I am the Managing Partner of the Revolution Cable Watersports Park located in North Fort Myers, Florida.Our cable park opened about 4 months ago after approximately five years of permitting and construction. The cable system located at our site is a used Ski Rixen cable that was originally installed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.It was operated in that location for approximately 25 years.In 2006, we purchased the cable and disassembled it in North Carolina.We then transported it to North Fort Myers, FL. Once it was here, we purchased replacement and upgrade parts to bring the system up to the most current standards.
The upgrade parts were purchased directly from Ski Rixen and Cable Park Controls, LLC.When we purchased our used system, the only cable park consultant in the United States was working with Ski Rixen.This gentleman was also the owner of the used cable system so to our knowledge we could only order upgrade parts from Ski Rixen. So we put the order in and moved forward.Also the system is the first and currently the only system to have a US manufactured control system.Our case is very unique because we purchased the used system.Today the German made control systems have been significantly improved.
Between the time we purchased the used cable and our first operating day, two companies were formed two distribute and aid in the planning and installation of cable systems in the United States.Those two companies are, “The Wake Park Project (Sesitec Cable Systems)”, and “Cable Wake Parks (Ski Rixen Cable Systems)”.I have met the owners’ of both distribution companies and I would like to pass on a strong recommendation to The Wake Park Project.
Currently I have not done any business with Cable Wake Parks, but I have purchased replacement cable parts from The Wake Park Project.In doing business with this company I felt that I was their most important customer.Phone calls were returned in a prompt manner, parts were shipped at a fast rate, prices were very reasonable and extra time and effort was put in when I had a problem that shut my cable down for two days.During the time that I was down, Christian von Lerchenfeld, the owner of Sesitec Cable Systems (located in Germany), quickly diagnosed my cable system problem via email and an on-site visit, and then provided the required replacement parts needed to get the cable back into operation quickly.Matt Hickman and Pat Panakos (owners’ of the Wake Park Project) also visited the site when we were down and assisted in the diagnosis and ultimate solution.After my recent experiences with Matt, Pat, and Christian, I have no questions about who to order cable replacement parts from in the future.If I was looking to build a new cable park, I would request quote from both distributors, but I would heavily weigh the excellent service and treatment I was given by Christian, Matt, and Pat.
Recently I was also treated to a test ride on The Wake Park Project’s newest product named “System 2.0.”I am so impressed with the system that I have made it a top priority to purchase and install a System 2.0 on site.This product is extremely innovative, safe, and inexpensive when compared to similar products or a new cable system.I feel that if I were back in the planning stages 5 years ago, and the System 2.0 was available, then I would have put it into our site plans from the start.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at anytime.If you are looking into building a cable park, I look forward to welcoming you to the family of cable park owners.
Sincerely,
Nick DiMasi
Managing Partner
Southern Boarder, LLC dba Revolution Cable Park
North Fort Myers, FL 33917
“In 2003 the Revolution Cable Park idea was spawned. Today it is a reality. The cable system is a Ski Rixen Model, with 5 towers and runs in a normal counter-clockwise direction. The park encompasses approximately 20 acres and includes a 3/4 mile nature trail along one of the most pristine wetlands in the area with the addition of 270 recently planted native trees and 4,200 native plants.
The cable is operated at approximately 19 miles per hour allowing riders to wakeboard, kneeboard, ski or wakeskate. 7 riders can be on the system at one time, if you fall while riding, it is just a short swim to shore and walk back to the start dock where you can be riding again in minutes.
The system is run by the use of electricity and does not require any gasoline for operation. You will be surprised by the ease of riding on the system and the lack of engine noise when compared to riding behind a boat. In addition to those positives, the use of the cable system infuses 5 tons of oxygen per year into the lake water which helps the plants and fish as well as clarifies the water.
Our goal at Revolution is to ensure that all riders have a safe and fun time. We pride ourselves on being family oriented. So stop by, check us out, and let the fun begin.”
New video of the Sesitec System 2.0 on Alliancewake.com. Check out Collin Harrington, Chris O’Shea, Clay Fletcher, Nate Perry, Josh Kirby and Andrew Adkison as they attack the new Sesitec System 2.0 at The Projects during a wakeboard and wakeskate session. Click here to watch the video now!
The System 2.0 is essentially a straight-line two tower cable system that can compliment full size cable wake park setups for events or as stand-alone rail parks. But the System 2.0 can also be used for private backyard setups because it is the first cable system that is actually portable. And unlike other two tower systems, System 2.0 was designed specifically for wake sports and provides a continuous ride—meaning that you won’t have to drop the handle or stop after one pull down the course. The System 2.0 is perfect for teaching water sports beginners, and is amazing for advanced rider training. To read more about the ONLY two tower system that combines portability, safety and versatility for commercial applications CLICK HERE.
TheWakePlace.com crew headed down to the Projects to get a closer look at our new innovative straight-line cable, the Sesitec System 2.0. They caught up with Parks Bonifay, Meagan Ethell and Nicola Butler who were there to session the cable. Coach Mike Ferraro actually taught Meagan (11 years old) her first Raley during the filming. Click here to watch the High Definition video of the System 2.0 session.
To learn more about the Sesitec System 2.0 and building your own cable wake park, visit our System 2.0 page.
Texas MasterCraft now has a Sesitec System 2.0 installed on their private lake right behind their shop. We’re working closely with Texas MasterCraft’s owner, Jimmy Harvell, to develop his onsite Wake Park. This is the first phase of his Wake Park Project, so stay tuned for more info…
After two full days of preperation and safety checks, Pat Panakos, Matt Hickman, Jimmy Harvell, Clint Tompkins and Brian Sasser took test rides while Christian von Lerchenfeld of Sesitec dailed in the control box. Special thanks to Jimmy Harvell, David Humpfrey, Brian Sasser and everyone at Texas MasterCraft for helping us make the installation of the Sesitec System 2.0 so smooth.
As the only commercial provider of wake park rails and kickers for wakeboarding and wakeskating, we are developing our 2009 Wake Park Obstacle packages to optimize your wake park project. Visit our obstacles page and learn more about our unique construction methods and dedication to quality.
Be sure to check out the Red Bull Wake Lab event powered by Sesitec’s System 2.0 on Fuel TV, in November 2008.
This year has been a great opportunity to start looking at some innovative ways to grow our sport. The more people that ride, the better chance we have at keeping wake on the cutting edge of action sports.
That’s why The Wake Park Project has teamed up with cable manufacturer Sesitec to create the System 2.0, a straight-line cable system that’s not only affordable, it’s also portable, making it perfect for events, festivals and rail parks.
This two-tower cable system is the only system on the market that allows a continuous ride, giving beginners and advanced riders alike the tools they need to become avid watersports enthusiasts and bring the industry to a whole new level.
The System 2.0 could be the perfect tool for every dealer to bring new, local riders to their shop for weekend events, demos and lessons. But we don’t want you to take our word for it. We want you to see the System 2.0 in action and try it for yourself.
Learn About It Stop by our booth at Surf Expo, September 12-14 at the Orlando Convention Center to see photos, videos, andspeak to one of our representatives about how the System 2.0 is changing the way we ride, and what it can do for your dealership. We are in the Wake section at booth # 463s. And there are special dealer incentives for reserving a system at the show.
See It On Saturday night, September 13, the Red Bull Wake Lab will be in full force at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. The System 2.0 will be pulling pro riders over some of the most insane obstacles the sport has ever seen, so come see it in action. Stop by our booth for event details.
Try It After the Red Bull Wake Lab, the System 2.0’s will make their way to The Projects wake camp, where The Wake Park Project will hold demos to showcase the system’s abilities. Stop by our booth to pick up a ticket to reserve your spot. We want you to be among the first people to experience the ride.
We’ve had a lot of contact with future park owners, and I couldn’t be more excited about the potential for cable wake parks to blow up in the US. It means more access for more riders, and that means growing the sport at all levels — something I have spent most of my life trying to do. Building your own park with a cable system can seem really intimidating, but don’t let it stop you. We’re here to help and get you the information you need to be a part of the growth. Working with Sesitec, a leading cable system manufacturer, has been great because of their enthusiasm. And of course, working with Pat Panakos has always been really enlightening, since he lives and breathes wake sports like so many of us do. Stay tuned, there is more news to come.
