December 12, 2006

Supra Enhances Their Trick Room Section

Supra, a company for which we at The Wakeboard Report tend toward feelings of fondness, has enhanced the Trick Room area of their Web site. We think Flash transcoding of online video is one of the best changes to happen on the Web recently, and they've used it as their video delivery mechanism. We like that. We also like that there are breakdowns of tricks that we won't probably ever land (we sometimes talk big; ride wimpy).

We like the method in which they edited these video tutorials as well. First you are shown the move in its entirety, then it is broken down, important step by important step. If we could make a suggestion: it would be nice to have control over the video through a slider mechanism, in instances where you'd like to slowly advance through a spot of the trick sequence that still needed more examination. We also loaded the videos which accompany the Trick Room onto our Video iPod and they played very well.

In the past we have been critical of Supra's Web presence and print marketing, but we have to come off of that a little bit since this feature has improved and remains free of charge. As many of you know, attending a clinic or class with a professional wakeboarder is one of the best things you can do for your own personal progression. Supra is really trying to recreate that virtually, and extending these Trick Room videos to visitors of their Web site - no subscription or registration required. Take a look at the new Supra Trick Room today.

Official Press Release:
Maryville, Tenn. (December 11, 2006) - Supra and Moomba riders, including Ben Greenwood, Josh Sanders, Trevor Hansen, Kyle Schmidt and Emily Copeland-Durham are demonstrating proper riding techniques in the form of video tutorials; this time, through the worldwide web.

Skier's Choice, Inc., manufacturer of Supra and Moomba brand boats, recently enhanced their boat sites to provide instructional assistance to riders of all levels through their pro staff. The most recent update features seven new tricks from former Alliance Magazine rider of the year, Ben Greenwood.

The Trick Room contains videos of several pro-riders busting out fresh moves that are familiar to other riders in the wakeboarding world including the Hoochie Glide and the Mexican Back Roll. "There are over 30 tricks posted on the sites," explained Michael Littman, Skiers Choice marketing director. "Tricks range from beginner to advanced levels, which creates an opportunity for anyone to gain a piece of wakeboarding knowledge." The videos also include tips on how each trick is safely maneuvered and performed with utmost success.

Ben Greenwood's featured moves are praised highly in the sport for their technical merit, yet they are anything but simple. Some of Greenwood's featured tricks on-line include the Indy Heelside Backside 180, the Switch Toeside Mute Off-Axis Frontside 720 and the Toeside Indy Poked Roll to Revert, among the seven featured.

"The Trick Room also makes the videos and tips available to download onto one's iPod," added Littman. "Not only are each of the videos a fast download, but you can take the best riders in the world to the lake with you and let them teach you how to rip. It's almost equivalent to having one's own personal wakeboard coach."

Additional trick room videos are in the works. Stay tuned for slalom tips from team skier Terry Winter, wakeskating techniques from Reed Hansen and wakeboarding moves from Austin Hair.

In addition, there are Supra and Moomba desktop wallpapers available for those wakeboarding fanatics who can't get enough of the sport.

To access these interactive features, please visit www.supraboats.com or www.moomba.com.

Posted by erik