Melissa Marquardt...Pro Women's Wakeboarding

JRock*Girl · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 1340

Has anyone checked out her article in the October WBM? This chick is sick. 55 stiches?! And she starts laughing when she gets out of the water gushing blood thinking she broke her leg?! I actually got a chance to meet and hang out with Melissa in Irvine, she is totally rad. She took a pretty good looking fall on the slider on the wakeskate there too and it didn't even phase her. She said it didn't even hurt. I admire this girl's "knarlyness" Cool

I just though I would bring it up. It is totally cool to see a girl who looks up to the guys and tries to ride like them. She seems to be the one actually getting frequent coverage and she works for it. She hits some knarly sliders too. Melissa has got some balls to hit some of those sliders!

Dallas Fridays goal is a double backroll (or front?) not sure, but personally I would much rather see a 720 or whirly out of a girl than a double whatever. Dallas is pushing women's wakeboarding too, somewhat along with Emily but they all seem to be going seperate ways. Emily has the off-axis spins going. Melissa has grabbed 5's off the double up and hits some knarly sliders. And Dallas's focus is man sized tricks, and a double something.

I sure would be nice to see them trying to grab some more stuff as well. I think Dallas's moves are ridiculously HUGE compared to the rest of the girls. From the last interview I read about her though, it bums be out that she doesn't really care about style, and grabbing stuff and making it look cool.

Ona side note I think it totally rocks that LF has finally stepped it up and made some REAL girls bindings. It's about time. They also have Emily's board rockin' and Melissa's wakeskate. That is another timg that bums be out about HL. What girls are on their team? You can only tell if you see them on the podium with thier board or in comp. Because HL has no love for the ladies. Their A team rocks...but don't you think it's missing something....? That is one reason why I felt like I wanted to support LF this year. They are giving the women RECOGNITION. Did you hear about any HL girl riders at Radar Lake? What is the last HL ad you saw with a girl riding in it? I guess HL has the NYX (?) but is there even one for 2005? CWB made a sick women's board for next year. It was just cool to see LF make some rad women's specific bdings.

Just my .02 cents...Wanted to see what you ladies though o the current state of women's pro wakeboarding

WetChick19 · Posted: Aug 23, 2004 10:02 pm Post subject:

totally agree with you about HL, its sad really. And I also would like to see a lot more style out of the girl riders, sometimes they ride so stiff and by the book, it'd be nice to see 'em let go a little a ride loose and push those sliders and kickers!

sh0rtyme · Soul Rider Joined: 08 May 2004 Posts: 345 City: Portland

Last year, I think HL had a separate woman's poster, which made me a little mad. Yeah, they're sponsored, but they seem so separate from the rest of the team (guys). The LF poster had all the girls mixed with the guys.

wakejunkeygirl · Posted: Aug 24, 2004 9:02 am Post subject:

J* I feel ya....I read an article on Dallas on the way to camp and was kinda 'let down' by her 'I'm the best and no one can beat me on my best day' attitude. I'll give it toher...the girl rips...but to actually say "can any of the other girls can beat me on my best day..probably NOT!" I just did NOT think that was too kool.

I ride with some really good guys and my favorite ones who are the ones who are HUMBLE about their talent. I don't know if it was just the interview questions or what, but she came off as very 'big headed' and in my book...that knocks youdown a level. attitude and style means SO much to me. going big is def. kool..but not what its ALL about. Sad

I enjoy watching the girls who maybe don't go quite as big...but look like they are having fun doing it...and have a smile on their face when they get out of the water...and the ones who have style and add a little 'tweaky-weaky' here and there!

also...just MY .02 cents...

Personally out of the girls, Emily is my favorite rider. Wink

Kinky · Outlaw Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 218 City: Niagara Falls

I totally agree about hyperlite sportin the chicas more. My whole crew rides Hyperlite, I have the Divine 135 2004. And my vest is hyperlite too. Same with the bindings (30/60's).

You are totally right, our gender needs recognition!!! We should all send in complaints to the media department of Hyperlite, let them all know, we need support!

...that's my .02 cents...

MissJade · Soul Rider Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 486 City: Austin, TX

I'm right there with ya Angi.

I love aggressive and spirited riding, no matter what tricks you're doing. Melissa definitely is a great poster girl for wakeboarding.

sh0rtyme · Soul Rider Joined: 08 May 2004 Posts: 345 City: Portland

wakejunkeygirl, a friend of mine met Dallas Friday when he was at a wakeboard camp, and I guess she freaked out on one of the guys because he said something like "It's nice to see girls ride because they aren't as aggressive as the guys". Basically, he didn't get the best impression of her in the short time that he saw her.

JRock*Girl · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 1340

I have had the opportunity quite a few times to be in Dallas Fridays "presence" and I have to say I never really got a good vibe from her.

Stuff like this is what inspires me to ride better, this is what makes me want to go pro. I want to see the girls riding go somewhere and quick. The fact that the girls only get two pro tour stops really bothers me...With two stops how could you possibly make a living out of it as a girl rider? The jr men and wakeskaters get wayyy more attention. And there are only what 6 girls? That is only like another hour of pulling riders. So why don't they charge $2 bucks a person at the door and throw the girls in all of the stops?

Melissa seems to be the only one getting coverage, and that is because she works for it (unfortunatly she has too). But she is at least making the effort. Occasionaly you see a picture of Dallas or Emily. Very rarley the other ladies. What about Lauren Loe...Maejan Major....Megan McNeil??? Tara Hamilton...Cheryl Newton...? At least Cathy Williams is working on the GLTR, that rocks. Unfortunatly we have to work for coverage. So mabye it is the industrys fault? Who knows, mabye we need a little more effort from everyone.

Check out HL's "high quality women's bindings" for next year....and LF's

sh0rtyme · Soul Rider Joined: 08 May 2004 Posts: 345 City: Portland

why do they have to be so pink and purple? I'm psyched to see that the new minx has the two places to adjust on the bindings. That was one thing I liked about the the transits over the minx.

I'm not too fond of HL's women's bindings. They seem like they put together for a very beginner level, and definately aren't geared towards fitting correctly. More for comfort and easy entry I think.

JRock*Girl · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 1340

sh0rtyme, My point exactly....

The HL women's bindings are pretty ridiculous. Why don't they just make sandel bindings that are pinnk and purple? Great for very beginners...but what about after that? Or do they not think there is anything after that...?

LF finally came out with some hardcore girls bindings. The guys version, the sphynx, are very popular and top of the line.

wakejunkeygirl · Posted: Aug 24, 2004 7:24 pm Post subject:

True Miss Jade...I guess that article just rubbed me the wrong way...but nonetheless, she is a great wakeboarder..and I hope her progression inspires more girls to get out and do it...or at the least ...try it!

yeah, those HL bindings are poooh!

My friend John who works at watersports west just went last week to the HL factory to stock for next year...and he called me while he was there and was like ..what was the binding you were looking at getting?

I am interested in trying the Ruck "Era" in the XS....but that is why he had to call, cuz no shop ever stocks xs bindings...I had to ask him if they even made the pro models in XS...he was like well they have a whole hell of alot of the vargas...I was like. POOP. no thanks. I want better bindings not worse!

I do like the look of those LF minx...but J* do you think they fixed that 'metal rubbing on your leg' problem??? cuz those you posted look quite comfy!

anyway..John said the Era should be here in two - four weeks for me to demo in a XS....keepin' my fingers crossed.

Tiffanator · Posted: Aug 25, 2004 1:14 pm Post subject:

Hi ladies, the pro women actually do want to get more coverage and more stops on the pro tour, however, no one has really done anything that I know of. Ultimately the female wakeboarding percentage is very small and very quiet, we all sit idlely by and wait for someone else to make the waves. I'm guilty of the same thing. Melissa works hard for the promotion that she gets. Many of the pictures that you see in mags are because they just happened to be at the right place at the right time. Unfortunately, promotion of women in wakeboarding is more of a sexy thing than a wakeboarding thing. Mags would much rather publish an image of a half clothed woman as she gets back on the boat after her run than a sick grabbed 5 off the double up. The pro women won't, and in a way, can't do much to stir up the water because of fear of losing the precious sponsors that keep them going. I am guilty of this one too. In fact, I may not post this message, since it could stir up something.
**And now a plug for some of my sponsors**
CWB has a women's board lined up for 2005, it's not a cutsie beginner board, it is a board that will progress as you do. As for bindings, I don't know. www.cwbwakeboards.com
Ten-80 Wakeboard Gear also has a women's line coming out in 2005. Most of you probably saw my post about shorts and shirts. Hopefully they will listen to your suggestions and get some clothes out with input from real wakeboarding women. www.ten-80.com
**End sponsor plugs..
Anyway, companies don't market largely to women because women don't buy women's specific stuff. Why should Hyperlite spend thousands of dollars to market a "female" board if women are going to buy the male equivalent? Better yet, why should a company spend money to produce a "female" board if they aren't going to sell many? I think if anything, women should tell companies to scrap the "female" boards and put more money and effort into a pair of bindings that fit the smaller, thinner female foot and ankle. I know my ankles would be overjoyed if I had a pair of bindings that were built to fit my foot. My Boss bindings are the closest I've come so far to a snug fit, but even they can be improved.
Ok, I've rambled and rambled...back to topic, yes, Melissa is pushing it and is really tough, she's also very nice and loves wakeboarding.
Later

eclipso · Newbie Joined: 25 Aug 2004 Posts: 9 City: K*Town

i think the 2005 minx are the nicest Colorful

indywakechica · Addict Joined: 07 Jul 2003 Posts: 645 City: Indianapolis

Very interesting thread...I hadn't really thought about some of the points brought up. I hadn't really thought about the fact that most all of the women's bindings are a joke (with the exception of the new LFs). I'm guilty of one of the things that Tiffanator brought up...I wasn't really interested in the women's version of anything when I went to buy my new setup. I'm not even really sure why...maybe not enough to choose from or I want to hang with the big boys with the boy toys?? But that's crap that women shouldn't have equipment that works for us...our money spends just as well as the men and since there's more and more of us maybe things are changing since LF seems to be making a start. Maybe next time I go to buy something I'll keep this in mind. I imagine that would be the main thing to make vendors think about this...cash. Excellent points Tiff...appreciate ya sticking our neck out there.

JRock*Girl · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 1340

My first two boards were women's (lusciuos and essence). I love the luscious but didn't feel it was growing with me. I hated the essence. You would actually be surprised at the number of women who feel like they have to buy the women's specific stuff....until they really get into it and realize that it doesn't matter, the divine is exactly the same as the motive but with a different graphic and usually a higher price. Now I say screw the women's specific stuff, I want the hard-core guys stuff, like indy said, playing with the big boys.

I guess I am just disappointed in HL. They are the leading company in the sport, alll about progression, and the fact that they don't seem to think Women are part of that progression really bothers me. But looks like i should be telling them that instead...(?). I've never really dug the company though...There A-team is SICK, just missing a few things..."cough"...females...."cough"

I am impressed w/ c-dubs chic board. I love c-dub Mr. Green

. Double-up's serina isn't bad either.

That sucks that the magazines would rather see half naked chics than girls pulling "man-sized moves". It's a shame. Looks like wakeboarding needs to get its hands on the girls *snow skate and surf* mag....or go slap some people around at WBM and alliance.

Thanks for speaking up Tiff....it's appreciated Very Happy

I always respect your opinion, and it's good to hear what people on "the inside" have to say. One question though...why would your sponsers get mad? Shouldn't they back you?

wakejunkeygirl, the '05's look SICK. I talke dto Melissa about them. She said she duck-taped her '04's and to try to get my hands on the '05's they were wayyy better and they covered up the whole "exposed metal" thing. I can also see that they actually somewhat lock your toes down. Also the grips on the strings are better, i kept ripping mine off. All in all looks like they have fixed the flaws. I just don't see how well white will go over with all of the "not so clear water Floridains" Mr. Green

. I decided when I send mine back in for warrenty I am going to see if they will let me throw a little extra cash at them and score a pair of '05's instead. I don't want to sell the '04's to a girl to be as disappointed and sell them as I was/did.

***Didn't mean to slam anyone down on this thread. I just wanted to bring up some ideas....STIR some stuff up in here Twisted Evil

. Hah jk, just wanted to see what you ladies though... Rolling Eyes

Tiffanator · Posted: Aug 26, 2004 8:27 am Post subject:

JRock*Girl, I wouldn't call myself on the "inside," but I have heard the opinions of some female riders, and they feel that something needs to be done, but don't really know what to do. It would be easier to make a change if the general wakeboarding public snapped into action along with the pro riders and industry associates.
About progression... haven't the guys pretty much stopped progressing? Really the biggest improvement guys have made in the last few years were higher spins and grabbing tricks. They have basically run out of tricks to learn, aside from grabbing it different or throwing in a tweak here and there. Women are still continuing to progress, although at a much slower pace than the guys. Every year at the first tour stop you see a woman throwing something different. Dallas is usually the one mixing it up, with a Batwing last year and an OHH this year. She continues to push the other women to progress, and it has worked, Emily picked up a roll to blind, Laura Lohrmann picked up a Raley and is working on other tricks she won't tell anyone about...
Why would sponsors get mad? I'm going to say this pretty much in a general sense. Sometimes things can be interpreted the wrong way on a message board, as we have all seen. Companies don't want negative publicity because their rider or employee is spouting off about everything.
I think this is actually a great topic, and hope that some industry insiders are reading it. Lots of great input from women.
Later

Kinky · Outlaw Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 218 City: Niagara Falls

I ride the HL Divine 04' and I love it. I didn't pay any more than I would have if I got the Motive. I have to admit, I still am a girly girl, even though I like to rip it up out there. Even if I decided to get the male version of the Divine, I would then have the exact same board as my boyfriend, just different bindings. Now what fun is that? As for bindings, I've never had a problem with my 30/60's XS (other than my right being a little too small but I'm working on that this winter, maybe a spacer...) other than that, they fit the ancles beautifully and snug at the toes.

I think this thread is one of the best that I have read. I don't usually read the whole thing, but I am addicted. Always wanted to learn more about the female riders, but unless I buy every single mag with watersports in it, it's really hard to catch on a whim. TV coverage, forget about that. I've seen all the dudes, no chicas. And is there a video out there for us? I havn't seen any, if there is, let me know!!

Talking about scarse girl riders, I just seen another one other than myself for the first time on tuesday. (other than the "few times a year" riders we have) It was awesome. I wanna see more, I wouldn't mind riding with another chica, get some pointers from a female perspective.

Lizrd · Posted: Aug 27, 2004 11:40 am Post subject:

Wow - J*Rock - great thread! I would agree with you that women need more coverage and more events to compete in.

Tiffanator- thanks for chiming in even at some risk to your personal interests.

My two cents: wakeboarding is an industry and everyone knows that industries are about making money. It is a numbers game to 'them' even though it is a passion for us. Our hobby is 'their' career. For what it's worth our numbers are significantly lower than the guys -- even though I totally agree with Indywakechica that our $$ spends the same. (I will NOT patronize a board shop that doesn't treat me as an educated shopper.)

As far as progression - women are getting there...slow and steady...what will help is when some of these 'good ol' boy' companies start to open their doors to female riders, marketers, engineers, boat drivers, board designers, etc...

**and lets remember, not that long ago there weren't even women's divisions**

wawakechic · Soul Rider Joined: 30 Mar 2004 Posts: 413

I too noticed awhile back that HL doesn't seem to sponser any females. At least LF seems to be taking a step in the right direction. I even emailed them to show my support for them.

I tried several HL bindings last year when I was demoing and ended up going with LF. I wish they had the female ones then, it was tough to find soemthing that fit right, I was always between the sizes for HL. Those new HL women's binding look really lame though. Sad

knelems · Criminal Joined: 13 May 2004 Posts: 51 City: Jasper

I have been selling boards and bindings for four years now and this is the first year I have had women or young women buy my stuff! I have had several girl outings but it has taken me this long just to get the local girls interested enough to try with the guys. I'm happy LF has stepped up to the plate and offered more for female riders, I know I have several of the new boards & bindings on order since the 05 stuff looks so great. I think the more we get women out there on the water is the best PR. I agree Cathy Williams is a great ambassador of the sport, I always try to get her at least once a year for clinics, the girls do love her!

Lake Rabbit · Outlaw Joined: 17 May 2004 Posts: 189 City: Indian Lake

About Dallas. I think her attitude sucks! Not only was she incredibly cocky in her WBM interview, but she also had a terrible attitude on a t.v. show I watched. It was that show called switched where two young adults switch lives for a few days. Dallas switched with a dancer. The dancer loved wakeboarding, but Dallas wouldnt even give dancing a chance. She said stuff like, "this is so stupid, I dont dance" and other such comments. Then she sat down and refused to try. So pathetic. Mad

Kinky · Outlaw Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 218 City: Niagara Falls

That is completley stuck up!! I always give things at least one chance.

I didn't know much about Dallas untill this thred, I'm not liking her much!

wawakechic · Soul Rider Joined: 30 Mar 2004 Posts: 413

wakejunkeygirl · Posted: Sep 09, 2004 4:50 pm Post subject:

yes...boo on DAllas...these people (girls and guys) need to realize that they are looked up to by many people as role models...young and old...and although it is not their sole responsibility to assertain a 'positive vibe' 100% of the time..when in the limelight..one must project themselves and carry themselves as best they can...and for one..NOT being negative and 'big headed' is a good start.

I agree...I read Dallas' interview...maybe in alliance...and I was not liking her answer of 'I dumped a guy cuz he wouldnt try certain tricks...' I mean..c'mon..how SHALLOW!

and the girl needs to EAT. the poor little waif is withering away to nothingness. Crying or Very sad

just my .02pennies. Laughing

JRock*Girl · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 1340

UPDATE

The girls are throwing down some new tricks. Pretty cool. This is some of the big stuff they threw down in the x-games...

Maeghan Major - tantrum to blind

Tara Hamilton - wrapped ts backroll to blind 180

Dallas Friday - OHH, Whirly, batwing, and wrapped kgb

A lot of the girls are also throwing down 5's. Dallas is the only one with an off-axis 540 (HS FS). She is also doing crow mobes and stalefish front rolls.

I got all of that out of the December WBM. Pretty cool to see how they are taking it to new levels...I didn't think any of the girls could do whirlys! Shocked

Friday can do alot of knarly tricks, but I think she has some "off of the water" things to works on... Rolling Eyes

BTW wjc and I saw the '05 HL girls bindings. TOTALLY LAME. I guess they do have a "knarly" girls board though. The syn or something like that. You probably won't see any advertising but its on the website. LF's limited edition pink snakeskin minx's are SICK.

wakejunkeygirl · Posted: Sep 22, 2004 8:38 pm Post subject:

yeah...the LF bindings are RAD....def..thinking of getting the 05 minx...

elyse · Posted: Sep 25, 2004 8:27 am Post subject:

those hyperlite bindings look like crap...i have the 04 minx and couldnt be more happy. i have the 04 hyperlite essence and it is alright but definately a begginers board. i no my sn is hyperlitechick and i really want to change it but i dunno how. i made it when i first started wakeboarding and had all hyperlite gear and thought they were the best and only good company. Rolling Eyes

sh0rtyme · Soul Rider Joined: 08 May 2004 Posts: 345 City: Portland

Dave W · Posted: Sep 25, 2004 9:19 am Post subject:

wawakechic · Soul Rider Joined: 30 Mar 2004 Posts: 413

hyperlitechick182, have you had any problems like JRock did where it cut into her leg?

Has anyone tried the '05 Minx Question

NOLA · Newbie Joined: 24 Sep 2004 Posts: 18 City: New Orleans

I heard L.F. isn't recieving them until Oct.

wawakechic · Soul Rider Joined: 30 Mar 2004 Posts: 413

Oops, yeah I just realized they aren't out yet. I did find a pic of the limited editions though. It's too big to upload and I can't shrink it at work, so here's the link.

http://photos.wakeboarder.com/showphoto.php?photo=6214&sort=1&cat=3139&page=1

elyse · Posted: Oct 02, 2004 5:54 am Post subject:

wawakechic, yeah, but it was easy to fix. u just gotta make sure that the tongue is centered and covering that part of the binding, and then its heaven! Mr. Green