Who's Schmaltz?

Dutch · Addict Joined: 24 Feb 2004 Posts: 589

Can someone tell me the history of Schmaltz? I've heard alot about him from all you guys talking about Mutiny and Integrity, but I don't know anything about this guy. People have said that he's been in the business for 10 years and to be honest I didn't even think wakeskateing was that old. I'm not being a smart ass here, I'm just wondering what the background behind this guy is. He has such a loyal following that I'm really curious. I guess part of my lack of know is cause I'm in the Midwest and so far Schmaltz seems to be north Cal and it hasn't reach us yet.

I'm really looking forward to the Integrity skates. From the posts on wakeskateing.com they should be out in a couple weeks. Anyone know if they'll be distributed via their website or how is it going to work?

Oh, and I know that Schmaltz started Mutiny and then he basically had it rip'd out from under him, but I'm wondering more about who he is, how he got started, and that type of info.

ride5 · Criminal Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 91 City: Nor-Cal

erich is a good man. find a post of his and send him a p.m. he will respond. if you want info get it from the horses mouth.

Dutch · Addict Joined: 24 Feb 2004 Posts: 589

Yes good thinking. I will go speak with the horse now.

03Belmont · Wakeboarder.com Freak Joined: 19 Aug 2003 Posts: 4656

Dutch, what did the "horse" say?

Dutch · Addict Joined: 24 Feb 2004 Posts: 589

The horse said great things and now I know why everyone is so keen on him and Integrity succeeding. His response to my question of who he was and what his history with our wonderful sports was inspiring. It basically boiled down to “Integrity” with who you are and what you want to support in this world. Maybe I read too deep into what Erich was saying, but I really think that this is a guy that we as the wakeboarding/wakeskating community want to succeed.
I work in a world of “big corporations”, where the workers/little guys get stuff on all the time and that’s pretty much what happened to Schmaltz. I’m really looking forward to his skates coming out cause from talking to him I think he’ll get it right the first time and most people in the “scene” will find themselves riding a truly great product from a great company.
Now having said all that, I really can’t wait to ride these boards.
I didn't want to copy exactly what Erich said, cause I think that's better left for him to say.

itch · Posted: Mar 25, 2004 8:52 pm Post subject:

Erich is the man flat out, a originator. He and only a handful do what they do for the sport out of love. From him riding a skurfer with his family to riding a Rusty board one binding and one surf sock with velcro on it.
To bowing down for no one and making some of the best product on the market. The man deserves all the gold he can hold.
ITCH
GB

electricsnow · Posted: Mar 25, 2004 10:41 pm Post subject:

(in no particluar order) Ex-thruster rider, FLF rider from back in the day (1992-YES!), judo kicker, kickflip attempter (is that a word?), mutiny father, jibatronic schralper, rusty designer, rebel rouser(sp--for a good cause), highly regarded, wakeskate forefather, humble being, ethical, fighter of all odds, wrap-monster, mondo poker, style king, sponsored by caesar's palace, all around original guy, skurfer winner, decline brainchild, seahorse 55-er, "strapper" (that's a reference to his bindings), concrete believer, always innovative, always striving, keeper of integrity, has earned respect, not commanded it. Pss-shaw.

good-bye

itch · Posted: Mar 25, 2004 10:46 pm Post subject:

<-----the sound of hands clapping as I rise to my feet
(thats twice tonight snow you are the bomb)
ITCH
gb

electricsnow · Posted: Mar 25, 2004 11:39 pm Post subject:

HOLLA!!!

jt09 · Ladies Man Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 22083 City: Austin

I met Erich last year when he came out with K-Dub and Grouch and the crew to Waketoberfest. Great guy! Very cool, very focused on inovative products and spreading the sport. Unfortunate about Mutiny, but you live and learn and life doesn't always go the way you plan it...pretty sure that Integrity will blossom into the vision he sees for his products. Can't wait for the new skates - anyone know if they areout yet?

K-dub · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 14760

jt09, 2-3 more weeks. I have you on my list. Wink

koltman · Addict Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 902 City: Sydney/Orlando

electricsnow, Great post!!!!
I've allways had much respect for Erich.
I hope integrity does really well (I'm sure it will), he has his priorities straight, and its a refreshing site to see.

electricsnow · Posted: Mar 27, 2004 10:37 pm Post subject:

Thank you koltman, thank you very much.

I, too, hope that integrity does well.

itch · Posted: Mar 28, 2004 6:47 am Post subject:

For those of you who don't know this antic (sponsored by caesar's palace)DO SOME SEARCHING AND FIND IT. These things used to be what pushed wakeboarding. Rebel attitude with a creative mind, sometimes I think wakeboarding has turned into a look I can do that trick too see who my sponsors are sport. We need to interject and take back wakeboarding thats why Integrity and wakeskating to me is the most progressive part.
Just ranting on a sunday morn waitting for sports reporters to start Very Happy

ITCH
GB

electricsnow · Posted: Mar 28, 2004 7:32 am Post subject:

No doubt itch! It was a stunt of epic and legendary proportions...and nowadays people have tried to replicate this stunt in a a different area (NOT vegas), but if you have time to unload a pwc, you aren't Mac Gyver enough for me!

Todd Armstrong · Addict Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 758 City: Battle Ground

electricsnow, true true, but they get an A for effort. Nothing tops a full Elvis get up and Erich

Josh R · Posted: Mar 29, 2004 12:37 am Post subject:

Erich is a visionary...

the bygone · Newbie Joined: 29 Mar 2004 Posts: 6

I would just like to add my thoughts on Erich....

For the lucky ones who know him personally there is no better friend you can have. Erich has inspired me in many ways that go far past wakeboarding. I have had the good fortune of playing in a band with Erich. His drive and creativity for music is on par with with his wakeboarding vision. He would never settle for anything unless he truley thought it was perfect, never compromising himself for the easy way out. You all wait and wonder for his products, rest assured that the delay dosent come from lazyness but a desire to put out products that he belives in. Erich has seen his share of set backs(broken neck, shady buisness partners) but through it all, he has remained strong never losing sight of his goals. So Erich if you read this I just want to say thanks for all you have ever done, you are one of the best friends I have ever had. I got your back from here on out, stay gold.

itch · Posted: Mar 30, 2004 2:31 am Post subject:

like i said '' he deserves all the gold he can hold''
the movement continues..............................
itch
gb

K-dub · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 14760

the bygone, very well put!

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

So, can we trade in our Mutiny skate for a new Integrity skate?? Mr. Green

ride5 · Criminal Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 91 City: Nor-Cal

only if you send video of you pouring gas on it and lighting it on fire and tossing it off the 360 bridge...

Todd Armstrong · Addict Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 758 City: Battle Ground

Why don't you and Erich make up some stencils for all us out there with legit Mutiny deck the put a big fat Integrity logo on the base and I will pull off the logo foam top and put some new Jessups down.

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

ride5, for the new Integrity skate, hell yeah, I'd do that... Don't get me wrong, I really like my Mutiny deck, foam top, finless... but it just doesn't feel legit.

K-dub · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 14760

MissJade, bonfire time, eh?? Laughing

jt09 · Ladies Man Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 22083 City: Austin