In a world filled with big chain retailers and online stores, you might think you can get a better deal online or at a store like Walmart or Academy – while a smaller specialty store like PULL would certainly have higher prices. Well, in most cases you would be wrong.
Most quality manufacturers and brands enforce what is called MAP Prices which means Minimum Advertised Price. In its simplest form, Minimum Advertised Pricing (MAP) is the lowest price a retailer can advertise the product for sale. Not the lowest price they can sell it in their store, but the lowest they can show online or in an advertisement. So for example if a 2017 Liquid Force Dart Wake Surfboard is $599 – it will be shown as $599 online as well as instore. We are all held to the same price! There are however a limited number of sale periods that we can all discount products. In our industry, that typically might be Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day.
Can you get it cheaper in store? Yes you can! Pull Watersports will typically run in-store only promotions as well as our Customer Loyalty program which often gives immediate discounts on items. So with Pull you not only get hands on service, but you also can be sure that you are getting the best prices available.
How come you see stuff cheaper online? Simple, we are all held to MAP prices on current year or hold over products. At the end of a model year MAP Prices may be removed and retailers can Clearance their products. Larger online stores may simply have more left over products that they will sell throughout the year at a lower price. So if you are seeing it a lower price, it is probably a year or two old …. Or that retailer is breaking MAP rules and may not be the most reputable seller. PULL tries to buy the best products each year with less hold over inventory. We will certainly clearance any items that remain in stock but those items usually sell out quickly. --- Send us your email for Clearance, Sales, and Events Alerts!
Some manufacturers and brands do not have or enforce MAP Pricing – in those rare cases, we try to meet or beat any valid offer. We work closely with brands that support the water sports industry and know the importance of working closely with the local pro-shop and specialty retailers. This ensures that they are best represented by passionate sellers and consumers. Our one to one connection with customers is essential when it comes to product development, warranty issues, promotions, and hands on knowledge that goes back to the brand.
So, you may think you are saving a few bucks but in reality, you’re not. Lets review - We are all held to MAP. Pull often offers special in-store incentives. We will meet or beat any valid promotion. On products that do not have MAP – we will do our best to match. And… We work closely with the best brands in the biz to give you hands on service, product knowledge, and we back up every sale we make! It is true that sometimes we run low on inventory and your instinct is to “just get it online somewhere” In those cases we ask that you give us a shot at finding it or ordering it for you. We opened PULL Watersports because we wanted a place we could go to Touch It, Feel It, Try It On before we buy it. Online might be convenient (hey we have an online store too) but we would rather have it in our hands when we are spending that kind of money :)
Helping us – will help you!
We appreciate your business and loyalty to your Pro-shop!
PULL Watersports
When your looking for the best prices from the best brands - We have you covered. Wakeboards from Liquid Force, Ronix, CWB. Wake Surf boards from Liquid Force, Inland Surfer, Phase Five, Brigade, Ronix, CWB. Slalom skies from Connelly, and Radar. Smith Optics sunglasses, Reef Shoes, Flip Flops and apparel, Rusty America clothing, Body Glove Swim and wet suits, and thousands of boat supplies ... yeah I think we have you covered.
]]>It’s always fun to go back and take a look at the evolution and history of a sport. You get to see the advancements in the equipment as well as the tricks or skills that are constantly setting a new bar. When it comes to wakeboarding, it is fascinating to know that 2 of the 3 inventors of the sport are actually still at it today behind one of the best brands in the business!.
Surfing is one of wakeboarding’s closest relatives and was one of the main influences for the sport. One of the earliest forms started with surfers getting pulled out to sea by boats to catch waves, or sometimes even from the shoreline by a truck. From this, shorter boards started being used. A San Diego surfer named Tony Finn developed one of the first wakeboards called the Skurfer, a hybrid of a water ski and a surfboard. In the early 1980’s he and his partner started mass-producing the Skurfer, which looked a lot like a mini surfboard.
Later, straps were added to allow riders to perform additional tricks. What makes this interesting is that this innovation came from two different people at the same time, who had no idea what the other was doing. Finn added the straps to his Skurfer, while Jimmy Redmon in Austin, Texas, added straps to his Redline design water ski board, which was a smaller version of a surfboard causing raves in Texas. The significance of foot straps can’t be overestimated in the evolution of wakeboarding. Foot straps allowed for big air to take place and made it more dynamic and free-flowing.
Throughout the 1980’s Tony Finn promoted, popularized and marketed the Skurfer, and the sport of skiboarding was born. In 1990 the first Skurfer championships were televised by ESPN and the innovation continued. The boards and boat wakes were modified to allow riders to perform more spectacular tricks and gradually crowds increased. Early wakeboards/Skurfers were difficult to ride. Their high buoyancy made it hard to get up on. Only experienced or very strong riders could do deepwater starts on the Skurfer. Skurfers were narrow, very buoyant and required excessive energy to get them up on the surface.
The Redline design boards were lightweight and performance oriented, but lacked the durability needed for the constant poundings in the sport. Although these things limited the growth of skiboarding, the stage was set for a new and exciting water sport.
The Late Herb O’Brien, a household name when it comes to water sports, started tinkering with the boards at this time. He introduced the first compression-molded neutral-buoyancy wakeboard. With an innovative rider, Darin Shapiro, promoting and riding the new board the sport took off. Darin was known for getting huge air while being pulled behind a helicopter.
This innovation sparked the massive growth of what is known today as wakeboarding. (The term skiboarding stuck around for a few years, but wakeboarding ultimately became the official name of this sport.) The new neutral buoyancy designs allowed the rider to submerge it for easier starts. Wakeboarding became accessible to everyone from 4 to 80 years of age.
From competitors to manufacturers - There are many who continued to help the sport grow and evolve over the years. Herb O’Brien passed away in 2012 leaving behind some of the most iconic brands in water sports including O’Brien, Hyperlite, HO, Ronix, and Radar.
Jimmy Redmon and Tony Finn continue to drive the industry as the guys behind Liquid Force. And now with the growth in Wake Surfing – how cool is it that this all evolved from a surfboard!
PULL Watersports is proud to offer the best brands on the water including the full line of wakeboards and wake surf boards from Liquid Force!
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Nothing is better than learning how to drop the rope and surf the wave on beautiful Lake Lanier. Wake Surfing offers a fun and exciting activity for just about all ages. It is low impact on the body and easy to learn … Really!
Pull Watersports will teach you! We offer expert instructions and feature world class Tige wake surfing boats to make your experience a never forget day!
Pull Watersports Offers Week Day and Weekend Outings for groups from 4-6 people. Perfect for Corporate outings, church groups, or just family and friends.
Just bring a towel and get ready to get wet. We provide the boards, the boat, and we guarantee to put a smile on your face!
Give PULL Watersports a call and reserve your spot.
3 Hour Blocks
Minimum Group 4 people - Maximum 8
]]>Boating is all about a good time – nothing brings friends and families together like time on the water. But that good time also comes with a higher level of responsibility. Too often, accidents happen when a person(s) avoid common sense and takes un-needed risks – And yes are stupid. We all know it – for the thousands of responsible boaters – there are always a few stupid people that turn a good time into tragedy.
Stupid is:
The list of Stupidity can go on and on and we certainly are not trying to be insensitive to any tragedy - unfortunately we know that many accidents can be avoided.
This summer- please be aware, knowledgeable, and don’t be stupid. Avoid thinking nothing will ever happen. Wear a proper life jacket and please refresh your skills and knowledge by taking a boating safety course – no matter how much experience you already have.
There are several safe boating courses available – Here are a few resources
Georgia Department Of Natural Resources http://d7.gadnr.org/le/boating-education
US Coast Guard Auxiliary http://www.cgaux.org/boatinged/class_finder/index.php
Atlanta Sail & Power Squadron http://atlantasboatingclub.com/public-classes/basics-of-boating-boatsmart
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Pro Shops and smaller retailers are also out doing more grass roots events rather than just "sponsoring" larger events. Hook up with your pro shop and be a part of the action. Pro Shop owners and employees are also passionate about the industry they serve - they are not just employees!
Price - People think that larger retailers both online and off line are going to be cheaper - NOT SO. Many manufacturers have a pricing policy called MAP or Minimum Advertised Price which means that ALL dealers must not market below that MAP price. So if the MAP is $200 that is what they have to sell for. Smaller dealers can usually take off a few bucks for in-store purchases or for loyal customers. There are usually a few times of the year when all retailers can go below MAP for special SALES such as 4th of July. MAP pricing us usually held for the season - when the MAP ends, all retailers can then sell for whatever price they want - that is when things go on clearance.
Support your local shop
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If you are the occasional recreational rider or a beginner wanting to try new things – your in a great spot! The great thing about wakeboarding is virtually anyone can get up and ride. Young and Old alike love the feel of riding – from a casual ride to learning tricks. Despite the day and age of $100k plus boats – don’t be fooled, you can wakeboard behind just about anything. Ask some pro’s or advanced riders what they first started to ride behind. If you already have that maxed out wakeboard boat – great – If not don’t worry ride what you have!
The same is true for boards – There is nothing wrong with a good entry level board from a good board shop! We love the Liquid Force Trip, the Ronix Vault, and the CWB Pure. These boards paired up with a good boot will give you plenty to get up and will not hold you back as you progress. They are also sold in combos with the boots so you save a good chunk of money – these combos will typically run under $350 – Not bad for several summers of riding!
Sizing – A lot of people want to buy a board that the entire family can use. Nothing wrong with sharing but you need a board and boots that fits you. A lot of people can get up on a big board and “ride”. The surface area does make it a little easier to get out of the water – BUT if a board is too big for the rider, it will be difficult to maneuver and certainly make it much harder to progress. If the riders are about the same size, you are ok. Most “open toe” boots also have a good range of size built in so people with about 3 different shoe sizes can use it. Again, before you drop $300 on an online store or at a big box sports store, go talk to a good pro shop and get the proper fit – You will be much happier and you wont spend more money!
Lets assume you get up with no problem and you can “jump the wake” – now what? A lot of riders learn to get up and then immediately start jumping the wake – usually heel side because it is easier. The reality is there is a progression to riding that will challenge you and ultimately make you better. Here is a quick look at some tricks to help you progress – you can look online for videos that may help you do these or ask for help at your proshop:
In our opinion, just being on the water is more important that what you can do on the water. There is nothing wrong with going out for a casual ride – but if you want to advance your skills and push yourself to one of the most exciting sports on water – go for it. We hope this helps!
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