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He’s trying to be Rob Hazelwood — flawed, fired up, and fully alive.

Watch: Soul of Skiing, Episode 5 | HO Sports

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SOUL of SKIING, ep 5: Born to Buoy – Rob Hazelwood

HO Sports

Some stories are born on the water. Others are carved into it — with grit, setbacks, and the unwavering belief that simply being in and around the water is enough.

In “Born to Buoy”, Episode 5 of Soul of Skiing, we dive into the life and legacy of Rob Hazelwood, the latest force in a family lineage that reads like a hall of fame roster. From his earliest turns on the water at Hazelwood’s Ski World in Lincoln, UK, to standing on top of the podium at Lake 38 in 2024, Rob’s path has been anything but ordinary.

A British Legacy Runs Deep

Water skiing greatness runs in Rob’s veins. His uncle, Mike Hazelwood, was a multiple-time world champion. His cousin, Will Asher, also a 2-time World Champion, continues to redefine elite performance on the world stage. And let’s not forget — Rob hails from a British slalom dynasty that includes legends like Andy Mapple, Glen Campbell and Freddie Winter. That’s a heavy heritage to carry — but Rob wears it with quiet pride and an open heart.

From the moment he could stand on skis, Rob’s days were filled with laps around Hazelwood’s, chasing buoys, chasing brothers, and chasing a dream that seemed already written. But as you’ll see in this episode, nothing about Rob’s rise was handed to him.

Hope, Pain, and the Long Way Back

Rob’s journey hasn’t been all sunrises and spray. Injuries have repeatedly tested his resolve. A dislocated hip, though not featured in this story, once put his entire trajectory in question. But it was a torn right bicep — a brutal injury we did get to capture — that nearly closed the chapter for good.

For many, that would’ve been the end. For Rob, it was fuel.

With a quiet fire, he poured himself into rehab, training, coaching, and even filmmaking — building himself back not just physically, but mentally. The water never left his mind. And when he returned, he came back more grounded, more grateful, and somehow… even more dangerous.

🏆 The Breakthrough

In 2024, all the grit paid off. Lake 38 Pro-Am. Rob took his first-ever professional win, and it wasn’t just a victory — it was a statement. To everyone who had watched his slow, steady rise. To those who counted him out. And maybe most of all — to himself.

It was a glimpse of what happens when passion meets perseverance. When you stop trying to be someone else… and just let your weird, wonderful self shine.

⚡️A Legend in the Making (and the Life of the Party)

There’s something contagious about Rob’s energy — like someone bottled up the Energizer Bunny and gave him a slalom ski. He admits it himself: he can be a lot. Too much, sometimes. But that’s the magic.

He’s not trying to be the next Will, or Mike, or Mapple.

He’s trying to be Rob Hazelwood — flawed, fired up, and fully alive.

🎥 Watch Episode 5 Now

This is more than a story about buoys and boats. It’s about a young man who grew up in the shadow of greatness and had the courage to write his own script.

It’s about coming back from the brink and smiling while you do it.

It’s about the Soul of Skiing — and one of the sport’s most electric, resilient characters.

Rob’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robhazelwoo…

SOUL of SKIING, ep 4: Wade’s World

Watch: Soul of Skiing, Episode 4 | HO Sports

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SOUL of SKIING, ep 4: Wade’s World

HO Sports

If you’ve ever held a handle in your hands and thought, “What would it feel like to ski like a legend?” — this episode’s for you.

Wade Cox didn’t just ski. He carved holes in the laws of physics. He bent angles. He made spray look like sculpture. And in Soul of Skiing: Episode 4 – Wade’s World, we dive deep into the mind, story, and soul of one of the greatest to ever do it.

Let’s get the stats out of the way — not because they’re the most important thing, but because they’re ridiculous:

  • 47 Professional Slalom Titles
  • 3-time Masters Champion
  • Back-to-back Pro Tour Champion (1995, 1996)
  • Water Ski Hall of Fame, Class of 2012

Those numbers don’t just earn you a place on the podium. They earn you your own area code in ski history.

But Wade Cox wasn’t just dominant — he was electric. He skied with attitude. His style was part Arkansas cowboy, part technician, and 100% unrelenting. He had a gear no one else could find. And in the 90’s and 2000’s, when he showed up at a Pro Tour stop, you either had to bring your absolute best… or just enjoy the view of Wade’s rooster tail as it disappeared behind the starting dock.

And then there was The Rivalry.

Wade Cox vs. Andy Mapple.

Just like Ali vs. Frazier…..Federer vs. Nadal.

Except on water. With carbon fiber. And ESPN cameras.

Out of a stretch of 60 pro events, Wade won 22, Andy took 29, and the entire rest of the field combined managed to sneak away with a measly 9.

But this episode isn’t just about stats and medals. It’s about the man. The grit. The losses. The lessons. The transition from being the guy everyone chased… to the guy willing to look back and tell the story. Not the version you see on the back of a trading card — the real one. The one with broken bones, blown turns, and hard-earned wisdom.

Because here’s the truth: Legends don’t just teach us how to win. They show us how to keep going, when the spotlight dims and the work begins.

So, yeah — we called this episode “Wade’s World.”

And no, there’s no guitar solo or Wayne’s basement (though we can’t confirm Wade hasn’t air-guitared with a ski handle before).

But there’s Soul…Lots of it. There’s humility. And there’s the kind of greatness you can’t fake.

Here is 🎥 Episode 4: Wade’s World

Watch it. Learn from it. Then go make your next set count.

Freddie Winter, Joel Poland, and Brooks Wilson on the Grab Matters Podcast

Watch: Does MasterCraft Own the Masters? | Grab Matters

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Does MasterCraft Own the Masters? | Freddie Winter, Joel Poland, Brooks Wilson – Ep. 84

Grab Matters

Freddie and Joel both just won masters, so you know we’re talking about that, but we’re also getting into a bunch of other topics. Like how to make money waterskiing, trick skiing scoring/trick values, who we think has the most “on water” time, waterski media and how it compares to wakeboard media, social media/influencers values to brands, onlyfans, and a whole lot more. Plus, the guys rip smelling salts to start the pod, and eat a Malort candy midway through. Hear all this and much more in Episode 84 of the Grab Matters Podcast!

2026 Ski Nautique

Watch: Introducing the All-New Ski Nautique

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Introducing the All-New Ski Nautique

Nautique Boats

Introducing the all-new Ski Nautique – an evolution of a true icon. Following suit with its 65-year legacy marked by more personal bests and world records than any other waterski boat in history, the Ski Nautique has been reengineered to push the boundaries of what’s possible in three-event waterskiing.

2026 Ski Nautique Walk Through

A culmination of cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions, the completely redesigned 2026 Ski Nautique is the ultimate expression of unparalleled performance, setting a new standard in three-event waterskiing. Follow along with Nautique Water Ski Brand Ambassador, Matt Rini, for an in-depth walk through of the all-new Ski Nautique!

2026 Ski Nautique – Design Philosophy

Discover the design philosophy behind the all-new 2026 Ski Nautique with our Chief Designer, Steve Carlton.

Team Talk: Ski Nautique

Join us for an exclusive interview with Team Nautique Athletes and Nautique Water Ski Brand Ambassadors as they dive into the details of the all-new 2026 Ski Nautique! Discover the cutting-edge design and innovative performance features that will shape the future of three-event waterskiing for pros and enthusiasts alike.

Will Asher - Beyond The Wins

Watch: Soul of Skiing, Episode 3 | HO Sports

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SOUL of SKIING, Ep 3: Will Asher – Beyond The Wins

HO Sports

Will Asher is not just a name on the leaderboard—he is the standard. A two-time World Champion, multiple-time Masters Champion, and the winningest European water skier in history, Asher has spent over two decades redefining what elite performance looks like in the sport. With a career built on consistency, resilience, and raw technical talent, he’s become a cornerstone of modern water skiing. Asher’s long-standing partnership with HO Skis and his central role in FlowPointTV content have helped elevate both the athlete and the sport into new cultural territory. Now, at 42 years old, he’s still ranked No. 1 on the Water Ski Pro Tour—something almost unheard of in a sport dominated by youth and fast-twitch explosiveness.

Today marks the release of “Beyond the Wins”, the third episode in the Soul of Skiing series by FlowPointTV and HO Skis. It’s not just a highlight reel or a career recap—it’s an honest, introspective look into the hard lessons, sacrifices, and internal battles that have shaped Will’s journey. From the grueling years spent in the ski shed, developing himself as a Master Craftsman and shaper, to the internal challenges of doing what he thought it would take to be the best in the world, Asher opens up like never before. You’ll see the pain behind the podiums and the purpose that still drives him after all these years. In a sport that demands everything and guarantees nothing, Beyond the Wins shows why Will Asher is more than just a competitor—he’s the embodiment of what Soul of Skiing is all about.

Rocketman: The Flight of Scot Ellis

Watch: Rocketman: The Flight of Scot Ellis | Connelly Skis

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Rocketman: The Flight of Scot Ellis

Connelly Skis

In the history of water skiing, there are legends — and then there’s Scot “Rocketman” Ellis.

For over three decades, Scot Ellis has soared beyond expectations, redefining the art of water ski jumping and leaving a lasting imprint on the sport’s DNA. Known for his fearless launch, laser focus, and deep technical knowledge, Ellis didn’t just push boundaries — he exploded past them, one leap at a time.

From his early days on the dock to setting records and inspiring generations, Scot became synonymous with flight. Over three decades at the elite level, Ellis was a 10-time World Cup champion, 10-time Pro Tour champion, 3-time Moomba Masters champion, 3-time Australian Open champion, and 2-time Moomba Masters Night Jump champion. He also won professional jump titles at the U.S. Masters, U.S. Open, and Italian Open. Throughout his career, he set 14 U.S. national jumping records.He’s a skier who, even into his 50s, continued to jump farther than most ever will. His nickname, Rocketman, wasn’t just branding — it was a reflection of his signature style: fast, aggressive, and (almost) always in control.

But beyond the spray and spectacle, Scot’s story is grounded in something more powerful — longevity, humility, and a relentless dedication to the craft. He’s mentored countless athletes, helped drive innovation in ski design, and maintained a presence on the Pro Tour longer than almost any other athlete in modern history. He wasn’t just part of the sport — he was the engine of it.

And now, in 2025, that story takes on new depth.

This year marks two major milestones:

  • Scot Ellis’ induction into the Water Ski Hall of Fame (May 3rd)
  • The 60th Anniversary of Connelly Skis, the iconic brand that’s been alongside him through much of his career

To honor both, we’re proud to announce the release of “Rocketman” — a special short film dropping May 6th, created to capture Scot’s journey, his influence, and his legacy. It’s a story about water ski Jumping — but also about grit, longevity, and what it takes to stay airborne when the rest of the world expects you to land.

On May 6th, we celebrate a man who hasn’t figured out how to stop jumping — and a brand that never stopped pushing forward.