The Nautique Network

Dockside Chats: Neilly Ross

Nautique Boats: Congratulations on setting the Women’s Trick World Record! Tell us what being a World Record Holder feels like and what it means to you?

Neilly Ross: Holding the World Record feels almost like a relief. I have had my eyes set on achieving this goal since I was 14 when I tricked over 10,000 points for the first time. It has been a long road, but to end this season with setting 3 pending World Records (1 approved thus far) has been worth all of the work and sacrifice and I will keep working to trick more points.

NB: What did you do on and off the water to prepare to break the Women’s Trick World Record?

NR: I’ve grinded as hard as I can, year-round, for 15 years straight. I have cut no corners and have sacrificed everything; it is 100% worth the effort I have put in! I wouldn’t have it any other way - I absolutely love skiing (and slalom just as much as tricks). To put into perspective how tough it gets at the top, it took me nearly 7 years from the time I put on a trick ski to trick 10,000 points, but it took me more than 7 years to go from 10,000 points to 11,000 points.

NB: What new sequences and tricks did you put together in your World Record run?

NR: To put together my World Record run, I knew that it was going to take testing out creative sequences and putting together two innovative passes. I needed to fit 6 flips and 4 wake tricks in time, but I also needed several low point scoring (“filler”) tricks. Because of this, we designed my run in a 3 flip, 4 spin, 3 flip configuration. On top of that, I needed all 10 tricks to be very high scoring tricks. As for toes, I cut out some surface turns and added the toe wake line 540. This added a few hundred points to my toe pass.

NB: Bring us back to the beginning - tell us about your waterskiing journey and what inspired you to pursue a professional waterskiing career?

NR: I started skiing before I can even remember. Slalom was what brought me into the sport. I grew up at my family’s ski school in Orlando, Florida and every day of my life has been spent at the lake. Then, when I was 7, I rode a trick ski for the first time and was immediately hooked. From that point forward, both of my parents showed their full support by devoting 3-4 hours every single day to drive and coach me tricks — they couldn’t get me off the water (it became my dad’s new full-time job lol).

NB: What does an average day in the life of Neilly Ross look like when training for a tournament?

NR: While training for tournaments, I start my day by heading over to the lake at around 7:30. I always do a 20-30 minute warm up consisting of rolling, stretching, and activating my muscles before I do 1-2 slalom sets. After slaloming, I usually like to separate my slalom and trick sets by a few hours, so I’ll go home for a quick breakfast and then go back to the lake for 1-2 trick sets. After my skiing in done for the day, I enjoy doing pilates or going for a run.

NB: Can you describe your most memorable waterskiing experience?

NR: When I was 12, I got a call from Steve Bush (former Team Canada Coach) asking me if I had been training through the winter to which I replied “of course.” I was needed last minute to compete in Santiago, Chile in just a week at the World Championships. Up to this point, I had only competed in junior competitions. My dad and I hopped on a plane to Santiago, Chile and I got to ski with and against my heroes (12-year-old me was absolutely floored that I was on the same team as Whitney McClintock, Breanne Dodd, Ryan Dodd, and Jason McClintock; plus many more of my heroes that I got to compete against including Clementine Lucine and Natalia Berdnikava). It was at this tournament that, to my surprise, I became the youngest skier to ever make a finals at a World Championships and I ended up placing 7th. Competing at this high-level competition alongside the athletes that I looked up to so much changed my life and it was there that I decided that I wanted to pursue skiing with all of my energy - and to one day be the best in the world.

NB: What are your favorite things to do off the water and in the off-season?

NR: Off the water and in the off season I love to wake surf, foil, snow ski, and run. Since I started skiing heavily when I was around 7, I really have never taken an “off-season.” It wasn’t until last year that I started to give myself several weeks without skiing to rest and focus on other aspects of my life.

NB: What does Nautique mean to you?

NR: Nautique to me means reaching for perfection. In the water sports industry, Nautique is the trailblazer in innovation. At the end of the day, there is no boat that feels the way a Nautique does and still, Nautique continues to strive to find ways to improve and reach beyond what is thought of as the “perfect” ski boat.

NB: What features of the Ski Nautique helped you to break the World Record?

NR: The crisp and supportive wakes of the Ski Nautique most definitely helped me to break the World Record. The wake shape and table behind the Ski Nautique are on a completely different level. The clean definition optimizes transitions and improves skier efficiency. The ballast system allows for an immediate and accurate customization of balance and size.

NB: Who has been your biggest influence or role model and why?

NR: Hmmm.. tough one. I have had many role models throughout my career including Clementine Lucine and Whitney McClintock. Especially in the past few years, my brother, Charlie, has done such an amazing job developing a positive mindset and extreme work ethic so I definitely look up to him a lot.

NB: Do you have any advice for aspiring junior waterskiers?

NR: I have always told myself that the best mentality is one that goes full force in working as hard as you can and then at competitions, to roll the dice and let them fall where they fall. Another thing that I tell myself is when I’m nervous for a competition, I ask myself if this is the last tournament that I will ever ski in. If the answer is no, then this prompt helps me to remove my fear and channel my nervous energy into having full confidence in my runs.

NB: Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future?

NR: For the future, I want to continue to push the boundaries in women’s trick skiing. I believe it is possible for women to trick over the 12,000-point barrier so… that’s the goal.

Dockside Chats: Jack Travers Waterski School

Nautique Boats: Nautique has been proud partners of the Jack Travers Waterski School for over 50 years! We’d love to share your journey to becoming a world renown waterski destination. Tell us how it all started!

Jack Travers: Throughout my life, I have harbored a deep passion for waterskiing. During my summers, I resided in Alton Bay, New Hampshire, where I was a member of the Alton Bay Ski Club. I actively engaged in waterskiing whenever possible. My aspiration was to establish a training center for waterskiing. After gaining valuable experience at two esteemed ski schools in Florida, I made the decision to embark on my own entrepreneurial journey in the autumn of 1973.

In Florida, I acquired a mobile home situated on a small lake that connected to three other lakes within Lake County. My father, recognizing the potential of this opportunity, generously donated the family Correct Craft V-drive inboard boat to support my endeavors. After undergoing a valve repair, installation of a new starter, propeller, and tune-up, the boat was restored to its former glory, enabling me to commence coaching my students.

In the spring of 1974, Walt Meloon presented me with an exceptional trade-in offer for a reconditioned 1973 Ski Nautique. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Walt for his invaluable contributions to my dream. From that moment forward, Walt Meloon and Mr. Ralph treated us as members of their extended family, consistently providing encouragement and support as we pursued our aspirations and dreams.

NB: What is your mission at the Jack Travers Waterski School?

JT: Regardless of their experience, whether as a beginner or a professional athlete, our primary goal is to provide skiers with exceptional coaching and guidance to help them achieve their goals both on and off the water. We strive to create an environment conducive to success by promoting healthy living habits.

NB: Can you share some of your favorite client success stories?

JT: Back in the day, before cell phones, we always told our staff and students to give us a call whenever they wanted. But let me tell you, those middle-of-the-night calls weren’t always the best. One such night, our group was at the Nautique Moomba Masters, and guess who rang the phone at 2:45 AM? It was none other than Mike Hazelwood! Can you believe it? He had just jumped 200 feet to win Moomba! Talk about an adrenaline rush!

At the World Championships in London, England, the last skier of the day, Sammy Duvall, put on his jump skis and took to the water. He won both the jump and overall titles! And guess what? A relatively unknown skier named Kim Laskoff also made history by winning slalom at the same event.

In 2011, my son, Jon Travers, participated in the last-chance qualifier for the Nautique Masters Waterski and Wakeboard Tournament. He ran a remarkable 4 @ 41 off securing a victory and a ticket to compete in the Nautique Masters event. One week later, he continued his impressive performance by winning the event. At the same event, our future daughter-in-law emerged victorious in the jump event. These experiences were deeply emotional and filled me with immense pride.

NB: You have run a family operated business for 51 years. Can you share some of your family values that have contributed to your continued success?

JT: We marked 50 years of business at the 2023 World Championships, which we hosted. Choosing the right people to represent our ski school is one of the toughest tasks for any service business.

Our mission has always been to hire staff who will treat our customers the way we want to be treated. Our team has always gone above and beyond to make sure our clients get more than they expected. My wife and I have always believed in respect and responsibility, and we’ve been lucky enough to have our sons, Christopher, Jonathan, and daughter-in-law Natallia join the business. We’re excited to continue providing respectful and responsible water ski services for many years to come!

NB: The Jack Travers Waterski School has hosted numerous waterski events over the years. Which events were your favorites and why?

JT: We’ve hosted some pretty big events here at Sunset Lakes, like the U.S. Team Trials, Florida State Championships, Southern Regionals, and even the IWWF Disabled Worlds, 35 Plus Worlds, Junior Worlds, and the IWWF 2021 and 2023 Open Worlds Championship. We’ve also been the home of the first Masters Last Change Qualifier and have hosted the event every year since 2001. And let’s not forget about all the world records and PB’s that have been set here! It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to make these events happen, and we’re so grateful for everyone who supports us.

We’re not just about big tournaments; We also love hosting a simple Wednesday night class C for kids and beginners. It’s a great way for them to get involved in our sport, have a fun meal with our ski club, officials, and homeowners, and make some new friends.

NB: Can you give us some insight as to how your students prepare for the Nautique Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard Tournament presented by GM Marine?

JT: Robin Lake, the venue for the U.S. Masters, presents a challenge for competitors due to its depth, exceeding that of most tournament sites. Additionally, a long stone wall casts rollers randomly across the lake. In tricks, we employ a substantial amount of ballast to mimic the high wakes generated by the lake’s deep waters. To enhance slalom performance, we minimize the time interval between passes, creating a state of nervousness in the water. We consistently strive to replicate the boat path utilized at Callaway Gardens during the Nautique Masters, particularly in the jump event. Given the fact there are two different paths of jumping, it presents a significant challenge.

NB: What does Nautique mean to you?

JT: Nautique is the benchmark that all other ski boats aspire to reach. Whenever I hear about a new boat design, I can’t help but wonder, “How can they possibly make it better? They’ve always done it so well.” To me, Nautique embodies quality, comfort, and durability. If you want to be the best at what you do, you need the best equipment. It’s been an honor to assist their engineers over the years in testing boats and new equipment, contributing to the advancement of the sport.

On a personal note, Mr. Ralph was a wonderful mentor to Lelani and me as young adults. He was always thrilled to hear about our family and shared his deep love and passion for Christ with us. Walt Meloon and Larry Medock took both Lelani and I under their wings and guided us in developing a comprehensive business plan for our future. Throughout the years, we’ve made some changes, but this foundation has been the cornerstone of our success.

NB: What are your favorite features on the Ski Nautique?

JT: My primary passion has always been three events. The overall skier is the triathlon of our sport. The Nautique is meticulously designed to cater to each of the traditional events. The slalom wake is equipped with MicroTuners® providing skiers with the optimal platform behind the boat. Ballast tanks and the automated HydroGate® enable skiers to customize the wake height to suit their preferences during tricks. The HydroGate also serves as the launch platform for the jump event. For young skiers at slalom speeds, the boat can be adjusted to ride flatter, creating a smaller wake. Conversely, for faster speeds and skiers seeking increased speed, the HydroGate can be adjusted to provide faster acceleration. This versatile boat can accommodate all three events, showcasing remarkable engineering prowess.

NB: What are your goals as you look to what the future holds for the Jack Travers Waterski School?

JT: We had two amazing attorneys, good old country boys. They told us to grab a yellow pad and dream big. Write down anything we might want to do or achieve in our lifetime, and don’t hold back. We never imagined we could make so many dreams come true.

We still have that yellow pad and keep working on it. Here are a few things we’re planning for the next few years:

• Adding Phase 3, which will be the last 4-5 lots on the property south of Lake Grace.
• Building a new clubhouse to serve our growing community. It’ll be a place for small meetings, weddings, and even a pool for the community.
• Creating a paved running and bicycle path with its own pavilion that can be used for special events and weddings.

Our real idea is that anything is possible if we work hard and stay determined. We just keep dreaming and growing.

Dockside Chats: Zahra Kell

Nautique Boats: Congrats on winning the 2024 Pro Women Overall Nautique Wake Series Title! You’ve won this title two years in a row – tell us how you’re feeling!

Zahra Kell: Feeling amazing!! Doing some rest and recovery at the moment to make sure I’m at 100% for the upcoming season. I couldn’t be more excited!

NB: What is your favorite memory from this year’s Nautique Wake Series?

ZK: Oh, there’s so many to choose from!! I would say one of my all-time favorites from this year would be riding back into the dock after winning the 2024 Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championship in Seattle, Washington with my boyfriend and all my friends waiting on the shore to celebrate!

NB: What does the Nautique Wake Series mean to you?

ZK: The Nautique Wake Series is absolutely amazing. They put on the best events and take you to some insane places all around the world; I’m so grateful for that!

NB: Over the years, the Nautique Wake Series has taken you all over the world. Which contest location was your favorite and why?

ZK: Absolutely!! I have so many favorites, but I would have to say the 2023 Nautique WWA World Wakeboard Championships in Portugal. It was such an amazing place. I took the win, and we got to travel through Spain afterwards for a mini euro summer! 

NB: This season, you landed the first ever toeside 900 and handle pass backside 720 in women’s wakeboarding behind your Super Air Nautique G23. Tell us about what it took to land these monumental tricks!

ZK: Yes! I was so hyped to land both of these! It’s definitely a mental game landing tricks that have never been done. I actually tried the back 7 for about a year on and off. I tried in 2023 but stopped after a while because comp season was here, and I didn’t want to destroy my body too much. I gave it a shot after the Nautique Masters and landed it the same set! For the toe 9, I was rewatching my videos from riding that morning and saw that on my toe 7, I passed the handle on the landing, which made me super confident that I could do the 9. My dad was leaving for the airport to head back to Australia that day, so I asked him to take me out for a second set before he had to get on the plane. I landed it second try! The boat hype that day was real!

NB: Take us back to the beginning - how did your wakeboarding career start?

ZK: My dad was one of Australia’s first professional wakeboarders and my whole family was always into water sports, so I was born into it! I rode on my dad’s board with him when I was one, and then on my own for the first time at three years old! I started competing at around five or six years old, and I got second place in my first competition! I told my dad I wanted the better prize that the girl got for coming in first, so he taught me how to do just that!

NB: What does a day in your life look like when you’re in Orlando for the season?

ZK: I ride in the morning with my partner Ryan, my dad and my best friend, Euge De Armas. We hype each other up for a couple of hours and then head to the gym. We finish the day with another riding set most afternoons!

NB: What are your biggest career accomplishments so far?

ZK: Becoming the Moomba Masters Champion in 2023 was one of my favorite achievements, as it was my comeback competition, and it felt so amazing to win after having that much time off. I really put in the work to get back on top, so that one was a dream come true for sure! Also, winning the Nautique Wake Series in 2023 and 2024 was so insane and I couldn’t be happier to win the Nautique Wake Series two years in a row, especially since I’ve only been back for two years!

NB: Who are some role models that have inspired you, and how have they impacted your journey?

ZK: Definitely Shaun Murray. I love how good of a rider he is and absolutely love what he does on the social media side of things, especially YouTube. I think it really grows the sport! I got to go on the boat with him last summer to film and it was just such an awesome part of my season! I also love Eileen Gu. She’s an Olympic snow skier and lands these insane tricks that no one has ever done before, but she’s also a model for lots of designer brands. I think that’s so amazing as my goal is to definitely embrace my femininity in the sport as well!

NB: What do you see as the future for women in wakeboarding?

ZK: The future in women’s wake is HUGE! The girls are all stepping it up so much lately, which has been so insane to see! I’m so grateful to be one of the women pushing the limits as hard as I can. This coming year I see a lot more new tricks, more comps for girls and just overall an amazing season!

NB: What are your favorite features on the Super Air Nautique G-Series?

ZK: There are genuinely so many features that I absolutely love. I have really enjoyed the loveseat heater whilst I’ve been training in Australia in the winter. It’s been really nice as it’s been freezing cold! But ultimately, the best feature for me is just the insane wake; I’ve never ridden anything like it and it’s literally the building block to everything that I do!

NB: What are your favorite tricks?

ZK: I’d say my favorite tricks would have to be indy roll to blind and mute cab 5!

NB: What does Nautique mean to you?

ZK: Everything! They are the most important part of my journey and have supported me so well for so many years. I genuinely couldn’t be more grateful for that. The wake that these boats provide as well as the luxury experience you get whilst sitting in a Nautique G23 is absolutely unmatched.

NB: If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring wakeboarders, what would it be?

ZK: I would definitely say to put your absolute all into it! Working hard and then seeing that hard work payoff is so insanely rewarding and wakeboarding is such an amazing community to be a part of.

NB: What’s next for you?

ZK: I’m super excited for the 2025 season ahead. I’m heading over to Orlando for the summer to compete and I couldn’t be more thrilled! The locations of the 2025 Nautique Wake Series are so cool and I just can’t wait to experience that! Also, definitely some new tricks and growing as much as I can through social media.