Malibu Boats Named Official Towboat of the Performance Ski & Surf Gravel Tour

M230 to Tow Riders Across Wakeboard, Wakesurf, Wakeskate & Foil Divisions in 2026

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Malibu Boats has announced a partnership as the exclusive towboat sponsor of the Performance Ski & Surf Gravel Tour, one of the most established grassroots wake sports tournament series in the world. For the 2026 season, the Malibu M230 will tow riders across wakeboard, wakesurf, wakeskate, and foil divisions.

Why it matters

The Gravel Tour represents progression, family involvement and authentic competition in the wake sports community. Malibu's partnership with the event helps support grassroots tournaments, which are seen as the foundation for growing the sport.

The details

The Gravel Tour was founded in 1999 by watersports legend Herb O'Brien and Bill Porter, owner of Performance Ski & Surf. For over 25 years, the series has brought together riders of all ages and skill levels to compete and build community. Malibu's M230 boat will be the exclusive towboat for the 2026 season, delivering the performance and consistency competitive athletes demand.

  • The 2026 Performance Ski & Surf Gravel Tour towed by Malibu Boats will take place at Lake David in Groveland, Florida.

The players

Malibu Boats

An American recreational powerboat manufacturer that designs, engineers, and markets a portfolio of boat brands including Malibu Boats and Axis Wake.

Performance Ski & Surf

A company that owns and operates the Performance Ski & Surf Gravel Tour, one of the most established grassroots wake sports tournament series in the world.

Herb O'Brien

A watersports legend who co-founded the Performance Ski & Surf Gravel Tour in 1999.

Bill Porter

The owner of Performance Ski & Surf and the founder of the Gravel Tour.

Liquid Planet Marine

Central Florida's premier Malibu Boats dealership and the Preferred Dealer of Performance Ski & Surf.

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What they’re saying

“Grassroots tournaments are the foundation of wake sports. The Gravel Tour represents progression, family involvement and authentic competition. We're proud to have the M230 towing riders this season.”

— Chris Loomis, Director of Dealer Development at Malibu Boats (bakercityherald.com)

“We're excited to stand alongside Malibu and Performance Ski & Surf in supporting this series. The Gravel Tour brings together passionate riders and families who truly love being on the water. We're proud to support an event that strengthens the wake sports community.”

— Pete Grinnell, President of Liquid Planet Marine (bakercityherald.com)

“My favorite thing about the Gravel Tour is bringing riders of all ages together with their families and watching them grow. Seeing someone go from their first grassroots event to competing at the highest level is incredible. But what makes it special are the friendships built along the way — not just between riders, but families too. That's what this tour has always been about.”

— Bill Porter, Owner of Performance Ski & Surf and Founder of the Gravel Tour (bakercityherald.com)

“These contests build confidence in young riders. They learn how to structure a run, read water conditions and communicate with judges and drivers. That experience carries with them for years.”

— Bec Gange, Axis Wake Pro Team member (bakercityherald.com)

What’s next

The 2026 Performance Ski & Surf Gravel Tour towed by Malibu Boats will take place at Lake David in Groveland, Florida.

The takeaway

Malibu Boats' partnership with the Performance Ski & Surf Gravel Tour highlights the importance of grassroots competitions in growing the wake sports community. By providing the official towboat for the event, Malibu is supporting the progression of riders of all ages and skill levels, as well as the family-oriented atmosphere that has defined the Gravel Tour for over 25 years.