Name: Mike Slattery Nickname: Slattz D.O.B.: 3-24-64 Age: 40 Height: 5'10" Weight: 165 lbs. Hair: Blonde Eyes: yellow From: Santa Cruz, CA Current Residence: Sunset Beach, Hawaii Occupation: Manufacturer Years Surfing: On and off most of my life Years Towsurfing: 6 years Favorite Big Wave Spots: Hawaiian Island chain. I hope I haven't found my favorite spot YET! Other Hobbies: Dirt bikes, Wind sports, PWC fishing, all forms of surfing Sponsors: Ted Robinson/O'neill, High Surf Accessories

Towsurfer.com: How did you get involved with developing tow-in surfing and rescue equipment?

Mike:By default! Nothing really existed and I started taking a hard look at what people were doing, what was working and what was not working. Based on what I saw and input from others I started putting together my own equipment.

Give us the list of all the products you currently sell.

We started out as a Rescue Board company and have grown to producing accessories from bow to stern. These include, Bow Tow Ropes, Hatch & Seat Impact Straps, Quick Release Assembly's, Tow Rope's, Tow Handles, Rescue Rings, PWC Traction Systems, Mounting Hardware (for Rescue Boards), PWC & Rescue Board UV covers and a diverse array of Rescue Boards.

A lot of R&D must go into all of the products you develop and market. Who do you work with to get feedback from with respect to how well or not so well the product is working?

Initial testing is done in-house. From there, the product will be given to the appropriate people to try out. Meaning tow specific items may go to our surfing athletes such as; Sierra Emory, Parsons & Gerlach, Shane Desmond, Greg & Rusty Long, Jamie Sterling to name a few. Rescue specific items definitely go to people specializing in that field, people who have contributed in this area are; Guy Pere, Brenden Shea, Jay Sniffen, Archie Kalepa, Terry Ahue, Shawn Alladio, Wes Mundy. We always try to listen with a very open mind to feedback from everyone, as valuable information often comes from where you would least expect it.

How have your tow ropes and handles changed over the past couple years?

Evolution of the product is a direct reflection of time spent with the equipment out in the ocean. Additionally, through our R&D we have become more aggressive in the search for new materials in the market place. With regards to rope material, we source from several vendors around the globe. SPECIFIC CHANGES ARE; THE INSIDE HANDLE DIAMETER IS SMALLER THAN YOUR TYPICAL WATER SKI HANDLE TO REDUCEENTRAPMENT OF LIMBS AND HEAD AND THE ROPES HAVE BECOME THICKER. OUR HANDLE GRIPS ARE NOW COATED WITH EVA A CUSHIER MATERIAL FOR YOUR HANDS. WE HAVE AN OPTIONAL TEXTURED LEADER LINE ON THE HANDLES SO THAT YOU CAN TELL BY FEEL EXACTLY WHEN THE HANDLE IS GOING TO HIT. OUR NEW 'CUSHY' ROPES ARE MUCH EASIER ON THE HANDS. IN A PINCH, YOU CAN GRAB THEM ANYWHERE. ALSO, THEY ARE DESIGNED TO FLOAT. ANYONE WHO HAS SUCKED A ROPE INTO THEIR INTAKE KNOWS HOW CRUCIAL THIS IS.

Talk to us about the different types of rescue sleds you offer and where each one works best.

OUR JUNIOR SLED IS FOR THE MINIMALIST WHO WANTS AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE BEHIND THE SKI, WHILE STILL GETTING THE JOB DONE. IT IS ALSO THE MOST AFFORDABLE. OUR STANDARD SLED IS THE CHOICE OF WATER RESCUE PROFESSIONALS AS WELL AS MOST TOW SURFERS. IT IS BIG ENOUGH TO RIDE ON AND YOU CAN STRAP A COUPLE OF BOARDS TO IT. OUR CUTTER IS FOR THOSE WHO WANT MORE CARGO CAPACITY. WE ALSO MAKE SOME SLEDS FOR NICHE APPLICATIONS SUCH AS JET BOATS AND STAND UP SKIS.

How important is the rescue sled for towsurfing?

YOU SHOULD NOT BE TOWING WITHOUT ONE. YOU SIMPLY CANNOT PERFORM AN EFFICIENT PICKUP WITHOUT ONE. EVERYTHING WE MAKE HAS A SPECIFIC PURPOSE. YOU MUST HAVE ALL OF THE PIECES OF THE PUZZLE IF YOU WANT TO MINIMIZE RISK. TOWSURFING IS LIKE ROCK CLIMBING IN THAT EVERYTHING SHOULD BE TRIPLE CHECKED BEFORE A GO-OUT.

What is the best way to market and sell your products?

Word of mouth!!! WE DO MINIMAL ADVERTISING. OUR PRODUCTS SELL THEMSELVES. I ALSO ENJOY INTERACTING WITH THE PERSONALITIES IN BOTH THE RESCUE PROFESSIONS AS WELL AS OUR TOWSURFING SUBCULTURE. IT ALLOWS ME TO ABSORB THEIR CONCERNS AND DESIRES, AND I GET TO TURN THEM ON TO OUR PRODUCT.

How important is it to have the right equipment for towsurfing?

THIS IS A SPORT WHERE LIVES ARE AT STAKE. IT IS ALL ABOUT RISK ASSESSMENT AND RISK MANAGEMENT. YOU MUST BE FULLY PREPARED NOT ONLY IN AN ATHLETIC SENSE, BUT FROM AN EQUIPMENT STANDPOINT AS WELL. IF YOUR SKI BREAKS DOWN, YOU BETTER HAVE A BOW TOW AND BE ABLE TO ACCESS IT BY FEEL. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS WEAR A FIN BELT SO YOUR SWIMFINS ARE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS. YOUR HATCHES AND SEATS SHOULD HAVE SECURITY STRAPS IN ORDER TO WITHSTAND IMPACTS AND ROLLS. YOUR TOWROPE SHOULD HAVE A QUICK RELEASE TO ESCAPE TANGLES BOTH HUMAN AND OTHERWISE. OF COURSE YOUR SKI SHOULD BE IN PROPER WORKING ORDER AND EVERYONE SHOULD BE WEARING PFDS. THE LIST GOES ON, AND WILL CONTINUE TO GROW AS THE SPORT EVOLVES.

Tell us about some of the Ocean/Safety and Rescue Agencies that you work with in Hawaii and California.

In Hawaii I'm fortunate to work with most of the County's Kauai, Maui and Honolulu. The state of Hawaii and some of its lifeguards were instrumental in bringing the use of PWC for water rescue to light. Hawaii is rich in history in this department and we are fortunate to be close to it all. California is growing with use of PWC's, we work with agencies from Cresent City to Imperial Beach.

You also work very closely with two of the best water patrol men in the world, Brian Keaulana and Archie Kalepa. How has their input helped you with your R&D?

Their input has been indispensable. Brian & Archie are very unique in that they are two of the most accomplished waterman and at the same time two of the most giving individuals with regards to their experience and knowledge. Brian & Archie's input plays a strong roll in the refinement of existing equipment and the roll out of new products.

What’s involved with properly outfitting and prepping your ski with the right equipment and how long will it usually take?

SKI PREPERATION SHOULD BE ONGOING. INITIAL OUTFITTING SHOULD NOT BE RUSHED AND SHOULD BE DONE IN CONJUNCTION WITH AN EXPERIENCED PERSON. STARTING FROM THE BOW, YOU WILL NEED A BOW TOW WITH A BEANER. YOU WILL NEED SECURITY STRAPS FOR ALL HATCHES AND SEATS. YOU WILL WANT AN EXTRA IGNITION LANYARD ON YOUR HANDLE BAR(ANOTHER GETS WORN ON THE WRIST). YOU WILL WANT DECK GRIP IN YOUR GUNNELS AND SWIMSTEP. YOU WILL NEED A UBOLT FOR YOUR TOWROPE, HANDLE AND QUICKRELEASE. THEN OF COURSE, THE SLED, WHERE PROPER RIGGING IS ESSENTIAL. IMPROPPER RIGGING RESULTS IN POOR PERFORMANCE AND UNNECCESSARY WEAR AND TEAR. YOU WILL ALSO NEED SWIMFINS, FINBELT AND PFDS. ALL THIS CAN EASILY AMOUNT TO A DAYLONG PROJECT. ALL OF YOUR MEASUREMENTS SHOULD BE TRIPLE CHECKED, AS YOU DONT WANT TO DRILL ANY WRONG HOLES! COMPLETE SKI OUTFITTING IS A POPULAR SERVICE WE PROVIDE FOR THOSE WHO DONT HAVE THE EXPERIENCE, TIME OR CONFIDENCE TO START DRILLING HOLES IN THEIR NEW MACHINE!

Who are you currently sponsoring?

We are not a big company with stock being traded so the term sponsored as it is understood in the surfing world does not apply to our company. We are really proud to have fostered our form of sponsorship with a handful of talented people. They include Sierra Emory, DD and a few mentioned above.

What are you currently working on with respect to new products and or improvements?

WE ARE WORKING ON SOME FOIL-SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS AS WELL AS SOME OTHER TOP SECRET PROJECTS. STAY TUNED!

Where do you like to tow?

I reside on the North Shore of Oahu and there are a few towable spots not too far away.

Any interest is chasing down a 60? wave or do you like to keep it mellow?

I’M NOT OUT TO WIN ANY AWARDS--BUT HEY-IF IT’S THE RIGHT TIME AND PLACE.

What do you love best about the business you are in?

THIS IS A VERY UNIQUE BUSINESS IN THAT IN ONE SENSE WE ARE IN THE BUSINESS OF SAVING LIVES, AND IN ANOTHER WE ARE DEALING WITH ONE OF THE MOST THRILLING SPORTS ON THE PLANET. IT IS VERY REWARDING TO THINK THAT OUR PRODUCT IS PLAYING AN INTEGRAL PART IN SAVING LIVES. AT THE SAME TIME IT IS JUST PLAIN FUN BEING INVOLVED IN A VERY PROGRESSIVE AND EXCIITNG WATERSPORT!

For the individual just getting started with the sport of towsurfing, what advise would you like to give with respect to the equipment needed?

There is a hard way and an easy way to do anything. I would encourage people to look beyond the purchase of the machine and be aware that there are quite a few more pieces to the puzzle. A well set up & equipped PWC will quickly speak for itself. During the learning process incidents, accidents, and catastrophes will transpire. A well equipped PWC can reduce some of the trauma an drama involved with the learning curve.

Thanks Mike for some great information and advise. Much thanks for all the Aloha and support as well!

Eric, I just want to add that what you have contributed to the sport in the way of towsurfer.com has been very instrumental in getting solid information out to the general and participating public. You clearly have the love and devotion for this sport which shows in your efforts and all that you do and have accomplished as a grassroots operation. I am stoked as many are, to be associated with you. Mahalo for your commitment and support to HSA!

If you or your company would like to get a hold of Mike Slattery or purchase equipment, you may e-mail him at: MikeSlattery@Towsurfer.com or visit our online store at www.Towsurfer.com.