MasterCraft Takes the Helm, Partners with World Wake Association to Relaunch Rider Experience Tour
Rhea-AI Summary
MasterCraft (NASDAQ: MCFT) announced a multi-year partnership with the World Wake Association to relaunch the MasterCraft WWA Rider Experience, a five-stop grassroots tour returning in 2026. Each stop will host up to 100 participants and include professional coaching, MasterCraft athlete mentoring, MasterCraft Owner Reunions, dealer activations, and WWA national qualifying opportunities. Events will be towed exclusively behind the new MasterCraft X24. The program aims to expand access, strengthen community ties, and position MasterCraft as a leader in performance and luxury watersports.
Positive
- Multi-year partnership with World Wake Association
- Five-stop 2026 tour across the country
- Up to 100 participants per stop (≈500 total)
- Events towed exclusively behind the new MasterCraft X24
Negative
- Limited direct participant scale capped at ~500 attendees
Insights
MasterCraft’s multi-year WWA partnership reboots grassroots events to broaden participation and showcase the new X24 in 2026.
MasterCraft and the World Wake Association relaunch a five-stop Rider Experience in
Key dependencies include participant turnout, dealer execution, and how consistently the X24 is used across events; these determine whether the series drives measurable brand engagement. The partnership strengthens grassroots visibility but contains no disclosed financials or guaranteed customer conversion metrics, so near-term commercial impact remains unclear.
Watch for the published stop dates and participant uptake in
Five-Stop Grassroots Series Returns in 2026, Building Pathways for Riders of All Levels and Reinforcing MasterCraft’s Commitment to Growing Watersports through Leadership in Performance Watersports.
Grassroots Event Series Highlights MasterCraft’s Commitment to Growing Watersports, Investing in the Lifestyle, Expanding the Community, and Driving Progression
VONORE, Tenn., Oct. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MasterCraft Boat Company, a MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc (NASDAQ: MCFT) subsidiary and the world's best-selling towboat brand, today announced its partnership with the World Wake Association (WWA) to relaunch its Rider Experience series. The MasterCraft WWA Rider Experience series marks the first time in more than a decade that MasterCraft has supported amateur wakeboarding and wakesurfing competitions, strengthening its commitment to growing watersports participation and community.
Building on the WWA Rider Experience’s long-standing legacy, the series has become a trusted platform for rider development and community connection. Now, through a new multi-year partnership, MasterCraft and the WWA will work hand-in-hand to elevate the series — expanding access, enhancing the event experience, and creating more meaningful on-water opportunities for enthusiasts of all levels. United by a shared vision, MasterCraft and the WWA are committed to growing and evolving the series into the premier launchpad for riders of all ages, with an emphasis on inclusivity, fun, and long-term progression.
"The MasterCraft WWA Rider Experience is about creating pathways for riders at every stage – from a beginner’s first ride to an aspiring National Champion,” said Krista Schipner, Vice President of Marketing at MasterCraft Boat Holdings. “Partnering with the WWA on this long-standing series allows us to combine their credibility and community with MasterCraft’s heritage of performance and luxury. Together, we’re creating the ultimate grassroots platform for progression on the water.”
The 2026 tour will feature five stops across the country, each hosting up to 100 participants. Each stop will offer the following:
- Professional coaching and mentoring from MasterCraft’s professional athletes
- World-class wakes and waves behind the all-new MasterCraft X24
- Community-building events, including MasterCraft Owner Reunions and dealer activations
- National qualifying opportunities through the WWA for riders looking to compete at the next level
By combining MasterCraft’s brand leadership with the WWA’s proven platform, the Rider Experience reinforces MasterCraft’s positioning as the dominant brand in both luxury and performance watersports – delivering premium experiences that grow the sport, welcome new riders, and strengthen the community for years to come.
“The WWA is proud to partner with MasterCraft to showcase the energy and excitement of wakesports to their customers and dealers. The launch of the new X24 represents a bold step forward and we’re thrilled to help bring competitive wake sports to the forefront and towed exclusively behind the all-new X24. This collaboration is a powerful opportunity to grow the sport and inspire a new generation of riders,” said Shannon Starling, President of the WWA.
MasterCraft is driven by a mission to deliver industry-leading quality, uncompromising comfort, and precision craftsmanship in every model. From hull to helm, each boat is engineered with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring durability and performance that exceed industry-standards. Designed with the driver, rider, and passenger in mind, MasterCraft prioritizes on-water comfort through innovative seating, intuitive controls, and superior ride characteristics. Above all, the brand is renowned for its unmatched wave and wake performance, consistently pushing the boundaries to provide the perfect pull for wakeboarders, wakesurfers, and skiers alike—setting the standard for excellence on the water.
For more information on MasterCraft and the MasterCraft WWA Rider Experience schedule please visit www.MasterCraft.com and follow along on Instagram, YouTube, X, and Facebook.
About MasterCraft:
MasterCraft is a world-renowned innovator, designer, manufacturer, and marketer of premium performance sport boats. Founded in 1968, MasterCraft has cultivated its iconic brand image through a rich history of industry-leading innovation, and more than five decades after the original MasterCraft made its debut, the company’s goal remains the same - to continue building the world’s best ski, wakeboard, wake surf, and luxury performance powerboats.
About MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc.:
Headquartered in Vonore, TN, MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MCFT) is a leading innovator, designer, manufacturer, and marketer of premium recreational powerboats through its three brands, MasterCraft, Crest, and Balise. For more information about MasterCraft Boat Holdings, please visit Investors.MasterCraft.com, www.MasterCraft.com, www.CrestPontoonBoats.com, and www.BalisePontoonBoats.com
Media Contact:
Kim Ramos
The Brand Amp
MasterCraftPR@TheBrandAmp.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1b3578e8-7690-47d2-844b-02fe369baf98
FAQ
What is the MasterCraft WWA Rider Experience relaunch that MCFT announced on October 15, 2025?
How many stops and participants will the MCFT Rider Experience tour have in 2026?
Will the MasterCraft (MCFT) Rider Experience include competitive qualifying opportunities?
Which MasterCraft boat will tow the 2026 Rider Experience events announced by MCFT?
What activities will MCFT provide at each Rider Experience stop in 2026?
Where can investors and customers find more information about MasterCraft (MCFT) and the Rider Experience schedule?
