Shaun Murray Has Left Nautique!

[NautiqueJeff]

Just heard that Murray has left Nautique! He'll be acting as an independent agent, reviewing different boats and other watersports items.

[bturner]

I always liked Shaun and have had several of his boards over the years. Just liked the "loose", forgiving feel they had and reminded me of riding a very large trick ski.

That said, do these endorsements really matter any more? IDK, maybe to some but lets face it, most of the people buying these mega boats are not the types of riders from his heyday some 20 years ago. Back then the person buying/making the payments for the boat was more likely the rider or the rider's crew. With the price of the boats these days, from what I'm seeing on our lake it's someone's daddy and even then it's rare they're wakeboarding or training for completion. But then again being in Michigan the scene has completely changed. 20 years ago when I was an active rider with kids learning to ride, we still had the pro tours coming to Michigan and the scene was much larger. I know I'm personally out of touch with the sport but I couldn't name a single pro rider anymore. Back in 2000 everyone knew Byerly, Shapiro, Watson and a host of others. There were instructional DVDs that sold like hot cakes and the boat shows were packed with buyers for both boats and gear. I just don't see that anymore. On the lakes I ride, it's rare to see wakeboarders and if you do the people riding are closer to my age than the 14 - 18 YO's that used to rule the lakes. What we see more of is tubers and occasionally surfers but even they're getting rare.

Don't know anything about how this came to pass but Shaun's move seems in line with where media is going these days. They'll always be a place for manufacture ambassadors but I see long term media relationships going more in the "Podcast", product review direction if you want to make a living at it.

But then again, I could be completely wrong.

Best of luck to Shaun in his next chapter.

[NautiqueJeff]

I think you hit right on what Shaun is trying to do.

He seems to feel that the boats have just become too expensive for the typical rider. He says he wants to be able to help the sport by reviewing ANY boat out there, whether that's a Nautique, a Supra, a HeyDay, an outboard fishing boat, or even an older used boat. He says he'll review any boat that can have a tow rope attached.

As you all know, I bleed Nautique. But, I have also known Murray for over twenty years. We have ridden together in Florida, built houses together in Puerto Rico, and hung out at many industry events. He knows what he is doing, and I can't wait to see what he does with this!

[Spud]

Agree with everything Jeff said particularly "He seems to feel that the boats have just become too expensive for the typical rider." these boats are out of reach of most that actually love and use them for either wakeboarding or waterskiing, Status symbols boost bottom lines but do NOTHING to grow towed watersport pursuits!

[CHassmann]

I watched his live stream last night. I respect Shaun and wish him the best. Check out his website. https://shaunmurray.com

[srock]

I would not discount Shawn's ability to relate to today's riders. Although Shawn may not fit the profile of today's rider, he still is a great rider, great communicator, current age of the person who can afford these modern yachts, and known from their youth.

Shawn has always been a great spokesperson and has made a career related to the sport and his riding ability. I think his transition to something else will be a success.

Today's true watersports enthusiast is not served well by modern wake tanks, but it is the market. Maybe he will help bridge the gap to where it is acceptable to have a tower on a classic or newer direct drive.

Let's see where this goes.

[SilentSeven]

I've always enjoyed Shaun's reviews and teaching vids.

I suspect he's decided his influencer value has more upside working as an independent vs being aligned only to Nautique. Also...the wider range of topics he can choose to speak to should make the job more interesting.

I think this will be fun to watch.

[teamseal]

We Brought Shawn on in 1997. we just came out with the pro Air Nautique. the first time i met this kid i was truly amazed and was excited to have him on board. Shawn had the enthusiasm, talent and the energy that helped propel our product into top spot in the wake market.
We were out on lake Jasmine in O town testing one of the pro air nautique's. someone up in the office seemed to think that the boat would be a good cross over boat as well as a wake boat..... Not! Any way here we were, me and a very large management person, a very large engineer, Mr. Mohr and Shawn all in the boat. well i went out first as we were testing for other handling and tower issues. hooked the rope to 28 off and proceeded to go rip on the slalom course , ran a number of brutal passes and got back into the boat...Shawn was next he strapped on his wakeboard and i took the wheel as the rest of the boat wanted to watch Shawn.. We then ran up and back beside the slalom course with Shawn flipping twisting and doing stuff i had never seen before.. we sat down at the other end and he hollered up at me go through the slalom course.... Shawn then proceeded to pull out for the gate. went through the gate, out to one ball, went reverse (back side) turned the buoy and as he came off the wake did a massive flip and proceeded to run the course doing flips in between and as he approached the exit gate he did a massive Raley... Shawn then got in the boat and replied he thought that the pro air was a superb slalom boat...

Whatever Shawn is moving into i know he will be very successful as well as he will bring his never ending energy. he has a way of bringing people up and has become a very fine gentleman.
Shawn if you read this Michele and wish you all the best in you new role!

Jody Seal

[NautiqueJeff]

Shawn then got in the boat and replied he thought that the pro air was a superb slalom boat...

Love it!!

[migs]

It would be smart & classy of nautique to gift Shaun a G for his 25years of service. I mean when you think nautique, you think of Murray. He did that. Even if he wants to start reviewing all other brands, having a nautique on his dock as “his boat” would still help nautique as a brand.

[Kmayotte]

There's a great (but small) youtube channel the reviews wakeboard boats in different price points
Best boat under $20K
Best boat under $50K
Reviews on the original wake setter, Gen2 X-Star. Good stuff if you're into tow boats.

This is the kind of content the sports need and I'm stoked that Shaun seems to be moving in that direction.

That being said, I'd have to think he just gave up a big part of his income and a gorgeous boat. Good on him for going out on a limb!!!

Also he was definitely a huge asset for Nautique. Incredible ambassador for the sport. Did ALL the walk-through videos and just the kind of guy you want talking to potential customers at boat shows around the country. They have a hole to fill.

[NautiqueTim]

Look at the dealer sites where they post pics of the buyers of new Nautiques. Most don't look like they could ride a wakeboard. A lot of them pull tubes with style.

[Miljack]

Shaun leaving Nautique is a unfortunate milestone for the Nautique brand. He's a super nice guy, got a chance to take a lesson from him in Orlando. He's an unreal rider who tried his best to teach me something, I was immune!
Good luck to Shaun in whatever is next for him!

[gary s]

Honestly after you've tamed the mighty Skylark what's left?