Hyperlite S/S22 Wakeboard Hardgoods Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Wakeboard Hardgoods S/S 22 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Hyperlite Wake
Interviewee: Greg Nelson, Vice President of Marketing

What are the most important learnings from 2021 that you will be taking into 2022? What changes can we expect for 2022?
Events and appearances are still very important. Hyperlite has always focused on our digital presence and content creation; in order to succeed you need the right team of riders and creators, which we have. But we missed the connections made at events, demo days and shoots as we started the 2021 season. Although limited, the Hyperlite Team was able to travel and it felt great to visit new parks, ride with new friends and share the gear that we enjoy so much. We will certainly hit the road again in 2022.

What are the main trends coming up in 2022 in the wakeboard hardware market for boots/boards/bindings? Where do you expect the biggest growth in 2022?
Based on consumer demand, Hyperlite is introducing two new traditional plated boots for 2022, focused on more support and a snug fit. The Codyak is a more supportive walk-liner style boot built on top of our Fusion Plate System. Cody Hesse modelled the liner as his boxing shoes he wears for stunt work, he loves the support they give, and the binding shell is also more supportive with a single lace closure and upper cuff lace locks.

Hyperlite’s Capitol Binding, the second new option, utilises our Fusion Plate System. Capitol binding is perfect for boat riders who prefer a more locked in feel. The Internal Ankle Harness ensures a snug fit with minimal heel lift and our new RPU panel construction provides additional structure in a lighter overall package. Customize the 3D Heat Moldable Pro Liner to match your foot perfectly and enjoy the cushy feel of the new Capitol binding chalk full of impact protection features.

Anything new happening in terms of innovations in construction and design for 2022 for boots/boards/bindings?
On the board front, Hyperlite is excited to release Trever Maur’s new WizardStick featuring a 157cm length. The WizardStick is totally unique with a reverse radius side cut between the bindings creating a responsive edge transition most cable shapes lack. The side cut also reduces volume, so riders get the additional length to flex on features while the board remains nimble and lightweight.

What are some key strategies to support retailers and what would you like to see more of in 2022 in terms of retailer/distributor/brand relationship?
As discussed previously, in person events and appearances are critical. Shaking hands and sharing a lap are far more effective than a post on social media. Graeme Burress, JB O’Neill and Alex Aulbach hit the road in Germany this past July visiting parks and offering demos of the Hyperlite wakeboards and bindings. Each event was coordinated with a Hyperlite dealer and we’re already excited about growing this for 2022.

Sustainability has been a vital trend the last few years, how will this be carried on into 2022? Any new innovations, initiatives, changes in materials, etc.?
Hyperlite’s primary manufacturing partner has made huge strides in the past 5 years pivoting to a renewable base energy source for the majority of our products. Their solar panel farm grows each season and we’re nearing a 100% eco-friendly energy plan. Hyperlite has also incorporated use of eco-friendly processes and materials, like using water-based inks on our board graphics. Sustainability is an ever-present challenge that Hyperlite looks forward to tackling and we’re developing new methods as we speak for future product lines.

Best Sellers

WIZARDSTICK **New for 2022**
Sizes: 145cm, 150cm, 155cm
Trever Maur spent long nights in his workshop whittling away to create a never been seen shape – the WizardStick. Combining features of past flex board shapes and all new design ideas, the WizardStick is totally unique and tirelessly tested to deliver the feel Trever prefers on the water. The reverse radius side cut between the bindings creates a responsive edge transition most cable shapes lack. The unique tip and tail profile add all the surface area needed for speed and a playful feel when pressing on features and carving around the lake. Hyperlite’s sintered base and urethane sidewall ensure the WizardStick’s durability for the serious winch or wakepark rider.

Wizardstick 2022 Wakeboard Hardgoods

CODYAK BINDING **New for 2022**
Sizes: 7/8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13/14
The Fusion plate platform featuring our walkable pro liner is a great option for all cable athletes. Cody Hesse felt a boot with a more supportive walk liner and full lace up construction could make his signature binding stand apart from the rest. Modelled after boxing shoes, which Cody wears performing stunt work, they provide support, grip and protection delivering a precise connection to your board with enhanced movement. The Codyak liner incorporates a larger than normal lace zone for increased internal support. The shell of the Codyak features a single lace closure with upper cuff lace hooks for easy in and out. This new lacing configuration also allows a rider to customize the tension of the shell for more or less range of motion.

Codyak 2022

CAPITOL BINDING **New for 2022**
Sizes: 7/8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13/14
Designing the most advanced Fusion Plate wakeboard binding was the driving force behind Hyperlite’s new Capitol. Featuring a taller and more supportive cuff, the Capitol binding is perfect for boat riders who prefer a more locked in feel. The Internal Ankle Harness ensures a snug fit with minimal heel lift and our new RPU panel construction provides additional structure in a lighter overall package. Customize the 3D Heat Mouldable Pro Liner to match your foot perfectly and enjoy the cushy feel of the new Capitol binding chalk full of impact protection features.

Capitol 2022