Founded in 1995, with roots going back to the sport’s first days, Liquid Force has become the leader in wakeboard related products and apparel. Founders Tony Finn and Jimmy Redmon were two pioneers in the sport of Wakeboarding credited with creating the sport.
Finn was the developer of the Skurfer which is largely regarded as the product that put wakeboarding on the map, and Redmon is regarded as the most influential and creative designer of products since the sports inception. Working together, they have helped grow Liquid Force into a world renown leader in watersports. With the additions of Wakesurfing, Wake Foiling, and Wakeskating, sales for the Carlsbad, CA based company hold a commanding percentage of market share.
Liquid Force advertises with prime placement in all major wake media outlets, such as Alliance Wakeboard Magazine, Wakeboarding Magazine, and others.
Aligned with top-tier athletes focused on pushing the boundaries of our sport, Liquid Force and our Team are steadfast in our dedication to RELENTLESS INNOVATION, progressive designs, maximum functionality, and unparalleled quality in everything we do.
Whether you’re charging at your local cable park, enjoying the last “golden hour” set before sundown, or trying to hi-jack boat rollers on one of our new Foils…our focus will always be on you. Ensuring your time on the water is unforgettable with a Liquid Force product under your feet.
THE STORY OF LIQUID FORCE
Back in 1985, two great minds thought alike. They were the minds of Southern California native Tony Finn and Texas native Jimmy Redmon, who separately and simultaneously thought along the same wave length to create the foundation for what would eventually evolve into a globally renowned sport.
Looking for alternatives to waterskiing and surfing, the two created waterboards that could essentially “surf” the wake behind a boat. Finn’s model, the “Skurfer,” was shaped very similar to a surfboard; Redmon's water ski board produced by his Redline Designs was a bit lighter and the first to have foot straps.
The two met by chance when they were placed in adjacent booths at a trade show—the first time they would see their personalities complement one another.
Finn’s energetic personality as a natural salesman attracted much interest to his product. Redmon, a more soft-spoken designer, had a better product, but a less aggressive sales approach.
Tony observed Jimmy talking to a buyer for several minutes—making no progress in a sale. He strolled over to the booth and whispered to Jimmy “Are you gonna close this guy or what?” “What’s close?” Jimmy asked. Finn looked at him and said, “Ask the guy for his money.” Jimmy did, a sale was made, and a competitive friendship was born. The two acknowledge that in the beginning they were competitors, but it was a friendly competition and to this day they are aware and complimentary of each other’s strengths. As they sit recounting the history of how they came to be business partners it is almost as if each is as much an advocate for the other’s skills as they are for themselves, if not more.
In 1988 Redmon founded the World Wakeboard Association (WWA), a governing body for the sport known then as “ski-boarding,” which created several contests and affiliations as well as outlined rules and guidelines for the sport. Finn acted as an announcer for several of the contests and the two continued to cross paths.
In 1991 Finn and Redmon joined forces and started Waketech. They gathered a roster of riders that pioneered the style of the sport. Although board models continued to evolve, there were still inefficiencies with the design of the Skurfer, mainly its buoyancy and surfboard shape that made it difficult for riders to initially stand up on the board. Redmon’s original design was a bit better and lighter, however, it lacked proper durability, and was unable to withstand the beating riders put on it when competing.
In 1993, after much research, testing, and innovation, they produced the first twin-tip board, which would change the sport forever.
The twin-tip design ended up being a total game-changer. They put three of their team riders on twin-tip boards for the championship while everyone else was still riding pointed tip boards, and they won the whole thing. At that moment Finn and Redmon recall seeing the sport change before their eyes and they knew it was never going to be the same.
In 1995 Finn and Redmon—challenged by a dare that they couldn’t launch a company by the time of the World Championships only three weeks away—created Liquid Force, a company that the two say was “launched on stoke, faith, and a lot of energy.” The pair hustled to get boards made, and outfitted their riders in Liquid Force branded gear. When they showed up to the contest, they were able to get people stoked on this mirage of a brand that barely even existed. It was risky, but it was successful, and there and then the Liquid Force brand was born.
To this day, Liquid Force continues to reflect its name as a strong force in the wakeboard community. They work closely with their athletes to achieve the right designs, and their constant innovation has driven them to stay one of the leading manufacturers in the wakeboard and wakesurf markets, and most recently, the foil market! With a new home base in Carlsbad, California, the brand is staying close to its roots and continues to pour all of it’s energy into growing the sport and keeping the fun alive!
Tony and Jimmy are genuinely passionate about their journey and how it led to the success that Liquid Force has had for 25+ years… it is evident in their excitement and expression when they tell their story. From competitors to collaborators, they both have watched their ideas foster a successful brand and a successful sport, and even to this day Jimmy continues to be an integral part of pushing the brand and sport forward!
The FIRST Wakeboards… Skurfer and Redline Designs
The FIRST twin tip Wakeboard… Flight 69
The FIRST Women’s Specific Wakeboard… Nymph
The FIRST Kid’s Specific Wakeboard… Mini Squirt
The FIRST Non Rubber Wakeboard Binding… Super Suction
The FIRST Multi-Fin Wakeboard… Trip
The FIRST Performance Lightweight Wakeboard Binding… Ultra
The FIRST Finless Wakeboard with Molded Side Fins… Helix
The FIRST full-length Team Video produced in the Wake Industry… Wide Awake
The FIRST CNC’d All-Wood Lightweight Performance Wake Boards… Ultracores
The FIRST Sintered Grind Based Board… Grind 134
The FIRST 3D CNC’d Concave Wakeskate… Cassette
The FIRST Cupped Side Fins… Balance and Subjekt
The FIRST Segmented CGA Vest is created… Hinge
The FIRST Women’s specific Pro Model Boot is created… Minx
The FIRST company to use sewn overlays tech on boots… Transit
The FIRST hardware-less binding
The FIRST modern day closed toe binding… Shane Boot
The FIRST to mold sintered P-Tex to any base contours
The FIRST Hybrid boards… combining flex with complex hull shapes
The FIRST internal carbon stringered PVC core boards… FLY Series
The FIRST elastomeric sidewalls… Liquid Rails
The FIRST TRUE Hybrid is introduced (Watson), redefining all-terrain boards
The FIRST wake company with M6 hardware
The FIRST non-sewn binding assembly
The FIRST Grind boards for groms… Nemesis and Star Grinds
The FIRST Kids Hybrids for groms… Super Trip and Melissa 127
The FIRST Hybrid Wakeskate… TAO
The FIRST Stepped Deck – TAO Wakeboard
The FIRST Kids Flex Boards – RANT
The FIRST terry liner Wake helmet - FLASH – FOOSHEE
The FIRST Comp vest with stitch-less Flex technology - GHOST COMP
The FIRST flexible TRACK binding system - FLEX TRACK
The FIRST binding with the smallest footprint of 4.5" - 4D-BINDING
The FIRST boards with integrated independent flex zones – BUTTERSTICK
The FIRST 100% Molded EVA Surf Handle
The FIRST asymmetrical Flex board with PU sidewall – NOODLE
The FIRST Comp vest with integratedImpact Spine protection - SPECTOR
The FIRST FSC-certified wood wakeboards
The FIRST wakeboard and bindings set-up under 10lbs - AERO REMEDY w/ AERO 6X BINDINGS
The FIRST brand in action sports to have helped create a factory that runs solely on solar energy
The FIRST park wakeboard featuring “Just The Tip” technology - ILLUSION
The FIRST wakeboard featuring “Space Frame” deck technology - UNITY AERO
The FIRST park wakeboard with Lifted Rails - ILLUSION: Expanded into APEX, HOLIDAY, RANT & CHARM Models