Connelly
Connelly Skis is a 60-year-old US-based manufacturer of premium water sports equipment — waterskis, wakesurfers, wakeboards, foil boards, tubes, paddleboards, kayaks, and life vests — sold direct-to-consumer, through dealers, and online retail partners, and owned by Kent Outdoors.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1965
- HeadquartersLynnwood, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Connelly does
Connelly Skis, operating also as Connelly Water Sports, is a 60-year-old US-based manufacturer of premium water sports equipment founded in 1965 and headquartered in Snoqualmie, Washington. The company is privately held and operates as a subsidiary of Kent Outdoors, a diversified conglomerate owning multiple water sports brands. Connelly's product portfolio spans ten-plus categories including waterskis (slalom, combo, packages), wakesurfers, wakeboards, hydrofoil boards (Pilot Foil introduced 2026), towable tubes, leisure floats, inflatable stand-up paddleboards, inflatable kayaks, kneeboards, US Coast Guard-approved life vests, apparel, and the Proline sub-brand of ropes and handles. Products use construction technologies including fiberglass, wood cores, and composite materials with proprietary features such as the System 80 Core and wide tunnel designs.
The business operates a hybrid go-to-market combining direct-to-consumer e-commerce (connellyskis.com with free US contiguous shipping over $100) with an authorized dealer network and online retail partnerships (Wakeboards.com, Waterskis.com, Barts, Sun Sports, Wake House, BuyWake, among others). Revenue is generated entirely through hardware sales with a one-time purchase model across a $35-$2,000 price range. Customer acquisition is supported by community-led programs including the Ski Pro Program (concierge service with Pro Title winner Terry Winter) and the product-led Demo Program ($450 refundable deposit for 2-week at-home trials). Customer segments include competitive slalom skiers, recreational water sports enthusiasts, families, and youth. The company emphasizes USA-based design and 50+ years of R&D as core brand differentiators.
Connelly firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Connelly
- Legal name
- Connelly Skis
- Website
- https://connellyskis.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1965
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Connelly Skis is a 60-year-old US-based manufacturer of premium water sports equipment — waterskis, wakesurfers, wakeboards, foil boards, tubes, paddleboards, kayaks, and life vests — sold direct-to-consumer, through dealers, and online retail partners, and owned by Kent Outdoors.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Connelly industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Water Sports Equipment
- NAICS
- Sporting Goods Retailers (45911), Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument, Book, and Miscellaneous Retailers (459), Recreational Goods Rental (532284)
- SIC
- Sporting & Athletic Goods, Nec (3949)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Water Sports Equipment Retail (Wake, Ski, Tow, Tubes) (CRAMAIAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Paddle Sports Retail (Kayak, Canoe, SUP, Paddles) (CRAMAIAD), Water Sports & Marine Recreation Retail (Paddle/Surf/Dive/Boat Accessories) (CRAMABAI), Marine Parts, Accessories & Maintenance Supplies Retail (CRAMAIAB)
Keywords
Where Connelly is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Lynnwood
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Connelly business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Water Sports Equipment Sales: Connelly generates revenue through the direct sale of water sports equipment including waterskis, wakesurfers, wakeboards, tubes, paddleboards, kayaks, kneeboards, life vests, and accessories. Products are sold as one-time purchases at various price points from entry-level to premium.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Premium Slalom Skis - C1 |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Performance Slalom Skis |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Entry-Level/Combo Skis |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Wakesurfers |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Foil Products |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Towable Tubes |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Life Vests |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Demo Program |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
Connelly product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Connelly manufactures and sells premium water sports equipment including water skis (slalom and combo), wakeboards, wakesurfers, hydrofoil boards, towable tubes, inflatable paddleboards, kayaks, kneeboards, and life vests, along with accessories such as bindings, ropes, handles, gloves, and apparel. The company operates a direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefront at connellyskis.com and distributes through authorized dealers and online retail partners.
Product overview
Connelly is a premium water sports equipment manufacturer with a diversified product portfolio spanning multiple water sports disciplines. The company offers a unified brand ecosystem with distinct product lines: (1) Waterskis including slalom skis (C1, Concept, Outlaw, ROCKET, Big Easy, Aspect), combo skis for beginners, and associated bindings (Tempest, Comp, Shadow, Swerve), gloves, and Proline ropes/handles; (2) Wakesurfers including premium boards (Seer by John Amundson, Ono, Benz, Cloud 9) and skim-style boards (Tracer Skim, HABIT Skim); (3) Wakeboards including the Reverb (flagship high-performance), Pure (beginner-friendly), Blaze, Surge, Wild Child, Woodro, Lotus, plus bindings (Faction, Empire, Venza, Optima, Karma, Draft); (4) Hydrofoil products including Pilot Foil Board and complete foil packages; (5) Towable tubes for 1-4 riders; (6) Leisure floats including personal floats, party floats, and boat slides; (7) Paddleboards (inflatable and rigid SUPs) and kayaks with accessories; (8) Kneeboards (Wild Thing, Fireball, Theory, Boost); (9) Life vests (neoprene and nylon) for all ages including pet vests; (10) Apparel and gear bags. The portfolio includes a Demo Program for try-before-you-buy and the Ski Pro Program offering expert consultation with Terry Winter.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Proline: Ropes and handles brand for waterskiing and towing equipment
- Kent Outdoors
Products and services
- C1 Slalom Ski Premium slalom water ski designed for competitive skiing with sleek black and gray chevron design, priced at $1,999.99 for top-tier performance water skiers.
- Concept Slalom Ski Slalom ski redesigned for 2026 with improved shape for open water carving at speeds between 26-32 mph, featuring aluminum drop-through fin and wide tunnel design, priced at $389.99.
- ROCKET Water Ski High-performance water ski featuring sharp black-to-orange gradient finish with tapered profile, priced at $499.99 for intermediate to advanced skiers.
- Outlaw Water Ski Slalom ski in black with light blue stripe design for open water skiing, priced at $354.99 for intermediate to advanced skiers.
- Big Easy Slalom Ski Entry-level slalom ski with woodgrain finish featuring black and yellow stripe accents, priced at $329.99 for beginner-friendly open water skiing.
- Combo Skis (Eclypse, Voyage, Quantum, Super Sport, Cadet, Firecracker) Combo skis for beginners and recreational users featuring adjustable bindings and stabilizer bars, priced from $199.99 to $349.99.
- Seer Wakesurfer Premium wakesurfer created by renowned shaper John Amundson of Hawaii, featuring white deck and black pad, priced at $699.99 for advanced riders.
- Ono Wakesurfer Premium wakesurf board with teal and white design for advanced riders, priced at $829.99.
- Benz Wakesurfer Versatile wakesurfer for performance riding with red-to-purple fade and black traction pads, featuring twin fin setup with center skim fin, available in 4.4, 4.8, and 4.11 sizes.
- Surf Ropes Wakesurf tow ropes including Choice Handle, LG Suede, Torq Handle, Classic Handle, Tug Suede, and T-Bar with various rope materials.
- Reverb Wakeboard High-performance wakeboard suitable for intermediate and expert riders. Features lifted rail between bindings for forgiveness on landings, System 80 Core for great flex and response, available in 131cm, 136cm, and 141cm lengths.
- Pure Wakeboard User-friendly wakeboard ideal for first-time wakeboarders with red gradient design.
- Pilot Foil Board Hydrofoil board for 2026 with dual foil mount tracks and brown base design. Available as board only, foil assembly, or complete package, priced from $1,049.99 to $1,499.99.
- Towable Tubes Inflatable towable tubes for 1-4 riders including Big O, Nitro 2, Switch 2, Fun 2, Viper 2, Raptor 2, Wing Two, Racer 2, Fusion 3, Fun 3, Super Fun 3, Ninja 3, Yukon 4, and various soft-top models, priced from $129.99 to $479.99.
- Leisure Floats Floating leisure products including Chilax Solo/Duo/Trio, Party Cove Siesta, Party Cove Love Seat, Party Pool Lounge, Party Cove Dock/Dock Deluxe/Island/Island Deluxe, Mega Party Noodle, Party Noodle Connect, and boat slides.
- Inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboards (iSUPs) Inflatable stand-up paddleboards including Stash, Pacific, Drifter, and Tahoe models, with paddleboard paddles and accessories like the Tornado High Volume Pump, Power Fin, and Inflatable Vest Recharge Kit.
- Nautic Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable kayaks available in single-person (Nautic 9.5) and two-person (Nautic 11.5) configurations, with bungee storage, comfortable seating, and kayak paddles.
- Kneeboards (Wild Thing, Fireball, Theory, Boost) Kneeboards including Wild Thing (multisport board for beginners), Fireball (front handle hook), Theory, and Boost, designed for recreational riders.
- Life Vests (Neoprene and Nylon) US Coast Guard approved life vests in neoprene and nylon for men, women, kids, infants, and pets, priced from $34.99 (Women's Tunnel Nylon) to $199.99 for premium neoprene vests.
- Proline Ropes & Handles Complete line of waterski, wakeboard, and wakesurf tow ropes including LG Suede, Tug Neo, Pro Package, and various handle configurations for all water sports disciplines.
- Ski Gloves (Tournament, Claw 3.0, Talon, Classic, Promo) Performance waterski gloves including Tournament, Claw 3.0, Talon, Classic, and Promo models, with grip texture, reinforced fingers, and adjustable wrist straps.
- Ski Bindings (Tempest, Comp, Shadow, Swerve) Water ski bindings including Tempest (high ankle cuff, reinforced padding), Comp (open-toe with tall overlay), Shadow (wakeboard-style), and Swerve (flexible matte shell).
- Wake Bindings (Faction, Empire, Venza, Optima, Karma, Draft) Wakeboard bindings including Faction, Empire, Venza, Optima, Karma, and Draft models with various lace systems, open-toe designs, and secure fit features.
- Apparel and Gear Bags Branded watersports apparel (Surf Zip Hoodie, College Tee, MFG Tee, Summer Tee, Surf Tee, Corporate Hat, Patched Hat, Sunset Lines Hat) and protective gear bags (Team Slalom Cover, Pro Series Cover, Neo Slalom Sheath, Team Padded Board Bag, Surf Sock, Surf Bag).
- Demo Program Try-before-you-buy program allowing customers to demo waterskis for 2 weeks with refundable $450 deposit ($400 + $50 shipping). Options include keeping the demo, returning for a new ski from a local dealer, or sending back for full deposit refund minus shipping.
- Ski Pro Program VIP concierge service giving customers direct access to Terry Winter (Pro Title winner and ski design expert) for personalized gear advice, ski model and sizing recommendations, setup guidance including bindings and fin adjustments, via phone (+1 916-202-4601) or email.
Companies that use Connelly
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Connelly technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Connelly partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Terry WintercoreTerry Winter is a Pro Title winner, ski design expert, and one of the most respected coaches in the industry. He serves as the face of Connelly's Ski Pro Program, providing VIP concierge-style service with direct phone (+1 916-202-4601) and email access to customers for personalized gear advice, ski model and sizing recommendations, and setup guidance including bindings and fin adjustments.
- Wakeboards.comminorMajor online water sports retailer selling Connelly products including the Reverb wakeboard, wakeboard packages, and other Connelly equipment. Listed as a Shop Online Retailers Partner on product pages.
- Waterskis.comminorOnline water sports retailer specializing in water skis and related equipment. Sells Connelly products including Concept water skis and wakeboards.
- BartsminorWater sports retailer selling Connelly products including wakesurfers and water ski packages.
- Sun SportsminorMaine-based water sports retailer selling Connelly products including the Reverb wakeboard and Concept water skis.
- Wake HouseminorWater sports retailer selling Connelly wakeboards and water ski products.
- BuyWakeminorOnline wakeboard retailer selling Connelly products including the Reverb wakeboard and Benz wakesurfer.
- Kent OutdoorscoreConnelly is owned by Kent Outdoors, a parent company that owns multiple affiliated brands. Privacy inquiries directed to [email protected]. Kent Outdoors shares personal information among affiliated brands for advertising purposes.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Connelly competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Radar Skis: Direct competitor in water skis (slalom, combo) at the premium/performance tier. Radar competes with Connelly's flagship C1 and Concept skis for the same competitive and advanced recreational skier.
- Airhead Sports Group: Direct competitor in towable tubes, leisure floats, and water sports accessories. Airhead is a major player in the same boat-recreation category and competes with Connelly's tube and float lines.
- Hyperlite Mountain: Direct competitor in wakeboards, wakesurfers, and related bindings/ropes. Hyperlite is widely regarded as a category leader in high-performance wake equipment and serves the same boat-owner demographic as Connelly with overlapping product lines.
- HO Sports: Broad-line water sports manufacturer covering water skis, wakeboards, kneeboards, tubes, and SUPs — closely mirroring Connelly's full portfolio breadth and serving the same recreational boating customer.
- Ronix Wakeboards: Direct competitor across wakeboards, wakesurfers, and water skis. Ronix competes on the same core disciplines (boat-towed boards) with a similar premium positioning and pro-athlete marketing approach.
- O'Brien Watersports: Broad water sports competitor covering skis, wakeboards, kneeboards, tubes, and leisure floats. O'Brien overlaps Connelly at both the premium and entry-level tiers across nearly all product categories.
Broad incumbents
- Nautique Boat Company: Premium towboat manufacturer whose owners are core Connelly buyers for water skis, wakeboards, and wakesurfers. Adjacent industry incumbent that defines the addressable market for Connelly's premium gear.
- MasterCraft Boat Holdings: Major recreational boat manufacturer whose boats are the platforms for Connelly's tow-based products. MasterCraft sits upstream in the value chain and represents both a partner channel and an adjacent category in watersports.
Regional players
- Jobe Watersports: European-based water sports manufacturer with overlapping product categories (SUPs, tubes, skis, wakeboards). Comparable in product breadth but primarily serves the European market where Connelly lacks direct shipping.
Others
- Kent Outdoors (Parent): Connelly's parent company and the umbrella entity owning multiple water sports brands. While not a direct competitor, Kent Outdoors' portfolio strategy shapes Connelly's positioning, marketing data sharing, and overall strategic direction.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Connelly social profiles
Digital presenceConnelly financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Connelly leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Connelly funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Connelly M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Connelly
What does Connelly do?
Connelly manufactures and sells premium water sports equipment including water skis (slalom and combo), wakeboards, wakesurfers, hydrofoil boards, towable tubes, inflatable paddleboards, kayaks, kneeboards, and life vests, along with accessories such as bindings, ropes, handles, gloves, and apparel. The company operates a direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefront at connellyskis.com and distributes through authorized dealers and online retail partners.
Is Connelly a public or private company?
Connelly is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Connelly founded?
Connelly was founded in 1965. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Connelly based?
Connelly is headquartered in Lynnwood, United States, in the North America region.
How does Connelly make money?
One revenue line is on record: water Sports Equipment Sales.
Who are Connelly's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Radar Skis, Airhead Sports Group, Hyperlite Mountain, HO Sports, Ronix Wakeboards and O'Brien Watersports. Broad incumbents are Nautique Boat Company and MasterCraft Boat Holdings. Jobe Watersports is listed as a regional player. Kent Outdoors (Parent) is listed as an others.
Does Connelly have an API?
No public API is recorded for Connelly.
What industry is Connelly in?
Connelly's product category is Water Sports Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAMAIAC, Water Sports Equipment Retail (Wake, Ski, Tow, Tubes), with a secondary code of CRAMAIAD, Paddle Sports Retail (Kayak, Canoe, SUP, Paddles). Its NAICS code is 45911 and its SIC code is 3949.