Connelly

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.

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

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

• Water sports equipment
• Water skis
• Wakeboards
• Wakesurfers
• Towable tubes

Headquarters

HQ city

Lynnwood

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. 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

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core 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.

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Terry WintercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTerry 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.comminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor 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.comminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOnline water sports retailer specializing in water skis and related equipment. Sells Connelly products including Concept water skis and wakeboards.
• BartsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWater sports retailer selling Connelly products including wakesurfers and water ski packages.
• Sun SportsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMaine-based water sports retailer selling Connelly products including the Reverb wakeboard and Concept water skis.
• Wake HouseminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWater sports retailer selling Connelly wakeboards and water ski products.
• BuyWakeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOnline wakeboard retailer selling Connelly products including the Reverb wakeboard and Benz wakesurfer.
• Kent OutdoorscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConnelly 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

Direct 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

• Instagraminstagram.com/connellywatersports
• Xx.com/connellyskis
• Facebookfacebook.com/ConnellySkis
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/connelly-skis-inc.

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Connelly