The SSP system reportedly smooths out the wakes for barefooters.

The SSP system reportedly smooths out the wakes for barefooters.



MERCED, Calif. — Available as an option for new 2002 Response Barefooter tow boats and slated to be standard on 2003 models, the Scarpa Suppression Plate was designed with significant input from barefooting legend Ron Scarpa, according to a press release from Malibu. The 365-horsepower tow boat has been used regularly in tournaments since it was approved by the American Barefoot Club.

Fastened at four points to the existing Malibu Wedge plate, the Scarpa Suppression Plate, extends from the transom and smooths out wakes. "It [the SSP] helps reshape the wake and it really helps to define the wake crests as well," said Scarpa in the release.

The SSP system was tested by Scarpa and other professional barefooters, and then fine-tuned by the Malibu design team before it went into full-scale production. With the SSP installed, the Malibu Response Barefooter has been reapproved for competition use by the American Barefoot Club.