Pro PWC Freestyler, entrepreneur, instructor, showman: Chris Anyzeski has all the bases covered, but even for him, the last few months have been noteworthy.
Keeping an eye on industry press releases, as well as social media activity, I knew toward the end of last year that I wanted to try and catch up with Anyzeski for an interview for The Watercraft Journal – getting in touch with him was a different matter altogether.
The first time I tried reaching him, he was on a ritzy private island in the Bahamas; the next try, he was working the iconic Daytona Freeride.
The third time was a charm, and The Watercraft Journal had a chance to chat on the phone with the Freestyle Connection owner and longtime PWC Freestyle competitor last week.
Anyzeski’s early-January jaunt to CoCo Cay, a private island owned by the Royal Caribbean cruise line, was more than a fun vacation.
Recommended and hired by Red Bull, Anizeski and other extreme-sport icons such as FlyBoarder Kristen Smoyer were part of the action entertainment for an all-out party and celebration, put on by Royal Caribbean for staff and crew in celebration of the Jan. 27 launching of the line’s newest cruise ship, the Icon of the Seas.
The Royal Caribbean gig was not Anyzeski’s first job with Red Bull, and he said the organization is great to work with, adding that Red Bull is doing great things for the extreme sport industry.
Anyzeski had a quick turnaround after the Bahamas trip, getting ready and setting up for the Daytona Freeride, which he has attend for a long time as a competitor, and for several years as owner of Freestyle Connection. He said the 2024 Daytona Freeride was a great time, but noted that attendance was down a bit.
After chatting about the January events, I got Anyzeski to talk about what had prompted my interest in the interview in the first place – the launching of the RISE Gravity freestyle hull. According to the release announcement, the hull comes in two lengths – 5’11 & 6’2 – to suit all rider sizes.
Advanced features include single intake grate blade, deep recess for knee padding, max airflow firewall, max airflow hood, three cooling lines, splash guard, improved structural assembly over the previous model, advanced rocker, bottom rails capable of both carving and spinning, and wide front for a better hit of the wake for doubles.
Anyzeski talked about the development of the hull line, and his association with Pierre Maixent.
He said there is a need in the market right now for a new hull, and the quality of the Rise line is something he is proud to be involved in.
He added that the feedback on the hull is very positive.
Anyzeski said his company, Freestyle Connection, and the new shop he built on his property helps keep him energized and passionate about his work and the sport.
He did say that, even with his focus on his business, he still wants to stay involved in competitions as well as shows.
Learn more about the RISE Gravity and keep up with Anyzeski and Freestyle Connection at his brand new website, freestyleconnectionusa.com, where they offer not only custom freestyle builds and a full PWC Freestyle-related shop with parts, apparel, and more, but training and show bookings, also.
