(Merced, CA) – It only seems fitting to join a state known for its lakes and performance vehicles with an event like the Malibu Open. Michigan is the perfect setting for this premier international water ski and wakeboard competition. The supercharged boats, distinguished athletes and world record performances will come together, July 18-20, in the mecca of boating recreation. Pontiac Lake will host this water sports double-header featuring not only the Malibu Open but of one of the nation's premier hydroplane events, Quake on the Lake. And if that's not reason enough to attend, all proceeds from this event will be donated to charity.

"We are excited to be partnering with the organizers of Quake on the Lake to create this unique, high-energy water sports festival in Michigan," expressed Lani Farmer, Team and Event Director for Malibu Boats. "We feel like this venue and these partners will enable us to better the Malibu Open just like we better our boats every chance we get."

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Malibu Open showcases the top slalom skiers, jumpers and wakeboarders in the world. World records have fallen during 7 of 9 Malibu Opens. This year athletes are looking to commemorate the 10-year milestone with more amazing performances.

Participating Malibu Open male athletes will have the opportunity to compete in slalom, jump or wakeboard events, while the women tear it up in either slalom or wakeboard. Skiing disciplines will be pulled by the World record-breaking Malibu Response LXi while the wakeboarding portion of the competition will be pulled by Malibu's Wakesetter VLX.

Pontiac Lake in Oakland County, Michigan will host the Malibu Open as well as Quake on the Lake July 18-20, 2008. The Festival will take place between White Lake and Waterford townships at the Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area.

Over the past 8 years, "Quake on the Lake" has gained a reputation as one of the premier summertime events in Michigan. Since the inaugural event, over 140,000 people have witnessed world-record racing performances from the top teams in the business.

The Malibu Open/Quake on the Lake festival will be an affordable family event with all proceeds going directly to local children's charity, The Rainbow Connection. This organization helps make dreams come true for terminally ill children in Michigan.

Visit the Malibu Open web site for more information http://www.malibuseries.com.