Eight Kids, One Dream Boat: Why the Randalls Chose a Tigé Ultré ZX
The Randall Family | Behind Every Tigé
By Tigé Boats, Inc. Marketing / November 13, 2026
Some purchases are practical. Some are aspirational. And some, the rare ones, are a declaration. For Russell and Amanda Randall, choosing a Tigé Ultré ZX was all three. But to understand why it mattered so much, you have to go back to a moment that changed everything.
A Decision to Truly Live
Russell Randall grew up in Vernal, Utah, and landed in West Texas in 2010. In 2018, he met Amanda, born and raised in Midland, and together they built something remarkable: a blended family of eight children, ages 8 to 26, and a portfolio of companies across West Texas, primarily in the oil industry.
Life for the Randalls runs big. When they aren't on the water, they're chasing snow on the ski slopes or exploring new corners of the world. But it's the water that keeps pulling them back.
Russell's first experience with boating came in 2001, when he bought his first boat and immediately fell in love with the lake. But it wasn't until years later, after building their companies and after Russell received a cancer diagnosis, that the couple made a deliberate, life-changing decision.
"We made a decision to truly live our lives and focus on what matters most: time together and making memories," Russell says.
That decision led them back to the water.
The Boat That Got Them Back on the Water
Returning to boating after years away, the Randalls landed on an ATX Surf Boat as their starting point, a way to ease back into wakesurfing before committing to something bigger. They signed on the boat on the Fourth of July, and by the end of that first season, they had already logged 120 hours on the water.
One hundred and twenty hours. In a single season.
It didn't take long for the next step to become obvious. "With that excitement and drive, we realized the next obvious step was a lake house so we could spend even more time on the water, and that's exactly what we did," Russell says. "The lake house made it possible for us to create even more memories together as a family."
Choosing the Ultré ZX
By the end of their second year, the Randalls had their sights set on the Ultré. They had seen it on YouTube and out on Lake Brownwood, but hadn't yet had the chance to experience one firsthand. That's when Haden and Tony Fussell stepped in, telling the Randalls that when they were ready, they'd take them out to truly experience it.
When that day came, they were beyond impressed by the craftsmanship, the clean lines, the beautiful interior, and the attention to detail throughout.
Before making their final decision, the Randalls took their time, comparing the Ultre against several other brands in the premium wakesurf boat market. Every comparison brought them back to the same answer.
"Every time we compared them side by side, we kept gravitating back to Tigé," Russell says. "Next to the Ultre, there was simply no comparison in terms of looks, cleanliness, and overall craftsmanship."
One additional factor added confidence to the decision: the Tigé factory is right here in Texas, meaning warranty support and service are close to home. But Russell quickly notes that the location was a bonus, not the reason.
"Even without the convenience of having the factory right here in Texas, we still would have chosen Tigé."
Building the Dream
On November 3, 2025, Russell and Amanda sat down with Haden and Tony to design their boat together, a process Russell describes as outstanding from start to finish. Tony arranged a trip to the factory so they could see new colors in person, making the final decisions feel easy and personal.
The experience didn't stop at the design table. During the build, Tony brought the Randalls on a facility tour to see their boat taking shape in real time.
"It was an unforgettable experience that made the journey even more special," Russell says.
A Surf Day on Lake Brownwood
When the Randalls hit the water with eight kids and their friends in tow, the days are full and loud and exactly what they signed up for.
Most mornings start early to catch the glass that Lake Brownwood reliably offers. The crew gets in a solid surf session before the day runners arrive, then breaks for lunch and a midday rest back at the lake house. Around 7 p.m., they're back on the water for an evening session as the sun starts to set. It's a rhythm built around making the most of every hour.
The Memory That Says It All
With eight kids across a wide range of ages, the Randall boat has witnessed a lot of firsts. But when Russell is asked about his favorite memory, one moment stands above the rest.
"Our favorite memory on the boat is when we all watched as our oldest son nailed the 360 for the first time," he says, "and cheered so loud like he just won the lottery."
That's what the Randalls came back to the water for. Not just the wake, not just the wave, but the moments that make a family feel like a team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Tigé and ATX different from other wake boat brands?
Tigé and ATX stand apart through a shared commitment to surf performance, thoughtful engineering, and quality craftsmanship. Both brands are built in Abilene, Texas, in the same manufacturing facility, with each offering a distinct experience for boaters. Tigé focuses on premium, luxury wakesurf boats with refined designs and innovative technology, while ATX delivers an accessible entry point into premium wakesurf performance. Neither brand takes a mass-production approach. Every boat is built to order with attention to the details that make a difference on the water.
What makes the Tigé Ultré ZX one of the best luxury wakesurf boats?
The Tigé Ultré ZX combines exceptional surf performance, premium craftsmanship, distinctive styling, and refined interiors to deliver a true luxury wakesurf experience. Its patented Convex V hull, TAPS 3T technology, and GO System produce powerful, customizable surf waves, while thoughtful features and premium finishes elevate every moment onboard. Not to mention, the Ultré ZX is one of the most awarded surf boats on the water, earning the 2025 Boating Industry Top Product, 2025 Boating Magazine Watersports Boat of the Year, and 2024 WakeWorld Innovation of the Year for its Ultré Lounge. It's a boat that delivers on performance, innovation, and luxury at every level.
Why do families choose Tigé boats for wakesurfing?
Families choose Tigé Boats because they offer the best performance, space, and versatility to bring everyone together on the water. With thoughtfully designed seating, impressive ballast capacity, powerful surf waves, and room for family and friends, Tigé makes it easy to enjoy everything from a full day of wakesurfing to relaxing evenings at the lake.