21 Years, Five Tigé Boats, One Family: The Strizich Story

Every boat owner has a different journey. But for Jeff and Lorri Strizich, theirs has been defined by unwavering loyalty—having owned five Tigé boats since 2004, they've become part of the Tigé family in every sense of the word.

What Does 21 Years of Tigé Ownership Look Like?

Finding Tigé

The Strizich family's boating journey began with a simple observation: their friend's boat was fun, but half-day trips weren't enough. So the Strizichs decided to buy a boat of their own.

What started as a search for used boats in 2004 led them to Wakeboard & Waterski Specialty (WWS) in Denver, where they met Bill Bistline and discovered Tigé. The Strizichs ended up custom ordering a 22v in red, white, and blue. It was so boldly colored that Bill made Jeff put down a substantial deposit. "He felt like if I didn't buy the boat, he would have a hard time selling it," Jeff laughs. "Everyone loved the colors!"

That first Tigé 22V became the backdrop for their daughter Lindsey's childhood, with Lorri skiing and Jeff wakeboarding behind the boat. "Lindsey and all her school-age friends had fantastic family memories of summertime fun on that boat," Jeff shares. Weekend trips to different lakes across Colorado and Wyoming were always a party. And when a mechanical issue arose during a trip to Guernsey, Wyoming, WWS sent a tech on-site to repair—saving the weekend and cementing the Strizich family's confidence in Tigé's commitment to customer service.

Growing with Tigé: Upgrading Through the Years

Boat number two arrived in 2008—a black and red RZ2 that caught their eye on the WWS showroom floor. The cruise control feature was a game-changer that Jeff jokingly calls a "marriage saver."

Their third Tigé came in 2013, a Z3 in red and white that brought bigger sound and great looks. Jeff laughs, remembering the pre-surf system days when they'd run external ballast bags in the bow and rider side to dial in the perfect wave—a 20-minute process to switch sides. "Technology has come a long way," Jeff added.

By 2017, the Strizich family had become four-time Tigé owners. Jeff worked with WWS and Eddie Guglielmetti, Head of Engineering at the Tigé factory, to create a custom RZX2 that turned heads on the water. It was also one of the first boats with the Tigé Touch steering wheel. "We loved this boat, one of the best-looking boats ever!" Jeff says. One of the Strizich family mantras on the boat: "If you want to surf, we can teach you!" The customizable Tigé wave has gotten countless friends up on a board for the first time.

By this time, they'd joined a private lake where they 'glamped' with friends and family every weekend. "We also had the opportunity to ride all the different boats from all the manufacturers," Jeff notes. "Tigé is always the winner."

Current Chapter: The 2024 24RZX

Now in their 60s with their fifth Tigé Boat—a 2024 24RZX in vivid rosé and grey—Jeff and Lorri aren't stopping anytime soon. "Many of our friends are slowing down. Not us!" Jeff declares. The boat is "very luxurious and throws a huge wake!" Their 24RZX sits in a slip at Lake Granby in the Colorado mountains at 8,300 feet, where they spend every summer weekend on the water.

When asked what their typical lake day looks like, Jeff explains that it starts early so Lorri can find glassy water for waterskiing. Then the crew arrives for the surf session. "We usually stay out most of the day, have lunch on the boat, and surf," he says. "Time to enjoy forced relaxation and conversations with family and friends, and showing off surf skills."

More Than Just a Boat - The Strizich's Favorite Memories

We asked Jeff about his favorite memory, and he describes a seven-day Lake Powell trip with 10 family members, towing the Tigé Z3 behind a houseboat to a remote area. But the memories go far deeper than a single trip.

The Strizich family has participated in two Tigé photo shoots over the years. "We love the brand and what it stands for…Family!" Jeff says. The shoots have been "a ton of fun" and a chance to see new technology and styling firsthand.

Their Tigé connection runs even deeper—they've been regulars at the Tigé Reunions for WWS at Greyrock Lake in Wyoming since 2004, missing only two events in over 20 years. They even have WWS' award for Best Reunion Attendance. What started as a gathering of just a few boats has grown to over 50 in recent years. "We really have felt like we are part of the Tigé family," Jeff says. "We have developed lifelong relationships with many of the people we have met via Tigé over the years. These memories, stories, and people are a big part of our lives."

The impact extends beyond their immediate circle. A while back, one of their daughter Lindsey's friends from grade school through college told them that her fondest childhood memories were on their boat. "Proud moment," Jeff reflects.

Why Tigé?

After more than two decades and five boats, Jeff sums up why they've remained loyal to Tigé:

"The commitment to an extreme level of customer service that WWS and the Tigé factory have always provided. The family atmosphere that the Tigé culture encourages—not just direct family, but the Tigé extended family. The styling and quality of Tigé boats. Best looking boat on the water!"

Now, as Jeff and Lorri watch the next generation of Tigé family leaders emerge—including seeing the General Manager for WWS grow from a little kid into a great operator—they feel like the "Tigé OGs." And with Colorado's short summers, they're making every weekend count. "We are always on the lake with friends and family, enjoying the company and the water," Jeff says.

At Lake Granby, with no crowds and beautiful mountain scenery, the Strizich family continues to write new chapters in their Tigé story—one surf session, one ski run, and one perfect lake day at a time.

The Strizich family's 21-year journey shows what's possible when you find the right boat—and the right community. Ready to start your own Tigé story? Find your local Tigé dealer and experience the difference that keeps families coming back for decades.