Our week with Mapple Skis

[JohnCox]

As many of you know, I ruptured my bicep last may skiing in the Atlanta Pro-Am, and had surgery to repair it in early June. My season was done. I rode my ski 6 times in November and December just to remember what it felt like... Well, it just happens that I had a time share week that was set to expire in early February, so I used that as an excuse to go spend a week in Orlando. My ski partner and friend Chuck Byrd headed down the highway last Sunday, the 18th. No real plans other than to ski. We knew we would be at Mapple's on Monday and Tuesday, but didn't know if those guys were booked all week, or whether we might get to spend more time there. Once again, Andy and the rest of the folks at Mapple exceeded my expectations.....

 

We arrived Monday morning to nice water, although the air was a little chilly. Mike was there, of course Andy, Katie came out for a while, and Tom Brantley had come to town to get his season going, too. I skied Monday on the 6.1 that made the trip down with me to get the feel again, and, much to my surprise, it didn't feel like I had missed a beat. Chuck spent the first day on the ski he took with him as well. We knew we would be back on Tuesday to try some new things, so we didn't want to push too hard.

 

Tuesday we were obviously a little sore, but showed up anyway. We mounted up a 67.5" T2 for me, and I took it out...2 passes, and Andy made a small change (even though I liked it). Dang, I liked it more...finished out the set with those settings. Andy mounted up a 66" T1 for Chuck, and he looked like a different skier. Headed to lunch with Mike and Tom, and headed back for another set (after Andy tweaked my fin just a little). We both loved the skis that we rode, and as the day wound down and we packed up, we had no idea what we were doing for skiing on Wednesday. Andy looked at us and said "10 in the morning?" Naturally, we agreed.

 

On Wednesday, I skied a little later in the rotation, and as I was getting my things together, a car pulled up and out stepped Kris LaPoint. I've met Kris before, and I knew he came by Andy's and is skiing on a Mapple so I didn't think much about it. Until I turned around and he was getting in the boat with Andy. So, for my first set that day, Mike was driving, and I had Andy Mapple and Kris Lapoint sitting in the boat to watch...the two biggest slalom legends there are. No pressure.... I ran a pass. Don't think a word was said. I ran another one. Andy stood up and pointed something out for me to focus on. Ran a pass down and felt like I had done what he said. I shook my head and smiled as I came out of the gates. When the boat stopped, Kris asked me what I liked better about that pass, and I told him. He said "OK". So I asked if I was wrong, and he said that I was right. Pass 4. I could see them talking and all I saw was a nod. When we got to the other end, the boat sat for a bit, and I assumed that I was about to hear something about the pass. Mike looked out and said "you've sparked a discussion." I asked about what, and apparently what I did and how I responded to what Andy said sparked a debate over the different body positions that people use behind the boat. The rope got tight without me hearing a word, but I was excited that I had sparked a conversation between those two. Back to the dock without missing a pass. One of the coolest sets I've ever skied. Chuck tried the T2 and learned that it just didn't really suit him, and we went to lunch again, with Dave Macchi joining us this time. I took another set in the afternoon, pushing harder each pass, and feeling better and better. At the end of the day, Andy said "10? tomorrow? I want you to ride the 66" to feel the difference.

 

Thursday morning, we mounted up the 66" for me to ride. Loved it (didn't miss a pass on it, either), but felt like it didn't suit me quite as well as the 67.5" Just to be sure, I rode the big one again after lunch. Truth is, I could have only ridden either of them and been happy. Chuck took Thursday off.

 

Friday turned out to be the only day with less than ideal conditions. At home, we'd probably have bagged it. But, Andy said "you won't always have perfect conditions, so you should see how it feels in this." When I got up, the tail wind was so strong, there was no wind in my face...wow. But, ran a 28 down wind and back in. When we moved to 32, I got tentative, and missed a few (I had missed one pass all week). Andy shared some of his usual wisdom, and ended my week running a nice 32 with maybe the strongest tail wind I've ever done it in... Chuck hopped back on the ski he brought down to see if he could feel the difference. Considering the conditions, he did great, but he was convinced then about his decision.

 

I left with a new 67.5" T2, and Chuck with a 66" T1. I guess I should sell my 6.1....but, until Tuesday, it was the best thing I'd ever ridden...perhaps I'll keep it as a backup...

 

One of the highlights of the week was meeting and getting to know Tom Brantley. I knew who he was, but had never seen him ski, and obviously never met him. Tom is a genuine good guy. Level headed and practical. No BS. Young, but mature. After spending 4 days with him as well, it was obvious that Andy continues to build a team with quality people, not just good skiers.

 

So, Chuck and I, a couple of hacks that ski on a farm pond in the northwest corner of South Carolina, went and spent a week with a group that I am proud to be connected with. We were treated by Katie, Aidan, Tom, Andy, Deena, Scott, Marion, and Kris like part of the team - like one of their pros. It could have only been better if Jeff had been able to make it! I've said it before...I'll be on a Mapple as long as Andy will let me!

 

In addition to all that, we watched them put a new jump in, and got to see Jon Travers take a set.

 

All in all, one of the best weeks a skier could ever hope for.

 

 

[Razorskier1]

Sweet!

[Wish]

Lets not forget the beer you all shared on someone else's dock... ;) Was great seeing you again John and great to meet and talk with Chuck. BOS sure makes the ski world a lot smaller and connected. Great report.!!

[Skoot1123]

Great report John!! When my wife and I were down and testing the Mapple skis in December of 2013 Tom Brantley was there as well. Great guy and TONS of great stories.

 

You can't forget the dogs on the dock either. The lab and rot are just beautiful!!

[RichardDoane]

@JohnCox‌ - nicely done

[Dirt]

Sounds like fun. Great ski. I highly recommend.

[teammalibu]

@JohnCox its good to see you back on the water! Might see you duown there again later this spring!!

[JohnCox]

I can't believe I failed to mention our visit (too short a visit) with Brian! We will be back to ski with you!!

[BrennanKMN]

This is awesome to read! I was actually in Orlando that same week skiing! I was driving over to Performance Ski Monday afternoon and on the way I saw Andy's lake. Naturally I made everyone else in the car aware that we just spotted Andy's lake. Too bad we didn't see you out there skiing!

[D-Law]

Great story!

 

[JAS]

What can you share about the skis, setup, and coaching tips? Sounds like you had a great experience

[Razorskier1]

The skis are awesome, the ski setup is awesome, the coaching is awesome, the site is awesome.

[JAS]

Awesome!

[mike_mapple]

always great having you down here @JohnCox

[kstateskier]

This is awesome! @JohnCox I understand your exact feelings skiing with Kris and Andy in the boat. I stopped by Fluid one day to catch a set. It just so happened Parrish and Nate were in the boat. I could barely breathe until that first pass went down. Bottom line, Andy, Kris, Nate, Chris... They're just people! They just happened to all run 41. :D

[The_Krista]

Sounds like an awesome week, @JohnCox! Sorry I missed you (we were there yesterday.) Nice looking ramp Andy has there now! I heard you got to briefly meet Bojan too. Hope to catch you next time you're down this way!