Online - with Kevin Michael (Executive Director - USA Water Ski and Wake Sports)

[Horton]

It’s 2024 and the TWBC Podcast is coming in hot with the first episode of the year – with an in-depth expanded interview with the newly-appointed Executive Director of USA water Ski and Wake Sports Kevin Michael. Plenty of topics were discussed here, including his background coming into this role, his vision on how to grow the sport, the recent news concerning Malibu Boats and the effect that Safe Sport has had on the membership numbers. Recorded at Bennett’s Water Ski School via FB Messenger. Looking to support this 4th season of the TWBC Podcast? Email Tony at podcast@waterskibroadcasting.com to get more details on how to be a supporting sponsor.

It’s 2024 and the TWBC Podcast is coming in hot with the first episode of the year – with an in-depth expanded interview with the newly-appointed Executive Director of USA water Ski and Wake Sports Kevin Michael. Plenty of topics were discussed here, including his background coming into this role, his vision on how to grow the sport, the recent news concerning Malibu Boats and the effect that Safe Sport has had on the membership numbers.

Recorded at Bennett’s Water Ski School via FB Messenger.

Looking to support this 4th season of the TWBC Podcast? Email Tony at podcast@waterskibroadcasting.com to get more details on how to be a supporting sponsor.

[Octopus_Paxarbolis]

Not encouraging 

[kc]

56 minutes ago, Octopus_Paxarbolis said:

Not encouraging 

My opinion after listening to this podcast was the opposite. Sure, we’ve got lots of issues. I didn’t feel Kevin tried to sugarcoat anything. He genuinely seems to want to heard from anyone wanting to reach out. He has some fresh ideas, and a broad background in towed water sports. He has tremendous contacts in the water sports, and boating industry. I’m hopeful. 

[DvarianDan Johnson]

Awful audio from Michael. TWBC really should check this better before airing/recording. Poor quality. Do sound checks before starting.   

[Ski2000]

@DvarianDan Johnson

Interesting. I didn’t notice bad audio from Michael. I’m certain I don’t entirely agree with his notion on cost of entry, but I’m encouraged that he is promoting ski days and learning days. 

[Jody_Seal]

if Kevin wants to make an impact in the sport, loose the un necessary socialist safe sport  requirements. the last guy was nothing more then a government style bureaucrat.  hopefully Kevin will bring fresh realistic policy back into the sport.

[Horton]

@Jody_Seal as much as I agree that safe sport is super irritating I don't think blaming Nate is logical. Our involvement in safe sport is the result of the national political and legal landscape. if we want to maintain our non-indemic corporate partnerships and insurance policies, unfortunately we have to continue on the path we're on. As I've stated many many times, I think the decision for us to become the larger USA water ski organization and affiliate ourselves with USOC was a huge mistake, but that was decades ago.

[Jody_Seal]

@Horton

 

Edited February 27 by Jody_Seal

[The_MS]

He can sell thats for sure. 
@Horton if he wants to separate safe sport with the pro divisions from the regular weekend class C tournaments, I would buy, but he is underestimating the effect it has on new entries. 
leave the Doctors, coaches, team managers and pro skiers to deal with safe sport. 

 

[Horton]

@The_MS Your post is a bit word salad but if you are saying that SS is discouraging new members, I totally agree. What I am saying is that SS is part of the world we live in. It is like complaining about tax rates. Do I think my tax rate is way too high? Yes. Do I think all taxation is theft? Yes, I do but I pay the amount my accountant says because I am too good-looking for jail.

Looping back to the subject at hand. We were already doomed to implement SafeSport before Nate Boudreaux's first day on the job. The organization had already been subservient to the USOC for decades.  The scandal ( that shall not be named  ) was about to surface but was NOT the reason why we adopted SS.  

[RAWSki]

Slippery Slope.....

[Horton]

@RAWSki ?

[DvarianDan Johnson]

 Really hoped we were all past any further discussion on Safe Sport. Get over it. It's an embedded component of the risk management and legal requirements to produce an event. It's not going away or morphing. Take your toys and go home - that's everyone's call individually, but continuing to complain about it is a complete waste of time unless it just makes you feel better.     

[Golfguy]

Kevin, in the interview, stated several times that one of his missions was to remove the blockers to new, and renewing members. It would be interesting to discuss here what some of the blockers to becoming a water skier and participating in the association are? Here are some that come to mind:

• Safe Sport and the bureaucracy that belonging to the IOC brings that make it seem more like work to participate.
• The cost to play including boats.
• In golf we struggle with attracting players because it takes so long to play. Tournament skiing has the same blocker.
• Lack of exposure to suitable water conditions.
• Hasn't kept pace with the trends in technology. 
• New skiers, especially kids need to see it as fun. Skiing with peers.  

Maybe there is a need to provide Kevin with this very seasoned forum's ideas?