Ralph Lee

The little down time is enticing! One of the reasons Andy Mapple was so great for the sport is he usually skipped 35 off to keep the show moving. :p

Lol

@jimbrake Once your in the water there's something about surfing that makes you care less about the sharks. It's when I'm home in the recliner thinking about them is when I get nervous. I'm the same way with alligators. I see I course up in the Everglades I'd consider skiing it, but home thinking about it I don't even want to ski at Swiss.

@jimbrake There has been a Great White attack off the point of seaside. The board was the only thing bit so I'm not sure if it was reported. I used to surf there all the time till we kept hearing rumors of an 18 footer hanging around the area, I don't know if it was true but it has kept me away!!

@SkiJay - Nice endorsement!! On my Christmas list

Great surfing, fishing, hiking, mountain biking in that area. Watch out for Jaws though, there's a lot more Great whites in those waters then most people realize

Get some coaching and get light!!

@skidawg I just realized @Horton is only skiing 34mph, there is nothing Elite about that! My apologies.

@skidawg It wouldn't be my first. I've known so many great athletes who became skiers and have never made it through 35 off. Getting into 39.5 is very special and it stings to say it, cause I'm not a tournament skier, but turning 2 ball in a tournament (not practice) is something you should put on your grave stone.

I'm guessing your looking for something closer then 1.5 to 2 hours away. There's lots of opportunities NE and SE of your direction if your willing to drive a ways...

@Horton I haven't heard the expression "eat crow" for ever, that made me laugh! I'm off to try and find evidence.

@CParrish43 alright big guy, don't let me down...

@Horton if you can get 3 at 39.5 you are one of the worlds elite skiers, but I understand.

@ZipZapPaddyWhack sounds good! Yes, Bob and Dennis are two of the coolest people I've ever known. The last 3 times I rode in the boat Bob ran 38 off straight up the line, that's at 68 years old!! The guys a stud!

 

@ Horton I've never drank, so I don't know what a pretty good bottle of scotch goes for? That said, it's never to late to start drinking. 'll take that bet, and match your Brand of Scotch

Uneducated - yes

Idiot - debatable

So people thought I was an uneducated idiot for posting "All tournaments should be record capability" I"m presently skiing with some great skiers much older than me that have well over 100 years of tournament experience between them. Their stories of shady judges and drivers is pretty embarrassing!! I think these guys are the true root of the sport and believe every word they are saying. Listening to Andy talk about Zero Off it sounds like one of the main reasons for its invention was to prevent people manipulating the speed, so that tells me there is just cause to doubt some peoples integrity. So, make all tournaments R class and video EVERYTHING! Or else go with the Chief Judges decisions and never mention your beef again.

 

Just one point of view from a long time die hard skier...

@Horton I have on good authority that Parrish CAN run 35 off right foot forward. Pretty easily too I believe.

@thompjs OK, I believe you guys. :# At first, I genuinely thought it should be a really simple feat to make all tournaments "R" capable, understanding probably 95% of the waterski community have no desire or need to do so. I still HATE the thought that some events with pro caliber athletes and officials, are not quite, but almost 100% official. Too bad end course and gate video isn't more feasible, cause I have witnessed it keeping the drivers on their game if nothing more.

@klindy Shortest I've watched from the boat is 1 at 39.5 and I was thoroughly entertained!! There's nothing like shortline.

@skier2788 My wife is an amazing driver!! All thanks to time spent out in open water, I'd highly recommend getting your girlfriend out of the course now and then if possible.

@klindy If I were riding in the boat for a record setting set, I don't know who I'd be more impressed with, the skier, or the driver?

@ZipZapPaddyWhack Sounds like fun! It sounds like you put on good tournament and your place looks pretty sweet!! I'll ski at Broho if you come down to Molalla in July. Or do you ski in our tournament already?

@thompjs Thanks. I understand what is involved in having a site surveyed, but I am ignorant on how often it has to be done to count as an R tournament. I'm surprised the video equipment is expensive with all the technology out there.

@BRY maybe cause "Ralph Lee" is not the name you will find on my birth certificate. I wonder how many other BOS names are not on the AWSA website?? Maybe my sarcasm was too thick! I think the courses are certified and the judges are qualified. I actually have helped set up 3 different tournaments in the last three years, then left for work when the fun began. If you want yo check my skiing and driving credentials come out to Oregon and I'll give you some pulls at No Name Lake, Lake Windy, Billy Chinook, Powerline course cove, or Lake Koppert in Washington.