h2onhk

that's a neat story. Lots of history. Will be neat to see what becomes of Ski Nautique #1

aside from the initial $200 investment to go in on an insta-slalom course, the rest is free. Live on the river and set it up where-ever and when-ever its smooth then pull it out before the "crazies" come out and wreck it. Haven't had to replace a ball/tube yet, 3 years running. (knock on wood) Just wish we could use more than ~3-4 months a year.

early 60's 14' Crosby with a 1982 25hp mercury outboard. 2 skis and drop to a slalom.....actually learned to barefoot off a kneeboard behind behind it around age 10. It was a neat fast little boat. Dad still has it and uses it frequently for cruises. Kind of kept the tradition going with my oldest daughter a couple years ago with out little 14' Lund and 25hp Merc. She was 5yr old at the time and loved it.

very cool indeed....this would have been fun to be a part of back in college. Especially now with technology like social media and drones/GoPros etc.

we were discussing something very similar this year.....like a holographic projector mounted to the front of a boat. flip a switch wherever its smooth and instantly run set! granted the theory is very star trekish. Ironically I'm sure in 1900 if you walked up to someone and told them in the future you could take a little device the size of a deck of cards and talk to someone instantaneously half way around the world they would have told you you were insane. :smile: only time will tell.

Northwest Ohio Air mid 60's, water 58. I always try to get a ride in on my birthday (last week). It was nice, air temp was 73deg. Winterized this past weekend, but may still sneak in a trick ride behind the jet ski here and there just for fun.

Instead of going all in out of the gate I bought a pair of the Obrien pro-trac 42" tricks from Bart's watersports for $320 shipped to the door. Granted they are not high end but they work great for our family especially since my wife just likes to play around on the pair vs. 1. I think they are an excellent starter trick. Just my 2 cents....great to hear some younger generations are still interested in the sport!

We are looking to downsize into something smaller and simpler. Boat is solid with no issues and very well taken care off. Its listed on ski-it-again and link is below. I have the title in hand for a smooth transaction with next buyer and would be happy to discuss details or provide more photos upon request. Shoot me a PM if you are interested. Thanks! http://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skiitagain.php?endless=summer&topic=Search&category=Comp_Boat&postid=34824

@ajgear my 2011 Malibu FXi is for sale. Awesome do everything boat on the diamond hull. Message me if you if you are interested and I'd be happy to go over any details.

@TWB That's fantastic! especially in a dry suit! Did you try pass a -38?

we bought the insta-slalom course 3 years ago which is very similar to the EZ slalom. what a great investment! Its great to be able to place the course where ever the smooth water is, run some sets, and then take it back out before all the crazies come out. We actually bought an old 20' pontoon and removed everything but the deck to make it way easier to take in and out.....also really helps keep the boat clean and free of clutter!

good feedback. surprised to hear the turbulence was that bad behind the 196 since there are so many of them out there. the boat does have the hydrogate feature....not sure how much that helps. We really like our Malibu FXi but it is more of a crossover boat and definitely has its pros and cons as well.

what are your guys thoughts on the trick wake behind a 2006 SN 196? I have been looking at a few of them and know they would be a good slalom upgrade from my Malibu Response FXi, but I would hate to sacrifice my trick wake just for the slalom benefit.

@Bruce and slalom frog, simpler is definitely better at this stage. I will give the bike tube a try first and if it works good I have some old wakeboard bindings that I could possibly get some rubber material out of. Thanks for the tips!

Hey everyone. New to this forum but have been browsing around here for a while looking at the discussions and getting a few pointers. Question I have is about a different rear toe plate for my trick. I have problems keeping my rear foot from flying out on some of my flips I'm practicing and noticed on youtube videos that some guys are using a mini binding or some form of strap around the heel? Any ideas were I can get something like this or if it is even necessary? Endless google searches are coming up empty. I saw this post that Jody_Seal made back a few years ago and seems accurate to what i saw on youtube. "A number of the Pickos group Cory,Adam, Steve-O etc, Use a EVA heal piece. Toe Strap and a ratchet heal piece that Cory gets from ???? on the rear. Steve-O just uses a rear High wrap cut down to fit on the trick ski for his rear boot. " Any tips/links/advice is always much appreciated.