Jetsetr

Worth a shot since I’m bored and can’t ski. Might make it worse or no improvement...something to play with before I put the boat away for winter...

I put the boat on a weight loss program-back seat is out and removed whatever is not needed. I do start with full fuel since I usually burn a full tank off, and refueling isn’t a easy option. Only holds 16 gallons so that’s 96 pounds...you would think if you could raise the stern by moving the CG forward it would also flatten the wake...making the boat plane “flatter” vs a stern low attitude. We can easily change an airplanes attitude at any speed by shifting weight...ya think this would be the same. I have a digital inclinometer- I guess I could put it on the dash and see where it ends up with at “x” speed and then move some weight around...

Anyone experiment with balast in front of the driver/observer to flatten the wake out a bit? Thinking 100-150 pounds (maybe more?) to move the CG forward a bit, thus flattening the wake (in theory). How FAR forward also makes a huge difference as well for the same weight. Was thinking of moving the fuel tank forward (easily enough to do) but as the fuel burns off the CG moves back aft. Obviously if you get too much weight forward the boat is going to start driving goofy... I usually practice between 24-32mph... The wake is not REALLY an issue, my theory is if I can ski well (defining ”well” is another issue!) behind my ‘89 Brendella I can ski well behind anything. Skied behind a early 90’s Malibu Sunsetter the other day and my Brendella’s wake was MUCH better at the same speed (28-30). The Malibu is heavier, wider and longer though...probably better at higher speeds. Thoughts???

@Horton...agree 100% with seeing a sports medicine specialist and will do so. I have an awesome surgeon/specialist that put me back together after I shattered my left leg below the knee in 2008. I’m a firm believer that knowledge is power. I don’t see any harm in seeing if other skiers have had the same or similar issue, and hearing what they’ve done to alleviate the issue. Gather as much information as possible from many sources and make a logical decision on a coarse of action. I do appreciate your concern as well as the others on this forum... Regards... Dave

@Dirt-I held it in...big mistake...TW forwarded me some great wrist/forearm strengthening exercises... Going to start those and see how it goes...I did some today and can really feel it working the area that’s sore. Of coarse I used the lightest weight and was very gentle... Thanks for all the insight...

@Jmoski: first off this injury was self induced- Totally wrong position for a cut...I hurt it on the second set I did, and like a dumb ass I went for a 3rd set. Couldn’t get out of the water because I couldn’t hang on-again, no ones fault but my own. It really swelled up that evening and I couldn’t hold a pencil/write my name for about 2 days...since then when I ski it bothers me to some degree. Skied “gently” into fall, and other than some minor annoyance it was ok. Due to my work sked I haven’t skied for about 2 1/2 weeks. It really bothered me yesterday. A Dr visit is more than likely going to happen. I ski anywhere between 22-32 mph depending on what I’m working on, and as you stated slower puts much more load on. I think it was more improper technique, death grip on the handle and now a lack skiing to keep the strength up. Tendinitis is a real possibility. I skied behind a different boat and used a different handle yesterday- it could have been larger diameter than mine...

@Horton - I understand what you’re saying...after rounding the ball arms drop to the hips and straighten out for the pull in the stacked position with elbows in, hips up, ankles flexed forward. On the glides/edge change while standing “tall” elbows are in handle low...in the glide there should be no load until after rounding the next ball. I screwed up and went into the pull from a glide position and strained my Rt forearm big time, took the boat load in the wrong position causing the strain. Now it bothers me every time I ski. Now I have to figure out how to rehab and build the strength backup. I have a tendency to death grip the handle, and no doubt that’s not helping any...sounds silly but was never taught how to have a relaxed grip but still be able to hang on...my excessive handle grip might be a lot of the problem... Its probably similar to arm pump when riding my MX bike...I can manage that but with the MX bike it’s more “guiding” the handlebars vs gripping and steering. Not sure how I can translate that to the ski handle. Suggestions???

Get a PC-12NG or TBM 950...PC-12 burns 1/2 the fuel, has as much room, a big cargo door and is as fast as the KA-200.TBM is WAAAAY faster than both. Would be easier to put a roof over an existing ski lake...ya got the $$$$!

Morning all... When I switch from “don’t know any better straight arm free skier” to the proper “elbows in, handle low” position I ended up severely straining my right forearm...that was several months ago and it’s still affecting my grip and quickly causes fatigue and pain. I’m right hand dominant, tried changing grip to right hand over but doesn’t feel right... Now that winter is getting close, any suggestions for strength training over our off season to get me back in form for next season? TIA Dave

I burp the air out as posted above and then again in the water...depending how far you go you can end up vacuum wrapped in the dry suit...

I’m using a O’Neill Boost drysuit (usually thin sweatpants and long sleeve t or sweatshirt under), 3mm dive booties, dive head sock and 3mm dive gloves. I ski until I can’t launch the boat and start again at as soon as the ice is off the lake. Fall skiing is a bit easier, the water is still warmer than the air so I may use my ski gloves today. Obviously you give up some feel with the dive gloves but having warm hands, feet and head is great. No issue with dive booties in my Prime boot and RTP- not sure they will fit in my Vectors (they should). Going today...morning airtemp was 28F, supposed to make it to 50F by ski time...spring water temps are really cold but the air could be as warm as 60-70 later in spring. Drysuit is a bit uncomfortable (too warm) out of the water but water temps are too cold for a wetsuit. Fall/Spring skiing for me is all free skiing to try and keep/rebuild my strength. Truly envious of those who can ski year round...good thing my ski fits in the baggage compartment for when we venture south or southwest...

Thanks!,,,,

Yes, I believe that’s it...thanks!! Will see if I can find it...

In one of the recent thread posts a Baller posted a link to a YouTube documentary on waterskiing...was a bit over an hour and had all the disciplines in it...Beleive Wade Cox was in it...watched a few minutes of it on my iPad but wanted to watch it at home on the big screen, and of coarse I can’t find it now... Not the Flow Point videos (awesome as well)... Any help?? TIA

Simply just awesome....

Low 60’s in SE WI...

Awesome adaptive skiing! Our local ski show team (Aquanuts) does an adaptive event every year...wanted to help out but as usual work keeps getting in the way...would like to know more about it...keep it up!!!

@usaski1 I probably missed it in a previous post but WHAT ski is that surfboard you’re on??? You’re killin it! Reminds me of body drag turns on my race stand up jet skis...Looks like fun!!!!

Everyone I’ve put on my Butterknife loved it... easy to get up on, very stable straight or carving, wide speed range up to a recommended max of 30. Don’t think you could go wrong with that one...

@PeterAK will get ya on the course yet this year! Been crushed @ work and only skied once a week for the last 3-4 weeks. Only had the course in once so far. It worked great. Even if ya want to free ski let me know. Bring your wetsuit...waters gettin a bit chilly. ALWAYS looking for ski buds...We are going ski into November again this year.

@sunvalleylaw: that’s where we are at- nice adult combos, kids combos, my Butterknife, linked training skis...

They have to be pretty old...but that’s a guess...

Only my opinion... You’re trying to grow a sport that is shrinking every year... You’re trying to cater to only 2% of all active skiers... In my opinion the emphasis should be getting new skiers into the sport and as they progress promote the course skiing. New blood is what’s needed- now it’s kinda putting the cart in front of the horse... I’m kinda the exception in that when I started skiing again last year after a LONG time off the bug bit and I bought a boat, new skis/gear and a portable course. I personally ski a course for my own satisfaction. Probably will never compete...you have to be a fairly skilled slalom skier before you venture into a course. I like teaching former/new/never skied folks...I’m pretty good at it. Worked with 3 new people just the other day and got 2 of the 3 up really quick. The 3rd was there but ran out of time. My ski partner owns a resort and we usually can grab some off the beach as an observer if need be. Next question to them is “ya wanna try it?” The two that we got going right away were former skiers that dont have Lake/boat access. They asked me if we would let them try it. Worked out great, they both want to ski more-the seed was planted. I know that’s not the direction you’re looking to go in...but should be considered....

We have those on the jet cars...a digitset is set for x amount of time beyond what the normal ET would be for a auto-shutoff and deployment of the main chute so one doesn’t do any sailing off the end of the track in full burner if incapacitated. Also have a deadman’s switch on the steering wheel. Total PIA system that doesn’t work well for us... With the EFI boats you could have a idle only out of the seat, with the carb boats a solenoid pin to block the throttle movement into drive. Totally un necessary IMO...have someone qualified and competent driving. @JayG80 The comp side of the policy (if they have it) would cover the boat, not the liability side

Macallen or Glenlivet 18yr old please @Horton ...