owennibley

I had my credit card info and everything ready to hit the order button on Saturday for a large standard flex but I just thought I need some more input on whether I should get the med or large. At the start of the season I was just under 200. Now I am at 185. I currently ski a 67" and it seems to be just fine even though I am on the edge of that weight range. Is there any advantage to going to a medium instead of a large? @Milford said he got an entire pass by switching to the medium... I am nowhere near the skier he is but... Thoughts? Like I said, I'm ready to hit the order button...

@Such_a_brett The $50 guess was a shot in the dark and was used for simplistic calculations but what you laid out makes much more sense. I didn't mean to offend. Thank you for explaining that for me. Basically, you pay extra for guaranteed scheduled slots which makes perfect sense. If I could get 75-100 sets in a season for 2.2k, I would absolutely consider this type of setup. Before I wasn't so sure on the amount of homes/families along with the location, but it is growing on me. Still seems like a lot of homes for 2 small lakes. I will be definitely watching this as it develops and talking with the boss (wife). We are considering building a new home in the near future so this could be a great opportunity.

The LXi is a better all around family boat, paired with Zero Off would make it a no brainer for me. Good choice. Hope you enjoy it.

@Such_a_brett I think I am getting a grasp on what the setup will be like. But just to clarify... for example on the ski lake: Lets say yearly allotment is 25 sets at the base price. I would schedule 2 sets a week, 4 weeks in advance, then schedule another 2 sets that week (if available) a few days in advance. Once I hit the 25 set allotment, I would be charged more, say 1.5x the base price, for 25-50 sets, and 2x the base price 50-75 sets, etc. So, if the base rate is $50 per set and I ski 100 sets (I am at 80 sets already this year) and assuming availability is there, the cost would be as follows: $50 * 25sets = $1,250 ($50*1.5) * 25sets = $1,875 ($50*2) * 25sets = $2,500 ($50*2.5) * 25sets = $3,125 Total = $8,750 for 100 sets of 15 minutes. Now I get those numbers are just hypothetical (and I could be way off on my understanding how you explained the setup) and they could change based on the rates, fuel prices, fees, etc. but even though water skiing is my passion, I think my limit would have to be in the $2.5k-$3k range for the season. Hopefully it would be in the $2k range. The appeal of having a good boat and driver is big. One of my issues is finding people to ski with and that know how to drive decent. But the biggest hold up, for me at least, is 2 things: 1. Availability. With high amount of housing in the community, possibly early mornings not available, driver availability, etc. will I get time on the water to fuel my passion? 2. Cost. Could I justify the cost of 75-100 sets per year? I would love more detailed information so I can really crunch numbers and see if this is a real possibility. Do you have a website setup yet or are you accepting lot reservations?

I would absolutely upload some videos to get coached, but I have an android phone. Doesn't seem to be supported yet. I have been struggling with 28'off and I need help...

@Such_a_brett looks like a big project. The layout looks well though out. My interest would be primarily the ski lake. Do you have a plan on how that will be setup? Will it be a separate club or will property owners need to provide their own boats? Will there be docks allowed on the lake if you want to use your own boat? USA waterski certified driver provided? What time could you start skiing? 6am before work is what i ski now would that be possible with homes around the lake? Etc. Not sure if you've worked out those details... would love to hear them if you have. I think the lots are reasonably priced and sized.... enough to definitely get me thinking about buying one but it just depends on how much availability I would have to ski and at what cost.

Gotcha covered. Hope you liked the vintage of boat that pulled you... :D Good skiing this morning. Nothing like skiing in the shadow of the mountains in early morning.

I am in awe. That was the most determined pass I have ever watched. She was going to make that pass. Period. Just wow.... I watch my skiing and I can't even make 28' off consistent. :'(

Looking forward to skiing behind this beauty..... Just have to wait a few days for my ski buddy to travel back safely. :)

@anklebreaker 2 years ago I was on a lace type boot and really cinched it down. I too did not know the intent of the design for the lace up boots: Snug but loose enough to release. I broke my ankle because I crashed and my ankle came part way out, putting the forces at a weird angle. Accidents happen so I don't blame the manufacturer, but I do wish I would've know the design intent. I since have gone to reflex releasable front binding and a VERY loose lace type boot in the back. Haven't had an issue with it and it has released during crashes. Good luck with the recovery.

I have a skidoc orbit as well. I dont use it. PM me if anyone is interested.

I have a right foot vMAX binding size 10-11 that I am not using anymore. It is not the removable liner and it is the direct connect.... 2016 model I believe. Still in great shape. I went to a Reflex front binding instead. If you're interested we can make a transaction. Bindings are a personal preference I feel. It took me a long time to get used to the releasable bindings. HO has the skyMAX bindings (I haven't tried those but the xMAX bindings are decent). They also has the Syndicate releasable bindings (definitely try before buying). And I know a bunch of people love their rubber Animal bindings. I'm not much help but maybe try a few different setups and make a decision from there. Best of luck.

I race dirt bikes as well as ski and one thing I really like about when they do a shootout of the new bikes, is they take 5-10 testers (beginner thru expert, young & veteran, different weight, supercross vs. motocross vs. offroad, etc.) over a couple week period to rank and write pros and cons about each of the bikes. They rank them based on suspension, motor, comfort, etc. Its nice to hear from Rossi, Joel, or Will on the new skis coming out, but I'm a 22'-28' skier not a 41' skier. It would be nice to hear some feedback from some guys my level that have tried a bunch of different skis and what they liked/hated about each ski.

@george Sorry to hear about your injury. Seems to me if you're skiing 36 mph, you ought to get a ski design for 36 mph. I've ridden the Omni and its a great ski but I'm not sure it was specifically designed for that speed. You might be better served going with the Alpha or Omega. I'm not saying that the Omni won't be good at 36, but that you might perform better with a different ski at 36. I personally would get the Omni Syndicate if I were to choose. I changed to reflex releasable bindings in the front and xMax (VERY loose) in the rear. I tried the RTP but I couldn't hack it. I'm sure it was all in my head. My setup seems to work well for me and it has released a couple of times during big crashes. I ski 32/34 mph up to 28 off. Good Luck!

Sorry to hear about your crash. It hurts, I know. Last season I had a crash that resulted in a broken front ankle (RFF). I was using HO vMAX bindings and I had them on way too tight. My foot didn't release. That winter I bought the Reflex supershell 4.0 with a rear toe plate. Man... it took a long time to get used to it. Not sure if it was my injury or me still be scared or what but it wasn't until mid-July that I got back into the swing of things. My current setup is Reflex supershell 4.0 in the front with a VERY lose xMAX in the back (I couldn't do the RTP). I have crashed hard about 3-5 times and each time the binding has released perfectly. I am glad I switched. Although it does not prevent 100% injury, it will mitigate injury in certain crashes. I would've easily paid the 500ish for the Reflex bindings to not have broken my ankle.....

@escmanaze LOL!!! If I would've known that you think that $60/hr is a steal of a deal I would've taken more than $10 for pulling you 2 sets (or was it 3, it was 3 sets... I just checked my spreadsheet) last June on my boat. I'll keep that in mind for the next time. I'll need that extra cash to pay for the costs of owning a boat that apparently I'm not being intellectually honest with myself on how much it costs me. :D There are many things related to boating that you cannot put a price on that you would not get at a resort like this. That is why, I feel, many people own boats and only use them 5 times a year. Its not all about the money and perfect water. I guess its easier to give your kid a credit card and say go take a surf sesh than to pack up the family to Lake Powell or lame Bear Lake. To each his own.

@Such_a_brett I can see the value of the property increasing, I missed that. I don't necessarily agree with your other points but I'll stop hijacking the thread. Obviously, this setup isnt appealing to me for multiple reasons but I'm sure there will be interest if/when it comes to fruition. I hope to steal a set or two on the ski lake! I do like the idea of having a ski club separate and time set aside for only the ski club members.... I also would think that a cable type park would be cool for wake boarders which also eliminates the need for a boat and driver.

@BraceMaker now you're talking. Having the comp lake separate and more restricted with a ski club would be something I would be interested in.

@escmanaze what are the costs maybe I'm missing some. Here are mine: 1. Cost of the boat. 92' Prostar with Stargazer (~6.5k, I can sell it for that, I'm sure.) 2. Insurance (220/yr) 3. Maintenance: engine oil/filter, trans oil, bearing grease, some spray wax, seat cleaner, teak oil, winterization, anything else? (~200/yr) 4. Misc items/repairs: new tires, new prop maybe, spark plugs/wires, wheel bearings, steering cable, thermostat, hoses, water pump, anything else? (~500/yr) 5. Lake fees: $50 season pass to small public lake or $75 season pass for state parks. So far I'm at 1k per year. I'm not including the initial cost because I'm not going to lose any money if I choose to sell it. Fuel costs are negligible as they would occur if I was renting. Now this isn't the case with everyone. Some people have a new boat that depreciates. I do all my own work, some don't so factor that in. I store the boat at my house, some don't so factor that in. Most people don't just buy a towing vehicle for only their boat. So I didnt factor that it. With respect to this development, paying an extra 60k+ for a lot, another 3-4k/yr in usage fees, $700/yr in hoa fees, losing the ability to go whenever and whatever lake I want, and fighting the 350+ people for lake time does not make any sense to me. Especially with Willard Bay, Mantua, Hyrum Dam, Benson, Cutler, Newton, Bear Lake, Glendale within 45 minutes of said location. Hey but it sounds like the target demo is 125+k earners who get their wakesetters & G25s wet 3 times a season. In that case, yes, it absolutely does not make sense to own a boat and they should buy into this property. I would be 100% in and buy a lot if it was setup like Stillwater Lakes. I use my boat, my driver, ability to take friends, boat dock, etc. Location aside, my biggest problem with this business plan is this: If I am shelling out and additional 3k/yr and an extra 20k-100k for the property, I want the ability to ski with whomever I want and whenever I want without waiting in line for hours or being dependent on unreliable part time college student to drive me. But it sounds like I am the minority in this boat (ha!) and there is a fair amount of interest, to which I say rock on and push forward.

I guess its just me being a pessimist but I just don't see people paying a premium for the lot/house and then paying an extra 3k a year to ONLY ski/surf on those lakes. I lose my ability to go anywhere else because I no longer have a boat. I lose control essentially. I am 100% dependent on a driver and now have to share the lake with 300+ persons. Not my cup of tea. With regards to the length of season.... I disagree with mid-April. More like mid-May. I could see skiing into October on some years when warmer. I would say no to lights. Personal preference there. I would want my "resort" home to be serene and quiet after dark. But.... given the fact that you're sharing the lakes with 300+ persons you might have to have lights to extend the day. Again, not my cup of tea. Assuming all the lots fill up and the houses/condos are filled, I think you'll have a logistical nightmare to keep everyone satisfied for the amount of money they are paying. It all depends on how its set up. Have you brought this proposal to Logan City? Cache County? What about water rights and water usage? are you getting the water directly from Logan River? I'd be interested to hear what Logan City and the County have said.

@Such_a_brett Looks like you've been busy! I think the Nibley location would've been a great place for a slalom lake (I definitely would've liked to ski it!), but maybe not for a resort type club like you are planning. Its not hard to plot out where your new location would be as I used to live less than 1 mile from it. The location is prime in my opinion: close to the highway, on the southern side of the Valley, great views of the Wellsvilles, golf course, shopping, etc. easily accessible. I personally have mixed feelings for this project. Having a comp slalom lake that close to the highway would definitely promote the sport more. It would show a lot of people how much fun skiing can be or at least introduce them to the sport. On the other hand, I hate to see open agriculture land developed and have even more people move into an already overcrowded valley. I was just there this past weekend and my anxiety kicked in full force.... it was so claustrophobic with the traffic. Only 1 way out to get out of the south end of the valley and 1 way west. I know as a kid we would shoot trap out at our Nibley property.... now homes all the way around the property. I know I can't stop development but still sad to see. Another aspect that I can't wrap my head around: Is there enough of a market in the Valley to draw 150+ families into this development. I don't feel that there is. I believe you said your target buyers are people who want smooth water, doesn't want to deal with owning boats, hardcore water sports, etc. That basically describes me so, this is how I would approach it: I am going to pay an extra 60K (average 20-100k) just for a lot. Then I'm sure there will be a minimum sqft home requirement... my guess 3,000sqft. At $150/sqft that puts the home at 450k without the lot. So, not sure on the lot price but lets go with 150k for the lot. So, 150k + 450k = 600k. ~2,500 mortgage. 2500*12=$30,000. Pretty expensive for Logan. Now HOA fees. 35 more than a typical subdivision. My buddy pays 75 for his HOA, lets say another $100/month. 100*12=$1,200/yr Now your monthly club fee of $40/month. 40*12=$480/yr Now your per use fee of the boat(40/hr) + gas(3/gal) + boat driver(20/hr?). I did 70 sets this year. lets say 30 minutes per set plus 2 gallons of fuel @3.00 per set. (35hrs*40) + (70*2*3) + (35 * 20) =$2,520/yr $30,000 home/yr $1,200 HOA $480 club fee $2,520 useage ------- $34,200/yr not including taxes, cars, food, electricity, etc. Now, throw in the fact that I am now sharing my lake time with 150+homes and 250+ condos. It will be like waiting in line at DisneyLand, especially during the times most people can ski, before and after work. Now, throw in that I can only boat from June-September because its so damn cold up there. All that extra dough for 4 months of skiing? Median income of Cache Valley is 50k ish a year. (https://www.bestplaces.net/economy/county/utah/cache) There are some very affluent families in Cache Valley but I cannot see 150+ families in the Cache Valley proximity that are able do this setup. The families that can afford this type of resort or club already have a 5000+ sqft home with plenty of garage space for their G23's along with a house boat at Lake Powell and 20 other different hobbies that take time away from the lake. Cache Valley is also 90 minutes from SLC, not a lot of people would want to commute that distance. I have made a ton of assumptions on my calculations but I think I am in the ballpark, at least close enough to tell me that I could never afford this type of setup even with my income at nearly double the median for the area. It seems Davis and Weber counties have a much more affluent demographic that would be attracted to this setup. It would be a hard sell in isolated Cache Valley.

I believe those are Bear River Hollow lakes. Great lakes and great people. Skied there at a tournament earlier this year. https://www.bearhollowlakes.com/contact-us

I've skied the Hovercraft a couple times this year. It is such a fun ski. My buddies and me had a little competition through the course. We started at 15mph to see how many bouys we could get. My best was 3 @15off/23mph. At 23mph it got pretty hairy. The sweet spot is probably 19 mph. Its also a fantastic training tool. It gives you time to think about your stacked position, handle control, and overall feeling on the course. We started to shorten the rope and it also helps with getting a good idea on your position relative to the boat on shorter line lengths. I plan on buying one here shortly for my boat. Mostly because I want to see my father up and skiing again and this ski would be perfect.

I just couldn't deal with the rtp so I bought a HO xmax rear binding and have it really loose. I'm feeling much better and am running 34mph now. Maybe I'll try the hybrid boot from radar and see how that works out. Also, the 3d printed parts are breaking after 3 months of use. Hopefully I can get some replacement parts that will last longer without spending more money....

I made the transition from double boot to Reflex Supershell 4.0 in the front and RTP in the back because of a broken ankle last year. I still can't get comfortable with my setup. I think it is mostly the RTP because when I hopped on my buddies ski (which is the same as mine) with double boots, it felt so comfortable. I ordered a hybrid binding for the rear and hopefully that will help. The releasable bindings are pricey but I would've easily paid double not to have my ankle broken. Keep that in mind...