Open water skier since I was about 10 and never got exposed to a course. Somehow late in my college years (maybe 1980?.). I became aware of slalom courses. Having a background in alpine racing, it sounded like great fun. Don’t remember how but I heard of a novice tournament nearby so went to check it out. I had the basic idea of what I was supposed to do but that is about it. Got out there ran a few buoys on practice day with guys from the boat yelling “pull hard” on every cut. Came back for the tournament the next day, don’t remember my score but loved it. Kept skiing tournaments for the next few years mostly to get course time then wife, kids, career, etc. I think I skied my last tournament in 1986 or 87.