BKistler

I agree with all suggestions given except that I recommend dragging the free foot at an angle. The shin not only acts as a rudder to help steer but also provides a slight bit of extra planing surface. Try it.

Thank you for the timely post.

 

I am honored to have met Ralph Samuelson when we was among the first class of inductees into the Water Ski Hall of Fame in 1982. It was heartwarming to see the old man soaking up the attention after his accomplishments were “discovered” late in life. Afterward, from time to time I would receive a note from him in the mail. Inside one envelope was a photo of him surrounded by a bevy of pretty girls. On the outside he wrote, “Bruce, put on sunglasses before opening!”

 

Samuelson’s contributions to the sport were many. He was the first to build and use a jump ramp. He skied behind a flying boat. He was a one-man ambassador, staging exhibitions in Florida that introduced the sport to people from Europe and elsewhere.

 

A pair of Ralph’s skis were among first important accessions to the AWSA/AWSEF museum. (Not the same pair as in the photo but very similar.) I remember unpacking the box they were shipped in. When I came back in the hall, our teenage mailroom helper was standing on top of the fragile and precious boards.

USA Water Ski is the organizing body for the sport of water skiing in the US. It represents all types of water skiing and has a responsibility to promote safety in the sport at all levels, especially in its publications.

 

You’ll note that I did not suggest that all trick skiers wear PFDs. I just suggested they explain why trick skiers do not so that skiers like @Isenbed will understand.

I can’t speak for the elite, but the issues for me are: (1) bulk, any bulk, around the waist that could interfere with handle passing, wrap position etc. and (2) weight. Neoprene absorbs water and can get pretty heavy. In the spring I can’t wait for warmer weather to get out of my wetsuit, even my skinny Camaro.

I don’t know of a single instance in the history of the sport in which a trick skier has died as the result of a trick injury, much less an instance in which the skier was knocked out and sank before the boat could return. That’s the only scenario I can see of a PFD being the saving grace. The good news is that thinner, more flexible vests are now available. In the past there wasn’t an option.

Although young Jake Abelson on the cover is in no danger, the point of your post, @Isenbed, is well taken. The optics are not good. The organization should stand for safety first. It would be wise to include an explanation/disclaimer with the photo credit. During my tenure with AWSA, we sat on the National Safe Boating Council and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.

60 years and counting. I used to wear a light wetsuit vest but haven’t for many years. The tow boat is your best safety device.

I’m amazed by the variation. Especially those lefties who do some things right handed. Thanks for chiming in Ballers.

If I recall correctly. Matt Rini told me that Joel Poland, who tricks RFF, is naturally LFF. I forget the circumstance that led to that but…he gets the job done.

Matt. Enjoyed your podcasts very much. Good stories well told. I was particularly fascinated how Mike Ferraro influenced you. Need to share a story about him next time I see you. You burst onto the scene just about the time of my first retirement from the sport. By the time I got back into it I had no idea who you were. Thanks for filling in the blanks.

Check out Ski Paradise in Acapulco Mexico.

Thanks. I'll try it.

I will try longer bolts the next time I blow out a wrap.

Replacing a wrap is a huge pain in the ass, so if I can extend the life I’ll do it. I know from personal experience and have read previous BOS posts on the subject. Trimming the top might work. I don’t think the Shoe Goo is transferring the stress point. It seems to be flexing and protecting the edge. Time will tell.

 

I’d love to use a hard shell. I’ve tried multiple times. I lock-out sometimes on simple tricks like TWB and haven’t found a solution. Probably won’t change this season anyhow.

 

I'm enjoying the back and forth. Believe me, I'm sucking up ideas. If this wind would ever stop I'd be working on hips with eyeballs. I'm relearning everything.

I said at the top, this is what works for me. If I underturn, I stand a better chance of sliding out. I admit, I always ski to the flat. Wish I could hold an edge better on the curl. (sigh) Maybe it's your magic Lee Ski that holds so well. I'll have to play with your coaching tip and see if I can make it work. Even old farts can learn new tricks.

Great tip!

Try Realtor David Small in Winter Haven.

I never get totally square to the boat on TO. My trailing shoulder lags behind.

Good advice. I always lead with my head which is how I’m getting ahead of the ski.

 

Your comment about the TS position is identical to how Benny Lohr describes how he does a wrap-in TO. I sort of lag just past 90 degrees and pull-pull-pull to the front.

 

I use a Robbins release in practice.

Hello Eric. Good to hear from you. I knew that my posts would get a response from you. Having lurked here on occasion in the past, I have seen some of your generous and helpful posts. You are to be commended for your selfless contributions.

 

Anyhow, I was amiss by implying that the pull should be the same at all times. What I was trying to convey was rope control. Ideally, even on a dead rope there should be some light tension on the rope to avoid a bow of slack, or at least that bow of slack should be under control so that there is not a fall-producing shock when it takes up.

 

I’ll have to play with your drill. Wouldn’t mind adding some of your tricks to my run. However, on wrap-in TO (perhaps the best example) I have had some very ugly and dangerous falls trying to turn on a dead rope like most skiers do. I have had better success with a long, slow, continuous pull.

 

Good description of advancing.

How does one advance the ski without pulling? I’m not trying to be cute. I just want to understand your/her approach. Thanks for the thanks BTW.

I don’t want to give out contact information for individuals without their permission but you might try sending an email to the Lakeland Water Ski Club. lkldwaterskiclub.com

Lake Parker is a very large, shallow lake. No course on it that I’m aware of, although it’s possible. Lake Gibson is smaller and clearer. Don’t know if it has a course. Probably pretty thick with Wallys. There must be a course on Lake Hollingsworth, the home of the Florida Southern ski team. The tournament skiers in Lakeland shifted to private Ski Paradise in Mulberry years ago. You’re in luck, Ski Paradise is for sale.

Others with kids can probably be of more help than me. I’m old school, so I would start them on two skis with a typical SS, B, F, O, WB, WF progression. It’s out of print but you might be able to find a copy of my book Hit It! which covers those beginner tricks. Finding a suitable pair of skis can be a problem these days.

 

I really don’t see the connection with slalom. In my opinion, they should trick for the joy of tricking.