drew

No brainer. Masterline 13” Custom, 1.183” dia.

Made in Canada... does that refer to the intellectual property and R&D, or the manufacturing?? :D

Matteo Ianni made it look soooo good... He would be in the mix for the top, but for the nagging back

Exciting to read about, and great to see the energy and initiative for more sites. Some obvious thoughts come to mind. First, the size of our sport, in terms of participants, is somewhat correlated to the number of controlled sites. Just as alpine racing depends on a closed and controlled area, our sport, to a fair extent, depends upon controlled conditions. Therefore, any prospect of growth of competitive water skiing is dependent upon more sites. Build it and they will come? Maybe, and as long as there is a reasonable demand forecast, it is worth a shot. Next, other water sports disciplines do not share the same need for protected water. Starting with tricks, and going through the disciplines to wake, wake skate, surf--these events, to a better extent, can handle more open and public water (slower boat speeds, more "portable" i.e. can utilize different shorelines based upon wind, etc.). So, some of the comments made thus far in terms of skier preferences seeking ski specific sites are certainly with merit. If an objective of a slalom skier is to find a more controlled environment away from boat traffic, bringing some wake events to the skier honey hole can detract from the allure. Even tricks is often better on open water. But tricks is much more easily reconcilable with slalom; tricks does really well between the boat guides and turn buoys (so long as driver is skilled). Wake and surf are very challenged by narrow lake with a slalom course.

@bananaron The sauna looks great--is it a kit? Where did you get it, and would you recommend that one again? Our spot in Muskoka Ontario could use one like that Thanks Drew

More comment and clarification--"narrower" age divisions within the broad international divisions makes good sense, especially in the US where there is a load of competition at all stages. No issue there. Boat speed for boys who are 10 and 11--moving up to 55 km/h is a process, and it is in the junior's best interest to begin this early! 58 km/h comes really soon... No shame in getting stuck at 55, it takes time! And it will actually close the gap in scores between the division leader and the middle-of-the-packer if they compete at 55 km/h more than at 52 km/h (where the bigger stronger kids can run away with it down the rope). Adherence to international age divisions and parameters of competition (boat speeds): this is very valuable. And yes, narrower divisions can fit inside this. It is just important that there be an alignment in the more broad "breaks" with international standards. Why not aim to have it all? US kids will benefit with global ranking lists, just as US kids have benefited with US rankings lists. For background, this discussion doesn't really pertain to my kids anymore. Neilly is just finishing her final year of U17 competition (end of calendar year), and Charlie (dob 08/02/05) has one more season of U14 remaining at 55 km/h before moving up to 58 km/h. But having just been through the two year period of discussion (boys skiing as 11 and 12 years) with him, my takeaway is that as difficult as 55 km/h was in the beginning, it provided him with the acclimatization to speed that is needed. Now 55 km/h feels slow for him, and he'll be more prepared for 58 in a year.

I should have expanded on the above comment. Common age divisions and parameters paves the way to the world rankings lists including the younger age divisions.

Adjusting the boys U12 slalom speed to 52 km/h will only delay the skier's development in terms of needing to learn to ski faster... Yes, 55 is quick for a small 10 year old skier, but I think that is the whole idea. Another risk is that a larger stronger 11 year old may be able to power their way through the first several line lengths at 52 km/h, but in reality ought to be developing the efficiency to at faster boat speeds so that progress can occur a few years down the road at 58 km/h. Remember, the rope doesn't need to be shortening for the junior to be making headway; a competition is still occurring if it is at 18.25m into 55 km/h. Lots of challenge and valuable skills learned in that jump to 55 km/h. Another very important concern for junior development is the opportunity for globally accepted parameters for age divisions and speeds. A fair amount of juniors really want to track their progress against skiers from all over the world. This fuels motivation within the junior skiers, and ultimately the growth of the sport. SO--before changes to divisions and parameters are made, the question of whether the proposals are entirely compatible with the parameters of other regions ought to be considered. And no, this is not an anti-competitive, globalist perspective, this is a very competitive bring-it-on perspective so that the juniors out there can go and get after it against each other!

I think skiing is in a good place, all things considered. Many obstacles continue to exist (i.e. cost, logistics, fitness level challenges), and some are even becoming perhaps increasingly difficult (access to calm water). But one thing seems to remain a common circumstance--once you try it, you're hooked in a bad way. And the improved equipment and information only contributes to the power of skiing to captivate.

68 Evo--best shape out there

Seriously, why all the levels?? Doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. Aren't a few age divisions all we need, and then we have contests for who can beat who on any given day?? Yes scores are relevant, and should be tracked for certain rankings and qualifications, but should they really be driving the whole thing? Now I concede that I don't know much about the level program, and it could possibly have formed a terrific feeder system that is attracting many newcomers, but seems a little confusing. I miss the concept of competition on the day of...

Thanks for the press @Horton and the kind comments @ski6jones and @jayski , I am super happy on my new Evo, love everything about it. My real focus now is teaching the kids to drive... provided I can succeed, I see the potential for tons of skiing over the next few years!

@pcmcon729 we are in the boat most of the day! especially this time of year. Completely full some of these weeks. message me (at wintergardenwaterski) on facebook or instagram, or text to 407-383-6497. thanks

@jskier, my brother Doug and I are developing a site in Muskoka just north of Port Carling. Please feel free to message me for details.

@RINLE, think back... did you work in middle school and high school? even for $3-4 per hour? Maybe more of us did that 30 years ago... I think that kids that do that will figure out how to have whatever they want... and this is NOT at all an assault on those kids who do not ever work a minimum wage job, but just a compliment to the experience earned by kids in a low paying job. The earlier the start in the money game, the better the understanding. I think that the number of young kids in the job pool is really small these days. Not at all a criticism of the kids, but just an observation. The markets create the offerings, the wants and resulting activity; parents seem to have decided that studying all day is a better program for kids. And student debt, a whole other story. Of course higher education has strong societal value, but the availability of student loans has driven the cost of education through the roof (and probably cheapened the product); while contributing to some possibly irrational decisions. Perhaps the purchase of boats might be a more viable proposition to those who are emerging, if the temptation of student debt was not so available and looming.

hahahaha! still laughing. and thanks @lpskier for the backup! Love the dialogue. @Horton shame on you for the irresponsible journalism with point #1... Ace has an army of fans and supporters the world over, as do each of the several athletes that are his serious threats. Huge kudos to all the gents in the mix.

In my opinion the numbers discussed for binding location will be too far back for a hand ski; they are about right for a toe ski.

Jason and Whit's dad Jeff, in 1983 (I think)...

@MuskokaKy the taxes collected for the actual sale of property in Florida consist of documentary taxes on the deed as well as the buyer's mortgage, and the intangible tax on the mortgage. It is typical and customary in Orange County FL for the Seller to pay the doc stamps on the deed ($0.70 per $100 sale price), and the Buyer to be responsible for mortgage documentary and intangible taxes ($0.35 per $100 documentary and $0.20 per $100 intangible, calculated on the MORTGAGE amount; keep in mind these are not applicable to cash purchases). Out-of-state buyers are treated the same as locals in these respects. Property taxes is where a distinction exists, between primary home residents and non-primary property owners (which out-of-state owners would be considered), insofar as the primary resident is generally eligible to receive a homestead exemption. The homestead exemption is a reduction in the assessed value of the home for the purposes of computing the property tax, as determined by the local tax assessor (millage rates vary by county), up to a maximum $50,000 reduction (which reduces the property tax obligation by roughly $750 annually). Another benefit of the homestead exemption is that it caps annual increase in the assessed value at three percent. Feel free to reach out to me directly anytime for any specific questions.

@DavidN thank you for the glowing endorsement and kind words, and most of all, glad to hear that you love your wonderful paradise! Beyond the exceptional conditions of your place, I can imagine the pleasure of living amongst the incredible group of skiers you have there. And isn't it nice to see that we have a return to glorious temperatures in the days ahead!

I've been fortunate to ski many phenomenal sites, all over the world, back a decade (and more) ago... and over the past few years, had had the privilege of carrying skis and riding in the boat holding a rope release at many beautiful sites in many countries. Wouldn't trade it for the world. But, as for the best place for a water skier to live? It really seems like a no-brainer to me. Central Florida takes the cake, and Winter Garden, at the Isles of Lake Hancock, is the gem of all, with prime lots featuring double lakefront, and boathouses front and rear. There are just so many terrific ski options throughout Central Florida. If you are serious about a move here, or buying property, message me and we can begin the process of finding the win. Drew Ross Stockworth Realty Group

Nicolas, I know the house well (in fact I showed it last week); the house was built by a top, highly respected builder, to the highest standards. The lake is phenomenal, and the offered price is below the replacement cost of the improvements. Feel free to message me if you would like any additional information. Drew Ross Stockworth Realty Group

Thanks to all for the comments. Our bid reflects some needed attention to the World Championship event bidding and hosting process--ultimately to improve both the quality and the efficiency of the event, from the perspective of the athletes, hosts, and water ski community in general. We are all better off when all valuable resources and efforts can be devoted in the most productive manner, free of excess. If you, as an athlete or enthusiast, have taken the time to read through the information posted, a big thank you for your time and concern. I find it refreshing to once again be reminded how important this is to so many people. For so many, competitive skiing is a driving passion in their life, and the World Championship events are at the pinnacle of this. If you share some of the sentiments expressed in the dialogue and would like to see this bid prevail for the event to be held in Winter Garden, Florida, please express your support here! Thank you

@lpskier you mean the dog house? Only problem is the lack of toilet...

A good winter project... this one is about a year old. Hoping to get some use this spring!