jwr

I've been jumping in strong tail winds all year, finally got a chance to jump in a head wind. It was blowing 30 knots, but I figured it was a head wind, so go for it. I've been taking easy 3/4 cuts so far this year, just trying to work on my form. The wind was blowing so hard, I decided it was a good time to start doubling, so that I would get down course. I was caring a lot more speed, than I have thus far this season, and might have let up just a little at the base. 30 knot head wind, 94" jumpers, and letting up at the base, guess what hit the water first? That was my first crash since I started jumping again last year. I wouldn't say it was fun, but it was entertaining. I got a standing ovation from the slalom skiers. They love to watch me jump.

Not seeing you ski or anything, I would guess you would need to work on handle control and edge change. I would think the slack is coming from a lazy edge change, trying to maintain your speed. Up top, go to the tech article section and read the article "what the heck is handle control" it is very good and should help.

Just let me know if you are interested.

Well, if you want to make it down to the Mobile area, I could set up some skiing. Great water.

I'm a mechanical engineer working in Pensacola, Florida. There aren't a ton of options around here, but there does seem to be quite a few in the Orlando/Tampa area. It will probably have to do more with what kind of work you want to do. South Carolina has some auto plants, as well as Alabama. You could always move to Orlando and get a job with Nautique. That is what I was going to do when I was a kid. I guess I still have time.

Couldn't you go to www.usawaterski.org and click on the ranking list? Go to open mens slalom and it will list all the open men skiers. Then click on the skier you want, and it will list out all his scores and tournaments for the year.

Sorry, made me laugh when I read that. Dont mind me I'm an idiot

I was wondering what guy looked really good to you?

Ididonothing

Skis:Obrien Elite 68.5

Reflex furtiff hands 44

Goodman stiffy longboards 94

Bindings: Wiley's accross the board

Gloves:Masterline mastercurves

Handle and rope: Masterline 10 section for slalom and jump, some old rope I found in the garage that looked about the right lenght for trick

Vest: O'neil Outlaw (that's right it's old, need to win the slalom challenge) Intensity 3/4 jumpsuit

Helmet: Medalist

Sling: Scheik

Ski Sock: H20smosis sock, and masterline tips and tails for jumpers

Trunks: Madras plaid (rockin it old school)

Caliper: Goode

Horton made a good point. Take a lot of notes, or if you can video the lessons. That way you can remember what they were telling you. It is surprising how quickly you will forget what you were told. Have fun.

Horton,

I was kidding a little. I did ride a 65" Stilleto from 1994 until 2008, with a non adjustable fin. I had quit skiing for awhile, and when I started back, that was the only ski I had. In 2008 I was 6'-4" 232 lbs and skiing at 34 MPH, did run 38 off on it a couple of times in practice. Had to pull my guts out. Switched to a 67.5 sixam ss later in 2008, and at the end of last year got on a 68.5 Elite, wow what a difference. Dropping down to 195 lbs. hasn't hurt either.

Well I'm ruined for the rest of the day.

I skied on my last ski for 14 years. Got any specials on 14 year vinyl?

I would start out with the allegiance. I wouldn't want to start trying the course for the first time on a brand new ski. To many variables to cope with. I'm pretty sure the Allegiance is based off the Sixam, and should be just fine for learning the course. I would take lessons on the Allegiance, and see if the instructors feel like the ski is holding you back. In the beginning I think it will be easier to concentrate on the course, and what the instructor is telling you, then worrying how your new ski is going to react. Once, you get more comfortable with the course look at ski-it-again for a good used ski. You should have a better idea of your style, and what may work for you. Instructors may be able to help point you in the right direction there as well.

I did the same thing Tuesday night, but it was plugging my phone in. I had just done ab Ripper and chest and back a few hours before. Prednisone, heating pad, rum, and a hot tub and the help of a back brace I took two sets today. Back was a little sore afterwards but not bad. I'm 42, so with good drugs hopefully you can be skiing in a few days.

I combined travel rule 3 & 5 and wound up with three kids. Screw ibuprofen, prednisone and steroid shots if you really want to feel good.

You might try www.skidim.com.

I asked her and she wants to try on one. So, I think I will ride my jumpers and help her get up. Then see where we go from there. I ju

But he invinted the internet?

My only fear with starting with one off the bat, is if she doesn't get up the first day she may not be willing to try it again. I have a wakeboard that I can take the fins off of, but she doesn't have any interest in riding it. I'm pretty sure she will be able to get up and atleast ski around on two, or on the boom. That may be all the initial success she will need to keep going.

I'm not going to push it, but I have to get on the water to not destroy my main goal this early in the season.

It's no picnic here in Florida either. I have only been skiing for a month with a wetsuit, and it has been real windy. Such a bad white capping tail wind that I have only been over the ramp on two sets. Having to cut at the 700 and still slam on the brakes. Managed to hurt myself twice, once trying to switch to a regular grip in slalom, I ski with a reverse grip. Hurt my forearm so much I couldn't ski or work out for 5 days. Then 3 days ago I bent over to plug in my phone and my back locked up. Doctor has me on bed rest and prednisone and rubaxin. I decided to take the kids to the beach instead. I can stand up today without pain. Might try to ski this afternoon or tomorrow. Wouldn't want to blow my number one goal of the year of don't get hurt bad enough to not be able to ski for a week. Probably take it easy though, no jumping or holding onto slack. Global warming sucks, or the lack there of does anyway.

that's a good idea, thanks

She doesn't know how to slalom. I can barely get her in the water. That is why i'm so excited that she is showing any interest. I'm afraid learning to trick on one off the bat might scare her away. You just never know with kids. My brother in law and sister said the same thing, that I should try her on one. I'm just not sure she is ready for that.