John Brooks

That rule regarding choosing between up in speed and rope length also, as with missing the gates, only applies to class C. I believe both rules are good for the sport and the junior rule regarding choosing between speed and rope length is really nice for kids who may not be ready for fast speed and we want to find ways to encourage them to continue skiing and progressing. Seems like this would be a good rule for all classes of skiers considering our zero based scoring system.

@Horton makes a very good suggestion in my opinion, to focus more on actual situations instead of going through the rule book in clinics. I have found those type trainings most effective. Maybe the instructor provides video of some challenging calls for group discussion which I think would better stimulate engagement, participation and more importantly, better officials.

@Edbrazil "Sanction # is 16S087R. I can't quite see why it needs to be an R sanction. Which introduces the requirement for live boat video. Nice idea, of course, to verify scores. I wonder how well it is working? " - Since class is Master Men which is considered an Elite division, doesn't this require boat video? Thanks.

Seems like @Jody_Seal makes a great point about the differences and the need for more folks to get involved in the various organizations (State, Region & National Orgs), get involved as officials and more importantly be willing to get involved as tournament organizers (this is where the rubber meets the road). I think FL is the exception, as far as number (percentage) of record level tours. If you have not been involved in running a quality tournament, it takes a lot of time, work and commitment and if a record event, a fair amount of cost, particularly in technical equipment (camera, recording devices, ect).

@Edbrazil I bought the EZ Pour Hi Flo spouts both online and in a couple of stores, which include a vent (drilled 1/2" hole on the cans with no vent in order to adapt). I've put these on 4 or 5 cans and they work well, don't spill and pour quick, I can empty a 5 gallon can in about 25 or 30 seconds with no spills.

@lpskier @Edbrazil @klindy A little off topic from the original question, but I have been wondering why do we need to sanction events through IWWF? Is there any real benefit? I understand that for the Open skiers , they have a desire to post to the elite list and in the event they ski at a level for a recognized world record, that would be one more stamp of approval. Does the elite list bring them any economic incentives? When I look at the AWSA rules for that level of event, one that has higher standards than a Class C, the AWSA rules fairly well cover everything. The IWWF guidelines seem to not really add any value, make rule interpretations more complicated and add to the expense of an event. Just a little thought for conversation. Thanks.

Cold.

I believe the growth needs to come from the ground up. If you want to have a strong high school football / baseball / ect program, the key is to make sure the little league programs are solid. Probably very similar for water skiing, our local clubs need to make sure we attract, retain and get involved with kids. If you have kids skiing, how many of their friends have you got involved?

Nice skiing @OB1 .

The conditions must be perfect in Orlando with all those scores.

My only real question is whether their lake is blue like the grass in Boise?

Looks like a great location, beautiful country.

To me it is kind of like an anchor tenant in a shopping center, you need something big to get people there and the skiing is one of the lesser tenants. Similar to the successful format in Milwaukee. People are going to Milwaukee for all the festivals (the anchor) and the skiing is one of the side shows.

Seems to me the competition should be more about who makes the largest contributions in bringing new skiers to the sport, not about who skies better. I would like to see more publicity about what the pros and BD skiers are doing at the grassroots level to grow the sport, I know that each of them are great skiers. I'm sure for Nautique it is about selling boats, which it should be. During some of the pro am events I have been to, where the pros and BD skiers are teamed up with am's, the look on the am's faces when they see the elite skiers cheering for them is great.

I really like the @JeffSurdej ideas and thoughts. I feel it makes perfect sense. I know some have mentioned, @wtrskior "Are we doing him a service if he can ski shortline at very slow speeds? I personally don't think we are. I don't see thus kid skiing at a much higher level unless he gets comfortable with higher boat speeds. To me speed is about timing and time on the water. Shortening the line is about felling comfortable with the timing and speed and focusing on your technique as the rope gets shorter. One definitely comes before the other. The sport needs some new ideas like this but we have to stay focused on improving skiers abilities as well." I think the service we are providing him is enjoyment, exercise, entertainment and having fun. I think the issue is implementing change, making it fun for all, regardless of level, finding new ways to bring more skiers, regardless of skill level into and stay in the sport. All of the skiers in a division cannot be competitive for the podium but if we continue to find ways for them to enjoy, we are on the right track. I have seen skiers, kids and adults, smile from ear to ear, just from running a pass, regardless of the fact that the speed is 23 mph. I stand on the starting dock with those skiers and they are just as charged up, maybe more, than the guy running 39 off. This sport is and can continue to be the "Fountain of Youth".

I regularly find the 4 way stretch shorts at Wal Mart & Target. Can't beat the price.

Interesting to look at the AWSA scoring system @Chef23 & @harddock and see that the scoring system allows for the difference in speeds. How about in all AWSA divisions giving the skier the choice to ski any speed they like, any rope length they like? The scoring model accounts for the differences.

@adamhcaldwell just has a cleaner hair cut!

This sounds like it could be fun. Would not want to do it with all the hassle of a Class C, where we need a bunch of judges, ect.. Maybe something where there is a judge in the boat and that's it and each person submits their own score, more in line to what golfers do through the PGA.

@Horton I really need to compliment you and Dano. I had the chance to have the webcast running most of the day Friday in the background and that was one of the best announcing jobs I have heard in skiing. The two of you played off of each other nicely and there was nice variety with the various others that stopped by to spend a few minutes. Thanks.

There is no excuse for Will missing gates @ -35.

@Drago I agree, actually I think for the head to head portion just make it Class F. Usually no one will attempt setting a record in that portion, they just want to win. I believe that would help with The Show as well.

@lcarnes is a great ambassador for the sport and has a lot of great ideas. I know she has put a lot of energy into the event this year and last and as you can see from the interview, gotten a lot of good press coverage. I think one of the toughest parts is convincing sponsors to invest in the sport. I know the Nautique dealer sold a new boat, not sure how the other sponsors did, and given the nice level of spectators, other sponsors should be knocking at her door to have a chance to be there. I even got to see a juggler, juggle while on water skies, that was pretty cool. And where else can you go to a waterski tournament and shoot clay pigeons, which can get your attention when skiing with gun shots in the background.

I like what I see from @elr and @Than_Bogan . Seems like something like this might also be a good alternative for something like MastersMen as well, a possible way to ramp up the competition.