Shortenit

LeonL, yes high water and backwash. This is what one of the drivers there emailed to me last night: "The first few days - the water conditions were OK. Yesterday the rain hit. I mean the rain really hit. The water is still coming into the lake and is over some of the lower docks. The backwash is terrible and the wind is blowing."

Thanks Kelvin, much appreciated1

Referring to butt behind and getting the hips up: "F**k it, don't sh*t on it". Can't remember exactly who told me it but I'm thinking Lucky.......

Malibu Pylon update: Not specifically on topic, but posted here because it was previously brought up on this thread. Malibu has told us that a 3/8" thru bolt was mistakenly omitted from our boat, hence the pylon coming loose. Easy fix, dealer will install, problem solved. Unfortunate to be sure, but it happens. Look at the auto industry, or for that matter any industry and there are similar incidents. Glad it all ended well.

Thanks Marco, Will rehab hard and smart. Did my Achilles many years as well so know what that is like too. Glad you are back on the water, really tough for you with the back to back. Will do my best not to copy you! Ski well, ski safe!

Tompjs, Boat went directly to the dealer so I didn't personally look. No signs of any damage from the top. Dealer is investigating. Suspect it was simple thing like you describe.

Scott, I won't be shy, facts are facts. A 2011 Malibu LXi at the Eastern Regionals finished pulling tricks and while removing the trick release to get ready for slalom, the pylon came up out of the floor. Boat was pulled and another Mailibu was used. Boat currently being looked at by a terrific dealer to investigate. So the pylon didn't "break" in one sense of the word, like crack or bend. Obviously still not a good thing, but it is a machine and stuff happens. I suspect it wouldn't have pulled out from a skier but certainly glad it we didn't find that out. I rode in it, changed line lengths etc. and skied behind it a few weeks earlier and it seemed fine, nice boat. Hopefully just an isolated incident or error. Not a Malibu fan myself, but have no doubt it will be made right by Malibu.

Hey OB, yep, that would appear to be real close. Did the guy ever try skiing again or did that cure him? My hematoma looked similar, just as low but blacker and continued higher up the butt cheek. Won't see my stitches or staples (was a table time decision and I forgot to ask) for another10 days as the original dressing stays on till they get removed. I can tell from feel that it definitely goes higher up the butt cheek but does go that low down on the leg. I'd surmise that if it was one hamstring, and from the length of the incision, that maybe he tore the hamstring itself below the attachment point rather than off the bone? But hey what do I know, I'm not a doctor, just a guy dumb enough to tear all three off the bone. Certainly doesn't matter, they both suck big time. But, making lemonade out of lemons, I'll be able to watch the entire webcast of the Milwaukee Pro Stop!

It was excritiating but I certainly wouldn't trade with your buddy. Wow, just goes to show there is always somebody less fortunate than yourself. That's an inspiring story. Not just the comeback but to ski thru 38 off! I'll come back stronger than ever. Just wish I had a better story about how it happened..........Thanks Stevie Boy.

You are very wise indeed.

I am posting a photo I took in the recovery room that I sent to my ski friends in California so they wouldn't panic when they heard of my injury. The 2nd photo is the photoshopped return photo from one of them which I'm posting since Horton started on the subject but wouldn't take my bait. Obviously he is not the only person whose mind works that way! (Obviously I have way more time on my hands)./vanilla2/uploads/FileUpload/9/989.jpg/vanilla2/uploads/FileUpload/10/990.jpg

Thanks Bruce, appreciate the info and the encouragement. Yeah, I considered a 'tried to make 6 ball and then yard sale'd' story but figure ultimately honesty is the best policy. Getting major grief from my buddies about it, but their turn will come! I had already mentally figured I'm totally done till next spring, it's just that I go to Ski Paradise every year in late November and was deluding myself that it might yet be possible. Really hurts to miss that trip which caps off my waterski season, but not realistic I guess. Will have to be careful about the snow ski season too I suspect. Never on any meds of any kind ever, just have always been very tightly strung. Had a history of chronic hamstring pulls waaaay back in the semi-pro racquetball days. The Achilles rupture was 16 years ago on a fast break while playing basketball, it had been sore for a while before (stupid me). About 5 years ago I started a concientious morning and night stretching program and the hams had finally been pain free with noticeable gains in flexibility, and my overall flexiblilty was also greatly improved. Not surprisingly had many fewer nagging injuries. So am a little dissapointed at the hamstring occurence but I think it truly was a freak "perfect storm" situation. Will rehab hard but smart, and come back better than ever. Thanks again.

Thanks Bruce, yeah, my research found it would indeed have been better to have an avulsion fracture. But despite my wanting to have some fun with Horton (maybe some rehab techniques he knows using sex?), here's how it happened, not that it will help anyone avoid it. I am embarassed to say that it was a freak accident. I should really make up a good crash & burn story. Skied 2 nice sets that morning. Went that evening to watch my God daughters softball game with my 11 year old nephew who was visiting. Game ended and we jogged about 20 feet across the grass towards the car and as I slowed down my left foot slipped out in front of me on the moist grass and I took a weird fall. I'm guessing to the side and back, with the left leg to the side and out in front in some kind of a strange split? Happened real fast. That was it, wicked pain and having had ruptured Achilles's before I knew instantly I was in big trouble because this was way worse. Could probably take a little slip like that 10,000 times again and have nothing happen. Rare injury, only a few % of all hamstring injuries, ironically it is hurdlers and first time water skiers (getting out of the water) that account for the bulk of these injuries. I have always healed fast and hope that is the case this time as well. Surgery was 17 days after injury, complete detachment 4" of retraction. I'm in great shape, non smoker etc., very young 56, retired, very motivated and hard rehab person, so I have some good things going for me. (Well, I do wish the 56 was a lower number!) I have a PT lined up that, like you, has treated this specific injury post surgery. Will see him on day 14 after surgery once I have the stitches or staples removed on day 13. I assume that would just be passive ROM since the brace and crutches are on for 6 weeks. Since you have experience any tips or suggestion would be appreciated. In your experience and with the info given what would be a guesstimate on time till getting back on the water? I understand the need for patience. Thanks!

You have experience with it occurring that way?

Anyone had this rare injury? Had surgery Weds morning to reattach all 3 left hamstrings that had completely torn off the pelvic bone and retracted 4 inches down the leg. No bone came with it. Was not a waterski injury. Surgery went very well, standard recovery is 6 weeks in a brace and on crutches, with about 4-6 months PT rehab to resume "normal activity". Of course none of us here do a "normal" activity, so was wondering if anyone has any experience with how long it took to get back in the course after this injury. My Achilles rupture was nothing compared to this..........

He was using A2 behind a MC at Shortline a while ago (and ran 41 off). Don't know if he has changed settings since then or when he's behind the Carbon Pro

Both drove it and skied behind the boat that went down to the boat tests to be tournament approved. Great wake, great to drive. Certainly competitive with any of the big 3. (I own a 196, our club boat is a Malibu, skied MC at Tournaments.) Worth checking out if you are in the market.

From the PP website dated March 4th, 2011-“Further to our last announcement, we wish to advise that more encouraging testing has taken place in Florida over the past week. At this point we will be scheduling further testing and evaluation over the coming two months. It would be our hope that by late May a definitive decision will be made on the final details of this endeavor. In the event the product is brought to market, it will simply be a small device that will plug into any existing PerfectPass Star Gazer Three Event System.” Unofficial word 2 weeks ago - but from one of the primary people involved- is that they are still "thinking that the product will be ready for market the end of May". Will just have to wait and hope.

Surely there must be a interesting story behind the naming of that lake............

At least 43 off that's for sure. Line length of 41 off confirmed by 3 people.

Here is link to Nate Smith running 41 off. Not in a tournament, it's a practice pass but at a record capable course with a world class driver. Interesting to see the difference in his body postion between his on and off sides while behind the boat. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOoJynl9MlE

For me it was totally worth it. Was on a 67 RCX and was able to go to a 66 st. Faster, less effort in every phase, tighter and quicker turns. Improved my tournamnet scores. Skiing into 35 off 34 mph. My wife found the same going from her 66 RC to a 65 st. Skis into 28 off 34 mph. Both sold our old skis on eBay.

These numbers came from Paul Crawford for my new 66" Z7st. I'm 165, 34mph, 35off. Skiing great with it. 66†ST 2.505  6.91 .745 Wing 7.5

DId the same thing to my SixAm a few years ago. Drew said it would repair fine. Cleaned the area with Prep Sol then used MarineTex epoxy to fill it in. Wet sanded it down smooth and skied on it for 2 more years. Never moved, cracked or changed in any way. If I had painted it with Goode type bottom paint you would have never known. Have used it on more stressful applications as well with great results. www.marinetex.com

Just changed from my 67' RCX to a 66" Z7st a few weeks ago. Loved my RCX but the Z7st is faster, requires less effort in all phases, turns easier and definitely quicker, with a tighter radius. Obviously being 1" shorter accounts for some of that. But it is just as stable and forgiving as the RCX. Took a set or 2 to dial back on my turn input, I would overturn it. Another couple sets to really get used to it and I'm not looking back. Everything about it is an improvement. Note though, when I first demo'd it for a set or two at a new site I wasn't sure it was all that different, now though there is no question it is better ski for me. Skiing deeper up the line (35 off) and much more consistently. BTW, last year I skied the reg Z7 and did not find that much of a difference from the RCX and didn't make the change.