Alvin_Neff

I was lucky to meet Ralph at the Masters many years ago. My wife and I had a long visit with him about the history of Nautique boats and his life in general. The take away message was all about family and faith. I was so inspired by him that I went out of the way to find him at other Masters along the way. He seemed to always remember my wife and I. Our lives were definitely enriched by those encounters. I was proud to represent Nautique for over 27 years as a promo boat owner thanks to people like Mr. Ralph Meloon. The entire waterski industry will morn his passing but remembers him as an outstanding human being.

Team Neff will be there. I have participated in the last 17 out of 18 years Nationals and over 30 Regionals. Trying to keep a good streak alive! My son also skiing, but wife is questionable for this one. Men 6 Overall skiers are cool!

Done! Lost my whole family to cancer! I hate Cancer! Awesome work Adelaide!

Felt good to me!! All stock setup!

 

I like that beautiful Mapple T3 under his feet! Nice skiing @CP43

Happy Birthday, Mr. Meloon! I always enjoyed visiting with you at the Masters! You are a class act and an amazing human being! Thank you for all that you and your family have done for waterskiing!

I was a Promo Boat owner from 1987-2014 (Twenty-Seven years of service). I proudly represented the manufacturer at tournaments, worked boat shows, and even helped to sell several boats over the years. This was a benefit and huge marketing service to the manufacturer, with no financial gain on my part. I mostly lost about 2,000-5,000/year on each boat sale. I always thought it was my way of giving back to the sport that I loved so much. I retired from the program after it became clear to me that the promo program was not going to improve. I was asked to do more and more every year, some tournaments were 22 hour journeys (11 hour round trip). The credits were never enough to pay for the gas, let alone the hotel expense. The promo price is not competitive. (Many were able to buy new boats from dealers for the same or even less than my asking price of the used promo boat.) I will continue to be a loyal boat owner and promote their products, but the program is not working, and is on the decline. I feel sorry for those of you that are dealing with these issues: It took me 27 years to finally decide that this was too much of a financial hardship with very little appreciation. I purchased 28 boats from this company over the years, gave a lot back to our sport, and would still be in the program today, if it had improved. It is past time for the manufacturers and dealers to make serious changes to the programs so they can rebuild their teams. I understand that this is a small part of their market and maybe it is already too late!

@DefectiveDave ,you are right on! Andy started doing this years ago at -39 and shorter. Once I asked him about it. He said that the boat has such a tendency to pull you inwards at those line lengths he wanted to start from a wider spot and it makes the ski simulate a turn having better direction and speed at the widest point. I have noticed that it even helps me at -35 and -38 which are the challenging passes for me.

@aupatking Yes, I have plenty of Stickers left and would be happy to send you more! I love your scrapbook! That is classic! I hope Deena and Michael see your post! Email: alvinneff@mac.com

I'm 5'10" 158lbs and have skied on everything from 68" down to the 65.25"T1 that I am riding now. I have been stuck at the same 3 buoys @ -38off on all of these skis for over 15 years. Seems like there is a broad range of ski size that works depending on the setup, ski shape, and flex. I have been tempted to ride my wife's 64"T2, maybe that will help!

@RazorRoss3 Andy used to ski 36MPH on the same length ski as he skied on at 34MPH but he was the GOAT. Conventional wisdom would suggest that a slightly shorter ski would be recommended for 36MPH but people like Nate Smith ski break that rule with awesome success. I guess that it is a matter of style and equipment choice that determines what is best for each skier. Wow, now I am really confused!!!

@DanE The weight range for the 67" T3 would be around 170-190 at 34MPH. The top end of that weight range would require a stiffer flex. I had confirmation today that a full range of sizes in the T3 will be available in the spring.

I have been waiting for this announcement since September! I am very excited that we will all have the opportunity to ski on Andy's best ski yet! He told me in August, "This is the easiest turning ski we have ever made: It will be much more popular than any of our other skis. Andy was really excited about this sk,i as well as the rest of the Team Mapple skiers. I am placing my order for 2 skis tomorrow. I believe the 67" T3 is all that will be available this fall, but Square One does plan to offer other sizes later in the T3. I also think the T1 and T2 skis may be available as special order. I will always be "Skiing for Andy"!

Beautiful Couple, awesome personalities, and massive talents on the water! What more can you ask for? Congratulations and best wishes to you guys!!!!

You bet SkiDawg! I will personally hand deliver your stickers!! Thank you for your support!! See you in Princeton!

It has been a very tearful, but healing day attending the memorial for Andy Mapple, where the whole waterski community came out in support. I handed these stickers out to all skiers today at the service, but would like to make them available to anyone who wants to show their support and donate to the Mapple Trust. These stickers are $5.00: You can simply email me: alvinneff@mac.com. Deena and Michael endorsed these stickers and the proceeds will support Andy's family.

 

Remembering and skiing for Andy this weekend in Bossier City, Louisiana. I felt Andy skiing with me and telling me what to do as I tied my all time personal best in a tournament. I owe it all to him!! I am thankful for Andy's contribution to me and everyone in this photo! He is my inspiration and my hero!!!

My wife and I will be there to celebrate the life of my all time idol! I also have decals made for our skis to hand out at the service to honor him each time we ski. I am so lucky to have all of my memories with him inside my heart! I am a better person for knowing Andy Mapple!

 

 

Andy Mapple was the most amazing athlete and human being that I have ever known! His contribution to Nautique boats, O'Brien, Radar, and Mapple skis has shaped our industry. His talents and ideas have been emulated and admired by the world. He leaves behind a legacy that we will always remember. It is with a heavy heart that I have lost my coach, my mentor, my friend, Andy Mapple! He even spent time training me right before each Nationals and came down on Friday to West Palm to cheer me on. That is the kind of man he was to everyone! For those of you that were lucky enough to have known him, you will agree that the world lost a giant!! His love of God, Family, and People was unprecedented! He put others first always and always tried to do the right thing even when no one else was looking. He had more integrity, honesty, and compassion than anyone I had ever met. I always admired and looked up to him and feel honored that he considered me a friend. I will miss him daily and will always be skiing in his memory!! My prayers go out to Deena, Michael, and Elyssa. The skiing community was his family: We all benefited by the life of Andy Mapple!

My son and I will be there! I ski in all 3 events in Men 5 and my son is going to trick in Boys 3. First time in a long time that my wife is not going too. We have always subscribed to the week long slocation for this family.

Awesome skiing Ward!!! See you at Regionals!!

Great job on the webcast Kelvin!!! I enjoyed watching the US Open at the Bullneck! The Greenwood clan know how to host great events!!

Happy Birthday @Horton‌! We are all one big extended ski family thanks to your leadership! Party on Brother!

I have ridden the T2 and T1! They both feel like awesome skis: I settled on the T1 since it was similar in feel to my 6.0 Mapple. I agree that the turns are effortless and they feel less taxing on this Men 5 body. I might even have a shot at a PB with this ski! I have been stuck with a few at -38 for way too long.

@Hogballer‌-Paul Jackson skis regularly at Jackson's Hole with 3-4 other slalom skiers and is always happy to welcome any other skiers. You can email me for his contact info. alvinneff@mac.com.

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