danbirch

Good Speed = Cross Course Speed. Bad Speed = Down Course speed. If you have a fast ski, it means you get cross course quickly (i.e. white water to white water), and therefore are early into the ball, and it actually feels SLOW & CONTROLLED. If you have a slow ski, you travel cross course slow (i.e. with more down course speed, less cross course speed), get late into the ball, and feel FAST.

I'm not so sure that "Know-it-all" is the right term for someone who is beyond an "active contributor"...It could be interpreted as being condescending.

I think the stars distract from the topic, Water Skiing. That said, however, I really like identifying the Open or 55k Rated skiers. It does give credence to their posts, and they deserve it! Keep up the good work.

Is the profile mandatory or voluntary?

Didn't Sly and the Family Stone once say, "Everybody is a Star"???

Since your scores are not the criteria for getting stars, then exactly how does one earn a star? What is the definition of a "good" post?

Seems that many (if not most) people use that method (individual's scores) anyway. Would be cool, but understand it may not be easy. No biggy.

why not just link the poster's USAWS "Average" next to their name? Then, we'd see their ski abilities (without having to change pages to usaws ski site)?

If you let it grow too long, it could throw your balance off in the turn...

Good Job! Keep on it, and you'll continue to improve. The one thing I notice is that sometimes, when you come into your offside pull/load (out of 1,3,5, Especially 5 ball), you lead a little with your shoulders. This could lead to a nasty header if you aren't careful. I'd try to work on coming out of 1,3,5 in better balance, shoulders squared to the boat a little more. Again, keep up the great work!

If a pull is needed in Canyon Lake, let me know. No problem.

Unbelievable!

Being 20+ lbs(ish) lighter (than his competitors) certainly doesn't hurt, though, he said that in rougher water it is more difficult to keep the ski anchored. He really is unbelievable! When his line goes tight, all of the stars in the universe line up perfectly.

@matthewbrown This is confusing to me. I've read that Andy is 6'1", and this picture sure makes Todd look taller than Andy. I see that Todd has Tennis Shoes on, and Andy is barefoot, but it is quite interesting how much taller he looks than Andy....

Question: If a shortline skier is coming into the ball line, and throws himself out at the ball, and falling/losing the handle at the ball (ski is outside the ball), does he get the 1/4, or does he have to be in a "skiing position" as with the full ball at the boat wakes?

She got a broken bone in her left shoulder.

A few things about the 1/4 ball calling. First, the longer the line, the more time a skier can spend in the 1/4 ball zone. At 15 off, the arc's potential is much longer than at 38. Another thing, to accurately see both perspectives (ball line and boat guide line) the judge would have to be in 2 places at the same time. The steep angles and distance that the judges view the skier from make the judgement a "guess" based on their belief of where they think the skier is. It is skewed.... For example, in the sport of horse racing, no one would ever try to call a photo finish from any angle, other than standing straight across at the finish line. ANY other angle would be skewed, and would only be a guess. That's because the objects (horses) are moving quickly (i.e. the angle between the 2 is constantly changing to a single viewing point), the finish line is a straight line, the distance between the objects (horses) may vary, then, add to that an angle of someone trying to judge an exact moment, and you have quite the challenge. God bless the judges for trying, but remember, if in doubt, give the call to the skier.

It does happen, just not real common (in my experience). I recently saw a new (to tournaments) skier get injured in a tournament. We found out when he got back to the dock that the driver had him going 2 mph faster than he was supposed to be going. Very unfortunate mistake, especially with the new skier trying so hard, then getting injured. Very nice guy. Bummer! Thank God it is rare.

@ShaneH Might be better to stay cool, even try to laugh/joke about it, and let the driver know how much you appreciate his efforts. (I know that would be hard) You have nothing to gain by getting mad, and everything to lose. You depend on your driver, and the last thing you'd want is him mad at you. Just assume he is sincerely trying his hardest to fix the problem (might even be embarrassed by it), and is already under the gun, trying to remedy the problem go get you back on track a.s.a.p. Even if he wasn't, your concentration would likely go out the window if you let your emotions get involved.

that could be ugly. Sometimes the transmission can be damaged as well. Good luck!

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Saw a post on FB, Is it a joke, or ?

The biggest advantage would be that ZO would better prepare you for tournaments (same pull you will get if you compete). If you aren't planning on ever participating in tournaments, I don't think it would matter.

You'll love it! Water feels soft, we noticed that coming out of the turns (especially off-side) the ski stays down, and really rips fast back to the wake. You can hear it ripping, sounds amazing! Have fun!