Than wrote:
"Explicitly offer coaching.
Perhaps this could be done in a class F or even completely unsanctioned portion of the event, and allow a participant some fixed number of passes in each round, regardless of success. Have one of the veterans watch all these passes and give the skier some things to work on.
Obviously, this should only apply if the skier *wants* coaching. But perhaps it would draw in a lot of aspiring skiers and turn the intimidation factor into more of a feature. Instead of skiing "against" the best, get advice from the best!"
+1 on this idea. If this were available, I would have been back skiing tournaments ten or more years sooner than I did. For those without regular access to private water, offering a tournament-like experience with practice/coaching makes the long drive, motel room, entry fees and time all seem worthwhile. Guarantee four passes or four falls and you've got a winning proposition.
I think this would help grow the sport from the middle - those who have already invested in their time and equipment to become proficient, but have to balance other life factors that prevent them from skiing every week. It won't get total "newbies" coming out, but I suspect there are many mid-level skiers who are intimidated by the prospect of "one and out" who would flock to this format.
My 2 cents...