The_Krista

Hey all, sorry for the late reply. This whole manufacturing a human thing takes up a lot of energy. :) Just wanted to say a quick thank you for the compliments and support of the article. I wasn't expecting it to resonate like it did and I certainly was anticipating more backlash... Your comments make me smile. Hope everyone gets a chance to get on the water this week in whatever capacity makes them happy.

@Than_Bogan If I remember correctly the group of nerds were using it at a nerd conference for people at the conference to talk about subjects at different booths or topics being discussed.... :) #nerdsrule ;)

@rodltg2 I like to think of it as a "filing system" for online content. If you post something on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc., and use a hashtag, it files that content with everything else that has also been tagged with that specific phrase. You can then use search tools, or social outlets to search a specific hashtag and see what other users have "filed' under that category...or like @unksskis says, it connects it all together. For instance, we had one for our wedding...very specific to our name...so when people took candid photos and posted them with our hashtag, we could go and see them all in one place...and still can :) Hope that helps a little bit. It's a great way for companies to see what users are paying attention to their campaigns and identify who is posting what (as long as their accounts are public)

@unksskis ... I believe they want pictures showcasing how much you love to ski...on any brand, on a 2x6'...It doesn't matter. The tag is just an easy-to-remember, not-yet-been-used, name-branded-tag to compliment the contest. The idea is to get people talking and posting about how much they love the sport... and if the people are tagging #iskiconnelly it means they want a shot at a sponsorship and aren't all that brand-loyal to other brands anyway ;) So long story short....yep!

I'm back on the water after over a year off....currently wearing a spray leg, with pride. Real men and women can rock spray legs and turn buoys....For proof please see: Manon Costard. :) @Mark_Matis

Welcome to the forum @ninjaBEH ...you are an now an honorary Baller-ette ;) Also, good info!

@Hipsup they are Connelly's new Sync binding system. Patented technology that allows the ski to flex naturally because there is a dual-plate system under the foot rather than a single one... and it allows your ankle to move forward but still provides a lot of lateral support.

@Hipsup they are Connelly's new Sync binding system. Patented technology that allows the ski to flex naturally because there is a dual-plate system under the foot rather than a single one... and it allows your ankle to move forward but still provides a lot of lateral support.

@andjules there will be more videos to come with more in-depth stuff. This is just pretty, nice, beautiful skiing. It is exactly what it is.

@ozski ....just out of curiosity's sake...what would you consider, engaging, interesting and relevant content for a 15 or 30 second video? (the time frame for the most consumed-type of video content today) Would you like to see someone talking about the specs? Or the manufacturing process? Or someone tweaking a fin? (I'm not being sarcastic...I am open to your suggestions and would like to know what you are looking for.)

It is the Connelly GT @gregy... more content regarding the new ski will be posted soon including hopefully more "engaging" video with Joel for @ozski.

Chiming in late but when Bojan's boat broke while we were in Germany, Doug helped us trouble shoot the problem from California via text. He is awesome!

@efw actually that was a photo for the Radar Feather Frames from 2011...not relevant to the new Connelly bindings at all. Someone dug it up and posted it in the other thread... And IF you must go there...that was a water ski bathing suit..one I often skied into 38 in...and actually has much more fabric than my underwear. But thanks for bringing it up. Have a great day!

@rq0013 and others...i just meant that the bindings don't have a release system like something like a Reflex would have...as in the more traditional style of bindings. Sorry for the confusion and late reply...had to go and get married and stuff :)

@Chef23 no they don't...they are not a hardshell / release system...they are more like how Radar's closed-toe bindings operate...once you're in...you stay in! (My personal preference:)

A little more info...probably more than you'd like :) The new Sync bindings and free flex tech are a patented technology from Connelly... "Normal" single metal baseplates create a dead spot, limiting the intended flex pattern of the ski. The Sync Dual Plate is designed to allow your ski to move the way it is supposed to. The free flex connection also has wide mounting points so you can transfer more energy more efficiently reducing the amount of torque needed to put your ski on edge...the boot moves power from your foot through the flared base of the Exolast and into the dual plate system. Traditional plates reduce intended flex by 20%, mono-plate systems reduce intended flex by 40% and the free-flex system with the Syncs do not reduce the natural flex of the ski. Also, the Syncs boast a seamless shell which limits stitched connections in the upper boot, transferring more energy and movement directly to the ski. The new boots also have a heel pocket which holds your heel in place and reduces movement inside the binding.

Sounds like an awesome week, @JohnCox! Sorry I missed you (we were there yesterday.) Nice looking ramp Andy has there now! I heard you got to briefly meet Bojan too. Hope to catch you next time you're down this way!

Haha aww @mattp trying to earn brownie points...I'm coming in hot to the big 3-0! lol YIKES.

OMG @mattp you are in trouble! I've been in a double boot since I was 7 years old! 7! Over 20 years in a double boot and then trying a RTP was a terrible experience. I think I would have done better wrong foot forward. lol

I think I just solved this entire more participants / more ski rides per person / Nationals format crisis..... If you have not qualified for regular Nationals, you can try to qualify at night under the lights in a nationals "LCQ" on the plank ski by challenging someone who has already qualified in a head to head, if you beat them, you can ski the next day at nationals as well..... One ski fits all. Two birds with one stone. Must wear a go pro and chug a beer when you're done (over 21 of course.)

@ShaneH‌ .... Even if I jumped safely and further than ever before (this is a hypothetical situation of course..) --I don't think I would ever out-ski the haunting of those videos. Still, they are pretty funny. Thanks for the kind words. x :)

Hi Ballers, USA-WS members, non-members and everything else in between, Just to give you full disclosure-I have sent a versions of what I am about to say to a handful of the presidents, EVPs, directors, etc., as well. I want to reiterate that my role in the organization and the sport is evolving but not disappearing. With that being said thank you to everyone who has supported USA-WS, our new endeavors this past year and embracing the life on the water theme. I'm sure by now, you've received notice of my departure from the official USA-WS headquarter's staff. But I wanted to assure you that my heart and passion remain in the same place regardless of whether or not I am receiving a USA-WS paycheck. This decision was a tough one as I feel like my duties here are not done--but (thankfully) I know you can make just as much of an impact as a volunteer, member of a task force, the board, an official, etc., and I fully intend to participate at these levels for the rest of my life. This new job gives me a lot of flexibility as far as schedule and location go (which is great for my lifestyle, skiing and future little family with the impending wedding) and allows for my eventual relocation to California. I was hoping to remain close to the Nationals Task Force in some capacity because that particular project is near and dear to my heart. And with my new job, I will also have a little more free-time than I currently do to focus on projects that matter most to me. I feel guilty leaving my role, but am working closely with Bob C. and staff through the next few weeks and even after my official last day to help with transition, sponsors, duties, questions, etc. Like I continue to tell Bob C. "you're not getting rid of me just yet." If there is anything I can do at this time or in the future, please let me know. I want you to know I am here as a resource and want to give back with perspectives as an athlete, multiple national champion, a person in that "high-chance of not renewing their membership age-range" and as someone who has been a senior judge, regular driver, regular scorer, USA Jr team member, daughter/supporter of a national's chief driver, an employee of a handful of our vendors, a employee of USA-WS, an employee of the Pro ski tour, an official at The Masters, from a family and a group of friends of water skiers who qualify and don't compete at nationals, and lover of life on the water since before I could walk. Thank you again for your time and hopefully understanding. As always, you all should know how to find me if you have any questions or concerns. And I want to leave this with a fair warning…my opinions are mine and mine alone, not a reflection of the organization or anyone else. I don’t claim to have the answers or to be right but I can promise you my heart is in this for the right reasons. I am always open for a healthy, logical discussion supported by facts, stats and intelligence. I am open to constructive criticism and challenge of my beliefs. As I was reminded this weekend…this sport has a lot of “chiefs” and a lot of strong personalities. That means we can really get something done and kick some ass, right? (Can I say ass now?) 

Thanks again and for letting me get my message out there. Best, Krista

We have been working diligently with our title sponsor, Nautique and yes that is CBS Corporation....we are working directly with the "radio" arm of it here in Orlando, but that also includes a ton of media assets (event fulfillment, billboards, radio interviews/commercials, online/digital media, email and social media, etc.) Additionally there will be a concert, a beer garden, vendor area, food, vip tent, ping pong/corn hole, etc. Don't forget the return of the US Open coincides with USA Water Ski's 75th Anniversary and USA Water Ski Foundation's Ski with the Legends weekend. There is still time to sign up for Ski with the Legends, if you're interested in the "Ultimate Skier's Weekend." The tentative schedule is below: Thursday (pending number of entries) and Friday: Qualification round for US Open (all 3 events, both genders) IF we can run all qualifiers on Friday then Thursday will be reserved for practice for the athletes. However, due to high volume of entries already received, we may run 1/2 of the qualifying rounds on Thursday and the other 1/2 on Friday. Friday Night: 'Legendary Luau" Pro skiers of today and the legends from the past meet together at Lake Grew after the tournament to kick off the ultimate skiers weekend (we will have about 20 legends in town, plus all of the US Open participants.) This is open to the public to come and watch the prelims, enjoy the Hall of Fame / Museum and then hang out and interact with the biggest names in skiing. If you sign up for the legends event you can be coached by them on Sat/Sun depending on which clinic you choose. Saturday: Semis and Finals will take place in downtown Orlando at Lake Ivanhoe. Semis in the morning and then the highly-publicized finals will be from apx. 2pm-6:30pm. Beer garden will open up at 1pm and concert will begin directly after the end of the finals. There will be various water sport exhibitions and it will be live webcasted the same way the Masters was. CBS Sports (online site) will be promoting the event with links to the webcast. Lastly, the event will be canned and ready to go (after the fact) for tv-play on CBS channels nation-wide. I hope this answers some questions you may have. If you have any more, feel free to contact me.

I wear my foot bed inserts inside my liners (against my foot) and leave the inserts in the bindings...Theyve never come out. Every now and again I have to adjust before sticking my foot in, but not often. I like them :)

I know I'm late to the conversation...and to be honest I am tired and am still recovering from three weeks on the road...all work, no ski makes for a grumpy me. But I want to say 3 things: 1. I (and USA-WS, AWSA, and our sponsors) are listening and seeing the same things you are. We are taking action. We aren't hitting our heads against the wall, planning to do the same thing over and over and expecting different results. We get it and a lot of the things I read just now, have already been discussed. It's nice to know we are not far off in our HQ staff meetings....when I log onto BOS and see that a lot of you have the same ideas, sentiments and suggestions I feel like we are moving the right direction. 2. @sunperch I unfortunately, was not at all involved in the JD banquet. That is an AWSA / JD Committee deal and USA-WS has had 0 influence or participation in it in the past. Again, this is something we are working on changing. I feel like with my experience as a junior development participant, now in my role at USA-WS, with the resources and connections to sponsors, I have a unique opportunity to elevate and influence certain aspects of Nationals and hope that my help is welcomed with JD. But again-- its technically not my/USA-WS territory. 3. I guess that's it. Hang in there. Keep the feedback coming. I'll take criticism over apathy any day.