unksskis

@gerjon2005 are you purging your system? Sounds like there’s air and it’s getting hot.

O’Neill is top notch, Jet Pilot has put a lot of effort in to USGA vests as well.

What was its intent or actual storyline? Everyone I’ve spoken to liked it at first, but eventually struggled to finish it. The “critiquing” will come as this is a rare representation of our “sport” to be shared with the masses.

Slalomers get the cash, jumpers get the a**.

So all lakefront lots are already sold. Do the other lots get lake access?

@jcamp @lpskierand @PatM I appreciate your dialog. Given the value you see it adding for yourselves having it being required for upper level skiers, like yourselves, but that regularly attend Nationals, if these same skiers decide to NOT ski Regionals because they are not going to Nationals due to the requirement, additional cost, travel, burden, etc, would you agree that is devaluing Regionals just the same? I think it would be interesting to see how many Level 8-9 skiers don’t go to Regionals because they’re not going to Nationals, compared to those that go to Regionals but not Nationals even though they are qualified.

@Jody_Seal while I understand your perspective, that requires too much change to the system. If anything, qualifying for Nationals via local tournaments supports the local/grassroots level which is necessary to sustain and grow the competitive sport. Keep in mind placing at Nationals removes this qualification requirement, however one must still attend Regionals. Requiring Regionals attendance, for those already qualified for Nationals, is not necessary to sustain the sport, and as @dave2ball indicates, a major burden and cost to many.

@jcamp so it’s the responsibility of those “in the mix” for Nationals to make Regionals worth it to you? I would say in most cases/divisions at Regionals it is a few Nationals qualified skiers skiing as required, and maybe a couple additional skiers with a major discrepancy in-between. Very rarely is there this days of old where it’s giving Level 6-7 skiers a chance to ski vs Level 8-9, and frankly why should that be an expectation. What is the value (to Nationals qualified skiers) in requiring them to ski Regionals? Are you qualified for Nationals, and/or if you were to be would you attend? If no, why not?

@lpskier I’m having difficulty understanding your reasoning. The sheer fact that the only reason qualified Nationals skiers attend Regionals is because its required does diminish the quality of Regionals, as well as the potential for placement/qualification and experience for those whose “big dance” it is. What is the benefit of an already qualified Nationals skier attending Regionals?

When can we drop the Regional requirement for those already qualified for Nationals?

This is like Kawasaki exclusively sponsoring Supercross. That sport wouldn’t let it occur….

It was ironic all the times they panned away for a minor potential crash and then didn’t for Joel’s. Weird. The webcast was very half-hearted from a camera perspective. I definitely want to see someone’s iPhone on a countercut of a final participant.

@BrennanKMN it’s on the website main page, you can watch it jus the same as you would YouTube, and share it just the same as well. While I too would prefer it be on YouTube, it still watches the same no matter your device.

@UCFskier unfortunately that will only add fuel to their argument of why should they continue to support waterskiing, it’s a double edged sword, lose/lose situation.

Unless you’re 170ft+ jumper, a bmx/mtn bike helmet with the visor removed is a great option. Shred Ready is another option but not my choice, or Cole is selling downhill skateboard helmets.

@Jody_Seal No one skiing a May tournament. Great concept, but you know the entry list would be overloaded in season.

The current arrangements are well established. Don’t alienate your current base to attract the few possible newcomers. Focusing on public lake access, accessible courses, and supporting the clubs that function in these premises is the best way to save the “sport”, which is really just a backyard past time, and a segment of the watersports industry. Interested to see how this year shakes out with the economy, consumers/participants have tighter budgets while the cost to participate, especially in competition, continues to increase. Passion and dedication can only last so long when the wallet is limited.

Continued lack of access of tournament boats and increased cost will drastically diminish tournament participation at all levels.

Helmets increase the impact and likelihood of concussion when impacting water, bottom line. Helmets help with impacts against hard surfaces, not water.

@kc What engine?

Why would you make the title of the thread a bold claim that you then ask confirmation for? There's 6L's throughout the state running fine.

I prefer the T Factor over the Wiley's trick wrap on mine.

@DW I recently went from the newer Animal to the TFactor on my trick ski. Major improvement. More responsive, better support, and ability to cinch where desired.

Saw it in person at Nationals, great looking ski as is the standard 2023, the kids are loving the graphics and they should sell quickly.

What boats are pulling all these tournaments? Promo, club, personal?