unksskis

There are quite a few that popped up in and around the Waters Edge area, and lots have been very low $ lately. Look in the New Lennox and just S and SE of that area.  You're looking at a 40min+ commute, but train is an option as well.

what is that trick ski?

In Nov you're likely not going to get Rossi, fyi

75% of the ski schools are in the Clermont area, which is 45min-1hr west of Orlando.

The NE area has had a growth of Wakeboard Festivals this year. INT differs from Region and States, being heavily slalom in some, wakeboard in others, and packed full of people to barely running anymore. Joining with WWA will incorporate some of the festival crowd, as well as help with Regional and National exposure in areas that are lacking.Â

Understand and agree. INT just recently partnered with WWA (World Wakeboard Association). Our opinions and overall state of skiing aside, USAWS has some serious competition looming in the works, and if the INT is an actual feeder to USAWS, hopefully they continue to have slalom be a major event in their competitions. I envision INT going the way of being majorly wakeboarding in 5 years, and being the feeder for slalom and USAWS fizzles out. The thought that they are their own thing, not a big deal, different genre, all are likely true, but are also missed opportunities for USAWS growth in general. In my mind, if even a portion of INT skiers transitioned to GrassRoots, we would see a greater influx of skiers, helpers, younger skiers and families, etc.  The WWA and INT partnership is huge in many ways, a major being association fees. Join one, it takes care of the other. I do not go to INT, or WWA for that matter, competitions mainly because I don't want to pay another association fee. Thus, those that pay this association fee likely have the same feeling as I, and hesitate to join USAWS. Point being, if grassroots could take the place of INT, they join USAWS, likely over INT/WWA association fees, and USAWS experiences growth.  Way outside the box would be USAWS doing what it should have years ago, and letting WWA run wakeboarding, since it has done so from the start. Wakeboarders aren't dumb, and the fact that USAWS failed to recognize it as an entity until it was large and in charge only fuels many wakeboarders and their attitude towards skiing.  There are 2 Nationals in wakeboarding, guess how many show up for one and then compare to the other. Now look at the organizing bodies. USAWB is poorly organized, and actually turns many riders off from the USA -watersport association as a whole.  Skiing isn't dying. Attending this years Nationals was proof, and especially knowing many "normals" didn't make the trip. What is dying is access to lakes, courses, JUMPS especially, and the openness of those that do have courses, lakes, jumps letting outsiders use is getting less and less. That is what makes it difficult, and add to that, I can call up 5-7 people right now and go wakeboard, 1-3 people to go slalom on their course. When you're crunched for time and access, wakeboarding just finds it's way to being the most common to do.  Hope I didn't offend anyone, wasn't my intention.

Why not take the initiative and organize some Grassroots tournaments in your area, maybe even add wakeboard (although we know your opinion on that) and it will be an INT, but affiliated with AWSA. Seems the states where INT is most prevalent, the Grassroots program has not taken off, people won't organize it, or is not even being given the opportunity.

Wow! Noah Vieke wins Men's 1. Must have been a good event!

It is the Launching Pad, a burger joint that is right down the road (closest place to the site). It was originally the start of the drive down I-69 I believe. Really cool place with some history.  Wilmington has some things, The Launching Pad, Hayden's Bar & Grill, Subway. All by taking a left at the light and curve into town. Anyone driving back on South 65, exit 220 is Fair Oaks Farms, a dairy farm with fun stuff and food for the families.Â

be sure to stop by the booths and show support! MC booth is giving some cool shirts to ALL competitors, please show that 3 event appreciates their support, as well as all the other companies. Centurion boat get unveiled yet? Wish they would do that when the older divisions who would be interested in a less expensive boat were in attendance. Great turnout, conditions, and a great time!