skiray

I hear what you are saying about being forced down the ZO road and no there should not be benefit based on a skiers weight. What I do believe is that ZO is moving technique in a direction that is good for the sport.  (A direction that would not be possible if we didn't have the equipment that we have access today.) As far as weight is concerned, I think the ski designs are getting closer to leveling the field. Let's face it, heavy weights had an advantage before cruise control. They had a slight advantage on PP. Once the dust settles with ZO and ski designs, I suspect the advantage will be with those who can refine their technique. By the way, $50k is not required. I've got a 2006 CC 196 that I converted for $4k. (upgraded electronics and ZO) It is my understanding that a conversion can be done on boat's as old as 2002.

What makes us better skiers? I think it is adapting to innovation. Think about everything that has changed in the last 30 years. (Adjustable fins, composite skis, stronger engines, better binders, cruise control and more cruise control.) Each gave us an opportunity to increase consistency. Each eliminated skiers that could not adapt. All resulted in evolved technique and higher performance. I have cussed ZO as much as the next guy. However, after having it on my boat for about a year, I can honestly say it is making me a better skier. It is pushing me to become more efficient and a smoother skier. (I’m even motivated to loose about 15 pounds.) Can you say the same? Once we get over the ZO hostile take over of the tournament cruise control world, will we one day agree that we are better for it?

I’m Ron Ray, but I’m usually known as the husband of Michelle or dad of Rhoni and Anna. I’m 38 and starting to show it. (Anna calls me fatboy) Our practice PB’s: Ron – 6 @ 32 @ 34 mph, Michelle – 4 @ 15 @ 30 mph, Rhoni – 3 @ 15 @ 17 mph on combos and Anna 6 @ 15 @ ~ 10 mph on combos. We moved from Auburn, AL to Nacogdoches, TX this May. Nacogdoches is a great place to live but if it wasn’t for Joe Darwin we would be in a water ski waste land. As a matter of fact, Joe told me about this site.  John this is a great website. I appreciate you starting / providing this resource for the rest of us.

We just moved this year and have not had many opportunities to ski. Consequently, my consistency was way off and I did not ski tournaments. I did not know about the T&B format. If I would have, I would have given a T&B tournament a shot.