KeownFILMS

After making a documentary on Jeff and hanging out with him the past few years, there's no way I can see him calling for a re-ride unless he truly felt there was a problem, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. Here's why:

Out of every single person I've ever met in my life, he's one of the nicest and most genuine people. The gaffer (lighting guy) for one of his interviews couldn't get over how Jeff carried himself for being so accomplished.

From what I've observed his priorities are: God, family, his family business, and skiing - in that order.

I hope that anyone who thinks Jeff tried to cheat or "take advantage" of the actual rulebook instead of adhering to the "unwritten rules" considers what I and others have said about his character.

Anyone that knows Jeff will tell you that he doesn't like to "rock the boat" per se. He is very competitive but he isn't going to cause any drama. I'd bet money that if he knew all of this would've happened over a requested re-ride, that he would've never asked for it.

It's unfortunate that the judges were held up for so long, but they made a decision, and you have to go with what they decide if you want to be a part of the sport.

Some of you may know that in the late 80s Jeff ran 39' off in a tournament to set a world record, but apparently the boat path was a bit off, and it was denied. From what several people have told me, the boat was actually too far off the path in the opposite direction of Jeff, thus making it harder for him to complete the pass. Does he think that sucks? Probably, but he too damn nice to tell anyone if he ever felt sour about it.

It's just unbelievable that so much drama has come from something that Jeff Rodgers did (Rodgers is spelled with a "d" by the way). Honestly, I am blown away by how humble and unassuming he is for being one of the best to ever get on a ski.

Just imagine if the tables were turned. Could anyone see Jeff posting his public opinion on this forum, much less anywhere, or there being an hour delay? There's nothing wrong with Dave telling everyone how he feels, but I don't see Jeff doing that in a million years.

The Big Dawg is damn lucky to have him participate, and I wouldn't blame him if he just stayed at home next year...but then again, he's a freakishly nice human being, so that may not be the case...I hope.

It's amazing what you can find with just a bit of searching.

http://i.imgur.com/sPsGzri.jpg

@andjules They definitely have different styles.I just happened to see that picture of Nate when I was editing 43@43 and immediately thought of how Jeff turns the buoy. It's kind of cool how different they are in other aspects but look similar at that moment. Jeff has a unique and powerful style while Nate has a smooth and light style. Whatever they are doing seems to be working for each of them respectively haha.

@gregy Nate and Jeff look pretty similar when they turn. Schnitz took the picture of Nate and the picture of Jeff is from my film camera earlier this year at 36 mph. The one of Jeff is right before he grabs the handle and it looks like Nate's is right as he grabs it. Each picture is of their onside turns as well.

http://i.imgur.com/ltk6U.jpg

@Wish He does that all the time. I think the only time he uses "I" is if he's referring to how he felt about something. It's like he never wants to take full credit for anything because he wants to acknowledge the people around him any time he does something. It's incredible how humble he is and when I...I mean we, did 43@43, he said "we" a lot to reference his family and friends when most people wouldn't.

The guy truly is a waterski legend, but he doesn't really worry about being recognized for his accomplishments. That's not why he skis. He just does it for the challenge and fun! If there is anyone in this sport to look up to I'd say it would have to be Jeff!

I'm so glad I was there to capture his first record of the weekend. Thanks for the kind words on the video!

Video Description: Jeff Rodgers set a new record of 1@43' off in the second round of the Little Mountain Record Tournament on September 15th, 2012. The next day, he scored 1.25@43' off in the first round of the day, and 1@43' off again in the second round. He was the first skier to run 41' off at 36 MPH in 1997, and now he's the first to run it at 34 MPH.

Jeff's original score on Saturday was 1.25@43' off, but since he lost the handle right before the second buoy it was corrected to 1@43'.

Big thanks to Little Mountain Lake and Race City Marine for putting on the tournament.

Check out Jeff's documentary at http://43at43.com/

Music: Booker T. & the M.G.'s - Green Onions

Since I used a copyrighted song on Youtube, they won't let it play on mobile devices like the iPhone and iPad. I uploaded it to Vimeo as well, so it should play fine for people using mobile devices:

@Wish Sorry about your childhood...

@ShaneH Yeah, he has that effect. You'll rarely see him lose the handle, he just hangs on.

@Wish Haha, to keep up the suspense!

It's funny that you mention the "one buoy at a time" thing. He's really helped me a lot in regards to relaxing when I approach the course and taking things slow.

Hey, I made a video that you guys will enjoy...

Video description: My friend and I went to Jeff's to hang out and get some pointers on our own skiing, but I brought my nice camera to film him skiing a set! I apologize in advance for some of the footage, it was 103 degrees and I had a 20 pound camera that wasn't rigged for shooting on the shoulder at all...anyway, enough excuses, enjoy!

Nerdy stuffs: Shot on a Panasonic AG-AF100 at 720p 60fps (1/500 shutter) with a Nikkor DX 17-55mm f/2.8 and captured via SDI to an Atmos Samurai as ProRes 422. Edited with Premiere CS6. Color corrected and graded with Apple Color.

Music: Black Keys - Lonely Boy