Spesh

Posted it in the the other thread, but here is the lake where I ski...

In my experience, the 200-400 is a superb performer, so long as you don't push it too much towards the long end. Between 200mm and 350mm performance is spectacular. But I agree, things do drop off quite rapidly in the 350-400 range. AF tracking is still superb though.

@Horton Yes the 70-200 VRII is probably Nikon's best zoom. The focus speed and accuracy are unbelievable (especially on the D800). I often use mine with the TC-14ii teleconverter. I want to pick up the 200-400 F4 for shooting waterskiing. Or maybe a 300mm f2.8 prime.

Thanks guys. @Horton I was hoping that people would click on the text links, as the images are much better when viewed large on Flickr. Point noted though.

I was down at the ski club this weekend with my new camera, so thought I'd share some of the photos that I took in between sets. I was using a Nikon D800 with a Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8 VRII.... http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8541/8670781314_1c9eaf17d4_b.jpg http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8397/8669504684_611d5a184e_b.jpg http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8402/8668417223_496f03eee9_b.jpg http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8389/8669500362_6eb0405190_b.jpg http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8386/8668392615_6f9d96f0dd_b.jpg http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8383/8669488034_7df5fac38c_b.jpg http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8389/8668391293_780de74ced_b.jpg

@chef23 Yes the Enzos are dangerous, had many tweaked ankles from them myself. I was never happy with them, other than the fact that they were extremely comfortable. I switched to a Reflex system this summer and have been much been much more impressed with it.

I thought that might be the case and was reluctant to buy direct from D3 in case I got the sizing wrong. I' ve currently got an O'neill Gooru vest, but I always find that the stitching tears because I have to stretch it so much to get my arm out to take the thing off. Hence the reason I was looking for a front zip alternative. I notice that Nate uses the D3 vest and looking at his build compared to mine, I would imagine that I would need the size up from whatever he has.

Ok thanks, do you know of a UK distributor for Eagle?

I'm after one of the D3 vests, specifically this one.... http://www.d3skis.com/product-p/mens-pro-vest.htm However I can't find anywhere in the UK that seems to sell them, so was curious if anyone had any info regarding whether or not they are actually available outside the US? Thanks

I've been considering picking up one of these for myself. It looks like a great solution, providing that it doesn't inhibit movement too much. So I would also be keen to hear from people that are using it.

@Stevie boy How did the op go? I have to say I'm suffering from withdrawal symptoms this winter. I've got a snow ski holiday booked for January, but really want to get back on the lake.

I had the 2009 Prophecy (all black carbon top) with smooth tunnel and would not recommend it for someone just starting to ski the course. It is very unforgiving and very stiff. If your position isn't good at the end of the turn, it will spit you off pretty rapidly. I made decent progress on the ski, but am now on a 2012 A2 which I find to be considerably more stable and forgiving.

I've got nothing against wakeboarders or wakeboarding, seeing as neither affect me in any way. I'm just personally not remotely interested in it.

Some nice wipeouts. This is a personal fave of mine......

I can't imagine it would be that hard to have a custom plate made up Steve. It is only a milled piece of carbon after all. Are there no skiiers running the Reflex setup on an N1 then?

Reflex sell buckle replacement sets for about 60 euros. They are more like a snow ski buckle with a screw mechanism, so you can adjust them to perfection, then just clip them up the same way everytime..... http://www.reflexworld.com/2010SITE/web/images/shop/12buckles2000.jpg

I swithed from a Connelly Enzo front boot to a Reflex boot this summer and to be honest, didn't notice a vast learning curve. I ran my PB in my third set after the transition to Reflex. I admit, there is a difference, but I don't see any reason why a course skiier shouldn't adapt very quickly. I bought the boot primarily as a safety measure, as I was getting a few ankle tweaks from the Enzo boot, but now I'm just glad a bought it from a skiing perspective and the fact that it's really comfortable. I would never now want to go back to a standard fixed high wrap.

If I try to ski without counter rotating, I find it very difficult to finish the turn in a decent position and with good angle. I find that my shoulders can come come forward at the end of the turn, as I have essentially skied my whole body around the arc of the turn. This leaves a weak position when the pull from the boat comes. However, if i stay countered through the turn, I find that the ski swings back under the line much more nicely, while my body doesn't seem to be covering much ground (so I feel nice and slow at the bouy). The ski is then pointed right across course and I can just fall back on the line when the pull from the boat comes. It seems to me like counter rotation leaves the skiier with less to think about and to some extent less to do. So long as you are confident your ski will do what it should, everything else follows relatively naturally, with relatively little effort.

I have sent you a private message regarding Princes.

@richarddoane - I ski at a small club in the UK called the Wiremill.

Thanks a lot for all the responses guys. Everything here makes sense, I just need some time on the water to put it in to practice. I just got back from the lake today, where I have been working on closing my shoulders off to the boat a little bit more. I think I am too open on my 2-3 side and also through the gate. I have to say this really helped a lot. It made it easier for me to get my hips up to the handle and made me stronger against the boat. I found myself in areas of the course that I am not used to being in and had lots more time at the bouy. Addressing Bruce's point, I've also noticed that it puts me in a postion where I can't really let up too early. I actually have to wait for the boat to physically release me, which I'm sure must be a good thing (certainly feels like it's working). Anyway, employing this new technique, I managed to ski straight through 22off and midway through 28, which is a first for me (only at 34mph though).

Ok, I needed to pluck up a bit of courage to post this on here, as most of the vids I see are of guys ripping through balls on seriously short lines. But, I guess if you don't ask, you don't get. I started skiing two years ago and have got to the stage where I'm just starting to shorten. I'm regularly skiing 3,4,5 balls at 22off/58kph, however, there is much room for improvement with my technique and I feel I have a long way to go. I have not really had any real coaching, aside from the odd training day and tips from other club members. Anyway, I was hoping if I posted a vid here, people would be able to give me a few pointers that I could focus on over the winter season. I'll let the video do the rest of the talking...... http://youtu.be/uCXUopsBkCw

Nice photos Horton. I also have the D7000, which I regularly use for snapping waterskiing. I use the Nikkor 17-55mm f2.8 for shooting around the dock and clubhouse and the Sigma 120-300 f2.8 OS for shooting skiing from the bank of the lake (that Sigma lens is awesome btw). Like you, I will be buying the 70-200 VR II in the new year. Really looking forward to using that next summer.

When I switched my front boot (Connelly Enzo) for a Reflex boot, I measured where my ankle bone was in relation to the ski, when the binding was secured. When I installed the Reflex system, I just made sure that my ankle bone was in the same place. Sounds pretty rudimentary I know, but I actually got it bang on first time. The Reflex boot is superb btw. Really glad I switched.

I had a few more sets on the Reflex boot today. I've come to the conclusion that it is superb. I now feel completely comfortable on it even after only five sets or so. I feel much more connected with the ski now. I'm still yet to have a big OTF on it, but certainly seems to be money well spent so far.