markn

Well, I must admit, there are times when you do have to bag it to avoid injury.....not all conditions are skiable! Then I go over to Swiss Ski School and do a set on their protected lakes.....

With all due respect, I would argue skiing on a public lake can, in many ways, be an advantage. If one goes to the trouble of getting up at 5:30 AM to uncover the boat, gas it up and cruise all the way across the lake to the course, you are GOING to ski regardless of conditions. In many ways, it makes you a better skier. Some days you may not get to your hardest pass or may not run your desired pass, but then what is considered difficult conditions at a private site become relatively easy. While I enjoyed training at a private site for a few years, I actually prefer my public lake and think it helps coping with adverse conditions.

Several years ago prior to moving to Florida, we had a course at Raccoon Lake in Rockville, Indiana. The Army Corps and Indiana State Recreation Department gave us a permit for a floating course. The course was allowed to be up all season and at the time, there were no shoreline distance restrictions as the course was located on an undeveloped shoreline. The lake was a 2200 acre flood control lake. Hope this helps, MWN

Yes, I have skied both and currently ski the AM-33. Love them both. Only skied the 6.0 one time, but think I can offer an objective comparison. The AM-33 seemed slightly faster buoy to buoy, the 6.0 road a little deeper in the water, the 6.0 was more consistent and slightly more forgiving, having a bigger sweet spot. Both skis establish and maintain amazing angle off the buoy. First time on each ski, I skied within one buoy score wise. The AM-33 is the first and only ski I have ever run 39 with ZO. Having said that, when the AM-33 wears out, I will be moving to the 6.0 with no reservations. The support from the Mapple Team is unparalled and I strongly urge you to make an appointment to go to his facility if possible. Hope this helps. One caveat on the AM-33; it is a hollow ski, not foam core like the 6.0. You may gain a slight edge on speed with the hollow core, but at the expense of durability. MWN

Would very much like the opportunity to work with Andy Mapple and staff to experience the MTS. Living outside Orlando, I am in close proximity to the Mapple Taining center as well as having access to my ski course and Swiss Ski School when winds do not cooperate on my lake. Having skied with Andy in the past and skiing on Mapple designed skis for years, I recognize his insight, knowledge and passion for the sport is unparalleled. Possibly getting burned out by using the improper training technique of going out and trying to ski my PB every time. His insight and training tips could renew my enthusiasm and take performance to a new level. In addition, it would be rewarding to share the experience with others. Thank you for your consideration. MWN

I would agree with the $21-23K with PP. I have a 2004 Limited converted to ZO and I would not sell it. Even if I could get $28K (doubtful) the cost to upgrade to a 200 is not worth it. If you know your boat and are happy with the performance and wakes, save some money and convert it to ZO. Jody Seal converted mine 4 years ago and it has NEVER missed a beat. If it is not a Limited, the conversion is even less expensive. MWN

Alum, aluminum sulfate, Al2(SO4)3 , is a cationic coagulant which provides a cationic (+) charge to the water. When sufficient amount is added, which can be as little as 250 ppm or up to 1500 ppm, the "iso-electric" point is achieved and solids begin to precipitate. The solids drop to the lake bottom (containing aluminum) and accumulate. The sludge generated is a very light, not easily settled precipitate. Typically when used in drinking water clarification, a flocculant is used to enhance settling. Not a good idea in a lake! There are many factors that affect the "surface tension" of the water; total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, alkalinity, temperature and pH. It is the surface tension difference from lake to lake (in addition to depth) that skiers feel. Alum is bring used for side stream phosphate removal in Lake Apopka in Florida. The down side is now you have sludge laden with aluminum and phosphate which must be dewatered and trucked out. The dried sludge has tons of phosphate and aluminum that goes to land fill. Will Alum clarify water? Yes. However, in a "land locked" , non-flowing lake, the sludge accumulates on the lake bed. It may over time become more dense and compact, but it is sludge non the less. At 1500 ppm dosage, in a million gallons, you would have to add 12, 510 lbs! Hope this helps. MWN

Unrepaired torn ACL in right knee before I ever started skiing. Torn meniscus in right knee 2 years ago. Just returned to skiing after left knee meniscus tear surgery. Never used a brace. As long as the knees are slightly bent...all seems ok. A straight leg and NO stability in the ACL deficient knee. Like a buddy asked," did you hurt yourself, or are you just wearing out"?

When it comes to doing tournaments and progressing, "incentive" has to come from within. In 1995 at 40 years old I bought a boat and a course after watching "Hot Summer Nights" ski tournaments on ESPN. Went to my first tournament and did not even run 15 off. Went to my second tournament and crashed going through the gates....0 score. The EP at the time to get to Nationals in M3 was 1/2 @ 38 off. Pretty tall order for any one not even making the course. I would watch guys at the tournaments in M3 run 35 off and developed a burning inside that I could do it. It is the journey, not necessarily the destination. And the journey has been fun, became a driver, judge, met some great people along the way. Have there been disappointments? Absolutely, but it is how quickly you get back up that counts. Trust me, if you can run 15-28 off now, with desire, determination and commitment, you can run 38 and beyond. Set your goal, work at it and surpass it....then set the bar higher. Good luck and ski hard. MWN

2@41 in an R tournament @ 34 mph. 2 @ 41 36 mph practice.