dbressel

I can get you a tow around the Fresno county area. pm me if interested.

$2800 for boat and lake access - cant complain about the lake or boat works great for me. But yes, we need to get out of California. In Fresno, the average County/City employee's salary is double that of the general residents. We pay allot in California. It is nice to have access to many different things; but it is starting to get a little ridiculous.

Thanks for the explanation. Wow if a gate was moved up to 3 feet between competitors, in my mind that would significantly increase or decrees the downhill line. Crazy!!

@slow just a question, do they move the breakaway gates during an event, and if so, would slight movements of 2 to 3 inches either way make a difference in a high level event where thousandths of a second determine a win or loss?

I have a 14 year old freshman H.S. student and this will be required viewing. Very Cool! Thanks Marcus.

Sorry if this has been stated before; however, if the Denali is anything like the definition of Denali in the urban dictionary, I want one.

Underwent a left THR August 25, 2015. At 48 years old it was not on my list of things to do. Was told to hold out as long as possible and wait till 60. My skiing went from running regular 35's to not being able to get out of the water (L foot forward skier). I did all the therapy, had the MRI's, etc. Running, power walking was out of the question and cycling on flats was OK; but hills and standing-up over RR Tracks were very difficult. Swimming was really my only form of cardio. Got to the point that climbing stairs was difficult and yard work would take me out. I would be up at night with hip pain, and or knee pain. I have two sons 8 & 14 years old and the thought of not being able to just walk around Disneyland or anywhere with them was just crazy @ 48 years old. I gave-up on the skiing as just getting out of the water was to difficult. Now finding a Dr was another chore. I had some tell me; well, you know you will never ski again, you are grey on the outside and grey on the inside, If you cannot walk, then join a gym and swim. Their are allot of negative people in the profession. I finally ran into a friend who recently had a THR and was skiing again at 6 months with no issues. I met with Dr. Lannin in Palo Alto who was awesome. One of the things he actually said was --- "you want to ski again dont you". My reply was -that would be great, but really, I would be happy just to walk around with my kids at Disneyland (you can tell I am West Coast). Now, I am in the recovery phase and doing all the rehab and hope to start skiing again in 6 months. Good Luck!

I demoed an Obrien ski with Andy in the boat @ the 2000 Nationals in Bakersfield. Ran through 4 @ 35 off, and he could tell I was bummed I didn't make the pass. At the end he smiled and said "you know, that's 35 off"; with few words he made me feel that much better about myself. He went on to give me some great advise about my Gate, and made that year one of my best years I can remember. My thoughts go out to his loved ones.

Awesome! Have fun.

Awesome! Thanks for sharing this; when I see this stuff it re affirms why I love this sport. Especially when someone puts their own time & $ into the sport to help it grow. Props to your Dad and you. Thanks,

Still skiing in the middle of California. My wife and I have been skiing every day since last Friday -- water 45 and air 60ish; every two passes stop to warm hands and body with hot water shower and having ice chest with warm water to thaw make it very doable.

Was out on the water 12/1 in Fresno, CA -- air 70s water 50s. Skiing in Aquasphere full suit with awsome flexiblity. My Wife and I had bouy counts up to our average. Water to lake has been shut down so we only have a couple more week left; but may make it to end of year if it rains a few days.

@Horton I do not claim to know to much about treating lakes; however, when a lake owner put in copper sulfate to get ride of algae the water felt sticky. I believe copper sulfate depletes the oxygen in the water, I even noticed the boat/prop wash had less froth. You might want to speak to Bill from Banana Lakes for some info if you have not already.

@cragginshred -- Sounds great. There are 7 ski specific lakes within 30 minutes of the Fresno area allot of them privat owned; however a few; like Shredder have memberships. Thanks for the invite.

My name is Derrick Bressel. I started lake skiing around 8 years of age in So Cal. @ Pyramid Lake and Lake Castaic. My family transplanted from So Cal. to Shaver Lake, just outside Fresno, CA in the mountains. A family friend, who at the time was skiing in the Magic Mountain Water Ski Show (years go), got me into slalom after a trip to Lake Naciamento where I was able to ski a slalom course for the first time. After that, it was on --- I made my own floatable course and sunk it at Shaver Lake. In 1986 I joined the Wolf Lakes Waterski Club in Fresno, CA. I competed in Men’s I and Men’s II tournaments and skied in the 2000 Nationals in Bakersfield -- I think I scored a couple boys @ 35 off. I have not completed in some time; however, still enjoy getting in the course and doing the best I can. Now at 46 years old I am able to ski with my Wife and two Sons 6 and 12. I live in Fresno and ski at Shredder Lake (Google earth Unknown #5). We were just up at Diablo Shores Pro Am and my oldest son thought it was so cool that he could go right up to Pro Skier’s to talk to and congratulate them on a great run. My son even mentioned is that that guy; you know, the guy with the long hair is that; Yes! That’s Marcus Brown I replied. Skiing is not dead!! To this day, my Son would rather get on a trick ski than a wakeboard when he is not slaloming because his friends think is so cool and different. I want to thank John Horton and all the posters for a great site. John, when you are at Banana Lakes say hi to Bill Galli for me.

Just had to post this --- I was running late getting back to my second round @ Shortline lake in Elk Grove, CA. I had my ski in the truck, but had left my vest, gloves, etc. at the other end of the lake. I saw my division standing at the dock and knew the next skier getting in the water was seeded before me. Scrambling to get what I needed to ski, a Boy’s 2 or 3 Skier at the time? offered his vest for me to use so I would not loose my start. Yes! that Boys 3 Skier was Marcus Brown; awesome individual back then as well. I have not been in the tournament scene for some time; however, ski on a tournament lake with my kids and instill these same qualities in them --- to be good people, help other and have fun! (Thanks again Marcus!)