tbrenchley

Anyone want to change their vote now? I worry about some of you judges @eleeski‌

I feel like I just won the internet...I was right

I don't want to disappoint you because nothing is official @Than_Bogan‌ but I did hear that the world record application for Regina was submitted with a score of 3.25...just saying ;)

I've been in this position (late into the 4 ball) a thousand times and thrown my ski around it just like in the video. I usually pull off a very long backslide to avoid the rag doll crash Regina experienced in this video but I can say from the video and from experience that ski never came back into the buoy line. 3.25 is the only score I could call from the footage.

I am merely stating that based on the evidence (video posted above) that I could not give her a score higher than 3.25 which is still amazing skiing and would be a world record. I was not there and this video is not official but after pictures with lines that @ToddL‌ put up I am even more convinced that 3.5 was not possible but that's just wild speculation by me which makes this debate even more fun.

She can continue to get width up until the point she is even with the pylon of the boat. She is not to that point because with reach it isn't required that she be that high on the boat. You can easily see her turn at 3 ball she is quite a bit behind the pylon (I would dare say she is luck to be even up to the back of the boat as she turns the 3 ball so yes it is possible and maybe it is an illusion but the tip of the ski never changes direction from when she is throwing the ski around the 4 ball.

There is only proof of her having the handle in her hand for about 10 feet past the buoy. The reason she loses the handle is because she is continuing in an outward direction away from the center of the course, not because she just couldn't hold on in an attempt to make a turn. I also agree with @Klindy that benefit of the doubt does not work in this situation you have to call it as you see it and I can only see 3.25

Let me first say that watching a video and being there judging in person is NOT the same thing, but I am shocked that nobody (well that I've seen in threads so far) has brought up the thought that a score of 3.5 probably wasn't accurate. The video doesn't give the perfect angle to make this call but having watched the video a number of times in full speed and slow motion I can't give her more than 3.25. If anyone was there and saw something different I'd love to hear it but from the video that was posted I can't see more than 3.25. Either way congratulations to some amazing skiing by Regina. What would you score as a judge based off this video

Without video to watch it would really just be a wild guess at what is causing it.

The gate comment was a joke @leonl

All I know is going through the gates is way harder with ZO than with PP. Who cares which one is easier or harder to ski behind the fact is you did something you've never done before and that's what this sport is all about, beating YOUR personal best. Doesn't change the rankings, doesn't change your place on the podium. All I can say is NICE JOB!!! Keep up the good work, because I'm not comparing my passes in practice on my lake behind a Malibu and ZO to your practice pass behind your boat, PP and backwash. Stay thirsty my friends!

I'm 155lbs and use 4 but it's not an exact science. I pull really hard (ask Scot Chipman) and actually have 2 stips of 400 on my plate but would not recommend that for everyone. Scot is about the same weight as me and has 4 strips of 250 on his ski and plate. If I were you I might start with 3 to protect a bad fall and not coming off the ski and if you release on an easy crash you can always add more. I started with 4 strips of 250 and worked my way up to having 400 just because of my style of skiing and it works perfectly for me.

I use the same set up as @Scotchipman and use the dual lock as the release because I like the bindings to be tight. I have 4 strips of dual lock on the plate and on my ski (8 strips total)

I agree with @chef23 100% The debate should never be about the fact that you are required to go through the gates, it should be a discussion on how we can make the judging easier and much less costly to both those running the event and those skiing. Seriously, who came up with the middle of the ski crossing the middle of the buoy as the line in the sand? Even with a camera and slow motion if anyone gets close to that line it's almost impossible to judge. Can't we just come up with a line that only takes two eyes and one look to say it's good or bad?

This is just one of those things that sounds great "in theory" but would never work the way you hoped it would @brady. A new tv show Sister Wives on the Lake!

You say the reason for this proposed change is: "Reason: Each speed increment substantially increases the energy involved in slalom – and the potential for injury." But wouldn't that also be true for the shortening of the rope? Pretty sure running 35 off at a slower speed than max (for example 24.9 mph) requires much more energy and most likely increases the chance of injury by taking hits higher on the boat. Just my thoughts, not sure I'm correct or not.

Ok looks like we @klundell are going to have to do some "girl speed" and "old man speed" competitions later this year and post the results

Thanks @Garn, we'll have to do that one of these days (most likely next summer)

@goodeskier I have the 65 but I'm only 5' 10" and 155lbs

Thanks @markchilcutt M3 next year

Thanks @klundell. It was a good day and I can't wait to get some more time on this ski. It was by far the most controlled and smooth 38 I've ever run and I can't wait to see what my neXT pb will be. I'll post the video of 38 as soon as I get access to it.

I also skied it stock for two sets with a biting onside turn but no struggle with the offside...moved the bindings forward an 1/8th to 29" and ran 3 @ 39 in practice which is one buoy off my practice pb. Then today went and ran 3 @ 39 in a tournament after the smoothest 38 I've ever ran. I'm getting video from someone that was there soon and will post it and the crazy part is I still think I can make a few adjustments and make it work even better.

@sbink the gates are still under review

When I get the new inter lock I'll be more than happy to let you give it a go @klundell

My opinion...if it's not a record capable tournament no video review is necessary. If it's sooooo close that you want to watch a video review then the skier navigated the gates and we move on. Gates should ONLY be taken from the skier if it was an obvious miss with the naked eye. I've been a judge for most of my skiing years and it's rare when gates are pulled by me. It's never a question if they did make the gates, only a question if they did not make the gates. Pay attention and we judge to pull the gates not judge to give them to the skier.