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Used the BOA system on snowboard boots for years and very happy with their performance but would never see them cross over to water ski bindings. The risk of over tightening is far to high and liability associated would make it a very poor decision in licensing and likely end the business through litigation. I would assume the only BOA technology that will be in my boat is in gloves.

Used to have the same issue of getting a little spray in the eye from time to time and definitely effects the pass considering everything is a blur... I have started to focus on closing my eyes as soon as the boat pulls me and there is risk of spray. It seems to work out so far.

I learned that I am better at understanding skiing concepts than actually applying them...

More of a compounding pain as the ski season goes on... Likely a little age is the issue.

Only hoping to share the passion for the sport with my kids... as you did, sometimes it takes them coming to it!

O'neill 1mm thick long sleeved heater shirt works through the summer months to cut the early morning chill on Lake Washington. Lake is 75 degrees, but nice to have a little extra in the early morning cool temperatures.

Thanks for posting I get so excited teaching others and seeing new people get excited about an skiing. Amazing sport for all ages and now in my 40s find it as the motivation to stay fit and strong year round. It is like golf so enjoy the experience and surrounding and you can never go wrong!

I have a coach that has me cutting into the course about 25 feet early and shadowing the balls when I am skiing poorly... For me it works as you are getting good practice relative to the balls but not slamming my turns like ai do when the bouys.... Guess it is a mental thing but seems to work for me...

You are making a great decision and always trust in Eddie's advice... I jumped on one last year in the course and thought it was a really nice ski for what you are looking at. Even if you decide to upgrade as you get back into it, it is the perfect ski to have at your house for friends that want to learn.

There are a lot of variables I would consider but at your age I would not be concerned about making a move or pursuing alternative options while she is going to school, if you do not feel you can live apart for that amount of time and she is not committed to coming back to where you currently live. It sounds like from your internship and rather limited work experience you are a smart guy and will have no problem getting employment, likely better employment, in another location or in the future. It would be my suggestion that while you target her schools assure they are within a long commute of a metropolitan area (work options) and also evaluate her locations to assure there are good MBA options either at the same school or close. As long as you live within or open to living in a mid-to-major city, there typically is a lack of top talent in the marketplace and you will find plenty of opportunities. When I am looking for employees, I prefer individuals to have multiple experiences both in company and location (as long as you don't show a history of job hopping). @6balls is also correct that in almost all situations a longer term dual income situation will allow you more financial freedom in the future to pursue some strong lifestyle choices in the future... the answer better be waterfront! Please note I said 'longer' term dual income as I have know far too many individuals that have pursued higher education only to stay at home with kids only a few years later. There is nothing wrong with that, but you need to be realistic in the desire for education/career verses staying at home with children. You can easily leverage your future in education debt (especially considering cost of education these days) without a sound payback. Just views... best of luck in your adventure and remember that 10 years from now you will be sitting by a lake after a day on the water, beer in hand, and be happy. All the details in between won't matter...

@Horton, serious commitment to the sponsors... getting their moneys worth!

After hearing all these troubles (rain, water levels, animals) all of a sudden getting through the chill of the pacific northwest in a drysuit most of the year doesn't sound so bad....

I have an X9 and 28 off will have a bump in comparison but pretty good wake at 34 - 36 MPH. Huge family benefits in the extra room.

Made the move from the Phantom w/ animals to an A2 w/ Apex boots last spring and the best move I have ever made. Ski it comfortably at 34mph but any slower I would not recommend slower if you are slowing the boat to cut length. Extremely stable, responsive, and fast... The have been so many times the Phantom would have thrown me down... Clearly a lot of great advice and experience on this site but would make the full move of ski and bindings and confident you will never look back after a few trips on the water.

Even worse, last summer noticing a sharp increase in guys out at 5 - 6 AM wakesurfing and to add insult, they are not segmenting themselves to a section of the lake, but going straight down the middle and ruining everyone's water... I enjoy surfing as well (usually with beer in hand), but they receive a one finger wave everytime...

2nd wake rag dolling with speed...

Started again a few years back. I like Horton's point if supporting it considering our passion for the sport. Sounds better than looking at the pictures. My favorite part of it right now is the excitement my daughters get from see women skiing! Working hard to groom them at a young age after failing with my wife!

Northwest bias says Radar should be one the list... Great history, industry impact, and location. Ski Paradise sure sounds like a must especially at this time of year.

@Ed_Johnson I don't recall size they might have been 67" or 68" A3's both Red/Black & Green but didn't appear to be much smaller. I wasn't exactly encouraged to go grab one and take it off the rack, but they were getting the final quality inspection and clean-up and could resist. Another upgrade is in store for this year cannot wait to get on it. Interesting thing is they are not be manufactured at the HO, but at Connelly's manufacturing site. The cross over effect at least in manufacturing of being owned by Kent Watersports.

Just saw 50+ A3 ready to be shipped at the factory... Drooling and wanted to take one so bad.

I just cannot understand what some people are thinking... clearly not resell value!

Amazing story, skiing is an incredible sport that draws us in and doesn't let go with such great mental benefits (being on the water at sunrise makes me whole) and physically. To stay in shape/reduce the pain of aging, years ago I start to train for 1/2 marathons and been a great way to get through the winter. But as skiing now consumes me, I find my mind wandering while I run or at the gym about being on the lake and it provides such a motivation! 30 years of free skiing and only recently hit the course and working towards 30 more...

Great perils of wisdom from all.... #1 skiing is like golf so you better just appreciate being on the water or you have already lost. #2 Horton summarized it perfectly 'stacked at the wakes'.