2012 Water Ski Hall of Fame Induction
The 30th Annual Water Ski Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is gearing up for another exciting weekend of champions, April 20-21, 2012. Don't miss your chance to rub shoulders and shake hands with legends of yesterday and today &; bring your family and enjoy the festivities throughout the induction weekend.
Hall of Fame Honorees: Wade Cox and Sherri Slone
Award of Distinction Recipients: Bob Maher, Larry Meddock, Lance Renfrow, Don Thomson, Mike Tolzmann
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday, April 20
Fund Raising Golf Tournament
Social 6:30 - 9:00 Water Ski Experience $60.00 per person, sponsor: Polk County Sports Marketing
Saturday, April 21
Water Ski Tournament, Lake Grew, Polk City, FL
11:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. OPEN HOUSE - Water Ski Hall of Fame
6:00 P.M. Hall of Fame Reception, Banquet & Enshrinement Ceremonies, Lakeland Center in Lakeland, Florida, (Interstate 4 Exit 31) $125 per person
Special price: $175 per person covers the Friday night Social and Saturday night
Banquet and Induction Ceremonies
Banquet Table Sponsor: $1,250 (10 seats) - Sponsor Package available on request
Order Your Tickets Today
Mail your reservations to:
American Water Ski Educational Foundation (AWSEF)
1251 Holy Cow Road, Polk City, FL 33868-8200
Phone: (863) 324-2472 | Fax: (863) 324-3996
Email:
Tickets available online at waterskihalloffame.com
Better Driving Equals Better Water Skiing
Chris Eller tells you how to set up your water ski boat for success on the water.
Pre-game boat setup is crucial to any three-event skier and driver. Whether you are hand-driving or using cruise control, making sure boat speeds and balance are set accurately can make all the difference in a skier’s set. The better driver you become and the more you understand your boat, the more you will help improve your training partner’s skills. Here are five ways to do just that.
Boat speed
It is critical for all three events to set all boat speeds accurately, whether you are hand-driving or using cruise control.
Using a GPS
Calibrating your speedometer at either a low or high speed can cause the other end of the speed spectrum to be way off. Instead, pick a middle-of-the-road speed, like 28 mph, to save you from frustration down the line. If you have cruise control, take the time to calibrate base lines for all speeds in slalom and jump modes, as well.
After the setup
Many times with cruise control, you will get perfect boat times up until you start pulling the skier, making times really slow or really fast. This may result from prop slippage due to load, different amounts of friction for different boat manufacturers or unpredictable power output from your engine. Look for a pattern and adjust your base lines accordingly so you can come off the dock each time with a new skier and know that your times are correct.
Smooth it out
Just like when driving cars, we all have different acceleration tendencies – from jerky and aggressive to smooth and passive. It should be your goal to be as smooth as possible while accelerating and engaging the cruise control. If you overshoot the speed, the cruise control has to work hard to find the desired tempo. Many times this happens during the setup portion of a skier’s run. When the skier is entering the slalom or jump course or beginning their trick run, the time it takes for the boat to settle in can be critical to his or her success. The driver’s ability to get to speed quickly is directly affected by their familiarity with the lake setup, as well.
Finding the sweet spot
One of the best boats we have at Coble Ski School drives the sweetest with a 170-pound driver and a 190-pound observer. Boats are like skis in that they have a sweet spot or balance point that makes them perform at their prime. Once you find this spot, it will become easier each time to determine from your crew’s weight makeup where to place the weight. This can make an ill-handling boat manageable and an already good boat great!
Parks Bonifay Toasted to Premiere on FUEL TV Monday December, 12th – 10 PM Eastern and Pacific
Parks Bonifay gets roasted and toasted by his fellow athletes and professional comedians for his successes and idiosyncrasies in Toasted – The Roast of Parks Bonifay. If you have ever thought that Parks Bonifay was worthy of a little heckling, do not miss this show. Parks’ friends and fellow athletes leave no stories untold and take some quality shots at him and each other in this show on FUEL TV.
The Wakeboarding industry had one of the biggest nights it has ever seen on September 9th 2012 at Hard Rock Live at Universal in Orlando
Florida when Red Bull put on Toasted – The Roast of Parks Bonifay. Parks Bonifay is the biggest names and icons in wakeboarding and that has made him a perfect target. This party is both a toast and a roast for Parks, but the roasting dominated the night. Whether it was rosters roasting each other or roasting Parks, the night was full of really funny jabs, uppercuts and straight kicks to the junk.
The roasters: fellow athletes; Shane Bonifay, Eric Ruck, Danny Harf, Adam Errington, Zane Schwenk, with guest athletes; Ronnie Renner and Ryan Scheckler and guest comedians; Dan Levy and Tammy Pescatelli along with host Sal Masekela took the gloves off and let the heckling fly.
MO. Disabled Water Ski Assn. New Year’s Day Event
Every year for some 36 years now a "St. Louis tradition" has taken place called the New Years Day Polar Bear Water Ski. You are invited to participate this year as a Polar Bear Sponsor, Skier, Donor, or Spectator. Your cheers will be greatly appreciated during the New Years Day Polar Bear Water Ski down on the St. Louis Riverfront right under the Gateway Arch New Years Day.
We are asking you at this time to consider supporting MDWSA by becoming a Sponsor of the New Years Day Polar Bear Water Ski. Your sponsorship and participation will make it possible for us to continue to grow this organization, purchase specialized adaptive water ski equipment, and provide adaptive water ski clinic(s) in 2012. Water ski equipment for the disabled is specialized gear and quite expensive. Each specialized water ski board costs $2000.
Those who cannot become a sponsor, please consider making a Gift to MDWSA for your Tax savings. Please find a Sponsorship Page outlining the Giving Levels and Benefits, a Reply Form, and a Fact Sheet that summarizes our mission, core values, and philosophy behind our organization.
Video: 43@43 Official Trailer
See the official trailer for 43@43, the documentary that takes you through the career of Jeff Rodgers through Fall 2010, where he attempts to match his 1@43 world record from 1997. It continues with his transition from the Open Men to the Masters Men division in 2011, and includes interviews with Branson Blair, John Cox, Jeff Crouch, Kristi Overton Johnson and Lucky Lowe.
HO Skier Jon Travers Finishes on Top with Syndicate A2
It's not everyday that one can say they placed 1st in a tournament and broke a ski record, but Professional HO Ski Team Rider Jon Travers did just that over this past weekend.
While using his HO Syndicate A2 Water Ski, Travers ended up scoring a a score of 2@41’ off (10.25m) at the Pan-Ams Finals in Guadalajara, Mexico. Not only did his score help him take first, but also helped him break the Pan American Record that has been sitting at top for almost 10 years now. Travers strategy was to take it easy in the prelims, and save it all for the finals, on Sunday, and it definitely paid off for him.
While skiing in the tournament, Travers used theHO Syndicate A2, a water ski that continues to prove itself time and time again. This ski is designed for awesome speed and aggressive turns, which helps give you great times out on the course. WaterSkis.com now has the 2012 A2 in stock, and is ready to be shipped. If your in need of any other waterski accessories, you've come to the right spot, WaterSkis.com is the place to fills your needs! For more specifications on the HO A2, check out the video below:
For more information on Traver's weekend in Guadalajara, click here
Team Radar Looks Good in Pink
The NFL isn’t the only sport donning pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. More than 30% of water skiers worldwide are female, so Radar Skis has joined the fight to protect them. Check out more than a dozen shots of Trent Finlayson, Aaron Larkin, Matt Rini, Chris Rossi, Brooks Wilson and K.C. Wilson in a very pink ski sesh at Matt Rini’s.
Along with early detection, studies show that a moderate exercise regimen correlates to a drop in breast cancer, so get out there and water ski! Radar Skis has pledged their continued support to help make a difference, so stay tuned.
Video: Stereo Wakeski Open Series
The US Wakeski Open is the final event of the Stereo Open Series, the US Wakeski Open will take place at Orlando Watersports Complex on October 22, 2011. A winner will be crowned for both the boat and cable disciplines. “OWC is one of very few locations in the US where we are able to run a boat and cable competition side-by-side, making it an ideal spot for this event,” says Stereo Wakeski Co. CEO and owner, Jens-Martin Johnsrud.
The very first wakeski competition in the US took place at OWC in September 2009 where Chad Buechler (USA) took home both titles. As defending champion, Chad is expected on the starting dock when the event kicks off, along with Ryan Jones, two-time European Wakeski Open champ Sebastien Coll, and 2011 Stereo EU Cable Jam winner Chris Böttcher.
“Riders are expected to master technical moves on both rails and kickers, as well as several air tricks, to take home the cable title; in the boat event, riders need to show the judges’ new tricks performed with height, technical difficulty and style,” said Stereo Wakeski co-owner and sales/marketing manager, Kristian Hvaara. “Stereo is still offering a $1,000 reward for the first 720 behind the boat, so this event would be the perfect place to do that.” stereoskis.com/
Watch the wrap up from the European Open:
First Look: 2012 Connelly Skis Water Ski Gear
Check out the newest gear for 2012 from Connelly Skis, including skis, bindings, vests and gloves.
Water Skis
2012 Connelly Skis Prophecy
Running into 41’ off consistently requires extreme talent and an extreme ski, which is why Jamie Beauchesne’s signature Prophecy is more than 90% carbon to withstand the test of time. In fact, Prophecy comes with a lifetime warranty. Each one is flex tested, rocker checked, weighed and serial numbered to validate Connelly’s high standards, resulting in a user-friendly, balanced ski with side-to-side constancy. For 2012, Connelly added three V-steps to the hull to increase the efficiency of water flow. Fast, smooth and predictable, the Prophecy offers the biggest sweet spot on the market and has a wake-to-wake angle you have previously only dreamed about.
2012 Connelly Skis Carbon V
The best 34 mph ski on the market, Carbon V has a super light density foam core and is wrapped with 70% carbon for a light, fast feel on the water. The carbon provides stiffness that delivers unreal speed out of the turn, and six V-shaped steps are molded into the hull for more efficient water flow. A narrow tail lets the ski sit deep in the turns, while a slightly wider tip provides surface area for a smooth, non-critical turn. This ski is exactly what tournament level 34-mph skiers are looking for – wide, early and forgiving.
2012 Connelly Skis V
The most innovative ski design in 15 years, V is the most forgiving and comfortable 34 mph ski on the market thanks to step technology. Less wetted surface area means more efficient water flow with less drag, resulting in a freer feeling on the water. Add a slightly wider ski, a softer flex pattern and a proven rocker line and you have the perfect ski.
2012 Connelly Skis HP
An amazing traditional intermediate ski, the HP is smooth and forgiving. The shallow and narrow tunnel stabilizes the ski for just cruising the lake, and allows for carving huge turns into the late afternoon. Well suited for all water conditions, HP delivers pure enjoyment for the recreational skier with versatility that is second to none.
2012 Connelly Skis SP
The SP takes the best features in ski design from the Concept and alters the flex pattern for the ladies. The softer layup and forgiving ski design make for a smooth day on the lake for women of all skill levels. With soft, round bevels and a large flat spot under the bindings, the SP delivers smooth carving turns, superior tracking and stability whether this is your first slalom or your first set through the local course.
2012 Connelly Skis Outlaw
Shaped skis have revolutionized water skiing, and the Outlaw is no exception. The wider tip and tail create added surface area that improves deep water starts and allows smoothness and effortless performance up into the 32 mph range.
Skier Vs. Skier: Freddy and Karen
We’ve already challenged newlyweds and a brother-sister duo. Now we’re putting longtime husband and wife Freddy Krueger and Karen Truelove to the test to see how well each one knows the other.
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What has been the biggest challenge for Karen to overcome?
He says: She’s injured both ACLs (and had a C-section when she had [our son] Dash in March of ’09). It’s challenging because everything has to stop and you have to focus your whole attention on getting over that injury. She says: Just learning how to let go of a bad set. How has parenthood changed Karen’s outlook on skiing?
He says: Dealing with the negatives of the sport, [being a parent] makes it much easier to let that stuff roll off your back. We can both see a bigger picture now. She says: It’s taught me a lot about time management. How do you handle tournament ups and downs together?
He says: The only real challenge for us is that Karen skis early in the day and I’m late. She says: We communicate well through the ups and the downs. What does Karen consider her greatest strength as a skier?
He says: There’s no one in our sport I can think of who’s done more than she has after an injury. After her second knee surgery, she won her first pro event after only five months of recovery and went on to win five pro events that year. She says: I can go to a tournament and be competitive, even after a not-so-great pre-tournament run. How does Karen like to unwind after a hard week?
He says: She enjoys her time with Dash and our dogs. Otherwise she likes doing a little shopping. She says: Going to dinner and a movie. We’ll just assume I can get a babysitter [laughs]. |
At what time of the day is Freddy most productive?
She says: Freddy is a night owl. I’m not a crazy early morning person, but from 8 to noon is when I can usually get the most done. For him, it’s more like 9 p.m. comes around, and he’s like, ‘OK, now I can get some stuff done’ [laughs]. He’s come around to more of my schedule. He says: Karen is definitely a morning person and I am exactly the opposite. What has been the biggest training/skiing challenge for Freddy to overcome?
She says: Night jumping – he spent quite a bit of time trying to overcome his [performance-related] issues with that. He says: Dealing with all the minor injuries after taking a crash. What’s Freddy’s weirdest training ritual or habit?
She says: Freddy’s pretty easygoing. I’m a little stumped here. He’s got a pretty typical routine. Same thing for me. I’ve purposefully tried to do my warm-up so that I don’t rely on anything. He says: I think we’re both pretty flexible, because you have to be if you’re doing a lot of tournaments. I have a very systematic way of putting on my equipment, but I don’t know that it’s all that weird. What does Freddy consider his greatest strength as a skier?
She says: His ability to have a one-track mind. He’s very good at focusing. He says: My ability to push the limit. What does Freddy like to eat after a hard set?
She says: He’s pretty much always up for Mexican. He says: I love Mexican. WE SAY: It’s obvious how much Karen and Freddy care about and support each other. A great match!
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