4 years later...32 off!

[André]

Been running my 28 for 4 long summers without ever getting close of making 32.PB was standing at 3 balls...:(
Bought a new Nomad this year thinking it would help me.
It didn't help for one more single buoy...until tonite!!!:banana:
Had just finish a pizza slice in the boat and wasn't expecting any record when i jumped in the 79 f water.
Been starting my set at 15 instead of 22 lately just to practice a bit without rushing things and ran a smooth and easy 15.
Good thing we we're late so the sun wasn't hiding 2 ball coming back at 22 and i ran it easy.
28 was a copy.16.96 sec.
Driver moved the rope to 32...
Had a real good gate and 1.
2 is my good side and i was early at 3.
Good side on 4 and took more speed that i wanted too to get to 5.
And then ,the last thing you want to do is start thinking about the 5 ball monster or"I'm gonna make it" and both went through my mind with all that speed i was carrying to 5 but made a nice easy turn and waited to finish the turn and went around 6 easy with a big grin on my face!!!

I ran 32.At 43 years old,tonite i ran 32 off for the first time.
It was a goal in my life.Took me 4 years of blisters,backaches(a lot!),cracked ribs and some nasty OTFs...
Got tears in my eyes but i'm one hell of a happy wally tonite...:toast:

[T Scott]

Great Job Andre!! Keep skiing hard!

Tom

[BriEOD]

Well done Andre, well done my friend! :toast:

[dmayer84]

Great job!!

[ivectoryou]

I have no clue what any of that means (first year with a boat), but I can read that you accomplished a difficult goal through much practice and perseverance. For that, I say CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I ran a marathon at age 40. I met my goals of 1. Starting 2. Finishing 3.Not walking 4. Finishing in under 4 hours. Being 6'2" and 205lbs at the time made it a little more difficult that it would be if I was 5'6" and 135lbs. like some of those fast guys. Anyway, feels good doesn't it?!!!!

[ski_king]

Congrats Andre! Dosn't it feel good?

Now that you made that goal, what is next?

[tex]

Like fine wine my brutha! Congrats!

[André]

I have no clue what any of that means (first year with a boat), but I can read that you accomplished a difficult goal through much practice and perseverance. For that, I say CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I ran a marathon at age 40. I met my goals of 1. Starting 2. Finishing 3.Not walking 4. Finishing in under 4 hours. Being 6'2" and 205lbs at the time made it a little more difficult that it would be if I was 5'6" and 135lbs. like some of those fast guys. Anyway, feels good doesn't it?!!!!
You say you have no clue but you perfectly get it!!!
Thanks for the kind words guys.Not trying to brag about it,just really really ...ya,proud of me ,for once!:)
May sound stupid as a goal in life but the good thing is that you can change it.

As ric would say:"Gunning for 35"!

[André]

Congrats Andre! Dosn't it feel good?

Now that you made that goal, what is next?

You know it. 35 off!:D
And more falls and backaches and blisters...you know,LIFE!!!:)

[sanjuan23]

Andre CONGRATS to you and your new accomplishment!

[shepherd]

Great job Andre!
Congratulations! I have a cocktail in hand. Salut!

[peason]

Wash that pizza down with some beer! Great job!

[André]

Thank shep!
I took some videos of my skiing last week with a 100$ HP digital camera lasy t week.Easy to operate and while the quality of the image is not perfect ,i was able to CLEARLY saw some mistakes i was making like reaching like an idiot when i didn't have to.
That was my main focus tonite,skiing with a tight rope ,extending only what you need and i didn't get any slack ropes like usual.
Will continue to get videos as i think their great help to understand what's going on...:)

peason:Going on my third.Is it OK to call in sick 2 days after coming back of 5 straight weeks of vacations?

[Willski]

Cool. Last year I made a 28 pass at a few hundredths slow. 2 balls at 28 this year, although I haven't skied much. Never tried 32 off. Great to reach a goal. Congrats.

[betsy&david Harrison]

Congrats Andre! But now you know that you won't be satisfied until you get 35 off now...right? It just doesn't end does it? :D

[ilikeitglacy]

Nice job dude!!!! and , believe me, i know what you been through!!!:)

[Brent]

I knew you could do & now you now as well .Why didn't mention the 1 ball @35off you got ? Good job I hear foot steps.:D

[Leroy]

Congrats Andre! REally happy for you and glad to see you work on something and achieve a great milestone!

Keep going!

[h2oskifreak]

Congrats, Andre' I also ran my first 32' recently and have made it 5 times since. I am 41 y/o and got away from skiing for 20 years. I am curious why you didn't shorten to 35', if you skied into 32'? I think you should get to 35' next time you run it. I did each time and first got 1, then 1 1/2, now my P.B. is 3 @35'. Push yourself, but be safe and if your skiing into 32', forget 15' off you don't need it anymore.

[rodltg2]

congrats thats awesome! this is my 4th year skiing the course and im hoping to run 28 by the end of summer. i can only get 4 so far. hopefully will get some attempts at 32 next year.

[sizzler]

Well done andre......all you need to do now is throw that ski away and get on your feet ......


:D :D :D

[H20skeefreek]

Congrats Andre!

[ProTour X9]

Awesome Andre! I think you should be in Rewind '08!!! Great Job!

[beef]

Nice pass!! Congrats! How was the crack at 35?

[BeavenX5]

Congratulations André. Nice job.
I hope your lake was better than mine as it was still very windy up North last nite. Making a PB in choppy conditions is double the reward...

Keep pushing and I hope the 35off will take you less than 4 year.8p

[TMCNo1]

Congratulations and now 35 off is in sight. Keep up the good work!

[chudson]

Way to go Andre, I really admire you guys who can ski the course. Though I've never done it myself I can understand your acomplishment, good job!!!

[pq2]

:toast: CONGRATULATIONS!!!! thats awsome, well done Andre, keep working hard. :toast:

[André]

Wasn't going to ski the morning set due to backache but the lake was pure glass.
One of my neighbor in her Malibu stopped by my dock as i was stretching to ask if i needed a pull.Said no thanks my back hurts.
But when i saw her husband get in to the water with a slalom stick(He's a wakeboarder!) that was too much for me to handle...

Lowered the boat from the lift and went to find them at the course.
Skied 1 @ 35 right off the dock!!!:banana: :woohoo:
Don't know if i was skiing nice because of the pain but my second 32 off in my life was sooooooooooooooooooooo easy i had my fist in the air before turning 6!
Even got it on video!
Began fin tweaking and tape myself lately and it seems to pay back!:)

[BrianM]

Great job Andre. I missed this thread first time around. We are currently tied at 1@35 for PBs. Feels good!

[André]

Great job Andre. I missed this thread first time around. We are currently tied at 1@35 for PBs. Feels good!
Thanks Brian but remember i'm skiing "Ladies"speed !lol
How much deeper can you go when you ski 34 ?
I imagine a full pass more?
Skiing today?:)

[BrianM]

Yeah skiing this afternoon. Couldn't tell you about skiing 34mph as I haven't done that since I picked the speed up to 36 two years ago.

[André]

Yeah skiing this afternoon. Couldn't tell you about skiing 34mph as I haven't done that since I picked the speed up to 36 two years ago.
Ya,i forgot how young you were...;)
By the way your profile still say 88 Prostar.Nostalgic?:D
Any pix from that private site you ski?

[Brent]

So when do we get to see the video? André why don't you come to Michel Soucyès tournament this Sept, it is being held at Benoit Allard's site. What fin adjustments are you doing?Was that set behind the boo or your boat?Congrats!!!:D

[mccobmd]

Hey, no need to apologize, goals are the things we should revel in accomplishing or thoroughly enjoy while we are attempting, Congrats, and by the way, I'm 42 and the first time I fly from one wake to the other flat without making a big hole in the water I'll be all over this board.

[tex]

I really dig this thread....keep ripping Andre!

[6ballsisall]

Congrats Andre!! We need pics and video!

[Ric]

Congratulations sir!

[MSOUCY-TT]

André, you are now on the list of skiers for my tournament on the week-end of sept-8-9. First day is 3 slaloms rounds. Sunday is 1 slalom round end the best of your 4 passes(should be 1@32!) will place you on the HEAD-TO-HEAD board. Starting at 10:30, 2 PS197 TT will drive next to each others in 2 course side-by-side...

Michel
p.s.: a private message is sent

[pq2]

Good Luck André!!!

[Brent]

Here view of a pass last year.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=48IJooMRVZo

[shepherd]

_______________

[André]

Andre, what video equipment are you using? Do you use a pylon mount or have an observer to work the camera?

Good job on the 35 off!
I use a really cheap hand held digital camera.HP M437.
Give me 30 minutes of video ,i couldn't beleive it myself when i used it the first time in that mode.Thaught it would be more like 30 seconds!
So easy a child could use it in the video mode.Already got 50 clips of skiing on my computer.
Everything you ever read about seeing yourself on tape beeing very helpful is true!Once you actually see yourself making a mistake and watching it a couples of times,it seems to be easier to correct in your next pass.
try it if you can!:)

[shepherd]

______________

[André]

I did the same thing last week with my cheap digital camera. It does help, I agree.

So I guess you're not using a pylon mount? We almost always ski without an observer, so nobody to work the camera for me. :(
Shep
Check out BrianM video .He's using a "ski tracker" i think...
http://www.tmcowners.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=18536

[east tx skier]

Been running my 28 for 4 long summers without ever getting close of making 32.PB was standing at 3 balls...:(
Bought a new Nomad this year thinking it would help me.
It didn't help for one more single buoy...until tonite!!!:banana:
Had just finish a pizza slice in the boat and wasn't expecting any record when i jumped in the 79 f water.
Been starting my set at 15 instead of 22 lately just to practice a bit without rushing things and ran a smooth and easy 15.
Good thing we we're late so the sun wasn't hiding 2 ball coming back at 22 and i ran it easy.
28 was a copy.16.96 sec.
Driver moved the rope to 32...
Had a real good gate and 1.
2 is my good side and i was early at 3.
Good side on 4 and took more speed that i wanted too to get to 5.
And then ,the last thing you want to do is start thinking about the 5 ball monster or"I'm gonna make it" and both went through my mind with all that speed i was carrying to 5 but made a nice easy turn and waited to finish the turn and went around 6 easy with a big grin on my face!!!

I ran 32.At 43 years old,tonite i ran 32 off for the first time.
It was a goal in my life.Took me 4 years of blisters,backaches(a lot!),cracked ribs and some nasty OTFs...
Got tears in my eyes but i'm one hell of a happy wally tonite...:toast:

I'm so late on this thread, it's embarassing. Congrats, Andre! Now go do it again! ;)

[BrianM]

Shep
Check out BrianM video .He's using a "ski tracker" i think...
http://www.tmcowners.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=18536
Yep I am using a traker video mount with my Olypus Stylus 720sw digital camera that videos in 720x1080. Someone around here has plans on how to make a traker yourself if you want to save a few bucks. Normally the camera takes much clearer video but it was set in macro mode.

[André]

Congrats, Andre! Now go do it again! ;)
And again tonite,1 @ 35 off the dock and a new PB of 1.5 on my second try at 35!!!
Uploaded my video on youtube yesterday pm but it's still unavailable for viewing...Is it normal?

[André]

Tried twice to download my video on youtube.
When i look at my account, i can see the date and time,and the specsof the video i downloaded it but at the line that says :Broadcast /public it's also written "failed" but doesn't say why.
Anyone knows another place i can put my video?
I'm on dial up but don't mind the time to download.
T.I.A.
It's about 35 secs long and 10 something bytes...:)

[BrianM]

www.putfile.com

[beef]

Put it on video.google.com. I find the quality of the uploaded video is better on Google videos (even thought they own youtube).

[wade95]

Congrats on the new PB! It's been years since I've been behind a "real" boat and remember the days of watching my friends trying to obtain their P.B's. Never was much of a slalom skier (think my PB was 3@full length.) Dont laugh to hard guys n gals. However, I've been a passenger when 32's and 35's were being run. 41's scared the crap outta me. Nobody should be that close to a boat! Haaaa

[André]

Can someone try this link and see if it works?
Thanks!
http://media.putfile.com/Andre-32-off

[ski_king]

Can someone try this link and see if it works?
Thanks!
http://media.putfile.com/Andre-32-off
Works for me!
Good Job!

[MarkP]

Worked ok for me too. Except, everything was in French?? What gives??

[André]

Works for me!
Good Job!
Thanks!
Not sure if it is for the skiing or finally being able to upload it somewhere but i'll take it!;)
Notice my 94 wake at 32 off,34 mph and one of my best turn at # 2!!!:D

[André]

Worked ok for me too. Except, everything was in French?? What gives??

What are you doing here?:confused:
Is your bike chain broken?8p

[ski_king]

Worked ok for me too. Except, everything was in French?? What gives??

The sub titles must not work for you.

[MarkP]

What are you doing here?:confused:
Is your bike chain broken?8p
It’s raining and René got stuck going into work last night/all night.. My ski crew got out this morning before the rain but I was grounded. Oh well, always next week.
Oh, and, Great job!! Your going to have to hold a ski clinic..

[MarkP]

The sub titles must not work for you.
I’m going to try to changing some computer settings and give it another go!!

[BrianM]

Very nice looking pass!

[wade95]

Wow, good video. You made it look easy!!!!

[Brent]

Andrè
If you can run 32off like that you should have no problem running it even if you get a little behind in the pass, I know you are capable of running it, even if it gets a little ugly. You now have to take your shots @35off & all I can offer you is to turn in slowly & be patient @ the turn balls. Are you coming to the tournament?:) You & Natalie are welcome to stay at my place if the drive is to much of an obstacle(the dog to).

[shepherd]

BUMP!

I can't seem to make that 32 off pass. 4 ball keeps tripping me up (if I make it that far!). Just made a PB of 4 at 32 off a couple weeks ago, but that's it. Then I remembered this thread and asked myself "how did Andre' do it?" I'm trying again tomorrow morning.

How's it going Andre'? Working on that 35 off now? :)

[sk8salomon]

wow, this is a cool thread, especially because i've been messing with 32 this year. although i've run the pass twice, it is still no way a gimme yet. the most important factor for me is the gate. at first, i always bumped up the intensity for 32 bringing way too much speed to 1ball. my timing was off, i wheelied the turn, and 2ball was always rough. a guy at my ski club told me that @ 32, the boat gives you a little more "whip" so you acutally have to do less work behind the boat. so now i try to edge hard early with an early edge change and carry the ski out to 1ball with all kinds of time to setup the turn. it works well for me! 2@35 is my pb right now.

[André]

Hi guys!
I did ran it more often lately but really not easy.
Like sk8,i'mtaking too much speed into one and getting slack rope.It seems that i can,t hold my direction going outward after the second wake at the gate.Working on keeping my handle close and changing edge earlier.
When i can turn one with no slack, i usually get deep or run it.
Didn',t ran it this morning in 2 sets.
4 was all i could do.As far as it goes at 35,still can't turn two ball...
My forearms hurts from holding slacks lines!

Don't give up Shep,I'm sure you,ll run it in the next few days and you'll have that big:)
on your face!

PS.
This morning was set # 112 since May 1 st.!:cool:

[shepherd]

I didn't even try 32 today. I decided to back up a bit and concentrate on technique at the longer line lengths (22 and 28). My problem has definitely been too much speed at 1 ball causing slack at shorter lines. I think I almost have that licked.

Like you guys said, I need to hang onto the handle longer and maybe start my edge change earlier, while keeping the handle close in to the body. So, I've been working on that. I also keep "reaching around the ball" too early in the turns, trying to rush things I guess, so that I end up leaning too far forward in the turns. This makes it hard to be in proper position for the pull across the wakes when it comes.

It's hard to beat those old habits! I'll get it. My goal for this year is to run a full 32 off pass. Good thing our "year" ends on Dec 31 down here!

[BrianM]

What has really helped me is thinking SLOW gate. Make the turn in and get your edge set before you start leaning. It is natural to try and speed everything up when getting to a shorter line. I have found that I am most successful when I am more patient. Let that ski completely finish the turn and come all the way around before getting into the lean. Leaning before the ski has finished gives you rotten angle, warp speed, slack and makes you narrow at the next ball.

I am finally starting to get this concept and have gone from 2-4 balls at 32 to running 32 a good 60-70% of the time.

[shepherd]

I have found that I am most successful when I am more patient. Let that ski completely finish the turn and come all the way around before getting into the lean.


Great advice Brian. I know that's what I need to do, but it's hard to force myself to be patient when I'm coming up on the ball at 100 mph. :rolleyes: Guess I'll keep working on it!

[André]

Well,4 balls again tonite!:(
Brian,how do you slow the gate?Do you still get high on the b0at?
113 sets and only ran it 14 timesthis year .5 tries tonite only...14 for today.:(

[BrianM]

Well,4 balls again tonite!:(
Brian,how do you slow the gate?Do you still get high on the b0at?
113 sets and only ran it 14 timesthis year .5 tries tonite only...14 for today.:(

Yes you still have to get up just as high on the boat. What I mean by slow is when you make that turn in. At least for me my natural tendency is to make a quick turn in and then tear into a massive lean/pull as quickly as possible so I can get a good start. This is NOT what you want to do. All this does is make you go into 1 ball narrow at 100mph and usually results in lots of slack.

What has been successful is the SLOW gate. Pull out getting high up on the boat. Make a nice turn in for the gate letting your ski and body come all the way around. Another way to think of it is skiing all the way back under the handle. Once that ski has turned and you have as much angle as possible then get into your good lean position. Here even if you made a nice turn in the tendency is to lean/pull as hard as you can as soon as you can. Don't! Think of it as a progressive pull. Starting at the white water and then progressively leaning/pulling harder through the wake with your strongest pull lean only coming right behind the boat. Doing this will allow you to maintain that angle you created with the good 'slow' turn in. When you rip it as soon as possible there is no way for you to maintain that much angle. The boat will win and pull you narrow at warp speed every time.

Slow is all relative because obviously it all comes quick. I have just found that thinking to myself 'slow gate' and being patient always results in much better passes. You carry this same principle with you all the way down the course as well. Nice complete turns, get into position and then a progressive lean/pull going over to the next ball.

[sk8salomon]

nice advice Brian, that sounds right.

last night i ran 5-1/2 @32 but me and my two ski buds played a little game.
1st was a typical tournament competition straight up the rope.
2nd was a spin-to-win with chose your own rope length. i ran 22 2times then 3rd pass 4ball got me. it is tougher than you think immediately after your 1st set. try it just to change it up!

[André]

Not a big step but still a new PB.Was able to ski just inside ball 3 at 34/35 off twice last nite.
The important thing is that now,i KNOW i can run that loop!!!

[shepherd]

Congrats Andre!

If you can get 2, you should be able to get 6! At least that's what I keep telling myself before every failed 32 off attempt. Is it really going to take me 4 years??? :(

[#47of100TeamMC]

awesome skiing Andre. Can't wait to keep reading up on this thread. I have to live vicariously through you! When you say you have had 113+ passes this year, I only wish I could have half that many. I think I'm somewhere in the 20's but that's what happens when you don't live on a lake, but trailer your boat to a public lake, and also have a baby in the same summer.

Keep it up!
Best of luck to you!

[mitch]

Not a big step but still a new PB.Was able to ski just inside ball 3 at 34/35 off twice last nite.
The important thing is that now,i KNOW i can run that loop!!!


Not sure how I've missed this tread- congrats André

[Kevin 89MC]

Looks like I never chimed in on this thread. A very belated congrats to you Andre, and the others here posting PB's. It's great to hear you guys stating your problems, and figuring out solutions. I know that it helps me. This board is great!

Course skiing sure is addicting! Now that I'm finally into 22 off, hopefully next year I'll get into 28 off, and beyond! :)
Kevin

[André]

Looks like I never chimed in on this thread. A very belated congrats to you Andre, and the others here posting PB's. It's great to hear you guys stating your problems, and figuring out solutions. I know that it helps me. This board is great!

Course skiing sure is addicting! Now that I'm finally into 22 off, hopefully next year I'll get into 28 off, and beyond! :)
Kevin

Thanks!
Once you get to shorthened the rope is where the fun really begin!
That board is (used to be) great but also check out ,if you don't already do,Nicholl's and 15 off.com! Great places to learn more...
http://www.thewaterskiforum.com/
http://www.fifteenoff.com/

[BriEOD]

Glad to see your head is still above water Andre. I hope your having a great summer, albeit getting shorter.

Man...I miss the old days!!

[André]

Man...I miss the old days!!

Me too!
You're in DC?
Are you running beside the President Limo?;)
Hope the family wasn't too much disturb by the move...:)
5 at 32 twice tonite,water is 66.
You're skiing there?

[sizzler]

good work mon ami........

[sethro]

I was hoping I could add to this thread before the end of the year. I finally ran a full 32off pass (34mph) yesterday. I can't understand why it was such a struggle for me compared to 28off...I felt like I should be able to do it for the last two years, but never did. The last few times out I had been getting 3-4 balls regularly at 32off, and once got to five in plenty of time for six...but of course started to celebrate too early and ended up with the five ball stall...wheely at five and didn't even pull for six. But yesterday it happened and was nice and smooth...even smoother than the 28off pass that preceeded it.

I've been really trying to incorporate BrianM's tips in this thread and they have really helped. Thanks BrianM :D The absolute key for my success is to let the ski finish the turn...especially the off side turn.

[BrianM]

Great job sethro. Glad my tips have helped. I think I have finally tamed the 32 off demon. My past 3 times out I have been running it 80%. Now if I could just get a full pass at 35. Been running 2 at 35 nearly every attempt but that off side turn at 2 ball is killing me.

[shepherd]

Been running 2 at 35 nearly every attempt but that off side turn at 2 ball is killing me.

Put your right foot forward. ;)

Those tips about the progressive pull through the gates has helped me with my one ball. Thanks Brian. I'm going to make that 32 off pass this year. And congrats sethro.

[André]

Congrats sethro!Keep it up!Did you try 35?

Went to my first sanctionned tournament this morning,2 rounds of traditionnal slalom...
After skiing about 150 sets at home this summer,skiing another site was quite a challenge.
The course had mini,adapted and regular turn bouys.So much bouys that i had to always look for the right ones.
Desastrous results and a very humbling experience to say the least...3 and 3.5 at ...28 off:(
Was hoping to get into deep 32 at least...Not very proud!
Waiting for the wind to go down to try to redeem myself tonite at home.:o

[André]

Put your right foot forward. ;)


LOL!!!
Shep got to see the guy that...huh,never mind.;)
Will ship the DVD this week!

[sethro]

I did pull it in to 35off, though I would have been better off just sticking to 32off. But I figured I better set my new personal best while I could. I skied just inside of number 2 at 35off on both attempts at it, due to the slight slack and hesitation coming out of 1. Darn offside turn at 1 ball, right BrianM? :)

The crazy thing is I started at 15off because I was "just going to have fun" and not worry about 32off. But 15, 22, and 28 flowed so smoothly I couldn't resist. I hadn't started at 15off since I believe the first time in the course this year...except that couple of weeks this summer when I decided I was going to ski 36mph and that was that. :mad:

Now if I could just succeed at 36mph. I've done the 5 ball stall at 28off a couple of times at 36mph, but have never run that pass. But then again, I've only got one more year before I'm not ashamed of myself for going 34mph.

[sk8salomon]

I hadn't started at 15off since I believe the first time in the course this year...except that couple of weeks this summer when I decided I was going to ski 36mph and that was that. :mad:

.

its not where you start, but where you end that matters!
last year i dropped the 15 off pass but went back to it this year! a good warm up gimme never hurts anybody!

[pq2]

Congratulations Andre!!!

[shepherd]

Got a legitimate 6 @ 32 today. :headbang:

Next pass was only 1/2 @ 35, but got 2 @ 35 on my next try. 35 off doesn't seem so hard... :rolleyes:;)

[BriEOD]

Wow...that is awesome.

[André]

Got a legitimate 6 @ 32 today. :headbang:

Next pass was only 1/2 @ 35, but got 2 @ 35 on my next try. 35 off doesn't seem so hard... :rolleyes:;)

Did you had that kid smile on your face after?
Congrats shep.I know you've been working hard on that loop for a while and it's paying off.
I hope you had a couples of cold ones to celebrate!!!:toast:
Congrats again and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment!
Our p.b. is now the same!

[shepherd]

Thanks Andre and Brian. It's a relief, but now I need to work on making it (32 off) consistent (you know how that goes...). Hell, most days I'm still struggling to make a clean 28 off pass. But I still celebrated with a few cold ones today. :)

[JohnE]

Got a legitimate 6 @ 32 today. :headbang:

Next pass was only 1/2 @ 35, but got 2 @ 35 on my next try. 35 off doesn't seem so hard... :rolleyes:;)


Nice job, Jim. Heck you made it look easy a few weeks ago.:D

[jamisonsbrodie]

Thanks Andre and Brian. It's a relief, but now I need to work on making it (32 off) consistent (you know how that goes...). Hell, most days I'm still struggling to make a clean 28 off pass. But I still celebrated with a few cold ones today. :)

Congrats as well. Your consistentcy will depend on your gate and 1 ball, because it is just too hard to recover at the shorter lengths. If you start late, it wrecks 2 and 3. If you are early, you probably missed the gate. I fought with 35 all last year, and when I finally got it, it was because I had a perfect gate and 1 ball. I am now trying to get that perfect gate again, but have yet to do it at 35. I run 3-4 consistently, but my problem starts at the gate. My pull out, and turn in are different for every rope length, and getting it just right at 35 is my biggest challenge, but it is starting to come back. I am LFF, and the biggest help for me was bringing the handle up and to the left, just before my turn in. It allows my hips to drop into place easier, and therefore give me the angle that I need. I just need to get my timing dialed in so that I am consistently going through just inside the right gate bouy

P.S. Don't be afraid to run passes working on just gate, 1, and 2 ball.

[André]

Congrats as well. Your consistentcy will depend on your gate and 1 ball, because it is just too hard to recover at the shorter lengths. If you start late, it wrecks 2 and 3. If you are early, you probably missed the gate. I fought with 35 all last year, and when I finally got it, it was because I had a perfect gate and 1 ball. I am now trying to get that perfect gate again, but have yet to do it at 35. I run 3-4 consistently, but my problem starts at the gate. My pull out, and turn in are different for every rope length, and getting it just right at 35 is my biggest challenge, but it is starting to come back. I am LFF, and the biggest help for me was bringing the handle up and to the left, just before my turn in. It allows my hips to drop into place easier, and therefore give me the angle that I need. I just need to get my timing dialed in so that I am consistently going through just inside the right gate bouy

P.S. Don't be afraid to run passes working on just gate, 1, and 2 ball.

Totally agree about the gate thing.When i time it right,my 32 off seems so easy.
We had no pre gates before but adding them this year hoping to help on the timing of the pull out and gate.
If i ever run 35,i'll be one happy Wally...:rolleyes:

[bxroads]

Shep, those who ski better than I say that the water up here ski's awesome! (what the hell are they talking about?) You need to get your butt in gear.

[shepherd]

I thought about coming up over the weekend, but the rain changed my mind. How was the water? Did that east wind mess it up?

Andre', how's that 35 off pass going? I agree with the gates/1 ball thing. If you don't get 1 ball right, it ain't going to happen.

[André]

I thought about coming up over the weekend, but the rain changed my mind. How was the water? Did that east wind mess it up?

Andre', how's that 35 off pass going? I agree with the gates/1 ball thing. If you don't get 1 ball right, it ain't going to happen.

Only 6 sets in this year,weather sucks big time.Course is at the bottom of the lake,10 feet,but will be ready this week end.
Tried counter rotating my upper body on my off side turn.wasn't able at first but suddenly got some very good tightline turns with a lot of ski edge in the water...Great feeling!:)

[bxroads]

Shep, it rained here all day Saturday and Sunday. Monday was mostly bad too but we managed to get a few sets in. The water was smooth between showers. As a shower would blow in the wind would pick up to 20+ but then die back down as the shower passed.

[bxroads]

As a side note I formed severe pain in both arms from my mid forearm to the bicep. If I twisted my wrist at all (opening the door, answering phone, eating, putting on deoderant, etc) I felt a tremendous shock that would make me drop whatever I was doing. Luckily, yesterday I saw a friend who is an orthopedic specializing in hands and arms and he diagnosed it right away as an irritated radial nerve. I got a steroid shot and pack of steroids in pill form (downed six yesterday) and this morning I woke up 90% better, it barely hurts. Awesome! I'm ready to ski! I was sweating it there for a while.

[jamisonsbrodie]

Totally agree about the gate thing.When i time it right,my 32 off seems so easy.
We had no pre gates before but adding them this year hoping to help on the timing of the pull out and gate.
If i ever run 35,i'll be one happy Wally...:rolleyes:


55's are a must. It is really hard to time your pull out without them. You will definately see an improvement in your gates. A common mistake is to pull out early (yeah yeah, I know what you are thinking), but then in order to stay wide, you have keep leaning out. With the 55's, you time your pull out so that you have just enough time to glide and start your turn in. Good luck! This is where it really starts to get fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[shepherd]

55's are a must. It is really hard to time your pull out without them. You will definately see an improvement in your gates. A common mistake is to pull out early (yeah yeah, I know what you are thinking), but then in order to stay wide, you have keep leaning out. With the 55's, you time your pull out so that you have just enough time to glide and start your turn in. Good luck! This is where it really starts to get fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The guy I ski with doesn't use the 55s. He always pulls out early, yet he can run 38 off. So I can't say they're a must, but I will say that I use them. I agree that timing my pullout is the key first step. That's probably the most important thing I learned at SkiTek a couple years ago. Wade told me exactly the same thing you said, and I believe it helped.

[Jesus_Freak]

The guy I ski with doesn't use the 55s. He always pulls out early, yet he can run 38 off. So I can't say they're a must, but I will say that I use them. I agree that timing my pullout is the key first step. That's probably the most important thing I learned at SkiTek a couple years ago. Wade told me exactly the same thing you said, and I believe it helped.

At CSM, I noticed your glide was short...much shorter than mine. It looked solid, and you are clearly a better skier. I guess I will have to add this to my list of 38 techniques to work on simultaneously. :rolleyes::D

[shepherd]

What Wade Williams taught (Chris Rossi too, but he wasn't there when I was) was this: You should try to time your pull-out so that you are ready to make your turn in to the gates just before your ski slows down and the boat starts pulling you down course. That will give you the most efficient pull through the gates. i.e., less force/acceleration will be required to get you there. Those guys were all about trying to be light on the handle and letting the boat do as much of the work for you as possible. (That was a couple years ago, and I haven't visited their website in a while, so I can't say they are still teaching the same thing.)

Also, when April Coble was giving lessons at CSM a couple years ago, she taught me to pull out as wide as possible to get maximum angle through the gates, which should get you to #1 early. Both lessons have helped my 1 ball. At least when I can put them into practice.

[jamisonsbrodie]

[QUOTE=shepherd;601664] You should try to time your pull-out so that you are ready to make your turn in to the gates just before your ski slows down and the boat starts pulling you down course. [QUOTE]

That is exactly what I try to do. As a LFF skier, my turn in is my weakest part. By timing it right, and by bringing the handle up and to the left, I feel that I can get the most angle, and most control over my ski. If my pull out is too early, then I lose too much speed. If I pull out too late, I don't have enough time to glide and set up. For RFF, it is easier to get maximum angle through the gates, because you can just drop your hips and go. For LFF, (at least for me) it takes a little more. I do however like to have my on-side at 1 ball.

[shepherd]

The disadvantage with being RFF like me, though, is that 1 ball is an offside turn. :(

[André]

The disadvantage with being RFF like me, though, is that 1 ball is an offside turn. :(

Don't know if you ever saw Andy's video (;)) where he ski a course with balls on both side of the course.Looks fun and even out the odds for both LFF and RFF...

Good postings guys...

[shepherd]

I think I remember reading a Waterski magazine article many years ago where the author (a pro skier) said that being RFF was a disadvantage in the course. I think the logic was that the RFF skier had 3 offside turns (1, 3, 5) and really only two onside turns (2, 4) because the 6 ball didn't matter too much -- if you can get around 6, you can usually make it through the exit gates no matter how ugly the turn was. And as we've been discussing here, the 1 ball turn is the most critical.

Interesting theory. I've even thought about switching to LFF, but that would be like a rightie baseball pitcher switching to his left.

[Jesus_Freak]

I think I remember reading a Waterski magazine article many years ago where the author (a pro skier) said that being RFF was a disadvantage in the course. I think the logic was that the RFF skier had 3 offside turns (1, 3, 5) and really only two onside turns (2, 4) because the 6 ball didn't matter too much -- if you can get around 6, you can usually make it through the exit gates no matter how ugly the turn was. And as we've been discussing here, the 1 ball turn is the most critical.

Agreed, but, as a LFF skier, my gate seriously smells. This sets me up to be late to 1, etc as discussed already. It is hard for me to recover from this. I am not convinced there is any clear advantage. :)

[André]

I got to the course this morning and the conditions were at most a C+ and said to myself no way i have a chance of running my first 32 off of the season.I only tried it a couples of times in about 30 sets this season.After a pair of real easy and clean 22's and 28's i said what the heck and yell to my rope ***** to put 32 on.
Ran an easy pass that felt slower then any previous 32 i ever ran.I couldn't believe how slow it felt and asked for the time,16.97!!!
So just to be sure,i ran another one which was even more easy.Partners in the boat told me they never saw me skiing that well before.
Had such a great gate,1,2 at 35 off that sadly my brain decided to kick in and started thinking about running 35...
So a new training PB of 3@35 off is my Sunday's breakfast!:banana::woohoo:

We installed pre gates last week end and i really think it helps with getting a good gate and starting rythm in the course.
Can't wait for this evening set!
Still 5 more weeks of vacations to go!!!

[Hoosier Bob]

These runs would make a nice video Andre! Great thread and great job!:D

[jamisonsbrodie]

So a new training PB of 3@35 off is my Sunday's breakfast!:banana::woohoo:

We installed pre gates last week end and i really think it helps with getting a good gate and starting rythm in the course.
Can't wait for this evening set!
Still 5 more weeks of vacations to go!!!

Congrats!
Feels awesome doesn't it. The whole pass feels so easy when you have a good gate + 1. 5 more weeks of vacation? Lucky guy!

[shepherd]

Cool Andre! My first successful 32 off pass (last month) was in less than ideal conditions too. There was a pretty good breeze/chop.

I just got back last weekend from a 3 week break from skiing and managed to make a couple 32 passes and barely got around the 4 ball at 35 off - a new PB. For some reason, I always seem to ski better after being off my ski for a week or more. I think the resting time helps.

I was going to head out to the lake this afternoon but it looks pretty stormy out there right now... :(

[André]

I just got back last weekend from a 3 week break from skiing and managed to make a couple 32 passes and barely got around the 4 ball at 35 off - a new PB... :(

What do you mean 4?:mad:
You're really pushing me.You leave with no choice but to run it!!!:rolleyes:
Rest is a good thing sometimes but our season is so short that i can't be away from skiing that long.Weather is so bad though that i'm not able to ski my 2 sets a day,lots of rain and wind so far.

Congrats on the new PB,hope it don't last!!!:)

[shepherd]

I barely managed to get around 4, so technically that would only score as 3 1/2 or 3 1/4.

I actually did make it out tonight and skied a few sets. My 22 and 28 passes went real smooth, but I couldn't manage a 32 pass tonight. Maybe I need another 3 week break. :rolleyes: I know you guys' season just started recently, so it's awesome that you were able to jump back into it like you did. I've had the benefit of a few months practice so far this year...

Good luck with that blue rope.

[bxroads]

Shep, I've been unable to ski for the last 5 weeks. Story goes, I put a course in, ski the course on three occasions, and arm acts up (radial nerve). After 5 weeks there is no improvement. Saturday, after pulling the kids all day, I decided I couldn't resist any longer. I skied 6 passes. My arm actually feels better today than it has in a while! It could be that my brain can only sense so much pain because my muscles are SORE and it hurts! I plan to give it another go on Wednesday afternoon. I'm off work on Friday, you should come down and show me a thing or two.

Maybe I'll be able to make all the balls by the end of the summer!

I know the form is terrible, but it's a cool pic.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3529/3763045842_1e77c7ac3a_o.jpg

[shepherd]

Great shot Clint! :D

[André]

bxroads
Are you skiing off a tower ?I notice that your shoulders are ahead of your hips,not good.Try to lead with your hips more.
Need to open those shoulders a bit toward the boat and some weight on front foot to put some more lenght of the ski in the water and you'll be flying to the other side.
Back arm pressure would help too!:)

(I know you didn't ask for my coaching but since it's my thread i can do it!);)

[bxroads]

Andre,

First, thanks for the advice!

I'm not skiing from a tower. Its the standard pole on a 190. The photographer basically has the camera sitting on the rear pad.

I'm a rookie to slalom. I'm not even concentrating on turns. My focus is shoulders back, hips up, and outside arm tight to body. In other words, knowing to do it and actually doing it are two different things. Last Saturday (the day I took the pic) I had what I thought was a good run. It felt like the best I've had to date. I could have swore my shoulders were inches above the water and my hips were above them. I get in the boat and my wife says "You forgot to get your shoulders back". Will I ever get it?

Regarding the weight on the front foot, the tip of the ski is awfully high isn't it. I'll have to concentrate on that too.

Again, I appreciate your input and please coach me. I am willing, able, coachable, and determined!

[bxroads]

Same problems, another cool pic.

[André]

I got to the course this morning and the conditions were at most a C+ and said to myself no way i have a chance of running my first 32 off of the season.I only tried it a couples of times in about 30 sets this season.After a pair of real easy and clean 22's and 28's i said what the heck and yell to my rope ***** to put 32 on.
Ran an easy pass that felt slower then any previous 32 i ever ran.I couldn't believe how slow it felt and asked for the time,16.97!!!
So just to be sure,i ran another one which was even more easy.Partners in the boat told me they never saw me skiing that well before.
Had such a great gate,1,2 at 35 off that sadly my brain decided to kick in and started thinking about running 35...
So a new training PB of 3@35 off is my Sunday's breakfast!:banana::woohoo:

We installed pre gates last week end and i really think it helps with getting a good gate and starting rythm in the course.
Can't wait for this evening set!
Still 5 more weeks of vacations to go!!!

Well,you can scratch this post of the books!!!
Sking again this morning with my partner using his 50k 197 and his 42$ rope and handle combo.:mad:
Ran way too easy back to back 32 and then ....5 at 35 and fell because i was stunned to be that ealry at 5.
Knew something was wrong cause boat times were perfect!
F#####g white section is 3 feet too long...:(

[shepherd]

Lol! I had a similar experience with a narrow course this spring.

After skiing with bxroads at his lake yesterday, I'm still waiting for a PM from him telling me that his rope was too short! :o

This sh** is humbling.

[FI skier]

Thats why I use my own rope and handle! :)

You guy's musta gotten too good! ya never phone no more.....:D

[André]

This sh** is humbling.

Very.

Haven't run 32 in my last 10 sets.:(
I shouldn't have said a word about his damn rope...:rolleyes:

[bxroads]

Thats why I use my own rope and handle! :)

You guy's musta gotten too good! ya never phone no more.....:D


Hell, you quit answering so I figured you didn't like me. Pick a day and come up. Sunday's are good. Come this Sunday. Bring Shep with you. I'll even make you a samich.

[bxroads]

Do as Jody and blame it on the captain......



Lol! I had a similar experience with a narrow course this spring.

After skiing with bxroads at his lake yesterday, I'm still waiting for a PM from him telling me that his rope was too short! :o

This sh** is humbling.

[shepherd]

Jody blames the Captain?

[shepherd]

Yesterday, I was blaming big balls, Bud Light, and backwash. :cool:

[SkiDog]

Yesterday, I was blaming big balls, Bud Light, and backwash. :cool:

Slalom balls and Bud light do NOT go together! For that matter, neither does a hydrofoil and ANY beer!

[bxroads]

Slalom balls and Bud light do NOT go together!


I knew I was never cut out to be a skier.......

[shepherd]

Slalom balls and Bud light do NOT go together! For that matter, neither does a hydrofoil and ANY beer!

I think you are confusing Bud Light with beer. Besides, I only drank one during lunch between sets.
I saved the other 5 for the drive home. :D

[André]

Glad to update that thread with a new PB of 3 @ 35 off,1 bouy better then previous!
Not much but gained a lot of confidence @ 32 off, running 2 nice back to back before trying 35 off.
By the way,Andy Mapple is in Montreal coaching for the week.
I've got first set on thursday morning!:)

[macattack]

Big congrats on your new PB; always a great feeling! They say run your 35 like a 32, no extra load/same intensity, and do not release the handle too early/wait until the buoy line...mac

[DooSPX]

Congratulations Andre, that is great! Keep ripping it up and be safe!

[shepherd]

Congrats Andre!

I had a freaky day a couple weeks ago. I haven't been able to run 32 since last summer. But a couple weeks ago, I ran an easy 5 @32 and then ran back to back full pass 32s. I then got 2.5 @35 on my next pass. I was stoked. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to run 32 again since (:rolleyes:), but my 28s have been getting a lot smoother.

I did this after watching this video that a friend sent me http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzMBIVkQDMU . I don't think he's saying anything new, but the idea of keeping your elbows to the vest really stuck with me and that's what I concentrated on at the lake. It helped a lot. Baby steps....

[DooSPX]

Thank you for the video link shep. :cool:

[André]

Thanks guys!
We'll see what Andy thinks of it tomorrow morning.
Can't see your link on my dial up connection shep...
Is it a video from that guy call RJM on "The waterski forum"?

[bxroads]

Shep, lets hook up man. I was at your lake last Saturday. Thats a nice course set up back there, smooth all day long. To bad the gators would never leave us alone (grin).

[shepherd]

Thanks guys!
We'll see what Andy thinks of it tomorrow morning.
Can't see your link on my dial up connection shep...
Is it a video from that guy call RJM on "The waterski forum"?

Yes. It was the RJM guy. I was sent and watched the video before I knew he was on the forum (I don't go there much). Like some of the guys on the forum said, he wasn't saying anything new, but it helps to be reminded every once in a while. :rolleyes:

Shep, lets hook up man. I was at your lake last Saturday. Thats a nice course set up back there, smooth all day long. To bad the gators would never leave us alone (grin).

Next time you come down, let me know before rather than after and we'll hook up!
I would have thrown some dead chickens into the water the night before if I knew you was coming! :D

[shepherd]

Glad to update that thread with a new PB of 3 @ 35 off,1 bouy better then previous!
Not much but gained a lot of confidence @ 32 off, running 2 nice back to back before trying 35 off.
By the way,Andy Mapple is in Montreal coaching for the week.
I've got first set on thursday morning!:)

OK! Did Andy get you through 35? ;)
Let us know how your coaching session went.

[André]

OK! Did Andy get you through 35? ;)
Let us know how your coaching session went.

No,stayed at 28 off.
I actually skied very poorly in front of Andy,breaking at the waist and even falling at 1 @28 off...
The driver told me after my set that nobody skied good with Andy in the boat this week.We were all way too much nervous.
He had me working on my gates and on my offside reach.
Andy is a very very nice guy and didn't try to overload us with technical stuff but give us easy solutions to our skiing problems.
Weather was horrible and windy,55 air,70 water.
Will post some more pics when i get them!

[shepherd]

Right. I've always seemed to ski worse the few times I've been to a ski school, though I picked up some good pointers. I'm sure the weather didn't help either.

[André]

Got my new stick signed by Andy...:)

[BriEOD]

Very cool Andre!!:cool:

[MakeMineaS&S]

Awesome story, and you rock the Strada! Double cool!

[east tx skier]

Pretty cool, Andre.

No toes in the picture?

[Jesus_Freak]

Got my new stick signed by Andy...:)

Very cool, and belated congrats on your fantastic skiing.

At the first CSM gathering, I was going to get Wade Cox to sign my ski. It was a Monza, and all we had were black markers....wouldn't work.

[bxroads]

I want Shep to sign my ski!

[shepherd]

I want Shep to sign my ski!

Dude. :cool:

Let's ski. Did you solve the backwash problem at your course? We have two courses on our lake now.

[shepherd]

At the first CSM gathering, I was going to get Wade Cox to sign my ski. It was a Monza, and all we had were black markers....wouldn't work.

I had a knife in my boat. He could have etched his name in your ski. Make it even more valuable.

[D3skier]

Got my new stick signed by Andy...:)

is that the new Radar Strada? how do you like it? what were you on before you went to the Strada? thx

[bxroads]

Dude. :cool:

Let's ski. Did you solve the backwash problem at your course? We have two courses on our lake now.

Backwash problem is gone. The course is in the same spot and there is even less vegitation. The only thing that has changed is brand of boat.

I skied the back course at your lake with Jody a few weekends ago. It was sweet back there all day.

I still want to try your Senate. I have a 68" Senate C and love it but skiing at slower speeds and being on the top end of the recommended weight for the ski I think your longer regular Senate might be the ticket to get me through the progression to my current ride.

Come up Sunday why don't you? I would love to ski and don't have a partner (wife) to pull me on Sunday. I would come down there but we'll be in Auburn on Saturday and will get back early Sunday morning. Don't think I can handle humping it down to PC after that trip.

[shepherd]

Clint, Sold the Senate. I could maybe do a road trip, check out your new ride. I might call you.

Back on topic, I made 5 balls at 32 off on three consecutive sets last night. Just couldn't get around 5 good enough to make #6. :noface:
Good part is that my 28 off passes are getting way more consistent.

How do you like the new ski Andre? You were on a Monza before, weren't you?

[Jesus_Freak]

I had a knife in my boat. He could have etched his name in your ski. Make it even more valuable.

Great point, and if he etched his name in the bottom, it might have helped me ski better.:)

[André]

shep
Was on a 07 Nomad RC before going the Strada way.
Ran 5@32 on my first try on the Strada.Went from a 68 to a 67 which is borderline for me but work great so far(6'2",195 lbs).
The ski is very easy to ski and still forgive my mistakes.My offside turns got better and the ski makes all the work for you as long as you're in a good position.
Overall i'm really happy with it!Bought a 20 sets old demo for 850 CND...
I run 32 1 out of 3 tries now compare to 1 out of 6-7 tries on the Nomad.
Don't try one if you're not ready to spend 1k...

[André]

Was brousing some pix and found some from the ski clinic held in Montreal in September this year.
Anyone ever had Andy Mapple himself lube their bindings before skiing?:)
It was a frickin cold week but Andy skied a new site record...

[Jorski]

Nice! Great pics Andre.

Oh, and no more references to having things "lubed by the man himself";)

[André]

Nice! Great pics Andre.

Oh, and no more references to having things "lubed by the man himself";)

Maybe i should have use another word...:D
If you drive to Montreal,this site is right after the Ont/Quebec line on the side of highway 20.

[André]

Little update for my fans following my skiing career!:D
Been running my 32 often and quite clean since the beginning of the season and decided it was time to hook 35 more often resulting in a new pb yesterday of a complete 3 balls at 35 only to improve it to 4 at 35 this morning!:)
I'm feeling confident to run the pass soon.(I hope...)
The gate and ball 1 are sooooooooooooooooooooo important when shorthening the rope...
I'm trying to change edge earlier then ever but easier said then done!
I'm in my third of 6 straight weeks of vacations so still some good ski times ahead!
There's a good thread on Ball of spray forum about the jump from 32 to 35 off for those in the same situation.

[east tx skier]

Nice work, André! Been following the thread on BOS. Fat lot of good it does me, but I have been following it all the same. :)

[ski_king]

Sounds good!
Now add some pictures to this thread.

[skibrain]

Wow. Six straight weeks of vacation. I like that.

[André]

Wow. Six straight weeks of vacation. I like that.

I like it too,beleve me!:)
Winter is my busy time so no flying south for me.:(