2010 Slalom Goals

[shepherd]

I skied last night for the first time this year -- it's been a long offseason by Florida standards :(.

Anyways time to set some goals. What are you guys hoping to achieve in the slalom course this year? Share them and we'll compare notes at the end of the summer!

[slickwater1]

i want to make it through at 15 off. never been around a bouy, sold all the wakeboard stuff and bought a ski. got a full time coach, hoping for a productive season.

[Kevin 89MC]

Great thread! I was just thinking about this while driving around in 60 degree weather looking at all the ice covered lakes around here. Can't wait to get back on the water!
My current PB is 4@28 off/34mph. Did it once last year, and once 2 years ago. Got a new ski last fall, so I took a step back to hopefully gain a few steps forward. Had some decent 22 off passes on the new stick after a half dozen runs, so that was good. My goal is to run a full 28 off in '10. It will all depend on how much time I can get in the course. Ran it a bunch in '08, not so much in '09. Hard to progress when I can't work at it consistently. Hopefully '10 will allow for more quality time in the course!
Shep what are your goals?
Others?
Kevin

[dstone124]

First set of the year was Saturday, open water since the course isn't in yet. 64 air, 46 water; and really not all bad!
I'd say first and foremost staying healthy is the big goal. Couple of bad spills late last summer meant limping thru the rest of the season and into winter. If I'm dreaming- getting solid into 28 off, 36mph.

[h2oskifreak]

Still about 3-4 weeks away from my first set. My PB last year was several full passes a t 34 mph, 35' off. Never felt ready for 38' off, was too tired or intimidateded. 2010 goal is 4@ 38' and to saty healthy during the season.

[Skipper]

Just hoping to keep the boat full of gas and girls in bikinis! Would be great to consitently run 22 off at 34 mph. But if not, the boat full of bikinis will make up for the loss.

[JMann]

I am going to set my goals low this year, as I have a 8 month old now. I'm hoping to join a ski club and start practicing on the course this year. I have already been in touch with one, they have camping and BBQ's on the course. The course is only accessible from the water, I'm not sure it this is good or bad.
If anyone can recommend a water ski club in the San Francisco bay area please let me know.

[JohnE]

I'm either hoping to finally get 15 off regularly or figure out how to conquer tequila. Or else die trying.

[piper_chuck]

Goal 1: Lose enough weight and build up enough strength to get this fat old body up on a ski. It's probably been 15 years since I skied.

Goal 2: Get my oldest daughter and wife up on skis and/or wakeboard for the first time.

Goal 3: Have fun! I know I can meet this one. :D

[lettmeknow]

I didn't get much time in this winter, so I will be a bit rusty going into spring. PB is 4/38 36mph. Hoping to take a crack at 39.5 this summer. Once I can run 38 often , I'm going to consider to compete in a tournament for the first time.

[shepherd]

I'm either hoping to finally get 15 off regularly or figure out how to conquer tequila. Or else die trying.

Easy there, buddy. I think you got the tequila kicked. :D

[shepherd]

Just hoping to keep the boat full of gas and girls in bikinis! Would be great to consitently run 22 off at 34 mph. But if not, the boat full of bikinis will make up for the loss.

I like your attitude! Boobs and fly high stripper poles! :D

My goals:

I was only able to run a full 32 off 2 or 3 times last year. I'd like to hit it more consistently and start getting some tastes of the blue rope (35 off). I've been consistently getting 3 or 4 at 32 off so I think I'm close.

My dream goal is to run 32 off consistently and make an actual full 35 off pass.

All this is at 34 mph.

[André]

My goals:

I was only able to run a full 32 off 2 or 3 times last year. I'd like to hit it more consistently and start getting some tastes of the blue rope (35 off). I've been consistently getting 3 or 4 at 32 off so I think I'm close.

My dream goal is to run 32 off consistently and make an actual full 35 off pass.

All this is at 34 mph.

Copy and paste.
Only difference is that i've been running 32 more often,like 25 times last summer but still can't get outside 3 ball at 35 off.

My real goal should be to learn to ski with a tight rope so i don't get those hits from the boat.My elbows can't take them anymore and i'm not getting any younger either...

[h2oskifreak]

I didn't get much time in this winter, so I will be a bit rusty going into spring. PB is 4/38 36mph. Hoping to take a crack at 39.5 this summer. Once I can run 38 often , I'm going to consider to compete in a tournament for the first time.

Dude, You are skiing into 38' off and never skied a tournament? It's time for sure. Have fun and just relax. I make the mistake of getting to many nerves and it haunts me. Best advice I have would be do it for the experiance and have fun with it, but do it.

[DooSPX]

Just hoping to keep the boat full of gas and girls in bikinis! Would be great to consitently run 22 off at 34 mph. But if not, the boat full of bikinis will make up for the loss.

HAHA, I love that! Can I take that quote? My thoughts are the same right now! LOL :D:D:D

[Sodar]

I'd like to break the 22 off threshold. Unfortunately, I don't get enough consistent course time, so I seem to spend most of my time, getting used to it again rather than improving.

[Willski]

I definitely just hope to get more water time this year! Last year was cold and rainy here, so it was a really late start. Wasn't consistently even making it through the course at 15 and 22. Need to work on that and get into 28.

[kentcunningham]

I was really consistent @ 15 off/34 a few years ago and then I started wakesurfing endlessly. By the end of last season I was missing more buoys than I was getting! Hoping to regain a focus this year and lay off the lazy sport of surfing a little! :-)

(P.S.) not getting any younger either...lol

[Cottonwood]

At age 48, I hope to maintain. My tournament average is 3 @ 38 off / 34mph. If I can maintain 3 @ 38 on a regular basis, the entire pass will come (I hope!).

[André]

At age 48, I hope to maintain. My tournament average is 3 @ 38 off / 34mph. If I can maintain 3 @ 38 on a regular basis, the entire pass will come (I hope!).

Not an average "Joe" score...;)
Congrats.I can only dream of that much bouys!
Sorry for your group buy thread...:(
Does Masterline have a Clincher style glove?
Hoping to help my elbow problem...

[sk8salomon]

I didn't get much time in this winter, so I will be a bit rusty going into spring. PB is 4/38 36mph. Hoping to take a crack at 39.5 this summer. Once I can run 38 often , I'm going to consider to compete in a tournament for the first time.

lol, don't ruin it for everyone else.

[h2oskifreak]

Copy and paste.
Only difference is that i've been running 32 more often,like 25 times last summer but still can't get outside 3 ball at 35 off.

My real goal should be to learn to ski with a tight rope so i don't get those hits from the boat.My elbows can't take them anymore and i'm not getting any younger either...

Best suggestion I can give here is harder and shorter pulls. I had issues w/ 35' and still do, but when I run them I find I am pulling better, just shorted. Also, the comment about slack tells me you are indeed pulling too long. I know...easier said than done.

[h2oskifreak]

Still about 3-4 weeks away from my first set. My PB last year was several full passes a t 34 mph, 35' off. Never felt ready for 38' off, was too tired or intimidateded. 2010 goal is 4@ 38' and to saty healthy during the season.


OK Time to revisit the 2010 Slalom Goals. My goal of 4@ 38 was too optimistic. I got 1 @ 38.
I did get better during the year; as I became more consistant in my 32's and not as intimidated at 35 off. I also had a goal to stay injury free. I had a foot puncture requiring stitches that kept me out for 20 days but was not a season ender. Only about 2-3 more weeks here in CO and almost ready to go from a shorty to full wetsuits.

How did others do on their goals?

[Jesus_Freak]

How did others do on their goals?

Congrats h2o!

My goal: Get more consistent with my 22/34 pass.

What transpired: Got hurt and sold my boat & ski.

So....I would call this a complete failure.:D

[h2oskifreak]

Congrats h2o!

My goal: Get more consistent with my 22/34 pass.

What transpired: Got hurt and sold my boat & ski.

So....I would call this a complete failure.:D

No good JF

[DooSPX]

JF, you sold your boat?
also, what happened that you got hurt?

[Jesus_Freak]

JF, you sold your boat?
also, what happened that you got hurt?

Yes, the boat and all associated equipment (except a junior slalom ski) is sold. :o

Minor injury shown here: http://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=35151

Sorry for the threadjack...slalom goals discussion continues...

[dstone124]

WOW!
I'd forgot about this thread- but I'm definately happy not to be in JF "shoes" so far this year... *knock on wood* Sorry to hear about that!
I acheived my goal, been running 28' off 4 out of 5 times. So far, new PR is 3 @ 32'
This has been a good year for me, started the season with a PR of a 6@15 off 36mph.
Took a couple weeks off while my wife and I had our first child (3 mos. pre-mature), been back in the course a handful of times since and skiing really strong.
Rossi's article on slumps in the latest water skier mag definately rings true.

Had great fun almost every time out which to me, should be the ultimate goal!

[André]

WOW!
I'd forgot about this thread- but I'm definately happy not to be in JF "shoes" so far this year... *knock on wood* Sorry to hear about that!
I acheived my goal, been running 28' off 4 out of 5 times. So far, new PR is 3 @ 32'
This has been a good year for me, started the season with a PR of a 6@15 off 36mph.
Took a couple weeks off while my wife and I had our first child (3 mos. pre-mature), been back in the course a handful of times since and skiing really strong.
Rossi's article on slumps in the latest water skier mag definately rings true.

Had great fun almost every time out which to me, should be the ultimate goal!

GOING FROM 15 OFF TO 3@32 IN THE SAME SEASON WITH A 3 MONTHS BREAK IS QUITE AN ACCOMPLISHMENT(Not shouting just realise the capitals letters,sorry)!!!Congrats!
If you keep improoving to that rate,you'll ski deep shorthline soon!

[#47of100TeamMC]

Congrats h2o!

My goal: Get more consistent with my 22/34 pass.

What transpired: Got hurt and sold my boat & ski.

So....I would call this a complete failure.:D

...Seriously?... You get a little bump on the head and a tweaked back and you throw in the towel? Not even throw in the towel, you retire? I just cant get my head around that. Well, for your sake I hope you don't regret it!

[Jesus_Freak]

...Seriously?... You get a little bump on the head and a tweaked back and you throw in the towel? Not even throw in the towel, you retire? I just cant get my head around that. Well, for your sake I hope you don't regret it!

The story is MUCH more in depth than this. PM on its way.

[Skipper]

Somehow I missed out on that whole story. I hope that you have recovered from your injuries. I hope the best for you.

[dstone124]

Ran my 32 last night!
first set, first try! Didn't even know it was 32- the boat crew played a trick on me and had to show me the loop before I'd believe it! Now 35 on the other hand... ouch!
I'll take any and all advice!

[h2oskifreak]

Ran my 32 last night!
first set, first try! Didn't even know it was 32- the boat crew played a trick on me and had to show me the loop before I'd believe it! Now 35 on the other hand... ouch!
I'll take any and all advice!


Congratulations on the 32. Only advice I have w/o seeing you ski is; Shorter but harder pull
body position even more important than ever. Won't get away w/ much error at 35. Good edge changes and pre turn to slow the ski to avoid slack issues. Be in a shoulders back position coming away from the ball and be ready to rock and roll. Not too late in the year to improve and actually a nice time to get a PB, it will keep you fired up over the winter.

[shepherd]

My dream goal is to run 32 off consistently and make an actual full 35 off pass.
All this is at 34 mph.

Fell short. Didn't ski as much this year due to ski buddy's injury. Struggled at 32 all summer until last month. I've made it a few times (inluding my last time out :)) but not consistently. Made it to 3 ball a few times at 35 off. It feels do-able. Hopefully, we'll be skiing into December this year so I can keep up the momentum.

[shepherd]

Congratulations on the 32. Only advice I have w/o seeing you ski is; Shorter but harder pull

Congrats DStone!

I'm sure "shorter but harder pull" is good advice, but on my latest attempts at -35 I found myself not pulling long enough and releasing the handle too early before #2 ball. Result: Fall at #2... Twice in a row. It took me all summer to break that happen just so I could make -32.

[h2oskifreak]

Congrats DStone!

I'm sure "shorter but harder pull" is good advice, but on my latest attempts at -35 I found myself not pulling long enough and releasing the handle too early before #2 ball. Result: Fall at #2... Twice in a row. It took me all summer to break that happen just so I could make -32.


I'm no pro, but I try to not release the handle until right at my edge change. Can't seem to convince my learning ski partner that even though you have changed edges the momentum you have created will carry you wide of the ball and helps you "backside" the bouy.
I think this is key to running 35. If a person holds the handle too long it make you really late
and slack that will kill you at 35. Just trying to help, not trying to be a know it all. I feel most short line passes are made in the pull and pre turn and w/ a decent turn it all works out. Well...sometimes.

[shepherd]

I agree that a shorter/harder pull across the wakes is necessary as the rope gets shorter, and that's what I try to do.
My problem (I think) is that when the rope gets shorter to -35 (and sometimes -32), I get anxious and try to release the handle and initiate my turn too soon before I get to the ball. Then I end up approaching the ball at too shallow of an angle...

I learned (from reading others' advice and from taking lessons) that you don't want to release the handle right at the end of the pull. You should hold onto the handle - with both hands - and try to keep it close to the body while you're changing edges and until you're actually coming up on the buoy. This gives you additional momentum to get out to and around the buoy. On the other hand, like you said, if you pull too long or hold the handle too long, you will overshoot the ball.

[Kevin 89MC]

Figured I'd dig this thread up from the past to see how everyone did in 2011, rather than start a new thread. Last night I just ran my first 28 off (34 mph) ever, so I was pretty excited! Had gotten close a few times, but it finally came together. It was not the prettiest pass, but I made it around all 6. Decided to shorten it up for the heck of it, and got around 2 at 32 off! I'm LFF so I know if I got to 1 I had a good chance to get 2. Finished the turn at 2 OK, but could not make 3. I even was quite late for my gates at 22, missing them by several feet, but still ran that pass pretty smoothly. I'm struggling with the timing on 1 handed gates at 22 & 28, but when I get them right it really makes the pass easier. So I get to change my signature! Had been stuck at 4@28 for a few years.
Where is everyone else at?
Kevin

[mcmx2]

I am in the same place as you Kevin. The goal for the summer was to get consistant at my 22off as I had only made a few of them and they were not pretty. We got alot of time on the water this summer and have gotten to where I am pretty comfortable @22 off and am getting about one complete pass out of three attempts @ 28 off. I also shortened the line to 32 off and made it around 2 ball but it stood me up and I was finished. It has been a good summer.

[shepherd]

Congrats Kevin! Great feeling to get over that hurdle, right? It only gets harder. (A girl asked me once "Why make the line shorter, doesn't that make it harder?" Good question! 8p)

I'm still struggling with -32, but manage to get all 6 every once in a while. PB still stands at 2.5 at -35, from last year. 34 mph. I haven't been skiing as much this year though, so I'm not really making any progress... :(

[h2oskifreak]

Season best was 1 @ 38. I had great gates, a slow 1 ball and all I could think is "my good side is #2, holy cow I am going to get 3 at least". Big mistake, I hit the water at the one and it sounded like a beaver tail slap. Still don't know what exactley happened, but i do know I didn't make 3.
Long story short 1@38 is my best and had a good injury free summer.

[André]

Good summer here too.Just back from skiing 3.5 @35 after running 2 32's.
32 off are cleaner then ever but it's the same old thing at 35,fast and narrow at the bouy.
Still a couples of week to hopefully run 35.
Pb still standing at 4@ 35...
No injuries other then stiff elbows.Knock on wood...

[madman]

Put my course in on tuesday morning (first time on a course for the most part) first pass-skipped gate, pulled out to right side and went around 1 ball, made 2 ball, watched 3 ball go by on my right and knew I had no idea what I was doing. Next pass-pulled out left, started my cut when the boat went thru the gate and I made the gate and then made all the practice balls and out thru the gate. Pass #3- slowed the boat speed from 32mph to 29mph (as slow as I felt comfortable skiing) made the gate, and 3 red balls. Next day, second pass it hits me, I know whats wrong.....I'm OLD..all my muscles hurt...need more endurance training.....So I wait till the end of the day when I feel like I have some energy again and on my first pass I make the gate and 2 balls then almost go out the front chasing 3 ball. Next pass was my best- I make the gate, get to 1 ball way early and so I'm looking great going to 2 ball and then I'm good at 3 and early to 4 again so now I'm thinking I got this and I make 5 just barely and pull as hard as I can to get 6 just when I think I'm home free I wait too long to change edge and can't eat the slack coming around 6 down I go. I had no energy left to make any more attempts and I am dang sore today. Wish I had someone to ski with that knew how to do this because it's easier to learn when you can watch rather than try to just remember all the tips from the internet. Anyway, my GOAL was to make a complete pass 15off @ any speed and I almost made it. I will try again before the season ends if I can get my course in the lake again.

[Bouyhead]

Season best was 1 @ 38. I had great gates, a slow 1 ball and all I could think is "my good side is #2, holy cow I am going to get 3 at least". Big mistake, I hit the water at the one and it sounded like a beaver tail slap. Still don't know what exactley happened, but i do know I didn't make 3.
Long story short 1@38 is my best and had a good injury free summer.

That some good skiing. This is always my first goal ^ but as the years click away it gets harder. Went to hardshells this year after rehabing my bad ankle all winter. Wanted to run 32 off in a tournament this year, been running it 60% of the time in practice behind PP but seem to lose a few bouys behind Zero Off. Tweaked my ankle pretty good at a tourney @ the end of July, Done:mad:
Skied last night, did some drills, a little free skiing and ended my night with a full pass @ 32 MPH 15 off, It's like springtime all over again:D After being off my ski for 48 days I relized last night that I will contiue to jump thru hoops and do whatever it takes to keep skiing!