Conference vicki::boats

        Which do you feel was the most benefit: the high wrap, or just
        the fact that you were in a binding, rather than a toe plate?
        The reason I ask is that I am considering putting a binding
        on the rear, but just have a lowwrap on the front, and don't
        want to put a highwrap on the rear.  I also don't want to replace
        my front binding (I like it).
        
        Did you come out OK when you wiped out (What wipeout, right?)
        :-)
        
        /wayne
       

    
    Re: Wayne
    
    	Low vs high... I think the main factor in the control gain
    was the fact that my heel wasn't slipping around on the ski.
    
    	Of course I didn't wipe out! :-) :-) .... When I came in 
    and stopped my rear foot came right out.
    
    Rick

    RE 23.1:
      An inexepensive alternative to the rear plate is an ajustable
    heel cup. Although it's not as comfortable as a wrap, it will
    give you (almost) the same effect for much less bucks.
    Happy Skiing,
    Doug

    RE: .0
    
>    Can a ski without plate bindings be fitted with them?

    If you have a drill, ANYTHING can be fitted on your ski!  :-)
    
    But seriously, it's easy to fit plate bindings on a ski that doesn't
    have them.  Just be VERY careful when you drill the holes.  I recommend
    that you use some sort of drill guide/governor so you don't drill
    too deep.  I've seen articles in WS mags helping with placement
    of the bindings if you want them to be in a different place than
    the existing adjustables.
    
    					...Roger...

    What are "wrap" bindings?
    
    (This may be just a terminology problem I'm having.)

    
    
    Wraps are non-adjustable bindings that "wrap" around the foot
    and ankle. One piece is mounted to the ski and comes around the
    heel then back to the ski and the other piece is mounted to the
    rear of the 1st and comes around the front of the foot before
    returning to the ski.
    
    Does this make any sense?
    
    Rick

    Yeah, I think so. I'll look more carefully next time I get a chance.
    My O'Brien's are not wraps, that's for sure. 

        I had a heel cup put on my Connelly last week and tried it
        last weekend.  It was a bit scary a first, having both feet
        locked in like that, especially cutting back across the wake
        from the weak side.  But after awhile I got used to it, and
        I really did ski better.  I liked it.  Also, since it was 
        just a heel cup, I was able to still start with only 1 foot
        in the ski.  I just reached down and slid my back foot in
        after getting up.  The other big plus was that the cup was
        only $20 installed.
        

        /wayne

    Who is the mfg. of the heel 'cup' and where did you get it?
    it is not an adjustable heel piece, correct? i.e. it just forms
    the outline of your heel rather than going halfway up your calf.
    
    Doug.

        It is an adjustable heel cup, basically the same as on the standard
        front adjustable, non-plate, bindings.  It just mounts (2 bolts
        in the ski) behind the toe binding, with wing nuts for adjustment.
        
        I had a crash this weekend where I actually came out of my
        front wrap binding, but stayed in the rear toe plate with the
        heel cup.
        
        I got it at Tommy's Slalom Shop in Denver (1-800-582-3624),
        but I'm sure you can get one at any ski/boat shop.  It's just
        a replacement cup for an adjustable binding.  I compared it
        to the binding on my wife's Jobe, and it was the same thing.
        
        /wayne

      
    And now they have designed a boot that will break away from the
    ski....the ATAR experiment.
    
    It works for downhill skiing, maybe its time for slalom to 
    make the change.  
    
    Jeanne
    
    

    Yeah, Jeanne, I read about it.  It sounds like a nifty idea.  I'm
    interested in hearing how the pros react to them.  Having never
    run a course at 35-off I don't know how much force is exerted on
    the binding during that time.  As in case of the snow ski binding,
    I'm fearful that the ATAR might "pop" at a point when the forces
    are being exerted to complete a turn, not because someone is in
    the middle of a fall.
    
    					...Roger...

    
    Re: Releasing Bindings
    
    I agree with Roger in that I would be conserned about the binding
    releasing do to "normal" forces when skiing at a competition level.
    I know when I race in snow skiing I "crank" down my bindings so
    that they will not release while in the course and they are set
    at a level that probably is not to healthy for just basic skiing.
    I think you would find the same to be true for the waterski,  but
    I think that the boot on your foot in water skiing is much more 
    likely  to release your foot than a snow ski boot(ie: never).
    
    I think you get into a catch 22 here.   The recreational skier
    who could benefit from a release mechanism "generally" does not
    have a boot that is so tight that the foot does not come out
    on a fall.  In the case of the competition skier who "generally"
    does have a tight fitting boot,  they will have to crank down the
    release to the point where they loose the real benefit of the 
    release.   But it does sound like a good way to spend probably
    around $150 more for a waterski.
    
    It sounds like a good idea,  I imagine that waterski manufactures
    are getting sued for injuries,  hense the reason for disclaimers
    written on the boots about how waterskiing is dangerous.
    
    /Mike Smith
    

    
    I would tend to think that the release mechanism would work
    the same way it does for downhillers.  You very rarely (if never)
    see a pro's ski come off when they're skiing the giant slalomn (unless
    they crash) Bindings usually won't release when your skiing the bumps 
    either, so if water-skiing manufacturers apply the same type of 
    technology, viola!
    
    When you buy a ski you get a boot that fits sizes 8 to 12...wouldn't
    it be great if you could order a size 7 1/2 only!  I've started
    wearing my high-top sneakers inside my trick skis because even at
    the smallest setting the bindings are still too large.
    
    A release binding would mean you could have a great fitting boot
    that would give you more control over your ski.  And no more slime!
                                         
    jd/
    
    

    And then we'll have to take our skis to our local ski shop once
    a year for a "dyna-tune" too!  :-)  Springs (in the release mechanism)
    start to loose their strength, and, of course, the binding *should*
    be recalibrated "by a trained professional" to avoid personal injury...
    all part of the deal.  Ah yes, another way to spend my money.
    
    Given that I've had little trouble with existing bindings I think
    I'll stick with them.  Although I do agree with Jeanne about the
    custom sizing idea...I'm right on the border between Med. and Lg.
    bindings...some mediums fit me perfect, others cut off my circulation.
    It would be nice to have a binding that fit "just right."
    
    Hey Jeanne, do you realize that with a decent pair of high-top
    sneakers, say Nike Air Jordan's, you could actually increase the
    value of your binding by $30.00 or more?  :-)  ($60.00 for the sneakers
    but you only need one...)  But I'll bet it's more comfortable than
    any binding on the market today!  Does your foot stay pretty stable?
    I'm wondering about the potential for "rocking" side to side since
    you're sitting a little higher in the boot than normal.
    
    					...Roger...

    
    Yep, right Rog!  I'd increase the value of my binding($65.00) if
    I used those Nike Air Plays...but I use my worn out Avia Aerobics
    which don't have much of a sole on them anymore.  The tricks don't
    wobble because they're so wide, but I'm sure the slalomn would. 
    
    Maybe next year you can do a demo of the backwards start on the
    tricks.  I gave it a shot but the skis dipped right under....
                                                                    
    Jeanne 
    

    >>  Maybe next year you can do a demo of the backwards start on the
    >>  tricks.  I gave it a shot but the skis dipped right under....
    
    Oh yeah!  I'm ready.  It sounds like you held the handle too high.
    You have to keep the handle down behind your knees otherwise the
    skis will dip down.  The first time I did the stunt I actually had
    my arms between my legs hold the rope behind my knees.  That way
    you can use your legs as a brace.  You tend to stay in the squat
    position longer and the water gets pushed out of your face faster.
    Once I found out that the pull really isn't that bad, I just grabbed
    the rope around my legs and behind my knees.  Works great and looks
    impressive.  Good luck either soon or next season.
    
    				...Roger...

	Just curious ..... 

	Can anyone tell me what happened to HO ski's ?  I've just recieved
	my Overton's & Ski Limited Catalogs and I can't find any HO's in
	them ????? 

	Chuck    

    
      I tried to order an HO spray legging last week and was
    informed that they're not going to sell to catalog companies
    anymore.  
    
    jd/
    

    Hmm, that's interesting.  I just flipped through the latest Overton's
    catalog and you're right...no HO stuff at all!  The newest (#33) Ski
    Limited catalog has two pages of HO (pp. 26-27) with skis, spray legs,
    fashions, accessories, etc.
    
    I guess Herb makes enough selling his stuff at ridiculous prices
    through pro shops and doesn't need mail order!  :-)
    
    					...Roger...

>               <<< Note 23.20 by ROGER::GAUDET "Ski Nautique" >>>
>                          -< Now you pay premium $$$ >-
>
>    Hmm, that's interesting.  I just flipped through the latest Overton's
>    catalog and you're right...no HO stuff at all!  The newest (#33) Ski
>    Limited catalog has two pages of HO (pp. 26-27) with skis, spray legs,
>    fashions, accessories, etc.
>    
>    I guess Herb makes enough selling his stuff at ridiculous prices
>    through pro shops and doesn't need mail order!  :-)
    
 
	Rog,

	The Ski Limited Catalog I have is #34 and there is NO HOHO's in there !
	I have an HO Mach I Graphite Slalom Ski and I really like it.  When
	I bought it the salesman told me it was one of their best sellers so
	I was curious as to why I didn't see the ski's in the rags anymore.
	Does Herbie O'Brien still do the design on the the HO's ?  I thought
	he had moved on to Yet Another Company.

	Chuck

    Chuck,
    
    	I believe you can still buy Ho equipment through Barts Catalog. I
    think they are the only catalog company who still deals with HO...
    
    								-mike-

    RE: Chuck
    
    I guess you have the VERY latest Ski Limited catalog.  Gotta check my
    mailbox.  I thought I heard the same thing about Herb moving to yet
    another company, but I couldn't remember where I heard/read it.
    
    RE: Mike B.
    
    Au contraire, mon ami!  A quick browse through Bart's catalog (I have
    the one with the black cover that says "1989 Water Skier's Catalog", a
    picture of a slalom skier and the rising/setting? sun and another
    slalom skier in the lower right corner that looks like he just lost his
    ski) shows no HO at all!  Very strange.
    
    					...Roger...

    O'brien sold to Coleman, then HO sold to ?, What's next,
    
                    HERB'S  SKIS  ?!?
     

    re .23
    
    Very strange indeed Roger....
    
    re .24
    
    Doug, could his next company be HS (ie. Herb Skis)..?
    
    							-mike-

	I thought I remembered reading somewhere that EP ski's were of
	his design .... but he did not 'own' a piece of that company.
	
	So .... bottom line ... is HO stuff ONLY available via the Pro
	Shop route from now on ?

	Chuck

    
    >> So .... bottom line ... is HO stuff ONLY available via the Pro
    >> Shop route from now on ?
    
      Thats what Ski Limited told me, Chuck.  Call their toll free #
    and get the scoop!
    
    jd/
    

	I read the following in the Miami Herald while on vacation last
	week:

	WATER SKI RECALL: In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product
	Safety Commission, O'Brien International of Redmond, WA, has
	announced a recall of Pro Flow waterski bindings sold between
	September 1, 1988, and December 31, 1989.

	The Pro Flow bindings are on O'Brien TRC, Competitor X, Pro
	Circuit and Splendor slalom model skis.  Five skiers have
	been injured when the binding pulled apart and exposed sharp
	screws which caused foot lacerations.

	The recalled bindings have a hight wrap, open-toe boot design.
	The words Pro Flow and the O'Brien trademark O are located above
	the three horizontal white stipes on the heel of the binding.
	Only bindings with the white stripes on the boots are involved
	in the recall.

	If you have this model binding, call O'Brien's consumer recall
	line 1-800-284-SKIS, between 11am to 8pm for repair instructions.
	You can get a repair kit and instructions, get an OK to have the
	bindings repaired by a local authorized dealer or have them
	repaired by O'Brien.

    I was at Baert Marine in Plaistow yesterday doing my part in
    stimulating the economy and got talking to the manager about ski
    bindings. He said the reason HO skis & binding weren't available
    mailorder anymore is because HO requires you to sign a liability 
    waiver and proper fitting statement. In order to best control the
    fittings, and the signing of the waiver, HO decided to use retail
    outlets only. 
    
    BTW, Baert has two dozen or so new and used bindings at greatly reduced
    prices. The sizes are mostly x-small,small,med, and some x-larges. They
    only had one or two matched front & rear sets, some high wraps, cups,
    and pieces. The best set-ups were the x-smalls and x-larges, but if you
    don't mind mixing you may find something you like. Prices start @ $10.
    I ended up buying just a rear heel cup to compliment my strap-only
    set-up.
    
    ~jeff 

Just tried a new O'Brien with double high-wraps.  They're a "L" as I wear about
an 11-11� shoe (seemed consistent in various catalogs).  The front feels fine
but the back squeezes the front of my foot so bad it goes numb.  My brother
(same foot size) had the same feedback.  Granted, the back binding is a 
different style, having an open toe, but both my feet are basically the same 
size.

Also, my first two toes slightly overhang the rear binding plate.  Should my 
entire foot be contained on the plate?  Could it be that I need an XL on the 
rear?


/Chris

    
    Chris,
    
    	Is your rear foot larger than your front foot? Are you
    sure both bindings are "L"arge? It would be easy enough for
    someone to have bolted down a "L"arge front and a "M"edium
    rear. BTW: those bindings will loosen up a bit as you use
    them. Come to think of it, I believe my toes overhang the 
    plate a little (size 12)
    
    Rick
    

    Chris,
      Your toes should overhang; they should be as close to the back of the
    front foot as possible.  As far as the rear strap is concerned, does it
    have an overlay that can be loosened to accommodate a wider foot?
    Doug

Yes, do check that both bindings are the same size.  My brother bought an EP
a couple of years ago, and sure enough it came with a medium front boot and a
large rear boot!  I dunno why the switch was made, it was!

...Roger...

Called Overton's, Bart's and Ski Unlimited.  Got three different answers.  
Called O'Brien and talked with a tech rep.  I've pared it down to two
scenarios:

- The boot is mismarked

- My right foot (and my brother's) is larger (I measured, they aren't!)
  and we'll need an XL

O'Brien said that the boot should fit tight (it is), but that it shouldn't be
a major effort (it's MUCH harder than the front binding).  They'll check the
binding and/or swap for an XL if we want.  We're off to Spencer tonight to match
our binding with another one to save time and postage if we can.

BTW - I posted another note previously regarding the high-wraps on the rear
binding.  After swallowing much water, I have managed to master the two-foot-in
technique.  Just for yucks, I tried an open-heel ski.  FORGET IT!  It felt
like my foot was going to fly right out!

Time for some major practice on my technique...


/Chris

Went to Spencer and tried another binding.  It was fine.  Seems like I have a
poorly cut/fitted rear binding.

Another wierd thing is that the material was not quite like what I have.  It was
"glossy".  I don't think that made the difference - it was clearly cut
different.  And yes, we do have a legitimate "L".

Looks like a switch is in order.


/Chris

                                      
    I watched someone take a fall last week (nasty fall), he
    skis in high wraps.  I noticed that he was forced to fall
    a certain way, because both feet are positioned together,
    whereas with a toe plate, you can fall an entirely different
    way.
    
    The result of his fall caused a sprained ankle.
    He overturned his ski, held onto the rope and then was
    pulled forward.  I think that if he was using a toe,
    he would have been pulled out of the ski, and not be
    forced to fall in that awkward position (feet together).
     
    I'll stick with the high-wrap front and toe.
    
    Just my opinion...but give me yours!  :+)
    
    Jeanne

    I personnally like double high wraps, except when I have to get into a
    set and I don't have a full length platform (think Power*Slot !). I
    find my falls are easier because my legs are kept together. I've had
    some interesting falls with rear toe straps where my rear leg gets spun
    around and I end up looking like a gingerbread man (arms&legs extended)
    falling.
    
    My wife had a nasty fall a few weeks back with and adjustable front,
    and strap rear. Because of the most unusual way she fell, her body
    leading the ski, when she finally landed her ski ran her down resulting
    in 4 sticthes in her knee. Had she been in snug fitting double wraps I
    don't beleive the ski would have left her feet so easily.
    
    My next ski will have double wraps. Maybe I'll have a full platform by
    then too. :^)
    
    ~jeff
              

    
    	I used to like double high wraps,since I seem to have more control
    of the ski,until I took this fall a couple year back.As I was tumbling,
    skipping,my front foot came out leaving my rear foot in,and this
    resulted to torn/stretch ligaments in my left knee.Since then,I have
    been using a single high wrap with the toe in the rear.The part that I
    don't like with this setup,is that sometimes my rear foot feels like it
    is slipping out of the toe piece.I guess I'll just have to keep
    practicing. :-)
    
    
    		Norm

This is a definitely a matter of personal preference.  I like the rear toe.  I
have trouble with double high wraps, but that's probably a flaw in my slalom
technique.  They feel fine while I'm carving through the wakes, but I feel a bit
awkward in the turns, especially on my off side.  I guess I just like the
ability to flex my rear foot from side to side while skiing.

As far as falling is concerned, I'm sure everyone has their share of horror
stories with either binding type.  I would suspect that the severity of the
injury is directly proportional to the level of aggressiveness with which you
ski, and not whether your bindings are double high wraps and/or your feet are
close together.

IMHO.

...Roger...

    Folks, I have a 'normal' Jobe honeycomb ski, the old silver top one,
    with 'ordinary' bindings.  Trouble is that my rear foot is a little too
    large to fit snuggly in the rear strap.  Anyone know if a larger than
    standard size rear strap is available?  Cheers - Ken

	My opinion on this is that you need to choose what works best
	for you, not what's safest.  There are chances for injury no
	matter what you ski or do.

	In my travels, I've come to conclude that double high-wraps are
	actually safer than a single high-wrap front with rear toe.  The
	reason is that if you take a nasty fall, the chances of both
	feet remaining together is higher.  This means that your body
	is less likely to be twisted in a perverse manner, causing an
	ankle (or even worse, a knee) to be twisted.

	I've taken some nasty falls (I fall a lot) where the ski has stayed
	with me.  I know that if one of my feet were free, I may have twisted
	something.  Of course, there are times when one foot comes free,
	but it doesn't happen as often as it would had I been in a rear
	toe setup.

	A few years back, I sustained an injury that probably wouldn't
	have happened, had I a double high-wrap setup.  I was cutting
	the wake in rough water.  As I hit the wake, I was jolted, my
	rear toe came out, I crushed over and I met the tip of the ski with
	my head. The end result was a trip to the hospital and four stitches.
	If I had two feet secured to the ski, I wouldn't have been able to	
	get into the position where I could hit the ski like that.

	Chances of injury are there, no matter what setup you use.  In
	choosing a setup, choose based on what works best for you.  You'll
	be happy you did!  JMO.

	Regards,

	-ric.

	I have double high wraps on an O'Brien Pro circuit, I prefer 
them to the adjustable front and rear toe strap of the lesser skis 
I've had.  I suspect that they cover up for a number of flaws and that 
if I had a rear toe strap I would have to improve my form by quite a 
bit - I would also be able to start working on beach and dock starts 
in preparation for the months with Rs in them.

	Most of my falls either result in me staying in both wraps  OR
coming out of them both;  this is usually when I go out the front -
somehow I leave the ski entirely before hitting the water, I'm not
sure exactly what happens, I probably just tuck up into a ball and 
roll forward - spotters say I do cartwheels - dunno.  I seem to 
remember suffering some groin and knee stretches with the other skis, 
never anything too serious, but I wasn't trying as hard then anyway.

	Reg

re                 <<< Note 23.11 by PSYCHE::DECAROLIS "J.M.D." >>>
>                           -< This could work..... >-

      
>    And now they have designed a boot that will break away from the
>    ski....the ATAR experiment.

	I was cursing my bindings again this week-end and I remembered 
this entry and seeing the write up in (I think) Water Skier.  
What ever happened to this ?

	R

    
    I think they were not able to perfect break away bindings,
    so that whole project was probably scrapped.  
    
    Having problems with your bindings Reg?  I thought those
    O'brien Pro Flows were pretty comfortable.  Or did you
    not come out of the double-high wraps (nasty things)!  :>)
    
    jeanne          
    

re              <<< Note 23.44 by DONVAN::DECAROLIS "Slalom Fever!" >>>
    
>    Having problems with your bindings Reg?  I thought those
>    O'brien Pro Flows were pretty comfortable.  Or did you
>    not come out of the double-high wraps (nasty things)!  :>)

	BAH !  The trouble is that I  DO  come out of them, almost 
every time I fall.  Then I can't get back in without clambering back 
in the boat and sliming them up again - this just seems wrong.  I know 
your friend Ann has some kind of unusual binding on her ski; also, 
Jobe has a zippered rear entry binding.  Snow skiers have had 
break-away bindings for a long time, cyclists have (mostly) got away 
from toe clips, straps and cleats - I believe the technology is there 
just waiting for another application, and water skiers are probably an 
excellent opportunity.  Look how they  *-SPEND-* !!!  (-:

	Reg

PS	I'd chose the model that releases both feet at the same 
	time  - -  the release mechanisms COULD be linked, right ?

	    

    
    
    	Yeah, but imagine how far you'd have to chase a "runaway" water
    ski if it was just a blank w/o bindings..... Great idea, though..
    because while my ski usually doesn't come off when I fall, it is
    downright annoying to have to climb back onto the boat when it does.
    
    Rick

    
    Well guys, the thing to do is save all that hard pulling
    and leaning for the end of your run, that way if you
    fall, it's time to get back into the boat!
    
    Jeanne
    
    
    

re <<< Note 23.46 by KAHALA::SUTER "We dun't need no stinkin' skis, (sometimes)" >>>

    
>    	Yeah, but imagine how far you'd have to chase a "runaway" water
>    ski if it was just a blank w/o bindings..... Great idea, though..

	Don't limit your thinking here....  there ain't no good reason
why the release mechanism couldn't also deploy a mini 'chute  (-:, (-:

	This is sort of what happens with snow skis now and its why 
"runaway straps"  became obsolete. 

	OK, so the REAL problem is that I'm getting pulled out the
front - correction; the REAL problem is that I am allowing myself to
get pulled out the front !   I'll work on that.

	Reg

BTW:  Do you know who Correcticus (sp ?) was ? (other than being crafty)
	{Correct - Correction - Correcticus - }

	I was over at the Marlborough slalom course last night, just 
shooting the breeze with some folks.  They were raving about somebody 
who  "fell"  during the tournament last saturday.  Supposedly he 
didn't let go, but somehow managed to convert his fall into a tumble-up 
and saved some fraction of a bouy.  I've seen tumble turns done on a 
slalom ski before, but never heard of anyone pulling it off in a 
slalom tournament.  Mike, do you know who it was that did this ?

	Reg

    Reg,
    
    I missed the tournament myself, had a wedding to go
    to. Not mine, :-) an old roommates.
    
    I have seen this type move by some guys in our club
    who generally just do not "let go".  They have to
    have the handle ripped out.  I have never seen it
    accomplished in a way to ski away though.  I will 
    see what I can find out.  This is a fairly common
    type thing in jumping, not so common in slalom.
    
    Mike

    I learned a lesson the hard way about bindings...
    
    I've been learning to slalom and trying to perfect my deep water start.
    Well, I've been using the slalom half of a combination pair.  They are
    Connelly's and they didn't fit me quite right.  They were still big on
    the smallest setting.  The toe loop was too big all together (my whole
    foot could go through the loop in the front).
    
    Anyway, I took a nasty nasty fall - ambulance at Lake Mascuppic and all
    that jazz.  I go in for reconstructive surgury on my knee next week.
    
    The point...next season I will get a ski that is sized to my foot, for
    my use and my ability level.  No substitute will do!  If my back foot
    came out of the loop, I wouldn't be where I am today - not walking let
    alone skiing :-( !!  I've heard that injuries are less frequent with
    the double boot than the toe loop.  I don't know but seeing as I had
    the injury with the toe loop - I think I'll try the double boot!  Of
    course that is if the Doc lets me ski anytime this century!
    
    Hope it doesn't happen to anyone else,
    
    Karen
    
    

Hi Karen ... gee, it sounds like you had a real nasty fall.  I'm sorry to hear
about it, and wish you a quick and full recovery.  It sounds like your attitude
is right ... you want to get back on the water ASAP.  That's great.  Your idea
to get a ski that's sized right for you is also an excellent one.  It'll be
worth your time to go to a few shops and try on bindings/skis and see how they
feel.  Rumor has it that there are a couple of places in N.H. that will meet or
beat any catalog price (help me out here, guys!), so it might be a good idea to
find what you want, grab the latest Overton's, Bart's and Ski Limited catalogs
and do some dealin'.

Good luck, and let us know how your surgery goes!

...Roger...

re       <<< Note 23.52 by ROGER::GAUDET "Because the Earth is 2/3 water" >>>
>                     -< Best wishes for a full recovery! >-

	seconded !   While you're resting maybe a few row boat cruises
on the Merrimac would be a good idea  - -  rock hunting without a
prop. 


>  Rumor has it that there are a couple of places in N.H. that will meet or
>  beat any catalog price (help me out here, guys!), so it might be a good idea to

	I've had pretty good luck with Baert in Plaistow, right on Rte 
#125.  Peter used to manage the "water ski pro shop", but he left to 
become YAO'BR (yet another O'Brien Rep).  Its now in the hands of 
Dave, who used to be in the Danvers store and I think he'll be trying 
extra hard to hold onto the clientele that Peter built up.  Dave is a 
pretty capable skier himself, he can help you with ski selection for 
your size, weight, proficiency level, etc.   

	Also, Water Skis Plus in Spencer, Mass can help you in the 
store and on the water, since they sell lessons too.  OK, so there's 
5% sales tax - its still often cheaper than shipping charges.

Good luck, get well soon.

	Reg

BTW, deep water starts are a lot easier to learn off the boom - then
the leader line - then behind the boat {IMHO}  but if the ski doesn't
fit you'll probably come out of it as you're trying to come up or just
after.

    Yup, there's pros and cons to double wraps and just a toe strap.
    With double wraps, in the event of a fall, usually both feet stay in,
    and all bones/ligaments remain intact. (I said fall, not CRASH)
    But if one foot comes out and not the other, particularly if the front
    foot comes out and not the rear, some serious damage can occur to knees
    and ankles.
    The flip side to this is that the double wraps give better support to
    the ankles so your less likely to have an injury than with a toe strap.
    
    It all boils down to preference...
    
    The bottom line is, get equipment matched to your size, weight, skiing
    style and ability, and... Don't Fall.   :^)   :^)
    
    Best of luck to a quick recovery...
    Doug

	Other than "take it to a Pro repair shop"  
I would like some advice on how to re-attach a binding to a ski.
I'm pretty sure the holes are stripped out, so I'll need to fill them,
the main questions are therefore;

i)	with what ?    MarineTex ?  Some kind of epoxy ?

ii)	how do I then re-tap for new screws ?   

iii)	or should I put the screws in while the filler is still soft ?
	
iv)	if so, what should I use as a release agent to prevent the screws 
	from getting cemented in ?

v)	Should I  "upgrade"  the screws to a different size or type ? 

vi)	As a last resort I can drill new holes - as a last resort.

	Reg

    Reg,
     Mix up some 2-part epoxy and put it into the holes along with some
    bits of steel wool.  Then, put back in the screws before it sets up.
    If you decide sometime later to remove the screws, you may need to add
    a bit more epoxy to refasten, but the hole should then still be
    "tapped".
    
    Doug

    
    	Instead of epoxy you might want to try a product by Locktite called
    Liquid Weld. It is also 2 part but is much harder and can be machined
    when cured.
    
    C

    REG, the epoy won't hold.................
    
    This will...  drill a 3/8" hole, glue a birch dowel in place
    with resorsinol glue. its a 2 part.
    
    drill a pilot hole for the screw of your choice..
    
    be sure to varnish or urethane the dowel and surrounding area..
    
    JIm.

	Thanks everyone,   I also called  Water Skis Plus  in Spencer,  April
said that Ed's advice is usually to fill in the old holes and make new ones, 
keeping the binding in the same place, so that was what I did.

	Reg
 
PS	O'Brien sez don't bother pre-drilling, use 3/4 inch  #8 stainless sheet
	metal screws.  The old ones were 5/8, but the new ones didn't come 
	through the bottom anyway.

    
    My Connelly binding only lasted me one year!  The
    side strap broke and I was already down to the
    last setting.  We drilled new holes in, but that
    only held up for another week.  
    
    I love the Connelly high-wrap bindings, I just wish
    they'd hold up longer.  The new binding I just bought 
    does seemed to be re-designed and sturdier.  
    
    Jeanne
    

    Jeanne,
    
    The '92 boots are totally redesigned and improved. They are both
    more comfortable and will wear much longer. If anyone has problems
    with their '89-'91 Connelly Custom Contour boots,send the damaged
    part back to Connelly and they will take care of you!
    
    Matt

    Hi Matt,
    
    That's good to know.  I will contact Connelly and see
    if I can't get either re-imbursed or get a free binding
    out of this.  Connelly does make wonderful bindings,
    my friend replaced her Kidder binding with a Connelly
    and is really happy with it.  
    
    How was your trip on Lake Powell? 
    
    By the way, I've met some "Rocket" skiers this summer,
    they seem to love their ski.  I'd like to test drive
    the Rocket and compare it to the HP.  
    
    Jeanne
    

    Jeanne,
    
    Lake Powell was great,for the most part anyway. We had a few bad days
    thanks to Hurricane Andrew. We went 80 miles south and east of Bullfrog
    Marina and found our own bay up in the San Juan arm that we enjoyed all
    week in solitude. On the last day,on our way back to the marina,we 
    grounded the houseboat,trashing the port side lower unit. That will add
    to our expense list,making our trip a bit more costly than anticipated.
    
    But the glass water,the scenery,the total peace and quiet experianced
    made the trip well worth while.
    
    Glad to hear the Rocket is catching on out east. The Rocket started out
    as a slow seller,but word spread,more and more people rode it and fell
    in love,now,dealers can't order enough of them in. It's popularity is
    exploding. 
    
    Next season Connelly will be introducing some radical new
    technology into their line-up. I am not allowed to elaborate,but can
    say that the changes will IMPRESS! 
    
     If you choose to demo a Rocket,do it this fall,while you are quite 
    comfortable on your HP. Let me know how it goes. Expect a much
    improved turn over your Hp, and a more controlled edge change going
    into your deceleration phase,more definate,more precise,but a much
    smoother edge change. Make sure you pull through both wakes on the 
    Rocket,or you will find yourself narrow going into the buoy.
    
    Matt

    Matt,
    
    Sounds like a great trip, except for the grounding episode
    and the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew.  What a monster of
    a storm that was.  
    
    I don't know that I'm ready to let go of my HP yet, maybe
    once I get into 28off or more!  :>)  I've gotten in a lot
    of course skiing this year, I've found that I've picked
    up some bad habits on the HP, like hooking the turn if I'm
    running late on the course.
    
    So, I've gone back to free skiing (for awhile) and have worked 
    on cadillac turns....boy, this is hard on the HP, the ski wants to 
    pivot, or is that me?  :>)  Anyways, it's taken me most of the summer
    to lose the slack on my off side, though, when skiing the
    course I'm never sure what's going to happen.  It sure helps
    when the line stays tight through the turns.  
    
    Sounds like you're pretty involved with the Connelly line,
    keep up the good work and keep us informed! 
                                 
    Jeanne