Conference vicki::boats

    
    I heard the pro-tour will be coming to Hartford, Connecticut
    this year in August.  How nice!  Hot Summer Nights will be
    practically in our backyard.
    
    Jeanne
    

     
    What with all the time I've spent recently thinking about getting my
    boat back in the water, it has occured to me that although MY primary
    use of the boat is for fishing, the REST of the family would probably
    get more enjoyment out of some of the OTHER aspects, which started me
    thinking about water sports such as skiing and tubing...
    
    I'm looking for info and suggestions on what to do/buy etc...
    
    The boat is a 17.5' bowrider with a 90hp johnson...
    
    The family is my partner and her 7yr old son.  
    
    Is there used equipment available?  what's the price range?  and
    what things should I avoid?
    
    Jim

re                      <<< Note 1036.2 by MR4DEC::FBUTLER >>>
>                         -< Need info/suggestions... >-

>    I'm looking for info and suggestions on what to do/buy etc...

	Ah_HaH !    a  "help me spend my money"  note (-:    

>    The boat is a 17.5' bowrider with a 90hp johnson...

	Probably adequate.... unless you tend toward  "HEAVY"  or     
wanna foot  (or both).

>    The family is my partner and her 7yr old son.  

	Generalizations are usually dangerous but,,

	7 is a little young for skiing - OK, this will draw some flak 
from people who started when they were much younger and/or know kids 
who did.  My guess is that kneeboarding might be less intimidating and 
require less coordination.  Again, just a personal opinion, but most 
kids seem to lack the coordination (fine motor skills, whatever) to 
ski until they're about 11.

>    Is there used equipment available?  what's the price range?  and
>    what things should I avoid?

	Depends what you're looking for and where (geographically) you shop.    
New England isn't overly encumbered with water ski dealers and swap 
meets.  I would guess that some parts of Florida are different.  
I think if I were starting out I'd try to buy less and test drive 
more, but the buying was kinda fun (when dec stock was ~$100).

>    Jim

	You didn't say whether or not any of you already ski.

	Reg

    I did as a teenager, which was about 20yrs ago...neither of the other
    two have...
    
    jim (who is in new england...and does not want to "foot", at least not
    yet...)
    

    
    Matt,
    
    If you look in Waterski Mag you'll see an ad for the
    Michelob Dry Waterski Tour, all the back issues run
    this ad as well.  There should be a phone # to call.
    
    I'm not sure if this new tour stop is part of the Michelob
    Dry tour or the other one???   I found out about the
    Connecticut site from a friend who called the Orlando
    folks in regards to the tournament thats held there every
    April. (Barnett Park...good show)!
    
    I'll be sure to post the exact dates for the CT tour when
    I get them.
                                                  
    Jeanne   

    Prospect lake out here in Co.Spgs is open,free and clear of ice!!
    
    All I need now is some sun and a day without the wind.
    
    
    And a car seat for Stephanie that floats. I've been trying to teach her
    how to run a watch,but she'd rather drive the boat.  :-)
    
    
    
    Matt

    
    
    Of course, the New England contingent of water skiers can't keep
    up with the Co. skiers, but we're never far behind.
    
    The Merrimack river is now pretty much ICE FREE in Lowell/Chelmsford!
    
    Only problem is the couple feet of snow that blocks the ramps... hmmmm
    
    

    I pulled the Flighty off it's blocks last week so I could size up the
    proper height draw-bar for the hitch. Aside from re-installing a few
    hoses on the engine, a shovel or two at the ramp, a 15' length of chain,
    two 4X4's, and some willing (but foolish) participants, we're ready!
    
    When's the first sunny day with temps in the 50's gonna be here ? We
    should make an attempt to get out in March.
    
    Rick, didya get the Nautik back from NECC yet ?
    
    ~jeff

    
    Jeff,
    
    	Nope, still no Nautique. I need to call NECC this week....
    
    	And I'm afraid that for now there would be more difficulty
    getting thru the snowed-in parking lot in Chelmsford than merely
    shoveling the ramp...
    
    	I'll check it out....
    
    Rick

    	I'am interresed in buying a good use ski boat.  I have found a 82
    Nautique 2001 in real nice shape with 700 hrs on it.  I have been told 
    buy a friend that the boat has a hard wake for slalom skiing.  My wife
    is more concerned about this than I'am.  She has skied 30/15 off
    behined a 79 Ski Supreme that has a pretty good wake to it with out any 
    problem.  I have told her that the 2001 should have a better wake than
    the Supreme I'am I correct in making that statement?  We have decided 
    to go the used boat route for now. If anybody out there knows of any
    good used tournament boats out there let me know please.  The boat is
    the last phase of are project which was selling are home and buying a
    waterfront home so we could ski and ski and ski some more. 
    
    Thanks for any input
    Steve

    
    The 2001 has a large round wake at speeds lower than 34. At 30.they
    are killer,my wife who skiis the course at 34/15,can't and won't 
    ski behind a 2001 at 30. The Supremes definately have better wakes
    and less spray at all slalom speeds but you don't have the quality
    in construction like the Correct Craft.
    
     The 2001 was designed for the advanced skier,tricking at or above 
    17 mph,and slaloming at 28off and shorter...on calm days.
    Because of the spray,not the ride,it rides like a cadilac compared
    to the bone jarring Supreme ride.
    
    
    Matt

    Steve,
    	Re. the '82 Nautiques...
    	Matt's correct, we had an '84 and when we switched to a '90, the
    improvement in wakes was phenomenal.  The '82 - '84 is like driving a 
    bicycle into a curb.  But on the plus side, Correct Crafts are very well
    made, they hold their value (we sold ours for close to what we paid for
    it after 6 years use), and the wake does teach you to keep your shoulders 
    back.  Also, it makes anything you ski on in tournaments seem a lot
    easier.  
    	In my opinion, if you're getting the same sort of deal on price,
    and intend to use the boat for several years, I'd get the Nautique
    despite the wake.
    	The American Water ski association has a monthly magazine that
    features several used towboats in the want ads.  If you can't find an
    issue locally, try:
    	AWSA
    	799 Overlook Dr
    	Winter Haven Florida
    	33884
    Jim
    P.S.  I almost regret logging into the note.  Skiing in March?  It's
    minus 17 C this morning with 10 cm snow forecast.  Oh well, I guess I'm
    building character. 

    I agree with Jim on everything he said,while I trained for 2 seasons
    behind my '87 Nau,it forced me to learn how to pull correctly and
    also long enough,you don't want to let up on your pull until you are
    on the flat water just beyond the second wake. Because your ski pops
    a bit more behind the 2001,you don't get as much time to decelerate
    going into the buoy,which helps force you to learn how to decelerate
    aggressively. I could always pick up about 6  buoys when going 
    behind a Mastercraft,Supra,Supreme,or Brendella,so when going to
    tournaments,I felt some degree of confidence. The Nau was an 
    excellant training boat for me. And,I weigh about 200 lbs and like
    to trick @ 17 1/2 mph,so the trick table and wake characteristics
    of the 2001 were great.
    
    My wife however tricks at 14,the table was heavily dished and 
    had a secondary ridge on the table that interferred with her
    surface turns. The wakes were so steep at 14 that she had a 
    problem getting too much air on her wake turns.
    
    She also is BIG TIME addicted to the course,and frequently gets
    into 34/15. But at her starting speeds of 28 or 30, the wakes
    were just too large,not hard,just large. A male skiing at 30 
    can handle the size of the wakes as long as he keeps his shoulders
    twisted away from the boat and his back arched.
    
    As far as re-sale,I got a great deal.
    
    As far as quality,I don't believe anyone puts a boat together better.
    Each season I average over 200 hours on my tug boat,and my most 
    trouble free seasons were when I had my 2001.NOTHING WENT
    WRONG,NOTHING!
    
    The human engineering in a Nau is also second to none,something the 
    driver will appreciate after spending long hours behind the wheel
    in rain,cold,etc.
    
    Matt
    

     The latest issue of "Powerboat" has complete test of 7 new ski boats.
    This was actually a quite complete test, response, user friendly, wake,
    acceleration (time to), construction etc..Good reading and excellent
    comparison data..
    
    Jim

    
    
    Skiing has FINALLY begun in New England!
    
    Rick

    While crossing the Merrimack River in Nashua this morning, I noticed
    alot of things (tires, branches, you name it) heading South due to the
    high water level picking up everything in it's path.  I certainly would
    be carefull about skiing the river for awhile.
    Wayne

re                    <<< Note 1036.17 by SALEM::NORCROSS_W >>>
>                     -< Merrimack River loaded with junk >-

>    While crossing the Merrimack River in Nashua this morning, I noticed
>    alot of things (tires, branches, you name it) heading South due to the

	Its a sure sign of spring, the tires get tired of wintering up
north, so they're coming south for the spring and summer. 
Soon the old fridges will be arriving, along with sections of docks 
and rafts looking for a warmer clime - ah yes, spring is certainly on 
its way now.

>    high water level picking up everything in it's path.  I certainly would
>    be carefull about skiing the river for awhile.

	Yes, watch out for seasonal Nautiques and Mastercrafts too.

>    Wayne


	Reg

    It's our way of keeping New Hampshire clean for all those Massachusetts
    folks who like to come up here for vacation.  We just throw all our
    trash in the river and it get's stuck at the dam in Lowell.
    Wayne

    
    I heard rumors that some skiers may challenge those tires and 
    Fridgedaires today, these rumors have not yet been confirmed...
    
    

    Would a Fridgedaire be considered a planing hull or displacement?

I don't know about a fridge, but I know a 10hp outboard will plane
a kitchen table!

I've got a copy of an ad that Mercury ran back around 1964 or so.
It shows an upside down kitchen table, complete with legs and all, 
with a Merc outboard clamped onto the back, and a guy sitting in 
the middle, planing right along.  Looked like a neat prank, and 
pretty easy to do.

Rick

>>I don't know about a fridge, but I know a 10hp outboard will plane
>>a kitchen table!
    
    
    	Yeah, but how does it do in a chop, say, through a breakwater?
    And will it plane better if I put the fuel tank amidtables or should it
    be right near the motor? Also, if I increase the propeller pitch from
    10" to 15" will I get more top end? Also, I don't want to lose my
    bottom end because I need to be able to pop skiers up quickly. And
    where should I put my Bar-B-Q for the best HP? (Hotdogs Per briquette)
    Is it ok to discharge salad waste directly or do I need to mascerate it
    first; what if I am more than 3' from shore? Should I stick with the
    regular kitchen type chairs, or can I install captains chairs? What
    type of metal should I use for the screws or should I throughbolt? What
    type and brand of sealer works best with this type of hull? Should I
    check the extension slides for rot? What if they're rotted? Will my
    hull cave in? Should I glaze over them? And how long can I leave this
    in the lake before I have to worry about table blistering? Can it be
    repaired or do I need a new table top? What if I leave it in the salt
    water? What is the best anti fouling paint to use on a planing kitchen
    table? If I use that taflon stuff, will it go faster?
    
    		Please help me. I am planning a party on this next month.
    
    					Kenny

    Noted naval architect Dave Gerr (well he was noted until he wrote the
    holey propeller April 1st article in OFFSHORE :-), writes in one of
    his books that any floatable object (including the QE2) will plane
    given enough power.
    
    This principle is crucial to those bathtub races they hold periodically
    somewhere (where?).
    
    Personally I think a bathtub would make a pretty good skitow vessel.
    Comfortable seating both forward for driver and rearward for observer.
    

    
    Well, this topic has certainly gone down the garbage disposal!

>    Personally I think a bathtub would make a pretty good skitow vessel.
>   Comfortable seating both forward for driver and rearward for observer.
    
    	Yeah, but both the driver and the spotter would get pretty stiff
    necks from one having to look around the other! :-)
    
    Is this the 93 waterski note.... yeah I guess it is!
    
    As for the Merrimack, It's real close to overflowing it's banks in
    Lowell. Now that would be a site! Right now a double take is needed
    to even recognize the damn. In several areas near the dam where
    no concrete wall exists (Beachy area between pavillion and dam)
    the water is overtaking what used to be "dry" land.
    
    	Things could get real interesting if the river manages to rise
    a few more inches!
    
    Rick

    re: .25
    
    The Ability To Rathole Any Topic!   8^)
    
    Maybe a new topic on "alternative watercraft" would be appropriate?
    
    Rick

    Actually, what will get interesting is once the Merrimack get's to a
    certain height in Nashua, they can no longer process the sewage coming
    into the treatment plant and they have to let go into the river
    un-treated.  Let's rathole some more!  Besides, nobody should be
    thinking about skiing when I still have to worry about plowing snow!
    Wayne

    
      Gee guys, I thought my reply *was* about skiing!
    
    				Kenny

Gee, all this talk about bobbin' and weavin' down the Merrimack.  Isn't it gonna
take a few more weeks before it's really safe to ski there anyway (not that we
haven't tried before ... my heel still hurts from hitting that 2x4 when we were
doing some early season 'footin a couple of years back).

Now if you want open water, I was at the lake in R.I. last weekend and it's all
liquid.  Not much stuff floating (although one of the local residents who's also
a ski buddy recommended waiting at least another week for things to really clear
out).  Water temps are around 40.  Wanna tow the boat?  Come on down!  Hmm, I
wonder what this Saturday's weather is gonna be like?  Gumball weather, I'd
wager.  :-}

...Roger...

    There was an article in the Nashua Telegraph this weekend.  It seems
    that the Hudson Police were called to the river by a concerned citizen
    who observed a boat in the river with 1 person in it and two others in
    the water, all drifting down the river.
    
    The net was no problem.  It seems that they were knee boarding and the
    current was two swift for the boarders up going down current  so they 
    would make a furious run up current and then drift back down with the 
    guys in the water and repeat the process (??).
    
    I dont pretend to have this one figured out, only relating what I read
    in the Nashua daily rag.  It wasnt anyone from here, eh?? 

re                       <<< Note 1036.30 by APACHE::URBAN >>>
>                   -< Kneeboarding the Merrimack, Apr 1993 >-

>    I dont pretend to have this one figured out, only relating what I read
>    in the Nashua daily rag.  It wasnt anyone from here, eh?? 

	Sounds like they were having some sort of trouble drifting 
into the back of the boat before take off ??

	My preference would be to troll up into the current and check 
for trash (shut up Suter) then ski down river.

	Nah, nobody I know would do that  - -  everyone I know from 
the river is very  "down current"  kinda folks.....  

	R

    
    
    	Sounds like the old "is this boat's speed measured by
    land or water" argument.... Theoretically, the boat + skiers
    were not traveling down river when they were just drifting. Well,
    they weren't traveling according to the speedometer in the boat.
    But in relation to land there were certainly traveling!
    Get it?
    
    	With a strong current in the river they should have been able
    to travel at the boat's max speed plus the current's speed down
    river (measured by land... that would be ONE).... (TWO if by sea!)
    Although, the boat's speedos would only indicate the boat's speed.
    Up river, of course would be boat speed minus current.....
    
    Rick When's_the_sun_coming_out?

    
    Sounds like Jimmy Yahoo!  Next time I see him I'll ask
    if he's been drifting around lately.  :>)
    
    Jeanne
    

    If it was the boat I saw Friday afternoon (??) with 1 person in the
    boat and two in the river,  I'm pretty sure they had scuba tanks on
    and were diving but I've been wrong before. (Of course, so has the Nashua
    Telegraph).  Cute little boat.  Maybe a 10 - 12 footer with about a 25
    HP on it.  Looked like a two seater.  
    Wayne

    
    	Dickie says it's supposed to clear up this afternoon....
    
    	Any takers on a few Merrimack runs to check the speedometers
    and take note of any drifting scuba divers?
    
    Rick

    
    Does anyone know what the Merrimack River water temp is,
    in the Lowell/Chelmsford area?
    
    Jeanne
    

    re .36
    
    Hi Jeanne!
    
    The floating ice is gone, and the snow from the banks is gone as well.
    If the river rises any more then the N. Chelmsford ramp will be gone,
    it's under water already, and approaching the parking lot. Floating
    debris everywhere. 
    
    Your question is perhaps phrased a little on the optimistic side. A
    better question would have been, "How *cold* is it?". Bring a drysuit
    or don't fall making beach starts!
    
    ~jeff_who's_been_out_twice_so_far
          
    

    Hey Jeff,
    
    You diehard you!  Yep...too cold for me, 39 degrees doesn't
    sound very friendly, especially to the feet!  Guess I'll
    have to wait a few more weeks.  Seeing how there's so much
    snow left up in the mountains, this isn't a problem!
    
    Jeanne
    
    Re: 37  - thanks.
    

    
    Have you people back east lost you mind??? BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
    
    :-}

    Out here in the west I'm still breaking in the engine (2.1 hours to
    go), and water temp is a "chilly" 65. It's tough waiting for the temp
    to hit 68-70 so summer suits are warm enough. I don't wonder you
    guys/gals back there are deppressed, gee cann't even see liquid water
    till mid april.

>>>    Oh Mr. Suter, temps near 70 today ! I'm in early thanks to my little
>>>    alarm clock so.....the Flighty or the CC, 4:00ish. How 'bout it Reg ?

>	I seem to have not hooked up a trailer this morning, 
>however....
>
>	The current plan is to work << 0.5 day  and go home for a 
>push-me vehicle some time mid/late morning.  From there to TAY for a 
>14:15 - 15:xy  meeting,  (where xy << 60  (-: ).   Then to the 
>North Chelmsford digital annex woods meeting to unload a pull-me 
>vehicle from the push-me vehicle.  Course, if this means we will have 
>too many pull-me vehicles and not enough pull'ees - I s'pose I could 
>leave mine home and help save this little planet from some of my share
>of galaxy wide polution  ??? 
>
>	Reg

    	Err... well unfortunately I can't make it today cuz I must head
    out with number one son to a BS campout this weekend...., unless, of
    course I left real early and snuck one quick one in... hmmmm

    	I do however know of 1 other ski enthusiast that would appreciate
    a tow.... what time shall I tell that enthusiast to be in N.
    Chelmsford?
    
    Rick

    
    Oh yeah... The question of Flighty or FBB might be weighted by 
    whether the FBB has it's new shower yet or not...
    
    Rick

    The Flighty has a toasty warm shower, so if the FBB doesn't then the
    decision is clear to me, clearer than the water at least! If the FBB is
    now equipped and you feel compelled to bring her that is fine too.
    Should only need one boat, 'less there is anyone else biting for an
    opportunity to freeze one's extremities off. 
    
    I'll call Jackie and tell her 4:00ish looks good!
    
    Reg, send me mail. Keep it brief. " Hi my name is <fill in>, I will be
    at the N. Chelmsford ramp by <fill in>, I will/willnot <select one> have 
    my FBB boat which is/isnot <select one> equipped with a working shower.
    
    ~jeff

    
    Err....
    
    	Just so everyone knows, the environmental Police are now out
    on the Merrimack in North Chelmsford... So make sure you have your
    registration and fire extinguisher on board... :-)
    
    Rick

I miss my cheater!  I took it off the fin because most of
the people I ski with say it's not supposed to be on there
until 28 off and better.  So!  Why does my ski skip when
pulling through the wakes without it?  Could this be poor
technique or body position?  

It's kind of unnerving to have the back of the ski lose
contact with the water.  Would more weight on the front
of the ski solve this problem?  Guess I should try it and
see! 

Jeanne

    Jeanne,
    
    We've never met, but since none of the 'regulars' in this notesfile
    are talking cheaters, I'll give it a shot...
    
    The same discussion has gone on at our lake.  On one extreme is a
    fellow we met from the midwest who's ran 35 off on a Stiletto without a
    foil, and say's that they're unnecessary with the new, stiffer skis.
    
    I'm more in your camp - even at 15 off, I believe there are benefits,
    but compared to proper technique and body position, the effect of
    foils are small.  I tried an experiment this summer.  For the first
    month I skied without a foil and concentrated on form, not buoy count.
    It's a little early to tell, but I'm further ahead than last summer
    at this time, and I think it's beneficial to learn what your ski can
    do without a foil.  
                    
    One comment on skipping over the wakes:   whenever that's happened to
    me, invariably I started pulling too early out of the turn.  If I 
    just hold my edge till the wake, and then crank it thru the second 
    wake, I've never skipped.
    
    Jim 

	Tournament time in New England......

	Ft Meadow water ski club is holding their novice tournament 
THIS saturday.  AWSA membership required for entry, they can sign you 
up for that at the tournament site.

	Reg

Jim,

Thanks for replying.  Yes, we too have had conversations on
the river about cheaters.  What the cheater does for you is
help slow down the ski in the pre-turn, but it also puts some
drag on the ski through the wakes.

The reason I took off the cheater was because I felt I
wasn't learning to slow the ski down properly, I was letting
the cheater do the work.  The cheater has been off the
ski for a month now, I've finally adjusted.  

I think you are right about pulling too early out of the
turn, my ski skipped out of the water in the turn this
weekend, I think it was a combination of pulling too early
as well as poor weight distribution, but things happen
too fast out there anyways!  I was trying to progress from
30mph to 31MPH and took too much speed into the turn.  Isn't
it amazing how 1 mph faster can feel like 10?!

I agree about the buoy count, I'm happier with a controlled
pass at slower speeds, than a mad river run at higher speeds.
 
Do you and your friends practice free-style skiing or do
you only ski the course?  That's another discussion we've had.

Jeanne

    Wanted: advise on the type of water skiis needed to teach a 14 year old
    (about 150#'s but growing fast) how to ski.  I also may use the slalom
    ski myself, 200#'s, intermediate skier, if I can find someone I trust
    to drive my boat).  Is there a particular ski type/size that would do
    both?  
    Thanks, Wayne

    re 1036.49...
    
    Jeanne,
    
    	We free ski for at least the first three weeks and then set up the
    course, and during the season, take a free ski run once every week or two.
        I find that there's a large benefit to free skiing, in that 
    I can concentrate better on form - sometimes my brain seems to shut down 
    in the course, to be replaced by this voice that says "get the buoy,
    get the buoy".  On the other hand, there can be a danger if you free ski 
    too much, as you can get narrower without realizing it.  You need the 
    course to keep you honest.
        Are you one of the Fort Meadow people?  They were nice enough to
    give me a pull a few years back.  It's a great site.  We ski on a 
    lake that's relatively underpopulated which is nice, but the only 
    club in Ottawa has recently run into problems which are almost comical
    (if you look at them from a distance).  The largest Kawasaki dealer
    in the area has taken to running in their new jetski shipments by 
    the club course.  Make me more appreciative of what we've got.
    Jim
    

Jim,

I've been to Ft. Meadow but I'm not a member.  They
have a nice setup there with the slalom course in a
private pond.  I ski on the Merrimack River in both
Massachusetts and New Hamshire.  We've got slalom
courses (river courses) set up in both areas.  

The people I ski with tend to only ski the slalom course.
I think they find it so addicting they don't want to ski
anything but!  I agree with you though, I'd rather work
on things off the course, hopefully by the time you get
back onto the course everything is in "muscle memory" and
your body takes over without thinking about it.  

That Ottawa club ought to get some "no wake" buoys
to put out in front of their course, we've thought
about doing that, as Sunday traffic can be hectic.

Jeanne

So Rick, you want to ski on a canoe paddle, eh?  OK, I can handle that (get it,
*handle* that!!!!!!! :-)).  You might want to ask Doug for advice on how to ski
on a guitar..... NOT!  :-)

Let's see, if I recall (we didn't do it this year since our show is "postponed")
the key factor is to start with one foot just above the "neck" of the paddle,
right at the joint where the wide part flares out from the handle.  One hand
must hold the paddle steady while the other holds the rope handle.  The other
foot dangles until you get up to speed.  This might cause some grief for those
of you who like to start with both feet on the bindings.  But you'll learn. 
Once the tip of the paddle breaks the surface of the water (yes, the paddle is
completely submerged when you say "hit it!"), you can then grab the rope handle
with both hands and stabilize yourself.  Then get your back foot onto the paddle
handle and you're off.  Sounds easy, eh?  I think you need a hands-on consultant
for this one.  Or I at least want to be there when you try it.  :-)

So is anyone planning to go to the Bud Water Ski Tour stop in Hartford on August
28-29?  I got a nice color brochure in the mail last week.  Advance tickets
(available at Marine USA on Rt. 20 in Worcester) are $6 for adults and $3 for
children ages 6-12 per day.  Gate prices are $9 and $4 respectively.  Friday
(8/27) is a practice day (starts at 9 a.m.) and admission is free.  There's also
the kneeboard/skiboard pro-am challenge at 1 p.m. on Friday.  The event will
actually be held on Batterson Park Pond in Farmington, CT.  I can post more
details and directions if anyone is interested.

...Roger...

    
    Roger,
    
    	Thanks for the paddle skiing info. You may have cured the problem
    I was experiencing last week with that stunt. I thought that I might
    be able to start with "both feet in" errr "on" if I managed to monkey
    toe the handle of the paddle with my rear foot. The monkey toe idea
    (ie: holding the handle of the paddle between my large and "index" toes)
    worked ok, but I couldn't manage to hold it with enough grip to keep
    the paddle in place until I was beginning to un-submerge the paddle.
    It kept getting away from me.
    
    	Yup, I called and ordered tickets to the Bud tour in Farmington
    just yesterday.... you going?
    
    Rick

    
    Rog,
    
    	Where is the hand that holds the paddle placed? Near the heal
    of the forward foot?
    
    Thanks,
    
    Rick

RE: .54  I'm thinking about it, but I'd probably only go for one day.  I'd guess
that Sunday would be the best day (to catch the finals), but I think I have
something to do one day that weekend, I just don't know which day yet.

RE: .55  Yeah, anywhere around the heel is fine.  You just need to keep the wide
part of the paddle stable until the water pressure does it for you.  Man, that
monkey-toe thing must have felt really weird!  Did it help to keep the handle of
the paddle stable at all?  I guess I never would have thought to try that given
that the handle is so thin.  Heck, if it works...

...Roger...

    
    Roger,
    
    There's about 10 of us going to the Bud Tour Stop, should
    be a great time!  We're staying at the Marriot, you will
    see the # in the brochure.  I'm going up Friday afternoon,
    to be there for Saturday's competition, I may come back 
    Saturday night (hate to give up a whole weekend of waterskiing 
    to watch waterskiing).
    
    The Marriot is the official hotel for the Bud Light Tour,
    so maybe we can hook up with Andy, Deena, Wade, Carl,
    in the bar for drinks!  
    
    Jeanne
    

We ski on the canoe paddle and I think we do it a little different.

When we start with just the canoe paddle we have the handle facing
downward and the paddle upward:

        /--\
        |  |
        |  |
        |  |
         \/
         || <----- heel goes here
         ||
         ||
         ||
         ++

The boat just idles forward and that is enough to keep the
paddle under your foot. We don't usually stay on it to long
but my brother has crossed wakes with it. Usually we speed
the boat up and just barefoot from it. Sliding your foot
off is much easier than using a ski.

Just my 2 cents.

Matt B.

News from Europe...

Here are the results of the European Championships (Gmunden, Austria):

Men:

Tricks:
	1 - Nicolas Leforestier (France): 10160 pts
	2 - Patrice Martin (France): 9970 pts
	3 - Alessi (Italy): 8690 pts

Slalom:
	1 - Patrice Martin (France): (11m, 2.5 gates)
	2 - Battleday (GB) (11m, 2 gates)
	3 - Yvon Le Gall (France) (11m, 2 gates)

Jump:
	1 - Alessi (Italy): 61.30 m
	2 - Claude Perez (France): 59 m
	3 - Oberleitner (Austria): 57.10 m
	(4 - Patrice Martin (France: 54.50 m)


"Combin�":
	1 - Patrice Martin (France): 2825 pts
	2 - Alessi (Italy): 2733 pts
	3 - Devyatovski ("Bielorussia"): 2433 pts

Women:

I'm terribly sorry but I don't have the full results.

"Combin�":
	1 - Rmiansteva (Russia): 2821 pts
	2 - Roberts (GB): 2633 pts
	3 - Paviova ("Bielorussia"): 2614 pts

See you for the World championships in Singapoore.

Bye, 

Marc Burnier (Geneva, CH)

Does anyone else besides me who went to Hartford think that Kristi Overton
got the raw end of the stick in the finals. When Susi said the boat was
not in the right path. How could she have even known if the boat was in
the right path if she was falling on bouy #3.

Anyway I had a real good time. I went just on Sunday and I'm glad
I did the 2 hour trip. It was well worth it. Certainly humbled me as
far as my skiing ability.

-Matt

ps. anyone want to see a picture of 80, yes that is correct eighty (80) skiiers
    behind one boat check out "Computerworld" (August 30th, vol. 27 no. 35) on
    pages 30 and 31 there is an advertisement for "Control Data" I thought it
    was pretty cool  

I thoroughly enjoyed the Hartford tour stop.  I was there
for Saturday's competition, temps were about 99 degrees,
conditions were variable.  The women started out at 28
off line lengths, skied into a headwind, 32 off in the 
tailwind, 35 off back into the headwind, then 38 off.
(confusing??, I believe there was a strategy in place).  
Leachman, Hjellander, Graham all got into 38 off's.  I think
those 3 tied at 2 @ 38 off.  Kristi Overton was the fourth
skier to make it into Sunday's final.

On the men's side, Lucky Lowe ran a  full pass at 38 off
and then skied 1 @ 39.5.  The conditions weren't good for
record breaking runs on Saturday, and I'm sure the humidity
made the skiers feel somewhat lazy.  Still, watching Lucky
ski that pass was thrilling, for himself and the crowds.

Mike Hjellander ran his passes in his typical slam-dunk
style.  I was at the far end of the course in between 2 and
3 buoys, in the water, taking photos.  Mike crashed in front
of us and swam into shore.  I was able to talk with him about
how he did (he finished 5th), if he was staying healthy (he's
only jumped one tour stop this year and that has helped), 
and I thanked him for the slam-dunk photos.  He said "good  
thing you got them today because I didn't make it to the finals"!  

Jennifer watched the men's slalom with us, she travels with
a Rotweiller (sp) named Ralph.  She gets lonely on the tour.  :>)
I was also able to talk with Camille Duvall and Bob Lapoint.
    
I got my photos back (two rolls of 400 ASA, 500 shutter speed,
aperature of 11/16 (for you photo buffs)).  It's amazing what
these photos can show you, the pros give a whole new meaning
to the slalom term *ski wide*.  

Jeanne

    

    Thanks for the tour report Jeanne.  It sounds like a real good time
    watching and talking with the pros.  How's Peter's shoulder doing?  He
    must be bumming.  Re.60  Wow 80 skiiers and I thought 6 doing beach
    starts behind my boat was pretty good.
    
    Steve
    

If you could only see the picture.

They actually have a boat about the size of a small cruise boat with
an attachment on each side of the boat extending out with about 32 ski
lines off of it. The rest are directly behind the boat.

Too bad more people don't get ComputerWorld magazine.

-Matt

re:   Shoulder injuries, prevention/avoidance, etc.

	See Pages 16 and 17 of  "the Water Skier"  August/September 
1993  for some tips on how to help avoid what happened to me last year 
and to Peter this year (twice !).

	Reg

    Steve,
    
    Pete's doing great, after dislocating his shoulder twice,
    he came to the conclusion (with a lot of nagging from his
    older sister :>)), that he had to *avoid* the bad falls
    and work on his technique.
    
    He's back on the course and doing better than ever.  He
    doesn't take up the boat speed until his passes are smooth
    and bobble free.  I give him a lot of credit, I probably
    would have quit the sport after two dislocations.  
    
    Thanks for asking!  Hope you are enjoying the Nautique.
    
    Jeanne
    

    	Thanks for the tip Reg.  Your right I should reed that. I just
    skimmed over those pages, Don't even want to think about it. But you
    got me thinking if I want to get the most out of the last couple of
    months skiing I'd better take a look. 

Who would have the results of the world chamiopnship which took place in
Singapoore last week ?

Thanks.

Bye, Marc

    Forecasted temps in the high 70's for this Friday. Anyone up for what
    may be the last *gumball* for this season. 
    
    As always, I'm partial to North Chelmsford. T'was thinking a half-day
    would be in order.
    
    ~jeff

    >><<< Note 1036.68 by SALEM::JGREEN "Living beyond my emotional means" >>>
    >>                      -< One last **GUMBALL** ? >-
    
    Great minds think alike!
    
    Rick

    Count me in...
    
    Doug

    
    	Travelling along the Merrimack river on route 113 this morning,
    I was overcome with a desire to carve up it's glass calm water. How
    about Sunday? Anyone heard the WX?
    
    Rick

    Rick,
    	If it's not toooooooe early I may want to join you.
    	I have a Bruins game Sat night ;^)
    	I'll talk to the wife tonight and see if she wants to go.
    	I can get the FishTeaser ready Sat am.
    	Send me mail direct if you or anyone else is going.
    	I'll launch from Salisbury State Park ramp.
    -< Tuna Tail >- aka Dick

    
    re: Dick,
    
    	It would be nice to meet you in person, but if you launch at
    Salisbury, we won't see you unless "FishTeaser" can climb dams, cuz
    we'll be in North Chelmsford.
    
    	I've been informed by my own personal weather person that early
    Saturday is predicted to have the better weekend weather. How 'bout
    tomorrow morning in North Chelmsford? Dick, would you like to try the
    northern section of the Merrimack, can you get "FT" ready tonite? BTW:
    if those B's tickets are burning a hole in your pocket....... :-)
    
    
    Rick

    Rick,
    
    	Sure wich I could.
    
    	Sorry the B's ticket's aren't burning a whole in my pocket
    	but my nerves are burning a whole in my tummy :-(
    	Don't feel up to tryin for tommorrow am.  If anythin
    	it would be Sunday although it's predicted colder it will
    	be less cloudy.
    
    	Maybe later this month or next ;^)
    	Dick aka -< Tuna Tail >-
    

    Gee should this note go into the "Winterizing" note or here....???

    I'll just let the moderator decide!

    Due to circumstances beyond my control, "Corrective Action" may have
    to be, at least, partially pickled prior to this coming weekend. 
    Unfortunately, a FOMOCO product will be occupying my heated garage
    for a majority of the weekend and in the meantime the boat gets the
    boot out into the cold, cruel, New England weather.

    With this sad tale now out in the open, I turn to the question at
    hand.... Will there be any "UN"-pickled ski boats left? I know that
    one red Malibu is snoozing, it's half brother also had the dirty
    deed performed recently. I assume the wooden '65 and it's friend
    the Fiberglas '65 are both Pre-stone'd (or Sierra'd)... I'm not
    sure about that very resilient 1990 ski boat that has been known
    to overcome high hurdles (and rocks) to meet the challenges thrown
    it's way....... hmmmmm.......

    	Will there be any hope in fracturing the 1991 "Late skiing" record
    of December 12th?

    Rick

    Seems to me, all you gotz to do is drain the block and hoses until that
    orange Ford rolls back out of the garage. Why would you stabilize or
    fog for a mere few weeks ?
    
    ~jeff