"water skiing" via Eric in Google Reader

Collegiate Wakeboard Nationals Begins

2012-06-02T15:00:15Z

After the first day of competition at the 2012 Collegiate Wakeboard National Championships, Chico State University has taken the top qualifying position heading into the finals on Saturday. A mere one point behind is Arizona State University, setting up a close battle for the championship on Saturday.

2012 Masters Photos Batch #2 (Faces)

2012-06-02T03:58:56Z

View all

Get your own

To top it all over there is knee boarding. You ca...

2012-06-01T16:58:43Z

To top it all over there is knee boarding. You can always tell a vid from the 80s or 90s by the sweet knee boarding tricks

god damn, the back toe bomb out thing was sweeeet!...

2012-06-01T15:38:36Z

god damn, the back toe bomb out thing was sweeeet!!

dude is a beast!!

2012-06-01T15:38:06Z

dude is a beast!!

Mike Seipel and Real Bare Footing

2012-06-01T15:31:00Z

I saw Mike Seipel barefoot years ago, guy can do things on the water that just blow your mind. And the best part is he did it all with out the cheater super high pylon like all they use today. The footers today need to watch this and stop being pussies. Putting a pylon 15 feet above the boat and swinging on it around the boat is just pussy shit and it looks stupid anyways. This stuff is what footing needs to get back to.

So note to footers, stop being pussies and get back to real footing.

Athletes Of The Month Selected

2012-06-01T16:16:48Z

USA Water Ski has selected Nate Smith (McCordsville, Ind.) and Regina Jaquess (Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.) as its Male Athlete of the Month and Female Athlete of the Month, respectively, for May. Smith and Jaquess are now eligible for the United States Olympic Committee’s Athlete of the Month honors.

Junior U.S. Open This Weekend

2012-06-01T15:31:12Z

The 12th Junior U.S. Open Water Ski Championships, a two-round world record capability water ski competition, will be held Saturday and Sunday at Lake of Dreams in Jerseyville, Ill.

June GTF of the Month: Lauren Morgan

2012-06-01T08:00:00Z

Hometown: Tampa, Fl

Sponsors: Tommy Gun speedsuits, Mandawaka boardshorts, Ryde on Sports, Radar Waterskis

Current Location: Lakeland, Fl

How did you get into skiing?

I got into skiing around age 9 when I went to the U.S. Open in Texas with my dad. That was his last pro tournament, and I remember watching him thinking that’s what I wanted to do someday. I got home and started skiing right away, and in the first year I won regionals and then competed in nationals.

When did you decide to commit yourself to skiing and take it seriously?

I started taking skiing much more seriously after my first junior worlds in Peru. When I came home from that trip I decided I really wanted to take my skiing to the next level in order to win the next one. I trained extremely hard , and then won the next junior worlds in Italy, and really enjoyed that.

Can you give us a rundown of your average day in the season?

My season is much longer than most living in Florida, but in the summer my day is pretty much revolved around skiing. I wake up around 7:30 and take a slalom and trick set (not much fun), then eat lunch, wait a couple hours then jump twice every afternoon! Afterwards I usually go to the gym, go shopping, or just hangout at the lake J

What’s your favorite lake to fly at?

Cory’s is an awesome jump site, perfect ramp, perfect boat, and always a headwind!

What has been your most memorable moment so far?

My most memorable moment so far was definitely winning the Junior Worlds in Italy last year. It was so cool to win after so much hard work, and being able to celebrate with my parents and team was really cool! Breaking the collegiate record this fall was also an awesome accomplishment.

How do you usually prepare for a huge competition?

For a huge competition I start getting prepared about a month before. I start doing things a bit smarter so I don’t get overtired, I ski smart not a lot, and always go into the competition ready and confident.

Do you still get nervous before a big competition?

YES! I mean I think anyone would be lying if they said they didn’t, but in some ways I’m learning to control it a bit better.

What is the atmosphere like behind the scenes? What is your relationship with the other GTF’s?

The atmosphere is awesome behind the scenes, all the girls get along really well and we all help each other with new ideas and different roles for the most part.

Any funny or most embarrassing stories you can share?

Well, the only one I can think of was at Moomba two years ago. My dad skied and took and huge crash, and lost his shorts. He was in the Waterski mag about a month later…with no shorts haha.

2012 Masters Photos Batch #1

2012-06-01T05:36:18Z

View all

Get your own

GoPro HD: Slalom Mode

2012-06-01T03:36:24Z

Harley Clifford Video at Harleysplace.com

2012-05-31T22:18:59Z

Harley is just an amazing rider. Here is a clip from his new website. Double tantrum, double indy tantrum, and a ts 1080. All in a days work for this LF rider.

2012 LF Free for All Tour - McCormicks

2012-05-31T22:18:59Z

McCormick's is always one of the LF team's favorite stops on the Free For All tour, it has a great environment, the cable runs clockwise, and the rails are super fun. The LF team came out in full force for this stop as Benny G, Alexa, Melissa, Tom, Henshaw, Collin, and Bobby Soven were all on hand. The crew was dishing out promo t's and New Era hats, the Monster drinks were flowing, and fun was aplenty! First timers and seasoned vets had fun alike, as McCormick's has something for everyone. Big thanks to Michael, Kyle, and the crew for all the help in making this one of the best stops! The tour rolls on to Cowtown this upcoming Sunday June 3rd, see y'all in Texas!

2012 LF Free for All Tour - Ski Rixen

2012-05-31T22:18:59Z

Ski Rixen was a new addition to the Free For All tour in 2012, and it did not disappoint! People came out in droves to meet the LF crew, ride for free, try and new 2012 product, and get loaded up on ton's of swag! The sun was out and it was hot, perfect weather for a day of shredding. Bob, Collin, Henshaw, Mr. Fooshee, Alexa, and Melissa were all on hand to not only ride, but be one with the people. These guys mingling with the crowd and on the dock giving tips and pointers to everyone throughout the day. We couldn't have asked for better hosts, as Brita and her crew are the best! Thanks to everyone that made the event a success, we can't wait to get back down to Ski Rixen next year!

The Earth is Beautiful (20 pics)

2012-05-31T18:08:00Z

This world is an amazing place, lots more pics of it after the jump.

Wakeboard Nationals This Weekend

2012-05-31T15:57:58Z

Two wakeboard national championships will be held Thursday through Sunday in Oklahoma City, Okla. The weekend kicks off with the seventh year return of the Jack in the Box® Collegiate Wakeboard National Championships on the Oklahoma River at Airport Park, and encores with the USA Wakeboard Cable Wakeboard National Championships at WakeZone Cable Park. The championships are presented by Jack in the Box®, Epic Boats, WakeZone and WakeWorld.com. Coverage will premiere on Wednesday, July 11 (9 p.m. EDT) as part of The Alt Games Presented by Jack in the Box® on CBS Sports Network. Wakeboarding also will be featured as part of the Alt Games Highlight Show Presented by Jack in the Box® airing on the CBS Television Network on Saturday, July 15 (2 p.m. EDT).

Team Honu has huge weekend at 53rd Masters!

2012-05-31T13:41:27Z

ORLANDO, FL (May 28, 2012) – Honu, a leading provider of casual footwear announces the success of its watersports team coming off the most prestigious watersports event in the world at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Ga. The 53rd Masters presented by Nautique, featured the best 3 event athletes, also including wake skate and wakeboard athletes. Team Honu walked away with a second place finish in Trick and Slalom by Whitney McClintock, a first place finish in Trick and Jump by Natallia Berdnikava and a big first place finish by Jumper Ryan Dodd. The weekend was action packed all the way thru the Honu sponsored the Sunday evening awards social.

“Honu couldn’t be prouder of our showing at this year’s Masters! It’s all about having fun. Watching Ryan Dodd’s last Jump of 225 feet, knowing it was going to be so close for his first Masters win in his first big tournament back, kept us all on the edge of our seat. Having our brand associated with such a prestigious tournament is awesome, but having the opportunity for us to meet and interact with fans and athletes of the sport, was a true highlight for us.” Ron Pies VP of Honu Operations.

About Honu:
Honu, a world-leader in innovative casual sandals for women, men and children, offers a brand of sandals combining style and comfort specific to the watersports lifestyle. As functional as they are comfortable, HonuTM provides unmatched comfort and support for any season. HonuTM branded sandals feature our patent-pending Fusion-Foot-bed TechnologyTM, a proprietary and revolutionary technology that produces reinforced, fully contoured and longer lasting sandals that conform to one’s foot.

Honu has built its success on uncompromising quality, innovative technology and the design philosophy that “comfort and design are not mutually exclusive.” Honu, its employees and athletes are the life force behind our products. From design, development and production, we take responsibility for each detail to make the best sandals in the world.
Honu USA is based in Orlando, Florida. For more information: visit www.teamhonu.com, or call 800.992.4668.

Masters and the Middle East!

2012-05-30T23:03:00Z

Memorial Day weekend 2012 was a great weekend for Nautique, one of our best ever! We held what many people said was the best Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament ever with athletes from 14 countries competing at the sport’s highest level in beautiful Callaway Gardens. At the same time, our team was hosting the best watersports athletes from the Middle East at the first ever Middle East...

Little Mountain Pro AM Waterski Tournament!

2012-05-31T03:20:49Z

An exciting weekend of tournament skiing!

Race City Marine is a proud sponsor!

DATE: Saturday, June 2nd & Sunday 3rd

TIME: 8am -5pm (until finished)

LOCATION: Little Mountain Lake (see directions below)

WHAT TO BRING: Lawn chairs, picnic, family & friends,

blanket, shade tent, cooler, camera, ipod!

Family Friendly Event :)

Race City Marine Pro-Shop & Showroom will be closed during the event.

Come visit our tent at the tournament!

Visit us on-line at www.racecitymarine.com

Competitors of all ages and levels from around the world!

USA, Australia, Canada, England, Sweden

FEATURING THE BEST WATER SKIERS IN THE WORLD!

_________________________________________________

Sweden National Record Holder - Hanna Edeback
Moomba Masters Champion - Karen Truelove Krueger
Moomba Masters Champion - Nate Smith
World Record Holder - Chris Parrish
Malibu Open Champion - Chris Rossi
Big Dawg Champion - Mike Morgan
National Champion - Scott Tynan
Waterski Mag Shootout Champion - Billy Susi
Canadian National Champion - Thomas Moore
French National Champion - Boris Laval
Sweden National Champion - Johan Efverstrom
Pro Tour Skier - Corey Humburg
Tallest Skier on the Pro Tour - Austin Abel

Tournament Contacts: Jeff Gilbert gilb41@hotmail.com Twitter @gilb41

John Brooks jwbrooks119@gmail.com

Twitter @littlemtnski

Directions:

Little Mountain Directions (Click Here)

Just north of Lake Norman & Denver NC on Hwy 16

2 miles north of the intersection of 150 and 16N

Look for Jones Fish Camp on Left entrance is on Right going North turn onto a dirt road and follow it about 3/4 mile and lake will be on the left!

Philosophy behind the skiing at Little Mountain Lake

2012-05-31T03:17:54Z

There’s a philosophy behind the skiing at Little Mountain Lake in Maiden, N.C. The idea is to open the water to every level of tournament skier – and to give those making their first tournament appearance the opportunity to mingle at the starting dock with those who drive world slalom records to ridiculous buoy counts. They get to soak up knowledge as they see how the pros prepare.

The Little Mountain Pro-Am is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, with father and son national champions Ed and Clay Neill opening their property to skiers from five countries and all skill levels.

In only three tournaments over two seasons, Little Mountain Lake and its club members have established a reputation that has skiers stacked on waiting lists to get on the running order. Two records were set on the lake in September 2011: Nate Smith with one buoy at 43 off for the Men I U.S. record, and Jeff Rodgers with 4 1/4 at 41 off for the 34-mph men’s world record.

Smith has run 41 off four times at Little Mountain and is looking for company at 43 off when he returns this weekend as the freshly crowned Masters champion.

Joining him at Little Mountain will be world record holder Chris Parrish, Malibu Open champion Chris Rossi, Big Dawg champion Mike Morgan, national champions Scott Tynan (USA), Thomas Moore (Canada), Boris Laval (France) and Johan Efverstrom (Sweden), Moomba Masters champion Karen Truelove Krueger and Sweden national record holder Hanna Edeback.

Behind the efforts of tournament directors Jeff Gilbert and John Brooks, the club has lined up sponsors who are trying to introduce an area with diverse water sports interests to the fun and excitement of tournament skiing.

Lawn chairs and picnic baskets are welcome! The public is welcome and there’s no admission fee.

For GPS directions, use 5250 S. N.C. 16, Maiden, N.C. 28650. The lake three-quarters of a mile off the highway.

For more information, email jwbrooks119@gmail.com or gilb41@hotmail.com.