The all-new 62.5” Junior EVO has arrived
As water ski parents, we all want the same thing for our kids. For them to move up in speed and advance to shorter line lengths as easily and effortlessly as possible.
The key design feature I found myself looking for when my daughter started the slalom course was stability. I wanted a ski that performed well but would not make learning difficult or slow her progress. These are the same design concerns we have focused on in producing our newest junior slalom model.
Say hello to the new JR EVO-62.5”! A new slalom ski designed specifically to help our kids reach all of their slalom skiing goals. Sized perfectly for kids up to 100 pounds, this new junior model is 100% EVO from tip to tail.
The JR EVO features the same ultra-light core and full carbon fiber construction as the adult version of the EVO. The result is a light and responsive ski that will help your junior skier excel.
The D3 Accuset fin block and Accuset fin-blade are standard. Stainless steel inserts to accommodate Reflex, D3, Connelly, Radar and some HO versions are also standard equipment.
NO MORE JUNIOR BINDING PLATE required.
If you are looking for a new slalom ski for your future Nate Smith or Brooke Baldwin look no further.
Demo one today at d3skis.com or call us for more info at 916-714-9389.
2018 NorCal MasterCraft BallOfSpray Cash Prize
BallOfSpray is proud to announce that NorCal MasterCraft has signed on as the title sponsor of the NorCal MasterCraft BallOfSpray Cash Prize. The event will be held September 22 - 23 at Bell Acqua Lake 3 in Rio Linda California.
Pro and amateur skiers alike will compete for $6,000 in prize money. The event is comprised of 2 rounds of prelims and a final. Every competitor will ski 3 times and every competitor has an opportunity to take home prize money. The top 16 skiers at each event will compete for $3,000 in a head-to-head final and the remaining skiers will compete for an additional $3,000 in a handicap final.
General Notes and Rules
- To be eligible for the handicap round, a skier must have scores from 3 or more different USAWS tournaments in the previous 12 months
- Handicaps will be calculated from each skier's USAWS 12 month 3 score average
- BallOfSpray reserves the right to tweak individual handicaps and entry qualifications as needed
- Non USAWS skiers who can provide documentation of scores from other federations will be admitted at the discretion of the event organizer
All scores will be entered into the Cash Prize Score Book without regard to boat speed. The values for 34 MPH scores will be used for 36 mph and 32 mph skiers.
- Example: 4 @38 off = 100 buoys at 34mph and at 36 mph and at 32 mph
Seeding for the Head to Head will be as follows
- Skiers with the 8 highest scores from prelims will take seeds 1 through 8
- Skiers with the highest combined scores from rounds 1 and 2 (but not one of the 8 highest scores) will take seeds 9 through 16
All rules are subject to change
Entries are non-refundable unless the event fills. Entry fees will only be refunded when a skier from the waiting list replaces a canceled entry.
The entry fee is $200
If you have any questions please contact John Horton at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Pay for entry below by credit card or PayPal. Paper work will be accepted on site.
Nate Boudreaux Hired As Executive Director Of USA Water Ski & Wake Sports
POLK CITY, Fla., July 18, 2018 - USA Water Ski & Wake Sports is pleased to announce the hiring of Nate Boudreaux as the organization’s next executive director. Boudreaux, who will begin his new position with the national governing body of organized water skiing and wakeboarding in August, takes over for Bob Crowley, who announced his retirement earlier this year after eight years with the organization.
“I am confident Nate will work hard to make a smooth transition from Bob Crowley, who has been a stable rock of leadership in our organization,” said Tim Cullen, president of USA Water Ski & Wake Sports. “After receiving national, and even international, interest in the executive director position with many excellent candidates, we’re happy to have Nate join us. USA Water Ski & Wake Sports is at a critical juncture and will require an injection of energy, creativity and an inspiring leader who is capable of building on past success while spearheading the growth of our beloved organization.”
Boudreaux comes to USA Water Ski & Wake Sports after a four-year (2014-18) stint at the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), a non-profit organization made up of over 50,000 sports medicine and exercise professionals. At ACSM, he served as director of corporate partnerships and was responsible for driving new business and revenue streams, while also servicing a portfolio of more than 20 corporate partners. During his tenure at ACSM, Boudreaux increased sponsorship revenue by 64 percent and forged multi-year partnerships with major brands like adidas, Gatorade, Technogym and Polar.
"I'm excited for the opportunity to join a great organization like USA Water Ski & Wake Sports,” said Boudreaux, who prior to ACSM, spent nine years (2005-14) at USA Football, an independent non-profit organization endowed by the NFL that serves as the national governing body of youth and amateur football. “I look forward to working with the USA Water Ski & Wake Sports board of directors, as well as our 15,000 members, headquarters staff and sponsors to help take the organization to the next level."
At USA Football, Boudreaux served in numerous management roles within marketing, communications and sponsorships. Most recently, he was the organization’s associate director of business development and partnership marketing. Boudreaux also spent four seasons (2002-05) in the NFL as the media relations coordinator with the Cleveland Browns. He also worked as media relations director for a pair of Arena Football League teams (Carolina Cobras, 2000-02; Florida Bobcats, 1999), and spent time in minor league baseball with the New Orleans Zephyrs (1997).
A graduate of Loyola University of New Orleans with a B.A. in communications, Boudreaux earned a post-graduate certificate in Sports Industry Essentials from Columbia University.
Read more: Nate Boudreaux Hired As Executive Director Of USA Water Ski & Wake Sports
A legend is reborn: Introducing the all-new 9970
Twenty-five years after revolutionizing water skiing with the first-ever carbon-fiber slalom ski, GOODE Skis is proud to announce the arrival of the 9970, the best-ever version of the legendary 9000 series that permanently etched the likes of Regina Jaquess, Jeff Rodgers, Kristi Overton-Johnson, Karina Nowlan, and Chris Parrish in the world record books.
“Everything we’ve learned about carbon construction and ski design over the past 25 years has gone into the 9970,” says Dave Goode, president and founder of GOODE Skis. “We knew we couldn’t bring the 9000 series back if this ski didn’t live up to the legendary legacy of the previous skis. That was something that was in the back of our minds throughout the development process.”
Designed with the 36 m.p.h. skier in mind but highly capable at all speeds, the 9970 capitalizes on a new construction method and newly sourced advanced carbon materials to weigh in at a mere 2.5 pounds on a 67-inch model – the lightest GOODE ever. Additional areas of design focus included a new rocker profile and a larger flat spot.
“The 9970 is very fast cross course and carries a lot of speed through the turn,” says Martin Kolman, GOODE’s newly added product manager, the world’s current No. 1 overall Men’s skier and a mid-41 off slalom skier. “The 9970 gets angle out of the turn like no other ski I’ve been on. It really wants to be ridden on an edge.”
The 9970 is narrower from the front binding to the tip than the GOODE XTR, a characteristic that allows skiers to carry more speed through the turn, something that 36 m.p.h. skiers, especially, will appreciate.
“Our skis have had unparalleled success at 34 m.p.h. over the last few years,” says Dave, “but I really wanted us to be a force again at the higher speed. The 9970 is a legendary ski, made better. It’s going to put us back on the map at 36.”
Learn more about the 9970 here.
Connelly Skis Welcomes their newest member: Martin Bartalsky
Connelly Skis family has grown once again! This time, we are pleased to welcome Slovakia native, Martin Bartalsky. A once formidable force in the collegiate scene, Martin has also made his mark in the pro realm with impressive overall finishes at the World Championships and podium placements at U.S. elite tournaments. However, Martin’s prowess extends further than what he can accomplish behind the boat. Read below to learn more about our newest member, and don’t forget to check out the rest of our elite team at https://www.connellyskis.com/ski1.html
Tell me about your background (where you grew up, your family, what daily life was like, etc.).
I grew up in Slovakia. Most of the year I went to school like other kids, but I would miss a few weeks because of training and tournaments. Interestingly, my parents initially wanted me to be a competitive snow skier, and waterskiing was meant to be a summer hobby for staying in shape. Usually, I would go to school in the morning and spent afternoons and weekends at the lake, on the ski slopes or at the gym.
How did you get involved in waterskiing? Was it a family sport or did you discover it on your own?
My dad used to be a 3-event waterskier back in the day. Both of my parents loved spending time at the lake in summer. They were members of the waterski club back home and that's where I started. Since the beginning, I’ve always skied a lot.
How did you get involved in and get good at 3-eventing?
3-eventing seems to be a lot more popular in Europe than in the U.S. Most of the kids actually start as 3-eventers. We always had a jump at our lake. When I was under 14, tricks were my best event. When I was 18, jump was my best. I did not really learn how to step it up in slalom until my early 20s. I still love to hit the jump when there is a nice headwind! If there were more hours in a day, I would definitely keep 3-eventing! Jumping is still my favorite event.
When did you first move to the states and why?
I skied at the Junior Masters when I was 17, and a few guys came to talk to me from Monroe, LA. I pretty much committed on the spot, and I spent my last year of high school getting things ready to move. I knew if I wanted to go to college and keep waterskiing, I had to move overseas.
What are you doing when you are not water skiing?
I love hanging out at the lake even when I am not skiing. During the winter, I spend most of my time snow skiing and even got back into racing last year. That was a lot of fun. I also go to the gym quite a bit. Work also keeps me very busy (I work in e-commerce — digital advertising, building/managing web stores and sourcing inventory).
How do you best prepare for your ride when you are at a big tournament?
Over the years, I came up with a routine that seems to work for me. I usually go for a quick run and do my regular warm up. I do like to eat but not within less than 30 minutes or so before my turn. I hate skiing on an empty stomach. I like to have a few sips of Redbull to wake me up. I found that coffee does me no good before skiing. I ski the best when I am a little nervous, but not too much. I need to get myself under the pressure to ski my best.
Name some things other than water skiing that you are passionate about?
Like I have mentioned, I love snow skiing. I love to race, ski powder or just rip groomers. I also love to ride motorcycles up in the mountains.
What do you like about your new Connelly GT and the culture of the company?
Joining the Connelly team has been nothing but a pleasure from the very beginning. All of the employees and team members I have dealt with are awesome. I am extremely thankful and excited to be on the Connelly team. I have always been very picky with how my skis feel. I have to trust the ski in any type of condition. The Connelly GT impressed me from the very beginning. The ski is very stable, yet gets me side to side effortlessly. Both turns are symmetrical, and I can always predict what the ski is going to do for me.
What are your goals for skiing now and in the future?
I had a fairly slow start this year since it was cold in Utah and I did not travel as much as I was planning on. I would love to get back on the podium at a pro tournament this year. I have a few events planned for the next few weeks (Canada Open, Malibu Open, California ProAm and possibly Europeans), but I try not to plan too far ahead.
What is one thing you can’t live without?
Water and snow! Is that one or two things? Sorry!
Most embarrassing moment at a tournament?
I think there have been a few, but those usually happen to many of us. Two years ago I was at a tournament in Austria, and I begged the best driver at the site to get in the boat for Open Men. He did just for me, and I missed my gates by about 10 feet on my opener.
Favorite place to be in the summer:
Home!
Summer activity of choice (besides waterskiing)
Uh.. what's that? No waterskiing?
Favorite food to grill on a warm summer night
Steak!