USAWS - Statement Regarding COVID-19 Virus #2

Based on the recent recommendations from the CDC regarding events and large gatherings, and after consultation with our Executive Committee, USOPC leadership and insurance broker, USA Water Ski & Wake Sports has made the decision to suspend all sanctioned competition and activities until May 17, 2020.  

With the threat of Coronavirus (COVID-19) escalating daily, the need to suspend sanctioned activities is a complicated but necessary resolution to ensure the health, safety and well-being of our members and the public at large.

All events, including tournaments, basic skills clinics and practice/exhibitions, that have been sanctioned through May 17 will have those sanctions removed. Please be aware that without a USA Water Ski & Wake Sports sanction, there are no official tournament scores or insurance coverage for the LOC or participants.   

We will continue to monitor the CDC as well as Federal, state and local government for guidance on the Novel COVID-19 Virus. We hope to resume normal operations as soon as it is safe to do so.

As a reminder, all members, volunteers and supporters are encouraged to stay home if they feel sick and should practice good hygiene habits as prescribed by the CDC. This includes refraining from touching your face, thoroughly washing your hands throughout the day, wiping down surfaces, not shaking hands, and practicing good cough and sneeze etiquette.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support of USA Water Ski & Wake Sports.

Nate Boudreaux
Executive Director

Sure-Path demo and James Timothy interview

The Water Ski Podcast Episode 22

https://link.chtbl.com/TWSP-EP22-BOS

Creative Spirits Unleashed podcast - David Benzel

“If you know how you got there, you can create culture.” David Benzel guides parents, coaches and leaders on the world of influence. From the earliest moments in his career, he has been helping people grow, change their habits, acquire new habits and gain skills. This conversation is packed with wisdom on leadership, change and dealing with the discomfort of going from point A to point B. His special gift is helping parents of elite athletes positively impact their children in a world where the pressure to perform can test the strongest relationships. As a an elite athlete and parent of two elite athletes, he has an insider’s perspective on how to best equip the parents to be at their best. His lessons translate to every domain where performance counts. 

Read more: Creative Spirits Unleashed podcast - David Benzel

Keep on the water this spring!

With the developing situation affecting businesses everywhere, Bennett’s Water Ski & Wakeboard School are doing our best to operate as normal with group bookings and ski school deals. Still looking to take advantage of our April special? Collegiate skier with a little more time on your hands? Or just want to book short get-away to tri-lakes? Bennett’s will be sure to cater to your needs and keep you out on the water!

Please call Anne Bennett on (225) 938-1498 for more information and pricing information.

Forthcoming: The Matteo Luzzeri Interview by Pete Shoemaker

In this Winter 2020 edition of SkiTips, I recently had the opportunity to sit down with a guy that I become more impressed with the more I get to know. He runs 39, runs a pro tournament, runs a podcast, and has already psychoanalyzed you in the meantime. For the 1st of my new interview format titled Forthcoming, meet Matteo Luzzeri:

So what's up? You are a pretty busy guy right now.

Hey Pete. Yeah, quite busy at the moment. I was just cleared to defend my dissertation, which will take place on March 12th. Five days later, I am moving back to Italy for good after almost 13 years living in the US. So right now, life is a juggle between boxes and PowerPoint presentations.

Tournament organizer, waterski coach, pro division skier, podcast host, and PhD. What would you like to be most recognized for?

Probably as a strange combination of the first four. Throughout the years, I have always tried to keep my skiing separate from my career. However, after I started the PhD program in Sport Psychology here at Florida State University, the connection between the two sides of my life became stronger. I am trying to be what you could call an ambassador for the sport of water skiing, trying to grow the sport and promote it the best way I can.

But the podcast is consuming the most amount of your time.

I would say it became a strong component of my scheduling. Trying to fit time in for travel, learning equipment, recording, post-production, promotion… I knew it was going to be an adventure when I started, but you always end up underestimating the time commitment.

Read more: Forthcoming: The Matteo Luzzeri Interview by Pete Shoemaker

Spraymakers Episode 3 - Skiing In Adverse Conditions

The boys discuss skiing in adverse conditions and what you can do to step up your game.  

Distance From Center - Episode 38 ( Moomba )

USA Water Ski & Wake Sports - Statement Regarding COVID-19 Virus

USA Water Ski & Wake Sports is committed to supporting the health, safety and well-being of our members and the public at large. Regarding the Novel COVID-19 Virus and USA Water Ski & Wake Sports sanctioned events, USA Water Ski & Wake Sports strongly recommends that all sanctioned events scheduled over the next four weeks be canceled or postponed as a public safety measure. Local organizing committees (ski clubs) do have the final say on if an event will proceed. However, USA Water Ski & Wake Sports is advising each host to strongly consider cancelation or postponement.

Members, volunteers, and supporters who feel ill are encouraged to stay at home and not join the large groups of people at events. All members, volunteers and supporters should practice good hygiene habits as prescribed by the CDC. This includes refraining from touching your face, thoroughly washing your hands throughout the day, wiping down surfaces, not shaking hands, and practicing good cough and sneeze etiquette.

The USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Executive Committee is closely monitoring the CDC, Federal, and state and local government guidance on the Novel Coronavirus. USA Water Ski & Wake Sports urges all of its members to consult the CDC Coronavirus Disease ( COVID-19) webpage for guidance or more detail on this rapidly evolving situation.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support of USA Water Ski & Wake Sports.

Nate Boudreaux
Executive Director

POSTPONED: Saturday's Celebration of Life

Due to the rapidly evolving Coronavirus situation, the Goode family has POSTPONED the March 14th Celebration of Life gathering honoring Dave Goode. Details for a rescheduled event will be shared as soon as they are determined.

While the family will miss celebrating Dave's life and legacy with everyone this Saturday, there is no doubt that Dave would not have wanted to endanger the health of his friends and family.

Sincerely,

The Goode family

The Water Ski Podcast Episode 21

https://link.chtbl.com/TWSP-EP21-BOS

Stella Blue Lake

“In Central Washington State there is a lake that you should check out.  Stella Blue Lake, located 23 miles north of Pasco, is available for destination skiers to fly in or drive, stay for a few nights, and practice their slalom sets on tournament pristine waters.  Rick Kearns purchased the lake from Dennis Koreis in 2018 and is offering up mid-week packages that include transportation to and from the airport, accommodations, boat, driver, and almost guaranteed sun.  The lake was dug in 1984 and is one of the oldest in the state and country.  The poplar trees provide a solid wind break and the house, patio, dock, and hot tub all offer great vantage points to watch your friends and family work on their personal bests. 

Located next to Tate Lake and 3 hours from Seattle, Stella Blue Lake attracts visitors from the ski community like Jill Knutson.  Jill says that "Stella Blue is my favorite retreat!  I go there to get away with my family and friends in order to bring back the joy that I have in water skiing.  I can honestly say that it feels like skiing on "magic water" because I have had two of my personal records on Stella Blue!  The weather is always warmer than where I train, the water feels slow, I am provided a good trusted boat driver, I stay in a gorgeous house with comfortable beds with a beautiful view of the entire lake when you wake up, along with every amenity I could ever want or need to enjoy being on and off the water!" 

With direct flights from Minneapolis, Denver, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle to Pasco, Stella Blue Lake is only a few hours away and can be all yours….for four days.  www.stellabluelake.com”

Spraymakers Episode 2 / Spring Skiing

Those first few sets of the year are fun, terrifying and exciting - listen as Rossi and Trent talk about starting your season on the right foot. 

FlowPointTV 20.7 - Benjamin Stadlbaur

Benny Stadlbaur, who just tied teammate Nick Adams for 4th at the Moomba Masters in Australia, is one of a kind. He's funny, sometimes loud, and very analytical, yet when its all on the line, he can charge just as hard as anyone else in the world. This is yet another conversation between MB and a Syndicate team member, from the Syndicate testing summit at The Ridge in California last September.

To see what Benjamin's up to, take a peek at his insta and give him a follow: www.instagram.com/benystadlbaur

Radar Senate Series

The Senate range from Radar is the best selling ski in the industry for one reason, put simply, it just works. The Senate is built from the same mold as our Vapor but is .2" wider. This provides balance and support sought after by all skiers. We offer the ski in a multitude of constructions, check out which one is right for you!