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!
Connelly Gear Haul for an Epic 4th of July Holiday
One of America’s most cherished holidays is right around the corner, and if you’re like us, you’ll be spending it under the rays with your crew by the water. Stock up with the best gear from our line of Instagram-worthy floats and let the relaxing begin!
Take your U.S.A game to the next level with our Connelly Stars & Stripes float. Now you can honor our great nation at the beach, the lake or even by the pool. Buy it now from our website for $29.99. Just click the link below.
https://www.connellyskis.com/
This 4th of July, enjoy a brew while floating on a brew. Our Beer Mug pool float includes a frothy head pillow and side cup holder so you can avoid spilled drinks and party fouls. It’ll be the best $34.99 you spend this holiday. Click the link for a cold one. Koozie not included.
https://www.connellyskis.com/
What better way to announce the initiation of summer than with bikinis and flip flops? We feel sandals are an essential summer accessory and would double as an awesome pool float. Decked out in a “foot strap” head pillow and a side cup holder for your 4th of July drink of choice, we say this is a definite must in your gear haul for Independence Day activities. Snag one now for $39.99 at the link below.
https://www.connellyskis.com/
Radar Nation Day - McClintocks Ski School
The Radar Nation Tour is headed to Ontario, Canada July 6th! Come join us for a day of fun on the water! This is a time to try out the latest and greatest skis in the Radar line or just come rip your Radar with the team! We look forward to skiing with you soon, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to get signed up.
Greg Sund runs 41 off on the GOODE XTR. Twice.
The Water Ski Ambassador Program
What is the purpose?
- The purpose is to connect people who are curious about skiing (but not currently involved) with skiers who are currently involved and passionate about the sport.
Who can be an Ambassador?
- Anyone with passion for water skiing and access to a ski site and boat.
What is the job of an Ambassador?
- Ambassadors are asked to simply introduce new skiers to the sport. When possible, Ambassadors will take new skiers out to a ski site and show them what opportunities are available. Most Ambassador's commitment will be minimal, and depending on the Ambassador and their location, the job will be conducted a little differently for each person.
How to get involved
- Go to http://where2waterski.com/
- Click “Add Listing” from the top menu
- Create an account or log in if you already have an account
- You will be automatically directed to the Add Listing page – fill out this form. In the section titled “Place description” write your invitation for new skiers to contact you. Fill out the rest of the form.
- FYI your address will NOT be public and if you need to be additionally anonymous that will be handled in a later step. Contact me personally if this is a concern This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Add a photo!
- Last step - review your listing and send yourself a test email by clicking on the "Send Enquiry" link
When I create a listing should I choose to be listed as an Ambassador and a Club?
- Most listings should be “Ambassador”. It is the Ambassador’s role to tell the new skiers about the local clubs, shops, and opportunities.
- If you are the contact person for a club that is accepting new members then you should choose “Club” when you create your listing.
- All types of listings are really just "points of contact" so perhaps there is no wrong answer.
Technical issues with the site?
- email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
What happens next?
- Once the Ambassador directory has 50 listings, a Google advertising campaign will start to attract prospective new skiers and direct them to the website.