From 41 to 41.5

[ozski]

Would it be more interesting to make the steps smaller as the line gets shorter? Rather than jump from 41 to 43 off go 41 - 41.5 - 42 ... Just an idea - opinions?

[estrom]

It is odd that there are 1 1/2 ft. jumps from 38 to 39 1/2 to 41...and then there's a 2 ft. jump to 43. Anyone know the history behind that? Ed?

[klindy]

@estrom the cuts are 0.5 meters NOT feet. So to say the line goes from 41 to 43 (two feet) is incorrect. It goes 10.75m (-39) to 10.25m (-41) to 9.75m (-43).

[estrom]

@klindy, what are these 'meters' you speak of?? ;)

 

Thanks for the clarification.

 

[ozski]

Well they could still go down by .25 of a meter, it would give the skiers a lot more bouys between 41 and impossible.

[klindy]

The shortening loops AFTER 9.75 (-43) do go down by .25m.

[ozski]

They probably said this about 39.5 and 41 but does anyone think 43 is possible?

[Than_Bogan]

-43 is absolutely possible. Nothing in the geometry suggests that it isn't, so eventually someone will get there.

 

However, I agree with the implied sentiment that 9.75m is too large of a jump from 10.25m. Regulars are tired of hearing it from me, but insisting on quarter meter granularity at this short is too constraining. 9.9m probably would be more interesting. Then maybe 9.65m after that.

[ozski]

Yeah I just look at the video taken of -43 attempts and it looks close to impossible. Possibly if we could breed a 7 foot skier with rubber arms.. Does anyone know how far its been taken in practice? I read Nate has been around 3 ball.

[klindy]

I believe if a skier can get around 1 & 2 then they can physically get around all 6. The primary reason it "looks close to impossible" is that it's only been attempted a handful of times. The more attempts, the better the skier (and frankly the driver) can figure things out. I predict the record is broken before the end of the summer - at least once.

[A_B]

It would be interesting and eye opening for us Ballers to go 30 mph and try 43 and see what these guys are up against.... I know I have never tried it.

[ozski]

@AB - With video please :)