FatPierre

Pretty much what @Slalom.Steve said. Being in Europe means I often can't watch the finals live for US-based events because of the time difference (which means I have to remember to stay away from social media until I have a chance to watch it to avoid spoilers.) I try to watch as much of the European event finals live as the time is more convenient but life and being at a lake often gets in the way of that too. At least my wife is happy to join when the event is at a place she's been (Swiss or San Gervasio) and/or there is a skier she likes or has met. I also try to watch live events when they are at my local lake or if I happen to be on holiday near or at a lake when a pro event takes place (obviously I try to time my holidays to make it happen)

1986 O'Brien Competitor. The Kevlar Boron one. Because who doesn't want a bit of space tech on their skis? (and it was a great ski at the time)

I ski at Thorpe (very close to Heathrow.) This is where the 87 Worlds were held. You can book a slot on the Arena here: https://bookingsthorpelakeswatersports.co.uk/book/make-a-booking/book-a-boat-tow/arena-lake/121

With the rising cost of good ski boats I'm starting to think that there's a market for cheaper boats that are built solely for the purpose of pulling a water skier. In Europe, most ski clubs would be interested. Back in the 70s and 80s Club Med used to operate a fleet of purpose built outboards for water ski. They weren't fancy but they were practical and I bet they were cheap. For a club all you really need is 2 rear facing seats (for judges), zero off, a great engine, good tracking and wake. There's no need for shiny paint, leather seats, etc. I'm convinced that if such a boat existed it would sell well over here.

I don't use Ad Blocker. I use Ghostery (mostly to stop tracking) but I have whitelisted ballsofspray yet I still see the "You are using an ad blocker?!?!?!" warning despite seeing all the ads.

+1 on New Skin. Also get some Johnsons waterproof bandages. Use at least 3 or 4 layers on the top of the palm and the same on the knuckles.

Yesterday at Thorpe (UK.) Water must have been not much above 0C and air was probably the same. Yes I did ski. No I couldn't feel my hands after my set :smiley: