ML

Just a question, if we are going to add weight to guys that only weight 155 pounds like I do are we also going to give the short guys me (5'6" on a good day) extra line? I am no where near Cwhite's level( 28 off guy at best)and if he can compete at a Big Dawg then congrats on even being at that level. But the reason the top level guys are the way they are is because they are committed. My ski partner and I just had this conversation. The Big Dawg top guys are willing to put in more work and fully commit to winning. That means diet, training, living someplace where you can ski year round, and not letting anything stand in the way of that success. My ski partner has a freind that has done that exact thing and his results are showing it. Its like any sport, the top 1% are willing to do what everyone else isnt. And for the record even at 5'6" and 155, zero off isnt really my freind. Not exaclty a light on the line skier, but thats my deal not the boats. ML

I think Wakeboarding is like Freestyle Motocross and Slalom is like Hardcore Racers, as a guy that raced for close to 15 years when Frestyle came out I was like what a bunch of Ding Dongs. But those Ding Dongs grew the sport almost over night. Most people cant flip a motorcycle , but they can ride tracks and jump. Boom instant growth. I think the open guys like Rossi, Marcus and others do a great job of trying to promote skiing period. When they talk about it they dont talk about fin settings, body positon or skis they just say get out and feel it. If you ask them of course they will be technical. But the tech stuff isnt what got me into it back in the day when i watched the Coors Light Tour, it just looked cool. I'm like most on here, when a Wakeboard boat shows up at the lake I role my eyes and think crap they going to destroy my perfect lake. Its part of the world now, I just try and convert any of them I see. I just tell them when thier my age, your body wont let you flip like that. Well maybe after too many barley pops.  Events like Malibu are where the future is for promotion, the skiing conditions arent that great but you expose so many new people to it. Just like The Coors Light Tour did way back when.

Think of it this way, your hanging out with people with the same passion you have. Just happens to be at a different lake from your home lake and theres clip boards in the boat. At the end of the day you've probably learned something new, meet a new buddy and had a great time.

So i will jump in after lurking for quite a while. My wife and i love doing tournaments and its not because we are competitive at them. I have never run 32 and most often take home the MOP beer for the weekend. For us its about the poeple there, maybe we're just lucky up here in the PNW but its just a great group of people. We go to see freinds, be involved and just have a good time. No pressure( except what you put on yourself), I have never had any of the other competitors make fun of me for eating crap which i do alot. Their supportive and helpful and really want to see you do well. I am also a M3 guy and will be most curtainly finishing last even if i run a PB, but who cares I know there will be a cold beer waiting for me at the end. Its not for everyone and yes its expensive( why we've done less this year) but I think its important to be involved in any way. Sounds like the guys down South have fun too, I know some year we will make it down there to find out in person. So there i did my best to talk you into it, probably failed but gave it a shot. By the way I'm sure my wife Mrs. ML (just crapped her pants because i posted something)

Thanks, thats a good start. Our water temp is about the same. I did feel the OTF at the wakes a couple times, figured it was just me.

 Thanks, I'll try the bindings first. I know they werent set there. I think there potential there. Come on weekend.

MS what size A-1 are those settings for. I got my hands on one and took two sets yesterday, wasnt what I was expecting. The ski is very stable and quick, but I was running all stock settings and I didnt feel like it want to finish on the off side. And I know thats one of the skis strong suits so I figured it needed an adjustment. Its a 66.25 by the way.

 I have tried the RCX(one size too big and it felt really good). Very similar to what I've been on. D3's for the last 5 years, currently on X5. Thanks for the info, I'll stick with what I know(D3) and work on myself for the consistant part.

 Scott,  I'm the same weight as you but only getting thru 28 and couple at 32. I struggle with being consistant. Was thinking of getting the RCX, do you think the wide ride is better?

Hey Scoke you should get involved with the WUSS, dont you have some swamp wood you can ride. Or maybe a dead Gator?

 Since Scoke called us out, there has been alot of talk about joing here in the PNW. We have some big Old Growth Wood here, I'll be signing up today.