greghayes

@aupatking it was a pretty large order - two binding/boot setups. I’m keen to try the new direct connect system.

Thanks @lpskier@BraceMakerand @mlange. I've ordered direct before (always on reflexwaterskiusa.com) without encountering this issue. And they have generally been more responsive in the past. I guess I'll buy from a US-based reseller next time. I don't have any local dealers within 300 miles.

I ordered some bindings from Reflex USA and UPS is demanding about $60 in additional customs fees to release the package (it was shipped from France). Anyone else have this issue? Any advice? No response from Reflex customer service...

Thanks for the insight @lpskier - credit where it is due! Thanks Meg!

Long overdue post to thank-the Adams - @AdamCord @adamhcaldwell - for shipping my C85 last month with the most up to date recommended fin setting ready to go out of the box. Measured to the .001 spot on. These guys sweat the details!

Thanks @MarcusBrown for being our sport’s Warren Miller. Inspired!

“There is merit to these ideas but the idea that AWSA or USAWS has the funds or people to do any this is profoundly naïve. There are no funds to be set aside. If you guys want to see something like this you need to start organizing.” @Horton - sorry to be so naive, as to try to affect change. This status quo thinking will continue to shrink this sport into obscurity. Why else does the USAWS exist - to expand access and grow the sport? When USAWS embraces this as a goal, will be the day that I rejoin (and encourage others to do the same). Until then, we are just supporting an organization that is living in an echo chamber of ideas and events that produce diminishing returns.

"Playing sports as a kid is the No. 1 indicator of future fandom. No fans, no industry." The linked article and quote from it above really resonated with me after throughly enjoying watching the broadcast-quality webcast of the Mastercraft Pro last weekend (harkening back to the ESPN heyday) but noting the anemic viewership in the four figures. First - kudos to the Pro Ski tour for televising their events. Ongoing thanks to those who have supported collegiate skiing and supported the USAWS grassroots program and junior development - smart investments in the future. Huge appreciation those companies who put their money where their mouths are like Goode and HO (specifically for funding passionate ambassadors like @MarcusBrown and his FlowpointTV project). Apologies and thanks to anyone omitted here for their activities. So before treading further into this deep water, there's also a lot to unpack in this article - - downstream impacts of underinvesting in the next generation of athletes - playership is down across the board, not just in our sport - the nature and over-reliance on volunteer coaching in youth sports - the potential and limitations of app-based solutions https://www.sportico.com/personalities/executives/2021/ben-sherwood-sports-industry-needs-youth-coaches-1234645319/ My takeaway and challenge to us all is to figure out how kids broadly can get more regular access to slalom courses and connect with that rush that we all love. Here's my concrete suggestion to the USAWS and industry broadly - put aside funds to make sure that every summer camp offering waterskiing, has a qualified coach, course and equipment to get kids hooked during their early and often only exposure to the sport of slalom skiing.

Weather Underground is a great sharing platform - but you need to bring your own internet. My lake seems to enjoy my setup.

I sold my 2012 Malibu when I drove the 2018. It's a pleasure to drive and very comparable to the feel of the Nautique 200. To amplify others comments @Horton - I've regularly driven a 200 that was horrible and one that's glued to the water and rock solid. I agree that setup is key. Buy a promo boat that's been broken in and dialed in.

Anyone in central Florida with a 2017 Malibu Txi or newer who would be willing to have his boat measured? I'm trying to help Skip find a boat to make a template for all of us Response owners. PM me and I'll make the connection - I'm happy to paypal you $100 for your trouble.

+1 on the 65" size. Good call @Bruce_Butterfield - mirrors the experience with my kids. You can size down (if needed) when they are at 34+mph.

I skied for UCLA in the early 90s. We had no regular ski site, someone flipped our boat on the interstate within a year of getting it ... but we traveled all over the state and despite mainly "practicing" at tournaments, had the best times. I also have fuzzy memories of @eleeski and camping at the shrimp farm - thank you. My favorite memory was visiting Canyon Lake to unsuccessfully recruit Rhoni Barton to the team to get some real talent. Our program wasn't quite developed enough for skiers of her caliber. And her family was unpersuaded by the fact that our tournaments were always of the best attended - mainly due to the great Saturday night parties we made sure to host. I wouldn't trade those times for anything. Long live college waterskiing!

@JimOfTheNorth - here's the new one. @escmanaze - glad the Nautique is still going strong. I loved that boat. @PBD I think you'll like this one even better - it's a world class pull and is glued to the water for an easy drive. @baja - truth! I also wasn't aware boats came in colors other than blue. ;)

@One_Ski - did you get it to work?