Twenty-Ten Ride Reviews

With a slightly different objective in this years reviews, I needed to find a team of skiers who I could count on for a true understanding of skiing. I wanted to make sure that whoever rode the skis in this test, really understood the “feeling” of each ski. As well, I wanted to get a fresh perspective from some new skiers who had not yet done the test/review in the past. I wanted to get a fair showing of what the demographic would be for water ski or better yet, slalom ski enthusiasts. With the majority of slalom skiers being Men, ages 35-55, the mass of the team fell right into this area. Also, I added a couple Men ages 25-35, and a couple women as well, to get their perspectives on the skis too. I truly feel that the team assembled was the best team that it could be. I was able to gather very detailed information and thoughts from each rider, which is exactly what was needed to do the Review the right way.

And your 2009 Independent Ski Review Team is…

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PJ McMillan.

Age: 26

Residence: Nomad

Height: 6ft
Weight: 150
Foot Forward: RFF
Years Skiing: 9
Course Avg: 2 @ 38
Course PB: 4.5 @38
Public Course Skiing/Private Lake Skiing? All over the place.
Current Model Ski and Boots, sizes. 66″ 08 F1 Drafts

You know my story. in it to win it like Yzerman can drink about 15 heineken. Been throwing it down since 82 son.
Ski Review Fav: Nomad RCX or the Radar RS-1

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Bruce A. Brown, D.C.
Age: 47 years old.
Residence: Dayton, Ohio.
Height: 5′10″
Weight: 188 lbs.
Left foot forward.
Water skiing since I was 10 years old, but skiing the slalom course since 1995.
Avg: 2-3 buoys at 38 off, 34 MPH.
PB: 4 buoys at 38 off. (this year.)
Current Model Ski and Boots: 2008 Nomad RCX, 67″, with double Approach boots.

I am part owner of two private water ski lakes in Dayton, Ohio. We have a water ski club; Sunsite Waterski Club.

I am self employed as a Chiropractic Physician. I started my practice, Sugarcreek Chiropractic in 1988. I have been married 24 years to my lovely wife and best boat driver, Becky. We have three children, Chelsea Jo 21, Grace 19 and Zachary 16.

I ski because the challenge the slalom course presents. I love the excitement of successfully running the course and pushing myself harder and harder to improve my technique to run shorter rope lengths.

My primary thoughts coming to the ski test was hoping I could tell the difference between the skis and giving beneficial insightful information on each ski I tested. I also wanted to validate to myself there is a difference between skis and that a ski does exist for each individual skier. I am still trying to think of an OBJECTIVE way to test skis.

In the off season I weight train 3-4 times per week. This includes working with a personal trainer for plyometrics, core training and some ski specific strength training. I run and road bike for cardiovascular training.

I believe everyone has an “innate” way they PERSONALLY ski. There “own” technique if you will. However, if you want to improve in the course, not just RUN BUOYS, but really improve your technique and mechanical efficiency, PROFESSIONAL COACHING/INSTRUCTION IS A REQUIREMENT!! The best coach, in my opinion, will watch you ski, get a “feel” for your “style” and then apply technique that works within the realm of your skiing technique, NOT TRY TO TOTALLY CHANGE YOUR WAY OF SKIING. And BTW….you have to listen to their instruction and apply their principles even if this involves lengthening the rope, slowing the boat and performing some mundane drills.

I really enjoyed skiing on Andy’s new ski, I think it is called the Elite Experience? Within the first set, I was skiing a typical score in the course. After Andy “tinkered” with the ski, the next set was higher in buoy count but required more input from me.

The Goode 9900 SL was my favorite. If I was in the market for a new ski or if we were required to buy a ski from the test I would have taken the Goode 9900 home with me. I was surprised by the stability of the ski, the off side turning ability and the overall “out of the box” skiability of the 9900.

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Bruno Poirier
Age : 46
Residence : Lac Brome, Québec , Canada
Height : 5¹ 10¹¹
Weight : 185
Foot Forward : left
Years Skiing : 13
Course Avg : 5 @ 35off
Course PB : 5 @ 38 off
Public Course Skiing/Private Lake Skiing? Public lake
Current Model Ski and Boots, sizes.: Connelly F, 67¹¹ with Fogman hard-shell

Favorite ski test: D3 Nomad

When I am not running my business in advertising and web design, I ski in the Canadian cold waters of Lac Brome, Quebec. For me waterskiing is a sport where my family and friends gather to enjoy and share a common passion, Waterskiing. Being on the lake with my wife Stephanie and my two daughters is the best time of any day.

I compete mostly in regional tournaments with my daughters; in 2008 I broke the Quebec Men 4 slalom record. Summer is short in Canada, so in order to keep in good shape I cross train. For example last year: – ran a half marathon – rode my bicycle a 100 miles to get to a ski lake – snow ski for 24 hours on a team to raise money for a charitable event.

My goal coming into the ski test was to learn more on ski tuning and construction. Surprisingly I was able to ski fairly well the first time out on each ski. Different models do feel very different, but it is still possible to adapt and have fun with each of them. The greatest outcome of the test was to make new friends from around the country and get some technical advices from ski guru, Seth Stisher!

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Laurie Lindsey
Age: ummmm 45
Residence: West Palm Beach FL
Height: 5′5″
Weight: 120
Foot Forward: Right
Years Skiing: 41
Course Avg: 3 at 35
Course PB: 1 @ 38
Public Course Skiing/Private Lake Skiing? Okeeheelee now, but spent earlier years skiing on Cheat Lake in West Virginia
Current Model Ski and Boots, sizes: Goode 9900 Reflex bindings with RTP

I don’t remember not skiing. I skied since age 4, it was a family event and my parents and 4 brothers and sisters skied also. I was the only one who stuck with it. I still ski as a tribute to my late father who also had a passion for the sport. The other reason is, I believe it keeps you mentally healthy and you meet great people from all over the world.

I have skied on a Goode for 12 years, and I wanted to give other skis a try to see the comparison. To cross train, I dont eat fast food. Rollerblading during the season and running off-season. I try to strengthen the muscles not used in skiing, and do functional training and the most important…stretching every day.

Personal ski philosophy is to see the sport promoted more and interaction between clubs. PJ’s video (Evolve, Momentum) is a great example of what it can be. And different formats for tournaments to keep it alive and interesting.

Skiing goals is to be more consistent at 35off. I have my own style and find I cannot change it but would like to make it better. I had neck surgery 8 years ago and I am not supposed to be doing anything. I am happy just to be skiing again. Carpe diem (seize the day!)

My favorite ski of the test would be the D3X5 Pro Rose.

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Kim Contos
Age: 53
Residence: Pendleton, Indiana
Height: 6′1″
Weight: 167
Right foot forward
Years Skiing: Skied 44 years, competed 38
Avg: 2 3/4 @ 39 1/2′, 55k
PB: 4 1/2 @39 1/2′ tournament PB, 1@41′ practice PB
Private Lake or Public Lake: Ski on private lake full-time
Current Model Ski and Boots: 66″ D3 Nomad RCX with large front and XL rear HO Animal/Pivot boots

I started water skiing because that’s what my family did in the summer at our lake cottage in northern Indiana. I was forced into trying at age 6 by my older brother and sister. I didn’t like it and didn’t try again until age 9. I then had success and really enjoyed it! 44 years later, I enjoy it more than ever. I love competing and trying to improve my scores. I love the water skiing lifestyle and the friendships I’ve made thru the sport.

I’m trying to be a better student of the sport, because even thought its hard to teach an old dog new tricks, I can emphasize my strengths, while working to minimize my weaknesses, with proper technique, and the equipment best suited for me. I’ve always been able to scrap when I’ve needed to, but by learning to focus on a few keys things, I hope I’ll not have to resort to it as often!

I think the main thing I was looking to get out of the ski tests was being able to try different skis with company reps, who know their skis, helping with set-up, riding in the boat while I tested, and providing suggestions for tweaking the ski to suit me, or visa-versa! I could then make a judgement whether this particular ski would be in the best long term interest for my skiing/style.

I believe the best ski for me is the one that regardless of the conditions, I feel 100% confident in to consistently give me the best score possible, and when the conditions are right, to allow me to ski a new PB!

Off the water I try to keep my core strong, as well as using light weights and doing light circuit training. I cycle and use a treadmill for cardio.

Based on the 2-3 sets I got on the skis I tested, my favorite was the HO A-1. Will Asher realized after my first set on the A-1 that he gave me the wrong measurement for binding placement for the size ski I was testing, and we made changes. We didn’t get to where we probably should have been before running out of time, but I still ran 38 on the A-1, and believe there was more to get out of it.

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Jason Hutchins

Age: 26
Residence: Canaan, Maine / Taos Ski Valley, NM / Rumney, NH
Height: 6′ 1″
Weight: 165
Foot Forward: Left
Years Skiing: 13 I think
Course Avg: 4-5@38
Course PB: 3@39
Public Course or Private Course: Both!
Current Model Ski & Boots, Sizes: 66.5″ D3 X5 Pro and I use size 10 Fogman Diablo boots.

I started skiing mostly because of another family on our public lake in Maine. They had a sick boat (a 91′ Mastercraft) and their son was an open water ripper, slam dunking one handed turns and kicking up huge spray… I thought it was wicked rad. I still ski because I’m still trying to learn to slam dunk and kick up huge spray, duh. Actually waterskiing has always been one of the more difficult things for me to do, even from the beginning, and I think that is what motivates me the most to succeed. I cross-train by snow skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, trail building, wood splitting, shoveling, blah blah blah, and if all else fails the gym. Coming into the test I was obviously pumped to try all the latest offerings. My philosophy is learn, learn, learn so getting the chance to ride a bunch of skis, look at the designs and maybe learn a little about construction sounded like a great idea. Plus who would pass up a week of skiing at Oz! My goals are to run 39 in a pro tourny, maybe even win an event someday, and to spread the love of waterskiing.

As for my favorite ski… it’s pretty tough. The O’brien was sick but too big (Only size available was 67”). So if I could have taken any ski home it would have been the Prophecy.

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John Horton

Age: 39
Residence: Bakersfield CA
Height: 5′9
Weight: 190
Foot Forward: RFF
Years Skiing: 36
Course Avg: 4 @ 38
Course PB: 2 @ 39
Public Course Skiing/Private Lake Skiing: Private
Current Model Ski and Boots, sizes.: 68″ MPD / RS-1 boots Size 10

John Horton: 39 year old resident of Bakersfield Ca. employed in project management for Chevron. Skiing highlights are as follows, 12 US National competitor, 5 Time Regional Overall Champion, member of 2 NLU National Champion Ski Teams, author and administrator of Independent Water Ski Tests – 2006-08. Owner of CarbonFins.com and BallOfSpay.com.

Coming into this year’s test I was very proud to see the Independent Ski Tests continue on and grow from what it was 4 years ago. The Ski Tests are important because they are a starting point for skiers who are ready to try something new. I strongly believe that it is in every skier’s best interest to try different skis to see the differences. Skiers who ride the same brand of ski year after year do not know what disadvantage or advantage the next ski could bring.

I grew up skiing at Horton Lake in Newberry Springs CA. As a child I watched my father tune skis with a file as he experimented with bevel shape. Many of these skis were ruined has as he looked for the perfect design. Perhaps this instilled in me the desire to search for the perfect ski. Today, we may not use files anymore but many of use are looking for the gear that will give use one more ball.

Cross Train? You mean Beer then Bourbon and then back to Beer?
After a life time of skiing and competing, I am motivated by the fact that there is no reason that I can not keep getting better. Testing and tweaking on skis too much sometimes hurts my scores but process of learning about the skis is a challenge that I love.

My favorite ski of the test was the Connelly Prophecy.

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John Shealy

Age: 50
West Palm Beach, FL
5’-10”
155 pounds
Right foot forward
Skiing for 25 years
Average: 3@39
Tournament PB 3.5@39, Practice PB 2@41
Ski at Okeeheelee Park
Goode 9800SL Right 65.75 AMP 160, Fogman boots on RC Machine Plates

John is a mechanical engineer and owns Art To Part, a product development company. He gives back to the sport as a senior driver, senior judge and technical geek. In 1983, John moved to South Florida to be close to Okeeheelee Park for great year-round skiing. When not on the water, his other passion is for speed on a road race track or twisting through the mountains on his sport bike. John started skiing in 1982 with the Space Land Water Ski Club near Kennedy Space Center. Like most of us, he quickly became addicted to the sport and hasn’t stopped since. Recently, John has focused on the mental side of our sport with great success and a banner year. His style has changed over the years from a hacker/slammer to a smooth/open stance. He competed in the Big Dawg in Michigan this year, making it to the Sweet 16. John also just missed the Sweet 16 in the Big Dawg Finals by ¾ of a buoy. He will be training hard for next season and plans to continue on the Big Dawg circuit as well as other Master Men events. His favorite ski of the test is the Radar RS1. John said “This is the fastest ski I’ve ever been on and really fills my need for speed”.

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Mark Montgomery

Age: 56 years old
Residence: Arvin Ca.93293
Height: 5′8″
Weight: 160#
Foot Forward: left foot forward
Years Skiing: Many, First nationals in 1988
Avg: 2@-38 34mph
PB: 4@-38 34mph best tournament
Ski on private lake
My current ski is a 66″ Radar with a hard shell front and a rubber rear

I stumbled across my first slalom course in 1976 (mike syderhouds at lake shasta) Having no place to practice, I started the Far West Water Ski Club at lake Nacimiento Paso Robles, CA. Soon after we (Far West Waterski Club) Installed a slalom course on lake Nacimiento, open to the public. I became ADDICTED to Waterskiing and thats why I still ski. I came to the waterski test with an open mind to give every ski a fair chance, a chance to get me that extra buoy or two that we are all looking for. I think that all of the new skis have far more potential than I do,and given a chance they could all improve anybody’s buoy count. Of the skies I tested my favorite test ski was the A1.

Thank You for the opportunity to be part of the ski test and to meet another nice group of people who are “addicted” !

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Trish Burt
Age: 35
Residence: West Palm Beach, FL
Height: 5′7″
Weight: 135
Foot Forward: Right foot forward,
Year skiinng: 23 years
Avg: 4 @ 35 off in tournaments..
Personal Best: Tournament- 2 @ 38 off.
I train @ Okeeheelee Park.
Current Model Ski and Bindings: 9500 GOODE 65.5″/160 with HO front (small) and rear toe.

I grew up on Lake Shannon in Fenton, Michigan with a slalom course in my back yard…that I took no interest in until I was about 12 y/o. The Hodonsky family was involved in competitive water skiing at the time, and I had started babysitting for their kids. They got me up on a slalom ski, into the course, and I really haven’t stopped since!! I started competing in ‘94. First tournament was @ Pelican Lake in MI, and I left crazy excited because I qualified for Regionals!

I moved to Florida in ‘96…initially doing a 4 month internship for school, but ultimately falling in love with Okeeheelee and moving down permanentl,y shortly after finishing my internship. I continue to ski for so many reasons It’s a passion…I still feel like I have so many more buoys in me, and more time to train will bring those out! I look forward to upcoming seasons…returning to school in 2005-2006 slowed me down a bit, but I am excited about 2009.
I went to the ski tests with the intention of getting a new ski…the opportunity to try so many skis in one week, at a time in the season that I was skiing my best was a gift. I was surprisingly comfortable on so many skis…my favorite being the Connelly Prophecy.

I feel like I have slacked in the past few years on cross-training. I am putting a much better effort into cross-training this winter…going to the gym, rollerblading, biking, and some paddling on the surf board (minimal time spent actually “surfing”…this will hopefully improve as well! ) I also enjoy playing tennis with my sister…always a god workout!!
I have an old school style out there on the water…super strong behind the boat, but need to get that under control a bit. I am working to replace some old habits this winter!

Thanks so much to you, Tadd, and to H2Osmosis for donating the training center…It was an awesome week!!

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RickTrenary

Age: 43
Residence: Minneapolis Mn,
Weight: 195
Height: 6′3”
Foot Forward: Right foot forward,
Years Skiing: Been skiing 28 years,
Avg: 100.08 buoys.
Tournament best: 3@39
Ski on a manmade ski lake
Current Model ski and bindings: 68” Radar rs1, Animal Front and Approach Rear.

Waterskiing is how I met my wife and closest friends. I like that with watersking everyone from age 5 to 85 compete at the same venue. I enjoy all parts of skiing the training all week then putting it on the line at tournaments. Favorite ski was the new Obrien and the wide body Goode.