Conference vicki::boats

	So, where  WAS  everyone yesterday afternoon ?

    
    	Huh???? Were we supposed to be somewhere?????
    
    	Rick

    I was here. Where were you, and why do you ask?
    Doug

re   <<< Note 580.2 by ARCHER::SUTER "Where will you be on December 8, 1989??" >>>
    
>    	Huh???? Were we supposed to be somewhere?????
    
>    	Rick


	Only if you  *_WANTED_*  to be there.

	R	(later)

    
    
    	Hey.... where *WAS* everyone last night????
    
    	Rick

Yeah, I guess there were some on the "I'll be there" list that didn't make it,
although we probably would've had to watch the videos in shifts if too many more
had showed up!  :-)

Thanks to Rick Wilson for organizing it, and to Rick Suter for allowing us to
overrun his place.  A fine time was had by all.

Now, to wait for ice-out.  Anybody care to start the note for bets on the
ice-out date for Winni (and others)?

...Roger...

    Sorry guys, but the new decade starts 1-Jan-1991, not 10 days ago!
    

    
    
    Just wanted to show off the new "personal_name".
    
    Think I should submit it to Nike for use in their next ad?
    
    Rick

re           <<< Note 580.8 by NRADM::WILSON "Bo knows water skiing?" >>>
>                                -< Bo knows... >-
    
>    Just wanted to show off the new "personal_name".


	Hmmmmm, what a coincidence ?   I was thinking of changing mine 
fairly soon - probably to something like what your's used to be.....

	Lessee now,

			yesssss,  lets just get out of the editor 
first, then do the   set prof/pers="text_string"  stuff  and,,,,,
Ahhh, maybe a change of node name would be appropriate at the same 
time   ????

	yessss,  VERY  appropriate.   Watch this space, I'll be right 
back - following a bit of magic,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,


	R

    
    
    	Well.... I hate to break up such and in-depth and technical
    discussion of setting personal names, but I have a little news...
    And couldn't help but rub it in.....
    
    	Where will Rick be Feb 19-23? At Mr. Mike Hazelwood's ski
    school!!!! The rate's not bad at 300 clams for skiing for the
    week and 31.00 a night at Holiday Inn which is the ski school
    rate...
    
    	I'd talked to McCormick's out near Tampa and my impression
    was not all that great. The guy's attitude was worse everytime
    I talked to him. So for that reason, the fact that it's in 
    Tampa (read: not Orlando) and some input from a fellow noter
    I canned McCormick's. I have to admit the man-made lakes looked nice.
    
    	I also talked to Bill Peterson who offered an even more 
    attractive price (maybe since it would be my second time) but
    unfortunately he would be in Colorado the week I wanted to go.
    
    	And yes... I see it on the tips of everyone's tongues....
    I didn't consider BI since I'll have one stick-only skier
    with me, all 3 of us want to work on stick skiing also and
    the bad news.. we have to spend a day at Disney...
    
    Rick
    

RE: .10

OK, I'll say it...you BUM!  Besides stick-skiing, I'm sure you can persuade Mike
to drag you around a few times on your bare feet (or will it be tennies, you
wimp.?!).  :-)  Oh yeah, since Mike used to be quite the jump master, maybe
he'll talk you into a few jaunts over the old wooden launch pad?  Don't forget
the Advil!  :-)

Now this probably should be answered in the Barefoot Note, but hey Mike Smith,
how about a report on your trip to BI?  Did you survive?  A little sore?  Doin'
those one-foot back deeps yet?  Inquiring minds want to know...

...Roger...

P.S.  I noticed a chunk of Quinsig was melted this past weekend (I'd say about
	200 yards along the east shore near the Rt. 290 bridge).  The launch is
	still frozen though.  Hey Reg, when's the Nautique due back?  Wishful
	thinking, eh?

re  <<< Note 580.10 by TOMCAT::SUTER "Where will you be on December 8, 1989??" >>>
>                             -< Na Na Na Na Na NA >-


	I second Roger's comment    and    .....don't forget the b**r

	Seriously, have fun - enjoy.

	Reg	{with some large mid-winter unbudgeted  "other" 
			expenses to deal with, or he'd  BE THERE ! } 

    RE: Roger asking about my trip trip to BI,  see note 62.63
        in the barefoot note.
    
    By the way I had a great time.
    Deep water and step offs on long line.
    
    Mike Smith.

    More info on ski sshools please.
    
    		- what do you learn
    		- any in the norteast
    		- who runs the best 
    		- $$$$$$$$$$$$?
    		_ ect. ect. ect.
    
    Rick R.
    
    

    RE: .14
    
    Rick, if you'll post (or send me) your mailstop I'll send you a copy of
    the AWSA Ski School Directory.  It's the 1988 edition, but I'm sure the
    phone numbers are correct (or almost).  You can call for the latest
    price  info.
    
    As far as what you learn, you can learn anything you want to learn
    (within your ability, of course).  The instructors will show you
    anything you want, but it's best to go to school with a specific goal
    in mind (e.g. learn to jump, improve slalom runs to 36 mph at 15-off,
    etc.).
    
    Good luck, let us know if you decide to go to a school, and which one
    you select.
    
    ...Roger...

    And Roger can teach you how to ski on your feet, hands and face...
    :^)   :^)   :^)
    Doug

    Thanks for the offer Roger.  Send info to recuparo @syo
    
    thanks again
    Rick R
    

re           <<< Note 580.8 by NRADM::WILSON "Bo knows water skiing?" >>>
>                                -< Bo knows... >-

	I was watching sesame street the other morning (again).  
Letterman says to change the B to an N, the A to a D and the T to an E.
Gee, I hope I got that right (-:, (-:

	R

Re: .18

I don't get it.  Is there some deep hidden meaning, or am I just dense?

Rob

Uh, yah...I second Rob's statement.  What the heck are you talking about, Reg?
You still bummed that your boat isn't back from Florida yet, so you're typing
mindless gibberish?  :-)

...Roger...

    Maybe I've got the wrong note but if this is the "offical 1990 ski
    season" note why arn't we talking about sking?  Such things as:
    
    		1990 championship sking schedule (and locations)
    		new equipment on the market
    		magazine articles of interest 
    		books of interest
    		dirt on ski pro's (juicy stuff)
    		ski stories (no fish stories Reg)  
    		ski pointers
    		ect ect ect ect
    
    
    		

    
    
    * * G U M B A L L    *    G U M B A L L    *    G U M B A L L * *
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Just Practicing    :^)   :^)
    
    
    
    But seriously, Why izzit we all ski together in the early spring when
    ice cubes are floating around, or late fall when the lakes are
    crusting over and water temps are 32.1 degrees?
    I'll tell you why...Cause we all (or most of us) put our boats in for
    the season around Memorial day thru Columbus day and there they sit,
    midweek, collecting waterline scum un-utilized. Oh sure, we use them
    on the weekend, ski til we drop and then we whine all week,"I WANNA
    GO SKIING", as our ski-boats are moored some 60-100 miles away.
    
    Well, I have a proposal: how about if we take turns trailering our
    boats home for the week, (this should turn into maybe once/month for
    each owner) and have maybe a Wednesday (or Thursday or Tuesday) as
    the official afterwork ski day.  We could meet at Mattawnana..er
    Forge pond, or the Merrimuck or... wherever's conVENient.  Ski
    'til dark and then it's only one or two days until the weekend!
    This way, we get to ski together when it's *warm*, save wear and tear
    on the bottoms of skis (from beach starts and STOPS) and minimize
    the amount of whining in my household during midweek.
    Comments???????? (and or suggestions)
    Doug Whynot_can't_we_ski_yearround. 

    Or...how about taking turns driving to where the boats are moored.
    I usually try to get to my boat 2 nights during the week. The boat is
    kept at Roberts Cove on Winnipesaukee. I work at NI0 and it takes me
    an hour and 15 minutes including stopping for ice. Leave at 4 and be on
    the way out at 5:25. I would be interested in getting something going
    on a regular basis. I always seem to be looking for a fifth person
    (due to late cancellations) for duel(ing) tubing. Besides, I don't own 
    a trailer for the boat.
    
    Scott (Splashdown-->May 1)
    
    

re .22 and .23

	Yeah, lets do both !!  

		Say, tuesdays and thursdays ?


	R

	Being one who doesn't own a boat, I don't know how much my
	2 cents a worth, but I officially put my vote in for Tuesdays
	Thursdays...heck, you could probably twist my arm to do some
	early morning skiing!!  (sticks optional of course)

	Works out kinda nice...Monday and Wednesday are club nites!! :-)

	-ric.

    re: ric
    
    >	Works out kinda nice...Monday and Wednesday are club nites!! :-)
    
	Isn't it kind of tough to ski after a night at the Club?  :-)
    
    Rick

	RE: -.1

	I guess it depends on the nite and the club!! :-)

	-ric.

    Trailering is a bit tough for me, but flying to the boats is an
    option, depending on the crowd size.  We have been known to do that
    before...
    
    Don
    

Hey Doug, what a fabulous idea!  We could have another boat (mine) to use if one
of the following things happen:

	1) I buy a house this spring (which is quite likely...we're looking now)
	2) One of you guys with garage/yard space wouldn't mind letting me keep
	   my boat at your place for the week when my turn comes around.

I figure that the more boats we can get to use, the less frequently each of us
has to haul it from/back to its summer mooring.

I also like the idea of going to the lakes.  Always great to ski on new water!
Maybe we can work out some sort of carpool on the eves we ski.  Sure would save
gas/driving.

Hey Ric, we gotta work out this early morning ski thing.  I'll be up for it if
we can figure out where's convenient and what boat we can use.

...Roger...  the_melt_is_slow_but_steady_these_days!

    
    
    Hey Rog,
    
    	We all know that those pictures you have of an early Correct
    Craft are pictures of someone else's boat! :-) Has anyone ever
    seen Roger's boat in person? Doesn't this sound like "I betcha
    he's even got a commie flag tacked up on the wall inside-o his 
    garage?"
    
    	I think the boat-a-week plan sounds great! Considering how many
    boats we have, it could be less than once a month that we trailer.
    
    	
    Rick:
    
    BTW: You can use my garage there, Green Teeth! :-)

	GREAT IDE_A Doug !

	Then I only get ragged on once or twice a month about whats
hooked onta the back of my car today and isn't that supposed to get
unhooked when the week-end is over and what time am I planning to leave
work this afternoon (and can we come WITH you ?).  Never mind the stuff
about pushing it into the fire pond coz I didn't take 'em out last time.

	That tape suggests that Quinsiggy is nice in the early morn' ...
also, I might be able to work an arrangement to leave mine at Fort Meadow 
overnight from time to time this season, that would get us an early start, eh ?
Its shallow too, so it should warm up early (relative term) in the season.

	R

Thanks Rick (I think).  You guys just never got your act together to come down
to RI and see my boat.  At least with the rotation arrangement, everybody gets
to contribute.  Just don't "reach out and kick old green teeth right in the
knee" 'cuz I'll need them for skiing! :-)

Yeah, Reg, Quinsiggy is just as smooth as the video indicates.  Of course, that
*is* 5:30AM.  But believe me, you're awake after that first run!

...Roger...

    This is for all of you that are CRAZY enough to ski in Lake Quinsig.
    
    Your fellow crazies are trying to form a Lake Quinsig Ski Club !
    
    You don't have to have a boat or any experience.  All are welcome.
    
    If you are interested call Brian Waters at (508) 753-8455.  This is
    
    all still in the very early planning stages.  Anyone who has experience
    
    forming a club and would like to help us out, please call !
    
    See ya on the water !
    
    Denise
     
    

    re .21  I'm with you !!
    
    Just got my Mass Water Ski Assoc. newsletter with the following tournament 
    info
    
    (this is just a partial listing, I got work to do ya know !)
    
    
    May 19		Northeast Collegiates 		Oakham, MA
    (May 19, are these guys crazy !!)
    
    June 16,17		NH Slalom/3rounds		Wolfboro, NH
    
    June 22,23,24	Yankee Open			Oakham, MA
    
    June 29,30,
    	July 1 		Worcester/ Coes Pond Festival	Worcester,MA
    
    July 7,8		Fisher's Folly			Uxbridge, MA
    
    July 13,14,15	New England Open		Oakham, MA
    
    July 14		Bay State Barefoot Champs	Charlton, MA
    
    July 21		Ft. Meadow / Novice		Marlboro, MA
    
    July 28,29		Lakes Region Open		Wolfboro, NH
    
    Aug 11,12		Adams Pond Farm Classic		Oakham, MA
    
    Aug 18		Ft. Meadow/ Novice		Marlboro, MA
    
    Aug 25		Webster Lake Instruct and	Webster, MA
    				Disabled
    
    
    
    Anyone planning on entering any of these let us know.  We'll come
    cheer you on (unless you're the competition...).
    
    Happy Skiing
    
    Denise
    

	Hi Denise,

	What is the Mass Water Skiing Association?  Is it separate from
	AWSA or affiliated with it?  What are the benefits of being a
	member (besides getting info on local tournaments :-) )?  How
	much does it cost?  Is it free with AWSA membership?  Do I
	sound curious?

	Should we start taking a pool on when the first experience on
	the water will be?  Let's pull for the first weeks of April...

	I can feel me heels blazin' already!!!

	-ric.

re .34	I got mine last night too, marked them all in my calendar for 
the tour de cooler.  "Compete" ?  lets be reasonable (-:, (-:

re .35

	Oh, its a very select group of people 'ric;  but I might be 
	able to get you in as a guest some time  -  just dress
	decently, no sneakers. 

>	Should we start taking a pool on when the first experience on
>	the water will be?  Let's pull for the first weeks of April...

	I vote for some time next week.  Thats not a pool, its an 
invitation, so bring your feet.

	R {itchin'}

	RE: .35	

	Reg,

	Have a great time next week! :-)  I'll be looking forward to all
	the fffrrriiigggiiidd details!

	-ric.

    	Re: Reg,
    
    	Next week? Does this mean that gorgeous blue boat is
    back in New England?
    
    	Rick

re               <<< Note 580.38 by ARCHER::SUTER "Sunny and 80!" >>>
>                                   -< Gbb? >-
    
>    	Next week? Does this mean that gorgeous blue boat is
>    back in New England?

	Err, yes - didn't I tell Ya ?

	Why do you ask ?  

	Here's a rope, pick an end, any end (-:, (-:



	Reg	{GBB, hmmm - latest revision, G follows F, but they 
			can be synonomous in SOME contexts, etc.}

    re .35
    
    I think the MWSA is affiliated with AWSA.  It certainly is a lot
    cheaper to join ($10 for a family membership).  So far the only
    benefit I've gotten is a couple of newsletters but I just joined 
    the end of last summer.  Oh wait, right here on the renewal form are
    'reasons for membership', they are
    
    	1) To receive current information on competitive skiing, status,
     	   seeding lists and events.
                                                                     
       	2) To help the sport of water skiing gain prestige with the general
     	   public and media.
    
    	3) To gain respect and a voting privilege on a state level.
    
    	4) To get advice on organizing a tournament.  Also, to get help
    	   getting officials, drivers and judges for tournaments.
    
    	5) To be able to participate in and organize Judges, drivers and
    	   safety clinics.
    
    	6) To supply current official contacts with surronding states.  
    
Well, isn't that special.
    
    I have a form to join, if you are interested send me your mailstop
    and I'll send you a copy.
    
    Denise
    

RE: Note 580.39 

 >>  {GBB, hmmm - latest revision, G follows F, but they 
 >>   can be synonomous in SOME contexts, etc.}


Oh noooo!  I must be losing it, because I finally understand one
of Reg's little "innuendos".  You must be starting effect us Reg!
For those who didn't get it, you have to first know what "fbb"
stands for, then use "gbb" in the same context.  Reg will explain
off line, for a small fee.   :*0


Rick

    
    re: gbb F and G......
    
    	Oh no, I understood it too it must be time to 
    go Nodeing, but replace the N with B, D with A and E with T.... :-)
    
    Rick

    Yup, I understand...I've been watching letterman too..
    Doug (also loosing it)
    
    Re: Tournements: You gotta be a member of the AWSA to enter any of the
    AWSA sponsored tourneys. (membership + insurance)  The MWSA must be a
    subset(club?) of the AWSA for an additional fee.

	Hey, don't blame  *_ME_*  I only own the thing (THANG).
Just happened to notice RS's progression from F to G, thats all - got 
to thinking about ECOs/FCOs and such, dec standards, the factory
refurb, etc.  If we break it again I'll move to HBB (Happy blue boat), 
OK ?   

	R





	Don't even  *_THINK_*  it !

    
    
    Or you could get a "sbbb" (s*it box blue boat) and you wouldn't
    CARE if you break it again!
    
    Rick 

Hey Reg...are you really gonna let us put that boom back on your boat after what
happened?  I could see it if it was gonna be in the 60's or better, but we'll be
lucky if we get 40's or maybe the low 50's next week.  S'up to you...

Oh yeah, you planning on skiing or just driving?  If you're just driving, how
about loaning me that crazy drysuit of yours?  Haven't broken down and got me
one yet, 'cuz Doug's got me thinking about a new wetsuit!  There's temptation
everywhere!  :-)

...Roger...

P.S.  I'm beginning to experience "Hot Rock'n Feet" withdrawls.  Can we get
	together so I can get my tape back?

re           <<< Note 580.46 by ROGER::GAUDET "Nothing unreal exists" >>>
>             -< Putting Correct Craft to the test again, are we? >-

> Hey Reg...are you really gonna let us put that boom back on your boat after what
> happened?  I could see it if it was gonna be in the 60's or better, but we'll be
> lucky if we get 40's or maybe the low 50's next week.  S'up to you...

	Sure, but not until I have that little Jack gizmo thing built.

> Oh yeah, you planning on skiing or just driving?  If you're just driving, how
> about loaning me that crazy drysuit of yours?  Haven't broken down and got me
> one yet, 'cuz Doug's got me thinking about a new wetsuit!  There's temptation
> everywhere!  :-)

	Yeah, I'd like to ski.  Shouldn't be any problem sharing the 
dry suit though, {one at a time} unlike wet suits you CAN get into 'em
when they're wet - not that they actually GET wet, but;  well, Y'know
what I mean. 

> I'm beginning to experience "Hot Rock'n Feet" withdrawls.  Can we get
>	together so I can get my tape back?

	Sure, we can/should do that.  I'll bring it to next week's 
g'ball - You'll be there, right ?

	Reg

    
      Went home for lunch today and found April's issue of Water
    Ski Mag AND an Overton's catalog waiting for me.....arghhhh...
    
        Come'on ICE OUT!  Come' on NEW BOAT!  
    
    jd/
    

    What? Somebody say Gumball??
    What? Somebody say New Boat?
    Please elaborate.
    Doug

re                        <<< Note 580.49 by TOTH::WHYNOT >>>
>             -< What did they say?? (I've fallen & can't get up) >-

>    What? Somebody say Gumball??
>    What? Somebody say New Boat?

	Yeah, Jeanne said she got a new Mastercraft - dincha see the 
rumor note ?   I think its the new barefoot outboard, doesn't need
winterizing. 


re Jeanne:	Ice out ?	What ice ?

	Merrimac is clear, has been for a couple of weeks.


	Reg

    
    	Yes, indeedy! The Merrimack was actually used by one boater
    and one Jetskier this past weekend............
    
    	I heard 60-70 for Tuesday, but maybe rain to go with it....
    anyone heard the extended forecast? Reg, did you get jack yet?
    or do we have to go on the long line? Brrrrrrrr.....
    
    Rick
    
    Lunch break!! I like mine with lettuce and...........  :-)

    So, which day are we going??
    DW

    Yeah, which day?  My barefoot wetsuit is being repaired at this very
    moment (Inland Divers in Leicester), but I think it's gonna be ready by
    Wednesday.  50's tomorrow, maybe higher Wed. and Thu.  Soooooooo....
    
    ...Roger...

re           <<< Note 580.53 by ROGER::GAUDET "Nothing unreal exists" >>>
>                        -< Warmer this time than last! >-

	Thursday at the earliest for me.  Gotta damned presentation to 
do tomorrow and most of today will be final slide tuning.

	R

Thursday's probably best for me.  Unfortunately, forecast is for showers, but
warm.  Of course, this *is* New England!

...Roger...

    Partly to mostly sunny, high around 69 (a Boston station said 71-75!).
    Same for Friday.  It's a beautiful thing!
    
    ...Roger...

    
    	Does this mean the first 1990 Gumball is on for tomorrow?
    
    	Reg, is the GBB ready to go? Is La Boom ready?
    
    	Rick

    I went by Lake Quinsiggamond on Route 20 in Shrewsbury on my 
    lunch break today.  All I could see was open water, didn't 
    see any any ice at all!  Yahoo!
    
    
    Rick W.  (So what's that, about another month and a half 
              before Lake Winnipesaukee is melted?)

I went by the ramp at Quinsig on Saturday and the ice came right up to the base
of the ramp.  But there is lots of water on the south side of the Rt. 9 bridge
and a few hundred yards on the north side.  At the north end of the lake it's
almost completely melted, but I didn't see any public place to launch that
wasn't iced in.  Maybe by now...

I'm bummin'...my barefoot wetsuit is in the repair shop and won't be done by
tomorrow...guess I'll have to wear my two long suits and see what happens!

...Roger...

re .57

	I'm up in Spitbrook right now; even the non-paged pool is ice 
free.  My planned for boom jack isn't ready - if you want to get OBB 
out for the first g'ball of '90 I won't squabble over it (-:, (-:

	Tomorrow or friday, either is fine with me - I'll try to 
finish the boom jack this w/e.

	Reg

{OBB == original blue boat ;  how's that ?}

	Can't find the  "stores"  note, but since this is a water 
skiing specialist store - this is probably as good a place as any.
The following flyer came in my mail last night:


		WATER SKIS PLUS
	290 Main Street, Spencer, Mass 01562.
		508-885-3335


	Opening day sale - March 17 1990 (saturday).

EP	"89" Stiletto, Tactic VS, Comp VS		"30% OFF"

La POINTE O'BRIEN	"89" RADIUS, PULSE, TRC-PRO	"30% OFF"

SKIWARM	SAHARA DRY SUITS				$ 150.00

STAY DRY  STEAMER DRY SUITS				$ 150.00


		****** SUPER SUPER SAVERS ******

"89" FOUR BUCKLE VESTS  (while they last, one day only)		$ 25

ASSORTED SKI GLOVES						$ 10

ASSORTED WET SUITS						$ 75

		!!!!  1989 LEFT OVER SLALOM SKIS AT "LOW" "LOW" PRICES.

"BAREFOOT CLINIC"  with National Champion ZENON BILAS  AUG 6 - 10.



Sorry about the CAPS, just trying to reproduce it as close as I 
could....


HOURS:

March 17 - April 29	April 30 - June 3	June 4 - Labor day

Thursday 10 - 8		Mon - Wed  10 - 6	Sun		12 - 4
Friday   10 - 6		Thurs	   10 - 8	Mon - fri	10 - 8
Saturday 10 - 4		Fri	   10 - 6	Sat		10 - 4
			Sat	   10 - 4

	When closed, if you need something special just call 
508-885-3335.  {they'll often come up from the house}


	Reg	{I'll probably get there on sat.}

		std disclaimer: I'm in no way associated with these 
		folk, other than as a satisfied customer, etc.

    Quinsig is definitely ice free !  Hope to have the boat out for its
    first spin Fri afternoon.  No skiing yet, no drysuit (but my husband
    saw the prices at the Waterskis Plus sale on Saturday so maybe...).
    
    Anyways if any of you are crazy enough to be out skiing, look us up.
    I'll be in a 17' Stingray, sitting up front drinking a beer.
    
    Yea !!!!!
    
    Denise
    
    

	OK, the IBB managed to find its way to work this morning - and 
I'm getting some light kidding about it.  Noon at the North Chelmsford 
ramp, no boom, dry suit, bring life vests 'cos I think I have only my 
ski vest.

re                        <<< Note 580.62 by IOENG::DCARR >>>
>                                -< Quinsig Fri >-

>    Quinsig is definitely ice free !  Hope to have the boat out for its
>    first spin Fri afternoon.  No skiing yet, no drysuit (but my husband
>    saw the prices at the Waterskis Plus sale on Saturday so maybe...).

	Hey, join us on the Merrimac if you wish - bring hubby too
    
>    Anyways if any of you are crazy enough to be out skiing, look us up.

	C'mon, crazy people don't ski - they 'foot.
 
	Reg
    

Well, we didn't win the "First Idiots on Lake Quinsig" award.  As I was passing
the north end of the lake I saw our buddies getting ready to 'foot (you know,
the guys with the great personalities who came racing to the ramp last December
as we were pulling the F/G/I-BB out of the water).  Oh well, maybe next year!

Hey Reg, you gonna be at Water Skis Plus tomorrow morning?  I plan to get there
by 10 to check out those drysuits.  Maybe I'll see ya there!

...Roger...

    
    Hey Guys,
    
    How 'bout a report on Friday's gumball?  Was a good time
    had by all?
    
    Rick
    

    A good time had by all -1.
    Doug_who got Shanghaied at the last moment and couldn't make it. :^(

	Attended by (alphabetical and in order of appearance) RB, RG,
RS & WG.  Also in attendance and specifically  DIS-invited;  two tires 
about 185/70 x 14s, an oil drum, several tree trunks, some large 
chunks of ice, though they were smaller than the boat, and eventually 
the game_warden/environmental_police droid, quote: "both of you 
gentlemen are driving with expired trailer plates".

	Roger went first, on his ski and in a borrowed dry suit that 
was a bit too large (rumor: he bought a medium size one on saturday 
morning).  I think I went next, but being a two ski starter from deep
water I had already lost all feeling in my right foot when it came
time to find the rear toe strap, though I got it eventually.  I was
very unstable and crashed quite hard, OK I was numb anyway so it
didn't hurt.  Rick showed up about then, with his Nautique, and I
think thats when Walt arrived.  Roger and Rick skied from the fancy
blue boat for a while, then we went to Rick's boat so he and Rog' could
foot.  Roger hit a heel on a chunk of wood (ouch), a couple of runs
later he hit the other heel on a different chunk of wood (different
ouch).  Rick went on the kneeboard at some point, from his boat I
think, impressive wake jumps.  Walt and Roger had to leave, so Rick
and I ran our boats up the river to just past the Tyngsborough bridge.
What happened next Rick ?  I don't  r'memmer (-:, (-: 

	Reg

PS	I had peeled the numbers off back in december, I couldn't find
the boat registration, so I guessed the sequence of letters and digits
from the assortment that was stuck to a sheet of plastic: I got it
close, MS 8129 WG, nah, the letters look OK but the digits are
shuffled, I think I got it the same on the other side.  The trailer
plate was from my utility trailer, expired Nov '88 - close 'nuf.

PPS	I need practice loading (the boat to its drive on trailer with
no winch). 

    
          No guts....no glory, right guys?!
    
          I got the chills just reading about it!
    
Jd/

re                 <<< Note 580.69 by DONVAN::DECAROLIS "Jeanne" >>>
    
>          I got the chills just reading about it!
    
	Strangely enough it wasn't  THAT  cold.  The air was quite 
warm, so as long as you stayed up the face and hands were OK - though 
the feet numbed out.   Dry suits make a BIG difference, methinks Roger 
is converted.

	Reg.

    Well I was at Waterskis Plus at 10 am Saturday.  Picked up a new vest
    and gloves for hubby and (drum roll please) a dry suit.  So of course
    Saturday afternoon we had to put all this new equipment to the test.
    Luckily me and hubby and a few of our friends who are stupid enough to
    consider skiing in March all fit into the same suit (unluckily only
    hubby and I are paying for it).  Quinsig was really choppy from the
    wind Saturday.  The drysuit was great !  I can't believe how
    comfortable and warm it was !  
    
    Did somebody say there was barefooting going on Friday afternoon on
    Quinsig ?  I missed that, but I did see a (probably very drunk) guy
    skiing in a pair of jeans, no shirt and an orange lift jacket.
    
    Hope to catch up with you on one of these gumballs.  Where do you
    usually go and where do you all come from ?  I'm in MRO and live near
    Worcester, so its usually Quinsig for me on the weekdays. 
    
    Denise
    
    

re                        <<< Note 580.71 by IOENG::DCARR >>>
>                             -< I got a drysuit ! >-

>    Well I was at Waterskis Plus at 10 am Saturday.  Picked up a new vest
>    and gloves for hubby and (drum roll please) a dry suit.  So of course
>    Saturday afternoon we had to put all this new equipment to the test.
>    Luckily me and hubby and a few of our friends who are stupid enough to
>    consider skiing in March all fit into the same suit (unluckily only

	Gee, it must be a bit crowded in there.

	You were probably there the same time a Roger, I didn't get 
there until about 11 o'clock {brake job on a '77 Nova, different 
subject}

>    Did somebody say there was barefooting going on Friday afternoon on
>    Quinsig ?  I missed that, but I did see a (probably very drunk) guy

	I think Roger said they were doing it wednesday or thursday 
morning at Quinsiggy, Rick and Roger were doing it friday afternoon,
but that was on the Merrimac around North Chelmsford/Lowell. 

>    skiing in a pair of jeans, no shirt and an orange lift jacket.

	Yeah, weird.
    
>    Hope to catch up with you on one of these gumballs.  Where do you
>    usually go and where do you all come from ?  I'm in MRO and live near
>    Worcester, so its usually Quinsig for me on the weekdays. 

	Variously Littleton, Merrimac, Quinsiggy, Fort Meadow 
Pond,,,,etc.
    
    

    Yeah Denise, if you were there at 10:00 I probably walked passed you,
    maybe even talked to you.  I was the one talking with Ed about the
    virtues of the Slammer vs. Steamer, etc. and wearing the yellow HO
    trunks borrowed from the rack.  I could also be seen rolling on the
    floor in the corner by the bindings fighting my way into/out of the
    drysuits.  Tight squeeze in that little shop.
    
    As for the gumball, I think Rick and Reg covered it pretty well.  My
    heels are healing, but the right one is still sore (I guess that log
    was a bit larger than I thought!).  I'll live, and be ready for the
    next one.
    
    And yes, I did drop the big bucks and picked up the Slammer drysuit. 
    After extolling the virtues of the "regular" drysuits vs. the ones
    "especially designed for barefooting" I decided to go with the Slammer. 
    No biggie, I'll just eat mac & cheese for a week or so!  :-)
    
    March 16th beats my old record of April 20th (Rick S. remembers that
    one) by over a month!  Hey Rob Curtis, you guys been out yet down there
    in Albuquerque?  Or did we finally sneak in an earlier gumball than you
    guys in the "warmer" climates?  :-)
    
    ...Roger...

    
    Guys,
    Lake Mattawanakee in Littleton is melted, it won't be necessary
    to dodge barrels and logs on the Merrimuck any more.  'Course,
    now that it's melted, the weather's turned to crap again.  I
    guess ya can't have everything.  See you guys out there this
    Saturday?
    
    Rick W.

Hey guys,
     How's it going in the "cold northeast."  Glad to hear you're
already getting to ski.  Is any one going to thank me for that.
Remember me, the one who in some forgotten note, wished you a mid 
March ice out.  Ah, don't mention it.
     Have I been skiing yet, Roger asks?  But of course I have, on 
March 10th, squeezed you out again.  Oops sorry, I was just reminded
that my skiing was done at Taos Ski Valley, so I guess that doesn't
count.  You guys win again.  Heck, the snow is just getting good here
so I went to the mountains instead.  Anyway I think we've only beat
you out once, the year we went on New Years day.  Remember, one year
you got out while my arm was broken, and another year someting else 
happened?
      One last thing.  Is any one going to appologize to me?  All
this talk about dry suits.  I tried to tell you about dry suits
several years ago, but you wouldn't have it, nosiree.  I remember 
showing up at Fort Meadows a couple of years ago with a dry suit 
and being told I was a wimp!  Don't tell me you guys are getting
wimpy in your old age. 8-)

Rob

$ SET MOOD /ASHAMED

  You're right, Rob, we do owe you an apology.  We're sorry we called you a wimp
  for having a drysuit with you at Ft. Meadow...in June...when it was 75 degrees
  outside...

$ SET MOOD /HONEST

  Thank you for wishing us a March ice-out.  You were right, and we're thankful.

$ SET MOOD /GLOAT

  Regarding the first ski of the year.....

  Ththththththththththththth (that's a raspberry) ... we beat you, we beat you!

  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)

...Roger...

No no Roger, it was early may, quite a temp. difference in Mass., and you
and Rick were standing around shivering in your wetsuits telling me "A
wet suit is fine, only wimps need dry suits."  That's ok, it didn't bother
me, I was warm and cozy and thinking about skiing, not freezing.

About that other thing, ok rub it in, you guys went first, but don't 
over do it or we'll ski all through next winter, and enter a na na na
na na note every week.  Then I'll wish you a June ice out next spring.

Rob.........I'd better put a smiley face on this note 8-)
				Lotsa good skiin' to ya boys

    I have been having a problem doing a single ski deep water start.  I
    noticed in a couple of the ski cat's they have something called "easy
    up" (I think).  Basicly it's a ski rope with a loop 1 foot below the
    handle.  This loop attachs to some king of hook or something on the top
    side front of ski.  Supposedly it helps stabilize the ski.  Has anybody
    seen this or have any expierence with it.
    
    Thanks
     

Rumor has it that they work very well.  Of course, you'll want to shed the
dependency on it after a while.  Any particular thing you feel you're doing
wrong, like getting pulled out the front or falling sideways?  Maybe we can
offer some advice if we know exactly what's going on.

Hey Don, I know you have one of those easy-up hooks on your Obrien.  Ever use
it?  Does it work?

...Roger...

    re .78
    
    Don't buy it - it is a waste of money.  It is cheaply made, and has
    a great deal of stretch, which may very well be your problem to begin
    with.  I threw the one I bought away.
    
    Take your money and buy an "approved" rope.  A cheap rope acts like a
    big spring, the boat starts while you sit there, then when the rope is
    stretched you get pulled with much more force than with a rope that 
    does not stretch.
    
    After we made the change, everyone including the novices had an easier
    time of getting up.
    
    Don

    If my memory serves me right I seem to be getting pulled forward.  But
    I also remember going sideways.  Also I've been told to start with only
    one foot in the ski, is this true?  
    
    I have seen several different models of this "easy up" system.  I would
    imagine some are better quality than others.  Any additional comments on
    this (score is tied).
     

	RE: .81

	There are many reasons for getting pulled forward: you're leaning
	too far forward or the driver's giving too much juice.  Getting
	up on one definitely takes more effort than two.  You're probably
	getting yourself psyched to lean forward over the ski.  Instead of
	thinking about leaning forward over the ski, try to think about
	leaning forward *on top* of the ski.  If you continue to lean
	forward over the ski, eventually you *will* go over the ski.  You
	must adjust your body position as the ski starts to come up on the
	water.

	As for dragging the rear foot, some people are comfortable doing
	it, others are not.  But if you are having problems falling to
	the side, try dragging it.  You can use the dragging foot as a
	rudder to keep your balance.

	Good luck and keep trying!

	-ric.

    I have some friends who used the "easy up" system and it seemed to work
    for them ( in one case it was purely psychological, she later realized
    the rope wasn't even hooking on her ski !)
    
    The best way to learn is to have someone who can do it there telling
    you how to adjust.  It can take a long time to figure it out on your
    own (my husband tried for many months, once he had it he taught me in
    4 tries !).
    
    I think getting up with 1 foot in is a lot easier.  If your getting
    pulled forward, keep your weight back more.  Just kinda sit on the ski
    in the water and stand up when the boat hits it !  Sounds easy when
    your sitting in the office, huh.
    
    What those "easy up" things do for you is keep the ski tip up and keep
    the ski centered.  If you have a problem with the ski tip going under,
    keep more of it out of the water when you hit it.
    
    I guess it all depends on how much more lake water your willing to
    drink !  If you or someone in the boat can see whats going wrong so
    you can adjust, you should be able to get.
    
    Denise (who doesn't even get her hair wet)
    

    What about the speed?  You mention, the driver should take off slower
    is this true?

What happens in many cases is that as soon as the driver hears "Hit it!" s/he
will just *punch it* and that causes you (the skier) to overcompensate for the
pull of the boat.  And, if you have a stretchy rope (as Don described), the boat
moves forward a good few feet before you even budge in the water, then when the
rope recoils you get the tug of the boat plus the rope's recoil and look out!

Best is to have the driver put it in forward, then accelerate with reasonable
rapidity to slalom speed (for a learner, probably 26-28 is ample speed).  What's
"reasonable" you ask?  OK, how about 1-2 seconds (count 1-Mississippi, 2-...)
from forward idle to 3/4 throttle.  But don't just *punch it*.  If the skier is
heavier than about 180 lbs. you might need to crank it up a notch or two to
about 30, since you'll be plowing alot of water at 28.

...Roger...

	Here's a tip for those of you with the PCM (or similar type)
exhaust headers and a tendency to winterize_late/springerize_early,
i.e. use the boat during the frost season: 

	Getting the plugs in and out of the manifolds at the ramp
requires that you carry a 1/2 inch socket drive, it has to be a fairly
slim one too, or you'll lose knuckle skin.  The thread on those little 
steel plugs is standard 3/4 inch pipe thread, this means they can be 
replaced with the standard plumbing type brass plugs that have a 
raised 5/8 inch square head, this can be grabbed with an open ended 
wrench - or the ubiquitous  "monkey wrench".  Further advantages;  if 
you cross the thread the softer brass will probably get torn up before 
the manifold itself,  brass plugs won't rust into the cast iron 
manifold,  its easier to keep from crossing the threads when inserting 
them since you can hold them by the square head.

	Reg

PS	Oh, a couple of bux each, at the most.

To prevent the cast iron plugs from rusting into the cast iron manifold
(and leaking) you should use teflon tape when installing them each time.

Dave

RE: .87

Yup, that's exactly what I did when I installed my new Barr Marine manifolds on
my 289 inboard.  I've removed two of them since without any problems.

...Roger...

re          <<< Note 580.88 by ROGER::GAUDET "Nothing unreal exists" >>>

> Yup, that's exactly what I did when I installed my new Barr Marine manifolds on
> my 289 inboard.  I've removed two of them since without any problems.

	Wot  "289 inboard"  ?

	I never seen it  

			-  Rick, Don, Doug, Jeanne, Walt  ANYONE ELSE seen it ?

	Yes, teflon tape is the right way to go, there's also a thick 
teflon paste stuff, but thats a bit mucky.  Using brass plugs is still 
a good idea for those of us who run our boats at the time of year when 
its a good idea to drain the block and manifolds  *_AT THE RAMP_*  so
they won't crack on the way home. 

	Reg

	

    
    You guys didn't tell me you were going to be on
    "Home Video's" last night.....that footage must
    have been from your last barefootin' gumball!
    
    And who took that nasty face plant??!  Looked
    like Rrrrrrrrrrr....!  (never mind).
    

    That *was* an excellent capture of a face-plant, just as the guy who
    was footin' decided to give a wave to the camera! It was enough to make
    one decide to put off trying footin' for a wee bit...
    
    Mike

    I didn't see the show last night, but as the boys from the last (or
    actually *first*) gumball will atest, I *never* let go.  So even though
    I may do a faceplant, I typically will just "tumble-up" again.
    
    Yeah, I know, dead brain cells from all those early faceplants during
    the learning proces!  :-)
    
    Anybody tape the show?  I'd love to see it.
    
    ...Roger...

    
    re: Home Videos..
    
    	I finally saw the WS home videos. The faceplant was nothing
    special for those of us that are accustomed to them, but the guy
    that drove the boat straight up onto the beach was a sight to see.
    It was too bad the cameraperson wasn't a little closer.
    
    	While we're on the subject of skiing...........................
    
    	When's the next GUMBALL???????????????????????????????????????
    
    Rick
    
    BTW: Corrective Action's current status is:
    
    		- Prop's nice and shiny, but sitting on the trailer
    		- Rudder's nice and straight and shiny, but beside the prop
    		- Strut bearing is on order.....
    
    	Maybe this weekend in between family commitments I can get the
    bearing and put the boat back together......

    I'm picking up my prop this afternoon and will be installed tonight.
    Springizing has been done and engine has be run.
    If the weather cooperates, I'm setting aside a day next week.
    Anyone want to help raising a slalom course??  :^)
    Doug

	Where is it?

	I can be there after work to help raise it (daylight savings--
	must have been invented by a water skier!), as long as there's
	room there to do some footin'!!

	-ric. itchin_to_ski

re               <<< Note 580.93 by ARCHER::SUTER "Sunny and 80!" >>>
    
>    		- Prop's nice and shiny, but sitting on the trailer
>    		- Rudder's nice and straight and shiny, but beside the prop

	Errr,  sitting outside or locked up in the garage ?   

re .94	Raise (or lower) a ski course ?  Sure, lets get outta here and 
do something  USEFUL !!   Where ?, when ?, etc.

	Reg	

Whoa, all you mad gumballers!  Methinks Doug's talking about raising the slalom
course on Suncook Lake in N.H. (right Doug?).  This is not an after-work thing
'cuz it's almost 2 hours from Maynard (closer to 1.5 hours at warp 7).  We're
talking about an all-day affair (which is not out of the question for me).  I'm
up for it.  Any day in particular you have in mind, Doug?  (yeah, I know, the
sunny and warm one!) :-)

...Roger...

    
    re: Reg
    
    	The prop is on the trailer, I mounted it there in place of
    the tire/rim, hooked up a PTO to it from the truck and now I'll
    never get my trailer stuck. :-)
    
    	Yeah, Suncook should be at least 32.000000001 degrees by now,
    but that never stops us... right? I'm up for a day, but I wouldn't
    know until almost the last minute if a particular day is ok...
    
    Rick

    Re; Rog:  Yup, the sunny and warm one...
    At last report, (last weekend) the surface of Suncook was somewhat
    slurpy-ish but not solid. I.e. liquifying rapidly.
    
    Re raising the course: No Diving Required! (you know I don't like to
    get wet :^)  )    Take one grappling hook (supplied), tack across the
    course until stainless steel cable is snagged, (usually 1 or 2 passes,
    providing you know where the course lies.)  and proceed to tie on all
    22 bouys (also supplied).
    
    How about a tentative wed, thurs or friday?  We can probably naIL IT
    down by monday of next week.
    
    Well, gotta get to H&H or we'll be paddling....
    Later,
    Doug 

...Wed. with Thurs. as the alternate.  Friday's NFG for me.

Tying the bouys?  What, no quick-disconnects?  :-)

...Roger...

    Howz about thursday w/ wednesday as the backup.  (wed is staff meeting
    and I oughtta go) 
    We tried quick disconnects a few years ago but couldn't handle the
    stress.  They got all bent up and quickly disconnected..
    DW

    The weather looks good for this week!
    I vote for Thursday - an all-day affair.
    So far, it's me and my brother-in-law - definate.
    My cousin and friend - possibilities.
    Roger and Reg - sounded interested.
    Ric and Rick - Make the committment.
    Don-approx coordinates are 43 deg 25' X 71 deg 25' :^)
    Anyone else? sign in here or send mail (right Fred?)
    I'll send directions after I get the consensus.
    Gas grill (and most food) will be supplied.
    Doug.

    
    Where?

	Doug,

	I didn't know you felt that way!  I'm sorry to say that I can't
	make a commitment--not at this point in my life.  Ask again in
	a couple of years! :-)

	Will there be any Gumballers remaining in these parts who would
	perhaps want to have a "local after work Gumball?"  Besides,
	there's nothing in the Gumball bylaws which states that the
	week has to be limited to a single Gumball, or even that only
	one Gumball can take place on a single day!

	-ric. who_simply_WANTS_TO_SKI

    OK, let's do it.  I've penciled in Thursday as the day.  I'll bring my
    boom, drysuit, wetsuits, ski, etc.
    
    Since the wife's car will be in the shop, I'll need to drop her off at
    work (8:00 a.m.), then I'll be ready to head up.  Anybody want to car
    pool and/or follow me (since I know the way)?  Also, I'll be needing to
    head back by around 4:30 p.m. or so.
    
    ...Roger...

	OK,  I'm up for it.   Just might bring a kid or two (they're 
on Easter week break)  and the UFBB might come along too.

	Reg	{Classic}


	Oh,    User Friendly Blue Boat   - what else ?

	Doug should post directions  -  or selectively mail them if
he doesn't want  EVERYONE  to find us.

	R

                  Directions To Suncook Lakes, Barnstead, N.H.

Rt 93N to exit 9 (rt 28/3 Hooksette) Follow rt 28 north (~40 min) to Barnstead. 

To Boat Ramp/Bridge: Take 3rd LEFT after Barnstead Country Store (~2 miles) onto
White Oak Road (paved). Go up "S" hill and take 1st PAVED LEFT. (Narrows Rd)
Go down this hill and when you get to the bridge, the boat ramp is here on your
right. Parking is permitted on the right side of the road.
We'll be on the lake-somewhere. Stand on the bridge and wave your arms-We'll
find you!
    So far it's me, Roger, Mark (bro-in-law), Reg and crew, and 2 other
    "possibles" and one "potential".  (and Mr. Suter if he finishes his
    "*project*"?!?)  I'll be there from around 9AM til 6PM. 
    Doug

    
    
    	WW     WW   EEEEEEEE   LL        LL        ????
    	WW  W  WW   EE         LL        LL       ??  ??
    	WW W W WW   EEEEEE     LL        LL          ??
    	WWW   WWW   EE         LL        LL         
    	W       W   EEEEEEEE   LLLLLLLL  LLLLLLL     O
    
    

	I'm Well, thanks for asking.

	I wonder how Rick is feeling...myself, well, I feel a little
	something coming on...:-)

MOVED BY MODERATOR

              <<< VICKI::SIE$DATA0:[NOTES$LIBRARY]BOATS.NOTE;1 >>>
                            -<     PowerBoats     >-
================================================================================
Note 659.0                     skiing YET anyone?                     No replies
FLOWER::PIERCE                                        8 lines  24-APR-1990 16:30
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    okay how meny other people out there like me who have allready been
    skiing in Mass..?  We've been going skiing now for 3weeks..no wet suit
    its great..no boats on the water (not meny any way) so the water is
    like glass..nice and smooth...Ill get all my skiing in now..so when
    peak seasons comes along i will have had my fill...
    
    L

	RE: .113

	I just went for the first time last nite with Rick on the
	Merrimack!  I wore my dry suite, but unfortunate for me,
	unlike you, I won't have my fill of skiing for the year
	until, oh, say, around November!  :-)

	The river was pretty rough (white caps) and neither of us
	were very interested in working on our rough water skiing.
	So, we had to search for the calm water.  We found about a
	300 yard stretch just past the Tyngsboro Bridge.  That stretch
	was through an s-turn, and after 2 runs each we dropped it in
	favor of cruising the river, and watching the ULowell Crew
	coach harass his team! :-)   They looked pretty good to me...
	what did you think Rick?

	We headed back, past the launch towards Lowell, and came
	across some pretty nice water.  I convinced myself to get
	back in the water for two more runs.  Nice to see BABA
	(Black And Blue Arches) again!

	There was no debris in the river...at least I didn't see
	any...

	-ric. skiin_90!

re           <<< Note 580.113 by FAIRWY::WILSON "Moe, Larry, Cheese!" >>>
>                            -< Skiing YET anyone? >-

	I swam at Suncook NH last thursday, no wet suit just swim 
trunks.  Rick said the water was 48 degrees, but I doubt it. 
Suncook is (according to Doug) about 40 minutes north of Hooksette, 
but it took us an hour due to navigational problems, when WILL they 
put Lorans in cars ?

	Maybe where his thermometer was, with the exhaust blowing all 
over it - that might WELL have been in the 40's (-:, (-:  but a foot
or two below the surface it was pretty damned cold.  

	Reg

	{I wasn't in very long and I wasn't very long when I came out.}

    I'm thinking of checking out the ski tournament next Saturday in
    Oakham.  It would be enlightling to see how its really done !  I live
    a few towns over from Oakham, but I don't know where the site is.  Do
    any of you know ?  I don't have any info on what hours it runs or the
    schedule or anything either.  If nobody else has any info I'll make a
    few calls, just thought I'd check here first.
    
    Denise
    

    I believe that this is the Inter-Collegiates (Slalom/Tricks/Jump)
    Call (Mr./Ms.?) Carrol at (508) 882-3369 for more info..
    DW

re .118

	I went to an event there last year, its a very pleasant little 
place - and I DO mean little, you also get to see how driving for 
tournaments is  "REALLY DONE"  in a tight space.  I'll probably go and 
watch this one too.  Directions ?, gee I could find it again, but....
Last year I just searched out the middle of town and looked for the 
police station - its a small town with a Constable, he knows where it 
is and gave good directions.  Shall we set up for a dec picnic there ?

	Reg

    Well, I got directions but I forgot to bring them in with me.  If any
    one is interested I'd suggest calling WaterSkis Plus (885-3335).  I
    talked to April last night an she gave me all the info.
    
    The tournament starts at 7:30 or 8:00 AM (yikes !).  Slalom is the
    first event.
    
    I'm probably going to go down.  My husband has to work so I may be on
    my own.  If any other DECies are going let me know how to identify you
    and maybe we can hook up.  I'll be the one whose still completely
    asleep (I don't think I've ever seen 8 am on a Saturday !).  
    
    Hopefully the weather will be better than the predictions.  
    
    Happy skiing !
    
    Denise
    

    Well, I talked some hearty souls into joining me at 8:00 am Saturday to
    check out this collegiate water ski tournament.  It was COLD ! and the
    wind never stopped.  Overall I was pretty disappointted in the
    competition.  I guess I've been watching too many of the pro tour stops
    on TV.  I expected to see people that were good skiiers, at least
    better than me.  There was only one woman who could ski through the
    course, all the others fell at the first buoy.  The men were better.
    There were several that could ski the course.  But they never even got
    to the point of going more than 15' off.
    
    On the other hand,  I feel a lot better about entering a novice
    tournament this year.  I can go out and fall at the first buoy,
    hell sometimes I even make it past the first buoy !
    
    I have to give these kids a lot of credit just for getting in the water
    when it was soooooo cold.  I was surprised to see teams from as far
    away as Pennsylvania and Virginia.  Seems like most of them arrived the day
    before and had camped out next too the pond.  When I got there at the 
    alleged starting time, some people were just crawling out off their
    sleeping bags!
    
    All in all it was an interesting experience.  I sent in my AWSA
    membership this week and hope to enter a novice tournament this year 
    (if the weather ever warms up enough to practice !).
                                                                      
    Another interesting note for any who (like me) blames the wake on their 
    boat for the fact that they can't slice through the wakes in good
    position, the ski nautique throws a pretty big wake at 26 mph (starting
    speed for woman ).  I guess I'll have to learn to take the wakes !
    
    
	Denise
    

    Does anybody know what the 1990 schedule is for ESPN's water sking
    tournament coverage?  If so could you please list it.  

    I haven't seen a schedule for ESPN, but last year I think they were on
    Tuesday nights at 10:00.  NESN is also carrying waterskiing this year.
    Its been on a couple of times, but NESN doesn't seem to have a
    consistent day and time.
    
    Denise
    

    I saw a schedule for NESN and they are carrying the
    pro stops starting 1st week of June, right through
    August.  

	Greetings waterskiers... I have a question for those 'pro' skiers out 
there. I have been 'tugging' some friends skiing who have there right foot 
in the front boot of the slalom ski and was wondering if this is the 'proper'
way to be slalom skiing. (is there a 'proper'  way here??) 

I have taken note to many pictures of slalom skiers, and those I watch skiing
and have found that most men have their left foot out front but find that 
most woman skiers have their right foot in the front boot. Please, there is
ABSOLUTLEY no conotation to this observation   8^)      (which leads to 
this note) I use my left foot in front and learned this way. My friends learned
the opposite and find it extremely difficult to change. (I have not even 
tried to swap)

	Is this simply personal preference or is there a 'rule' that one should
follow?  and btw: why? 

			"Inquring minds want to know"

Thanks gang!
			Roger

    Roger,
    
    The best known way to find out if you should lead with your right or
    left foot is to stand up straight, then slowly lean forward till you
    loose your balance - now which foot did you use to catch yourself from
    falling. This is then the foot you should have in front when slalom skiing.
    
    This was told to Rick Suter and I a few years back by Bill Peterson
    down at his ski school in Fla.
    
    Have a good ski season...
    
    								-mike- 

    I received similar advice on which foot to select...
        
    Person #1 stands in front of person #2. Person #2 gently gives a
    forcefull enough push (with no warning) to person #1 to cause person #1
    to have to step forward to keep balance. 
    
    Whichever foot the person moves first to catch balance is the foot that
    goes in the front boot. This technique may prove to more spontaneous
    and not subject "thinking about it" too hard... 
    
    BTW - I'm a "leftie", but put my right foot in front based on this
    test. When I've tried my left foot in front I seem to be not as strong
    and consequently not as comfortable! 

RE : last couple

Fascinating!  I've never heard of that technique for determining which foot you
should put forward on a slalom ski.  But I guess that's why Bill Peterson gets
paid to be a water ski instructor.

RE: Roger (another one...oh no! :-) )

My experience has been that it's a matter of preference and comfort.  Whichever
foot "feels" better in front is the one you use.  Gender is irrelevant.  Which
hand you write/throw with or which foot you kick best with is irrelevant.  I'm a
righty regarding throwing, writing, and kicking (although I can kick OK with my
left foot, I'd use my right foot if I were a field goal kicker) but I slalom
left foot forward.  Of all the folks I know who water ski, I'd say it's a 50-50
mix of lefties and righties.

...Roger...

	Another thing to keep in mind after you've chosen which foot to
	place forward is your handle grip.  The slalom grip is a baseball
	style one, and believe it or not, there is a preference as to which
	hand is up and which is down depending on your feet placements on
	the ski.  Although you will find a lot of skiers that don't follow
	this "rule of thumb" (for initial comfort reasons I suppose), when
	you start out, you might want to "form" this habit for the benefits
	you'll receive in the long run.

	The grip "rule of thumb" states that the hand which you place palm
	down on the handle should correspond to the side which has the foot
	forward on the ski.  Eg, if you are a left-foot-forward skier, you
	should have your left hand palm down on the handle (and the right
	palm up).

	RE: .127, .128

	I've heard about this technique too!  I tried the "test" long after
	I'd already chosen my forward slalom foot.  As Roger said, it is
	also a matter of comfort, but if you try the "falling forward" test,
	you might find that the foot you are most comfortable with is the
	one you catch yourself with!

	But one might ask, "What if I catch myself with no foot?"  Probably
	meaning that you've fallen square on your face.  Well then, you are
	destined to be a barefooter!!  Leave that stick at home!  Perhaps,
	this smashing of the face could explain barefooters' sometimes
	brain-damaged behavior.  :-)

	-ric.

	>But one might ask, "What if I catch myself with no foot?"  Probably
	>meaning that you've fallen square on your face.  Well then, you are
	>destined to be a barefooter!!  Leave that stick at home!  Perhaps,
	>this smashing of the face could explain barefooters' sometimes
	>brain-damaged behavior.  :-)

	-ric.

Ric, you've taken one tooooo many face plants!  :>)  We don't
want to slap our faces.....our mothers did that for years!  There's
gotta be a painless way to foot (I hope)!.  

jd/ (who under no circumstances will let go of that boom)

>>jd/ (who under no circumstances will let go of that boom)

	Well Jeanne, I hate to tell this to ya, but one of the first
	things that Mike is gonna teach ya next week after ya get
	comfortable on the boom is...HOW TO FALL!  He'll say something
	like, "okay, Jeanne, when I signal you I want you to catch a
	toe, let go of the boom, tuck your chin, break at the waste and
	roll!"  Sounds kinda sadistic, doesn't it?  But if you want to
	go out and be able to 'foot for a while, you're gonna take some
	falls.  I'm not sure that learning how to fall makes you learn
	how to take them better, or does something to your brain so you
	don't feel pain! :-)

	Anyway, believe it or not, you'll have longer sets if you learn
	how to fall.  Unfortunately there's no way to learn to fall
	backward!

	There was a kid last year at BI who would hold on to the 5 foot
	leader when he caught a toe.  It looked like he could dislocate
	his shoulders real easy, but he'd just roll on his back and
	tumble up.  Looked pretty stupid!  Mike told him that doing that
	is about the only thing (Besides jumping, he didn't mention that.
	He's a little brain damaged too!), that can cause injury in
	barefooting.

	See ya next week at BI!!  GET PSYCHED!!

	-ric.

    Re: The Baseball Grip:  I slalom left foot forward and my left palm is
    up.  I also have seen many variations of this; It's just preference.
    So what is "normal" anyway? (Is there such a thing??)  :^)
    Have fun at BI...
    Doug

    I'm the same as Doug, left foot forward with my left palm up.  I guess
    we have brain damage in the same region of the brain!  :-)
    
    ...Roger...

    
    Thanks for warning me Ric!  At least I'll have time to
    close my eyes and say a quick Hail Mary.  So this is
    what $100 gets me....lessons on crashing at 40 MPH!  :>)
    Actually, I can't wait!  
    
    Re: Which palm up/down?
    
    There are a couple of pros who break the rules...I think
    they are Camille Duvalle and Bob LaPointe.  
    
    jd/
    

    .135>> There are a couple of pros who break the rules...I think
    .135>> they are Camille Duvalle and Bob LaPointe.  
    
    But we all know that rules are made to ...  :-)
    
    And now, let's have a moment of silence to pray for today's weather one
    week from now!!!!  May the Quaboag be smooth and windless!
    
    ...Roger...  Itchin'_to_'foot

    When is BI coming to Quabog ?  I might come out to drink a few beers
    and watch.  Could be mighty ammusing !
    
    Denise 
    
    P.S. I ski right foot forward, right palm up... would anyone really
         recommend changing hands.  Will it make a difference ?  BTW I
    	 saw this same tip about the hands on my Waterski calander.  Maybe
    	 I'll give it a try this afternoon.
    

Denise...

A few of us footin' noters (and some who want join the ranks of the brain-dead)
are going to be out there next Friday (June 8th) for a day of abuse.  I don't
know how they handle spectators.  When we were in Florida, they didn't mind
letting Doug's non-skiing buddy get in the boat, but he was also staying with us
in the bunkhouse (and thus paying the room & board fee), so that may have been a
factor.  My understanding is that the river is fairly narrow, so I don't know
how good a spot you could get to spectate, especially if you won't have a boat.
Might be worth checking out, though.

...Roger...

    re. 'the river is fairly narrow'
    
    I thought the lessons are on Quabog pond ?  Ya there is a river that
    goes over to another body of water but I don't see how they could be
    giving lessons on it.  There always seems to be a lot of boats around
    (on weekends anyways, probably is ok on a Fri).  Anyways I have a boat 
    and often go to Quabog on the weekends when Quinsig gets too zooey, 
    but if the lessons are on Fri I probably won't be able to get out.
    
    Good Luck !
    
    Denise

The lessons could very well be on Quaboag pond.  I have no idea, I'll just be
there bright and early Fri. morning with my wetsuit in one hand and Advil in the
other!  :-)  In Fla., the canals we skied on were at times no wider than 2 boat
lengths, so we may in fact get onto the river (unless it's more narrow than
that).

...Roger...

Are there any major differences between 88 and 89 OB TRC skis or
bindings?

The reason I'm asking is I came across a catalog with:

	88 TRC, double H/W		$240.00
	88 KGX, front H/W & RTR		$150.00

and lots of other stuff.

The place is called ADRENALIN SPORTS CORP. (800) 999-SKIS.

RE: .41

I don't believe there have been any design changes in the TRC for the passed few
years, just graphics.  However, the LaPoint TRC is a very different ski from the
"plain-old" TRC, so check to be sure which one you're looking at.  If it's a
LaPoint TRC, the good news is that you'd be getting a more expensive ski for a
good price, the bad news is that the LaPoint series is geared for tournament
level skiers, and is not very good for recreational skiing.

I have a KGX.  Fairly stiff ski, but I like it.  I might graduate to the TRC
next year if finances permit.

...Roger...

    Update.  I ran into a skiing buddy of mine this weekend who just
    happens to work at a ski shop and he says, "Hey Rog, I've got a ski for
    you to try."  It turns out to be an '89 TRC blank, already drilled for
    my KGX bindings!  It's a beautiful thing.  So I get to "test ski" it,
    and if I like it it's mine!  I guess I graduate a little early... :-)
    
    ...Roger...

    
    Rog....you should have been on that ski a *long* time ago!
    Doesn't the TRC hold the world record at 41' off or something!?
    
    I have a slalom question....how much weight should you
    put on your forward leg when crossing the wakes.  I know
    to slow down the ski and make the turn weight is shifted
    forward, but after that???  My back leg always seems to
    take a beating.
    
    I've been demoing skis and I see references  saying "for
    the skier who rides the middle of the ski".... 
    
    jd/
    

    This past weekend I took my cousin skiing and he used my TRC for the
    first time.  (he's a VERY agressive/usually on the edge of
    disaster/dozen times a year skiier)  The first cut he made was very
    amusing.  It was your basic "screw yourself into bindings" hook turn.
    (I couldn't stop laughing cause I knew he was gonna do that) When I
    came back around and his head came up I said "Try not to over-turn that
    ski - it's real responsive."  :^)
    
    Roger- you'll like that ski!
    
    Jean:  I believe the weight distribution should be 50/50 or no more
    40/60 (with 60 on the rear foot) otherwise you'll be skiing on the tail
    of the ski- you should let the arc of the ski do the work.
    My wife was skiing with most of the weight (maybe 75%) on her rear leg.
    (she was a gradute of the Milne scool of big spray -[inside joke])
    Consequently, she developed shin splints, I guess from too much
    pressure onto one leg.  But this year she is keeping her shoulders
    back - square to the boat, even weight distribution, and letting the
    ski (an EP Comp) do the work.  She's not only skiing much better but
    has also gotten rid of her slack line.  (No problem with shin splints
    either - but the season is still young) And she's putting  up a good
    size wall of water as well)  Now if she'll only stay on edge when she
    crosses the wake, maybe I can get her into the slalom course. :^)
    
    Doug

    Binding placement makes a big difference too. Even though the
    adjustments (on the binding mounting plates that is) look slight, it
    makes a difference in the way the ski behaves.  So, experimentation
    will still be required.
    DW

    Andy Mapple ran 3 at 41' off on a TRC.  That's the current world slalom
    record.  That's also unbelievable, when you consider that the handle
    actually falls 3 feet short of the buoys!
    
    Regarding weight distribution on a slalom, I would have to say that you
    should be about equally distributed over both feet as you hit the first
    wake, remembering to keep your shoulders back and arms straight.  This
    is the point of maximum lean away from the boat, and you want to be
    setting up for the pre-turn just passed the second wake.
    
    I think what you're experiencing, Jeanne, is "wake fright" which is a
    fear of hitting the wake and having the ski kick out or making you
    break at the waist and do a nosedive.  You *must* have faith in your
    basic skiing ability, and that includes letting your knees take the
    shock of the bumps (a.k.a. wakes) while you concentrate on where you're
    heading (e.g. the next buoy).  There's a good article by Andy Mapple
    in July's "Water Ski" magazine (p. 126) about what you should be looking
    at when slalom skiing.  Good info.
    
    Cut it up!
    
    ...Roger...

    
    Old habits are tough to break, but this ones' gotta go!
    My back leg starts complaining by the end of the run,
    and the front legs fine.   
    
    Those quick turning skis are somethin' else....the
    Pro-Circuit is quick enough for me, I can't imagine a
    ski turning any faster!  I saw Kim Laskoff go
    over the front of her ski once, she made the turn and
    tried to come through the wakes, but the ski kept turning!
    

I saw a preview on the 11:00 pm news last night, channel 5 in Boston
will be doing a feature on Mike Seipel during the sports segment  of
tonight's news.  They said it would be on at 11:00, didn't say whether 
it'll also be on the 6:00 edition.

The preview showed Mike doing some pretty impressive tricks off the boom.
When they cut back to the anchors, Natalie Jacobson's comment was "don't
try this at Lake Cochichuate!".  My reply was "why not?".

Set your VCRs!

Rick W.

    
    Geoff Carrington was seriously injured while performing a
    stunt for a movie...there's a picture of him flying through
    the air (Boston Globe today)......that guy is always taking
    some brutal crashes!
    

	Did anyone catch the Seipel bit on Channel 5 last nite?  They
	had him on the 6 o'clock news, but not the 11.  I actually
	caught it by accident.  It was about a 2 minute section and
	they showed Mike doin' some pretty simple :-) stuff, like
	flips, tumble-turns and jumping.

	Nice to see the exposure!!

	-ric.

Well I feel better.  My wife told me that he was on at 6 (I missed it) so I
prepared myself to stay up through the 11 o'clock news.  I tuned in at 11,
watched the first segment, fell asleep, and woke up to the theme at the end of
the news!  Fortunately, it appears I didn't miss anything! (at least at 11).

So when are we gonna get back out there and do some of those "simple" things?

...Roger...

>> So when are we gonna get back out there and do some of those "simple" things?

	Pick a day next week...after work preferably.  I need to get on
	a boom and work my back deeps.

	-r.

re         <<< Note 580.153 by TOOK::MERSHON "Ric - LAT/VMS Engineering" >>>

< >> So when are we gonna get back out there and do some of those "simple" things?

>	Pick a day next week...after work preferably.  I need to get on
>	a boom and work my back deeps.


	Tuesday, Ft Meadow Pond.  probably 2pm and on.

	Reg

    
    	I might be able to make that......
    
    	Rick

    Ditto...
    My USCG non-approved suit is in the truck.
    But it IS approved by Mike Seipel. :^)
    And I left my "stick" in N.H. - So there!
    Doug (there's hope for me yet...)
    

	...Fort Meadow...is that the pond where Mike Smith lives?  The
	same Fort Meadow where we almost got killed a few times last
	year, once by a Plane?  I can only go after work, and as I
	remember, this pond gets *very* busy later in the day.  Will
	it be worth my while?  I don't want to have to bring a stick
	along!

	-r.

Can somebody write the directions to the place?

    
    I'll be there with my tricks!  (and slalomn)....
    
    jd/
    

I'd like to practice some tricks too. Just re-learned to do
a toe-hold 360 and side-slide yesterday.

Does anybody have a trick release by any chance? Cause it's
bad to do toe tricks without it.

Leo.

Hey Doug...I'll bring my binding-less KGX *and* my new TRC, so if you have
another set of bindings you can use the KGX while I cut it up on the TRC!  :-)

RE: Ric ... worth your while?  Given there was no smiley face, I have to assume
you're getting awefully picky!  There *are* people who come home from a hard
days work and just want to cruise the lake that *they* live on.  Remember,
*we're* the outsiders (well, not Mike S.). :-)

...Roger... another_non-USCG-approved_wetsuit_owner

P.S.  Hey Reg, we gonna get to use that parasail?  :-)

	Rog,

	I did forget the :-).

	Will you guys be there after work?  I can be there by 5:30...but
	I better bring my stick!  I assume we'll be skiin' behind (beside!)
	Reg's boat?  Rog, don't forget your trick harness!

	-ric. (hasn't_skied_in_over_a_week)

re        <<< Note 580.162 by TOOK::MERSHON "Ric - LAT/VMS Engineering" >>>


>	Will you guys be there after work?  I can be there by 5:30...but

	probably, or until we run out of space, energy, whatever.
I think the heavy users o.d'd on sunday, it could be quiet.

	I'll bring a boat, a boom, entry level trick skis, combos, a
couple of beginner/intermediate slalom skis, regulation PFDs, rope, 
handle and misc. (including Roger's tape).  I don't have a trick
release, BYO feet and footin' gear. 

	Reg on_early_release_today.

PS  should I bring the *_2ooooooob_* ?

>>	probably, or until we run out of space, energy, whatever.
>> I think the heavy users o.d'd on sunday, it could be quiet.

	Great!  I'll try to be there not long after 5 (hopefully before)!

>> release, BYO feet and footin' gear. 

	My feet and unapproved barefoot suit will be there.  Dry suit
	is tucked away for the summer!

	-ric. (fugitive_barefooter)

	re	a few replies back, where I said I don't have a trick 
		release for my boat.

	I was trying to tie a knot the other day that could be quickly
released by the observer, I still think it can be done and someone in
this conference probably knows a few knots, you're invited to 
contribute.  Anyway, I realized that a ski rope with multiple loops
can be just wrapped around the pylon and if the two sides of the
splice are then passed on each side of the rope it just needs some
sort of a  "pin"  to hold them there, with a short cord on the pin it
can be quickly pulled  - -  so why pay ~$100+ for a sooper dooper
stainess steel gadget ? 

	Reg {cheeep}

    remember, the rope is gonna be under a lot of pull, and a pin that
    slides out easily on the dock may not budge while dragging someone
    along (in, under) the water..
    
    ...tom

>>Any time Jeanne, how about Attitash some time next week ?

>>R  {wake warrior wannabe}

Tuesday!  Lake Attitash, forecast:  sunny/hot/90.  Look for
brown Baja, I'll be there from 9:30 a.m., till I can't take
it no more!  I'll have my co-pilot(s) with me.

Directions to Lake Attitash:  From Lowell, take 495 North,
go past Lawrence, Haverhill....take the Merrimac/Merrimacport
exit.  At end of Exit ramp take a left, go 1/2 mile to
stop sign.  At this 3 way intersection, take a right.  Pass
Skips on left, look for Liquor store on right (Gi Gi's),
take next left (Lake Attitash Road).  Parking lot, launch
is on left....ramp is a little sandy, but shouldn't be
a problem.  

Estimated time from Lowell:  35/40 minutes

Jeanne

    I realize this is short notice, but I had a last minute cancellation
    on tonights after work tubing. I need at least one more person to have
    5 for duel tubing. If interested reply here or send mail. We are going
    to be in Wolfeboro on Winnipesaukee. WE plan to get started around
    5:30-6 and go till dark. Travel time is 1hr 25 minutes from Salem.
    Destination is Mountain West Condos, Unit # 16.
    
    I'll be leaving here at 3:35.
    
    Ps There is room in the boat for 5 while 2 are swinging behind the
    boat, room for more on the beach.
    
    Scott 
    dtn 285-2232
    lake 569-6740
    The only limit is time.
    
    

    You're right, it's short notice.
    But thanks for thinking of us anyways.  :^)
    Doug

    Ok, I'll try again. If  anyone is interested, I am looking for
    participants for Skiing + Duel tubing on Monday. I will be at my place in 
    Wolfeboro on Winnipesaukee all day. (Mountain West Condos #16).
    
    If interested, reply here,send mail or call.
    
    Scott
    
    work      285-2232
    lake 603-569-6740 (Wolfeboro)

    
    Has anyone seen the Ski-Free personal watercraft commercial?
    I think it's a Mountain Dew commercial...is that Cory Pickos
    doing a body-over?  Looks like him, guess he doesn't need
    much of a wake.... I think there was even a barefooter footin'
    behind this thing, but don't quote me on this.  It's a fast
    movin' commercial.  
    
    Jeanne
    

    Yup, that was a Ski-Free and I believe it was Cory Pikos (maybe Tory
    Baggiano? I get them mixed up) It looked like Lori Powell footin' but
    you never see what she's skiing behind.  That's because she's probably
    not skiing behind the Ski-Free. (top speed of 32-35mph and no beef out
    of the hole.) And at $4k, it's anything but Free! :^)
    It's still a good commercial though, but I liked the first one better,
    skiing behind the horse running along shore.  The thouroughbred's name,
    incidently is "Ski-Nautique" or "Nautique" and is owned by a friend of 
    Ron Scarpa.
    FWIW,
    Doug

OK folks, now that the overnight temps here in New England have dipped into the
30's, I guess it's time to start talking about gumballing again, right?  :-)

...Roger...

Who's_been_skiing_only_on_weekends_this_Sept.

re           <<< Note 580.173 by ROGER::GAUDET "Nothing unreal exists" >>>

	I dunno 'bout that.....  I've only had the wood burning stove
lit for a coupla days or so.  Can't we at least wait until we have to 
drain the engines at the ramp so they don't freeze on the way home ?
Its so much  *_FUN_*  to paddle around in hot engine water as it 
drains from the boat  JUST TO  thaw the feet out  - -  though you have 
to be quick or you'll get frozen in  (-:, (-:

	Reg	{lookin' forward to the  "crisp"  season}

    Such sick people...
    
    Where do I sign up?
    
    Hey Reg, why were you looking for Ford engine parts in the 4WD
    Notesfile?  Hopefully they have nothing to do with your boat.
    
    Doug

Well, you guys almost got a glimpse at my boat!  I brought it up to Mass. (from
R.I.) over the Labor Day weekend.  My softball team was scheduled to have an
outing at a player's house on Lake Quinsigamond on Friday, Sept. 7th.  Then I
figured we could try to schedule a gumball and you guys could check out my
machine. I put the boat in the water on Thursday night and left it in overnight.
Well, Mother Nature thwarted the outing with rain and t-storms.  Out came the
boat Friday afternoon.  When I got it back to my garage, I noticed that one of
my motor mounts was sagging!  Yes, actually sinking *into* the strut!  Ack!  I
went through this 5 years ago.  Looks like I get to do it again...replace the
strut.  I'm not looking forward to this.  Needless to say, my boat is out of
commission, and will probably get winterized (motor) this weekend, then I'll
pull the motor and get started with the strut replacement.  :-(

Anyway, it looks like I'm back to street corner begging for a ski ride.  "Hey
buddy, mind if I tie this rope to your boat?"  :-)

So, when are we going?  Friday's supposed to hit 70!  Yay!  Guess I gotta blow
the dust off my once-used drysuit.

...Roger...

    
    Keep your ski-stuff in your cars, people!  Reg may want
    to wait until November to gumball, but not I....it's
    cold enough for me right now, what happend to summer?!
    
    Anyways, dying to try out my new full wet-suit (on the
    course).  Stay tuned.....
    
    Jeanne
    

Today (Thurs.) is NFG for me, but tomorrow is looking mighty fine!

...Roger...

    Count me in for Tommorrow Afternoon...
    DW

    Ohhhhhhhhhhkay....tomorrow afternoon it is.
    
    And Reg, I'll be there this time!  :>)
    
    Jeanne
    

Pardon my ignorance, but just where are we talking about doing this gumball?
I'd like to plan out the day's agenda.  What time we meetin'?

...Roger...

    
    How about 1:00 at Lake Attitash?  
    
    Jeanne
    
    p.s.  send me mail if you need directions

re              <<< Note 580.182 by DONVAN::DECAROLIS "Just HIT It" >>>
>                             -< Friday's Gumball >-

    
>    How about 1:00 at Lake Attitash?  


	Possibly  ???    ....anyone want another fix say arounf weds of
next week ?    Lets take this off line ?

	Reg	{Oh yeah; Ford parts in the 4wd file, just teasin' (-:}

Greetings from the sunbelt.
Are you guys really bringing out the dry suits?  We're still skiin'
in our jams.  It's in the 80's here.  Na na na na na.  I'm ready 
for the cold though.  I got a new sleeveless footer suit.  It's one
size larger to go over my dry suit.  If the snow is no good, I'll
be footin' all winter.

Rob

    
    Hey Rob,
    
       Real skiers ski New England!
    
    :>)
    
    

Hey Rob...who asked you?  :-)  :-)

So, how was it skiing in the 115 degree heat this passed summer?  I've heard of
your feet feeling like they're on fire while footin', but I always thought that
was said figuratively.  In that kind of heat, it wouldn't surprise me to see
*real* flames shooting out from under them arches!  :-)

FYI, it isn't drysuit season yet, although I *did* toss mine in the car, just in
case...

...Roger...

When it gets over 100 I stay in the house with the AC on.

But seriously, there were no flames that I could see.  And
if anyone would flame it would be me, cause with my little
feet I gotta go fast.

This past weekend though my feet were on fire.  Four of us
went out on Sat., no skiis allowed.  Ideal conditions!  We
took turns non stop from 8 a.m. til 2 p.m.  Wow!  Haven't
had those little bruises in my arches for awhile.  Great
fun!

Rob...let the fall come, every else will stay home.

    
    World Tour Waterskiiing Championships on tonight at 10:00, ESPN!
    
    Jeanne
    

    
    	Would a gumball be a gumball if it's on a weekend????
    
    	How about getting together this weekend at some body of water?
    
    	It's supposed to be in the 80s!!!!
    
    	I wouldn't mind travelling to Monomonac, it's a nice lake.
    I'd love to go to Brookfield, but it's gotta be at least 2 hours
    away towing the boat. Jeanne will probably be at Attitash... how
    many balls does that course have, Jeanne? Or.... where the hell
    is Johnson's Pond?
    
    Rick

    
    Sounds good to me (a gumball that is)!  I heard a great
    forecast for Saturday/Sunday as well.
    
    You're all welcome to come down to Lake Attitash, I'll
    be there in the Baja.  The course is scattered though,
    and we're all real spoiled after skiing that nice
    acu-float on Forge Pond.
    
    But it doesn't mean we still can't have fun!  Hey
    Rog.....there's a real nice beach at Lake Attitash that
    you can get dragged off of!  (lots of sand)  :>)
    
    Jeanne
    

So did you guys go this weekend?  Sure was a beauty.  I didn't get out but
instead did homeowner stuff.  :-(  Oh well, maybe the 70's will hang around for
a little longer.

Johnson's Pond is in R.I. (about 1.5 hours away from Lowell), but my guess is
that the water is just about gone.  This is the year they drop the water level
to allow residents to work on their walls/docks/beaches.  That happens about
every 3 or 4 years.

A nice sandy beach, eh?  Where's the handle?  :-)  Those beach starts are always
a crowd pleaser!

...Roger...

You went skiing?  I'm in Colorado with snow on my head.  Wish
I was there doing a double beach start with ya Roger.

Rob

    
    	Yeah..... we made it to Attitash on Saturday....
    
    	What a beautiful day... hard to believe it's October.
    Jeanne had a full crew in her fancy Baja. Leo was there with
    a full gang in his Nautique with the fancy new prop. And of
    course yours truly, my crew and my Nautique.
    
    	Without Roger in attendance things stayed pretty mild... :-)
    Mainly skiing, a little footin... lots of cruising & rafting.
    The wind did play a factor on the amount of skiing....
    
    Here's to more summerlike weather!
    
    BTW: Leo, I guess I'll get my tools the next time around........

    
    Rick
    

Hey Rob, I'd give you a raspberry about having snow on your head (and a "na na
na na na na" about how we get to ski and you can't), but I'm sure that when
we're griping about the ice up here you'll be piping in with how it's in the
70's down there and you're wondering if your ski buddy can take the afternoon
off!  :-)  But it *does* feel good.  :-)

So Rick (S.), what's this I hear about injury?  No sliding down the beach for
you, eh?

...Roger...

    
>So Rick (S.), what's this I hear about injury?  No sliding down the beach for
>you, eh?
    
    	Yeah roller skating can be a downright dangerous sport... :-)

    >> Roller skating can be downright dangerous...
    
    As well as footin' down Lake Attitash rivers dodging
    bass boats!  
    
    Jeanne
    

    re .195
    
    Roller skating..? You must be hanging around some youngsters these
    days.. :-)
    
    							-mike-
    

Glad you guys are getting an extended season.  Tear it up while I'm
here in frozen Colorado.  I'ts in the 20's this morning.

Rob

	We went back up to Willoughby Vermont (20 miles south of the
Canadian border) for a work week-end, took the boat anyway.  We had
warm air and clear weather, the only problem was getting
drivers/spotters into the boat  - -  the docks are all in so they had
to wade through 18 inch deep ("chilly" ?)water - ahhh, poor dears (-: 
Anyway, the skiing (with wetsuit) was fine, the tubing (no wetsuit)
was fine, except it seemed to take forever for the boat to come back
once I'd flipped out of it.  As always the rope swing was a blast, (no
wetsuit) now  *_THAT'S_*  the way to get cold and wet real quick ! 

re  this week:  dunno - there is no prop on the Nautique right now, 
		however the Searay is back from  "summer camp"  ...???

	Reg

    
>re  this week:  dunno - there is no prop on the Nautique right now, 
>		however the Searay is back from  "summer camp"  ...???
    
    
    	Whatdcha hit?

re                       <<< Note 580.200 by KAHALA::SUTER >>>

     
>    	Whatdcha hit?


	Lotsa little stuff over the first coupla hunnerd hours, 
nuthin BIG !   Right now I can't get over 41 MPH with a footer on long 
line, I'd like to get that last 2 or 3 MPH back  - -  and don't tell 
me it ain't the prop (-:, (-:

	Its being  "looked at"  by someone who can probably fix its 
minor dings and bends.  He knows enough to know what he can't handle, 
if the alloy is one he can't do I'll probably have it back tomorrow - 
else fixed for friday.  He did a super job on the aluminum prop from
the SeaRay  - -  and that was  REAL BAD ! (I didn't ding that one,
he/his buddy did). 

	Reg

Gee Reg, my boat is sitting in my garage with no motor, so maybe we can toss my
12x14 prop on.  Uh oh, it's a left-hand turn.  T'would be kinda funny driving
the boat and putting it in reverse to go forward!  :-)

...Roger...

Hi there,

It's so nice out, hard to sit still. I'd like to go skiing around noon
time but there are only two of us, we need at least one more person.
The place is Lake Cochituate (not sure about the spelling) in Natick.
Please reply ASAP and sorry for the short notice.

Leo.

DTN: (508)467-3584
E-mail: CSDPIE::BRAGINSKY

    Anyone up for a tentative gumball for Wednesday afternoon?
    I say tentative due to the availability of a 4X4 to pull the
    boat/trailer out of Lake Mattawanakee at the conclusion of the alleged
    gumball. (I'll be contacting my cousin tonight)  Regardless, anyone 
    interested, throw your stuff in your cars and watch this space for
    further developments...
    Doug

re                    <<< Note 580.204 by TOTH::WHYNOT "YNOT" >>>
>                           -< Warm temps are back.. >-

>    Anyone up for a tentative gumball for Wednesday afternoon?

	Sure, gotta 4x4 too  -  wann_I should bring it ?  (-:

	R

    Sure Reg, you can bring your boat too.  :^)
    I'll be at the launch (the one by the tracks at around 12:30)
    So far it's 4 definates, 2 maybes and the rest I don't know abot yet.
    Doug

	Anyone with 4 hours of V-time still left on their card is 
invited to the Matawannakee beach at tomorrow at noon for the usual
(and perhaps unusual) water sports.

	Reg

    
    	Did I hear someone say "Gumball"?
    
    	Rick

      No, you must have read it somewere.  :^)
    Can we at least wait for another 60 degree day?
    Doug
    
    Reg,
      I hope you weren't waiting for me on friday, I tried to get back in
    touch with you to tell you that my plans suddenly got changed (for me).
    please send me your home phone # (for reference purposes) via mail so
    it doesn't happen again.  I couldn't find you in the book..
    DW

    
    
    	I definately heard a rumor of a Gumball for Friday... just
    can't think of who in the heck still has an unwinterized boat.... :-)
    
    Rick

    My boat is still ready.
    
    Left my wet suits and skis in Maine though.  I suppose I could drive.
    
    Don

	"...with highs in the 60s on wednesday..."


	REALLY,  this morning's weather forecaste - heard it on the 
car radio as I was driving in this morning.   Was I dreaming, or what ?

	R

RE: .211  Is this Don Wilson?  Alive?  Ohmygod!  Where have you been, son?  And
what is this "drive" to Maine stuff?  Wassamatta, the Baron in the shop?  :-)
BTW, you're still the only one with a heater in your boat (although we've been
known to supply our own anti-freeze in those boats without heaters)!  :-)  Maybe
we can do the old catch-the-warm-water-from-the-engine-and-dump-it-in-the-boots
trick.

RE: Reg, I heard the same thing on the radio this morning.  They actually said
both Wed. and Thu. are looking rather balmy this week!

And Rob C. if you're listening, nobody cares that you're still skiing with a
sleeveless shorty on!  :-) :-)

...Roger...

    
    	Should I be concerned with the time that I should find myself
    at Lake Mattawanakee tomorrow?
    
    Rick

    Yeh, What he (-.1) said...
    DW

I think an off-site at MIWS is in order.  70's tomorrow, then back in the 50's
on Thursday.  I would think tomorrow is a good choice, as long as Reg remembers
to accidentally back into his trailer hitch in the morning so that something
follows him to work.  :-)

...Roger...

re  last 3 replies.

	Noon !

	Anybody need transportation ?

	R

    >  Anybody need transportation ?
    
      Yup, but only behind the boat.  ;^)   ;^)
    
    DW

	Quinsiggy looked nice on monday night - no crusty stuff, etc.
Its sunny out right now, though I don't know about wind force.
I'd need at least  *_ONE_*  co-conspirator, preferably two to be 
legal, the more the merrier, etc.

	Any interest ?    Anyone have their "gear" ?

	R

Now that the 1990 Wski season is "officially" over (for me anyway), I figured
I would put in a tally of the years activities.

Number of Slalom runs: 149 (Down from last year)
          Def: "A Run" is from the time a start is made, until the time I let
               go of the handle. A restart after a CRASH is considered a 
               continuation of the same run and is not counted seperately.
               A typical Run is usually about 4 passes through the slalom
               course. (149 runs * 4 passes * 6 balls = A lot of balls!)
                                            ( ^ well, not always 6  :^)

Number of Barefoot runs: 33 (up from last year)
          Def: A run is getting up (onto my feet) from a controlled start
               to the time I "elect" to let go.
               (I won't even discuss the crashes)   :^)

Number of hours on the Hobbs:  125 (about the same as last year)

Number of gallons burned: ? (Lots- I'd have to guess 750 or 800 gals)
                             maybe something to track accurately in '91.


Now the Mods can write lock this note so Rob-footer-Curtis doesn't put in his
Dec 31st 23:59 note about "how great the skiing was that day".   :^)  :^)
     
Happy Holidays!
    
Doug - Done for '90
    

    
    	Did you guys Gumball Wednesday? Any report?
    
    	Rick

    	The 1990 Water Ski Season Note has been put to sleep. A new 1991
    Water Ski note has been created..
    
    							-mike-

    
    Hey Mike,
    
    	Did you stay up, just to write lock this note?
    
    	:-)
    
    Rick