(Andy)

(Andy)

This was to be the warmest day of the year, so far, at 10 oC. Winds were forecast light so we made a date for skiing.
We arrived at the lake at 10:30am and were skiing by 11:00. The water was estimated at around 2-3 oC so I skied with plastic bags on my feet and wind shields, made from milk cartons, attatched to the bindings of my skis. It worked fine until I fell and lost the bags. By then the air temperature had come up and I had no more problems.
Graham had bought some neoprene drysuit feet and wore thin socks underneath to good effect. Attendees were me, Sad, Graham and new boy Lee. Conditions were great considering the month and the mini course was completed by me and Graham at 18.25m and 26mph. Sad and New Boy tried out their new wake board and had a brief attempt at kite surfing with a 9 sq. metre kite they brought with them.
It was just a warm up for the coming year so we didn't over do things. Even so we weren't without some aches and pains for the following few days. We finished skiing at 2:30pm and only used £20 worth of fuel.

(Andy)

Weather-sunny, lgt cloud 16c. Wind-mod to fresh southerly. Skiers Andy, Bob, Jane(Bob's sister) & me(Graham). Boat-Tige.
Hot on the heels of our first session saw four of us out again in beautiful spring sunshine. The water was still cold and we were glad of our drysuits though we under-estimated the strength of the sun and by the end of the session I had a real glow on. The strength and direction of the wind made the slalom course generally out of bounds so we concentrarted on free water work and all made good progress. It was Bob's and the Tige's first outing of the year and while the boat performed faultlessly, by the end of the session Bob's usual endless supply of stamina was running a little short. He'll soon be up to speed though and was looking his usual aggressive self. Jane did well on two ski's practicing her edging though we couldn't persuade her to try lifting one ski.
Andy had a good session practicing his stance and stuck in plenty of of good smooth free water turns but marred things somewhat when he took a sharp jolt to his back while trying the slalom course in the rough conditions. The ski stepping out on a wave and then biting hard again left him quite sore by the evening. I claimed "most improved" for the day though I had a slow start to the session practicing my stance, especially on my off side and made some useful progress. By the end of the session I was skiing at a faster speed (30mph) than normal and the flatter wake boosted my confidence and I put in some of my best ever skiing. Not perfect by a long way but a great start to the year and a real confidence booster. We all just need to get on the water as often as possible and then this year will be ours!

(Graham)

Weather-cloudy, wind-light northerly moving to a moderate easterly by end of session, temp-9oC, skiers-Me(Andy), Bob, Graham and Sad. Boat-Glastron.
Session from 10am till 2pm. Got through £26 worth of fuel. This was the first outing with the new ski pole fitted to the Glastron. Also the usual 19 inch pitch prop was replaced with a stainless steel 17 inch pitch version wich would push the rpm's further into the engines power curve at slalom speeds. The transformation was worth the work with the centrally mounted ski pole curing all the tracking problems when a skier pulls hard to the side of the boat and the prop change gave us massive reserves of power. With the 19" prop 28mph occured at 3600rpm. With the 17" prop the same speed required 4400rpm. This doesnt quite compute as we only expected a 400rpm increase, so we'll give it some thought.
The skiing went well despite temperatures dropping and wind increasing during the session. Sad stuck to his wakeboard training program and managed a full 12" of air. Graham and myself practiced slalom but the course was once again out of bounds due to rough water. Bob just went ballistic on his under size slalom ski and put in some interesting moves at 30mph. We filmed the whole event and caught one of Bob's famous scooder starts for sending to "You've Been Framed"

(Andy)

Session-from 10.00-12.30. Skiers-Andy & Graham. Weather-bright but strong southerly winds. Boat-Glastron.

A snatched session and with the roughest conditions we've had, due to a strong and worsening south wind. We both still managed to put in three runs in the bit of calm water we were able to find.. On the last session we had videoed ourselves and it highlighted our poor front leg position so that was something to work on and the effort paid off. Andy in particular put in some really smooth and controlled wake crossings.
Half way through the session we re-propped the boat, reverting back to the 19" prop. This is much less stressful for the engine now that we are skiing at 30mph and the wake was excellent too. We really need some calm weather now so we can get back on the slalom course and check out our progress against buoys. Some warm weather would be nice too so it could take the chill out the water but I don't suppose you can have everything.

(Graham)

Weather-Cloudy/sunny spells, 10-15mph southerly wind. Temp-14oC. Boat-Glastron. Skiers-Andy & Graham.

Forecast was for bright sunny conditions with a light south westerly which wasn't to be. Never the less, the water was calm over the south side of the lake and temperatures were up, so off we went. We had the boat on the water for 10am but it was nearer to 11am before we got skiing due to a faulty boat battery. I rushed it to our nearby boat shop where it was declared DOA. £50 later the boat was running and Graham had the first pass of the day. Some great improvements were achived by looking directly at the ski pole while crossing the wake when in open water. Also we concentrated on knee position following our new found knowledge last session.
One of our work mates, Al, came down to watch us and helped see off our tea and sausage roll supplies. Session ended at about 1:30pm with no injuries but a few aches after a buisy mornings skiing. £27 worth of fuel used.

(Andy)

Time-9.00am-10.00am. Skiers-Andy & Graham. Weather-Strong southerly winds. Boat-Glastron.

Two runs of passes each before the sailors took to the water consolidated the learnings from the last session. This is our sixth session in a month and we hadn't even started this time last year. Regular sessions (even short ones like this) will help with our fitness plus we are becoming very slick with preparing, launching and stowing the boat. The weather was still against us but when the good stuff arrives we'll be ready.

(Graham)

Skiers-Andy and Sad. Boat-Glastron. Wind-Negligable !

Wow. Only seen the lake like this twice before. Glassy all day and brilliant, un-interupted sunshine. Used £24 worth of fuel between us to great effect. Really came on with slalom practice and able to test it on the course for the first time. Arriving REALLY early for the blue buoys now and starting to develop a lengthy pre-turn.
Didn't push it for the orange buoys today but got a good look at them from the right direction, and all at 30mph.
Sad's first slalom session this year and the level of my improvement was measurable considering how close our standard was last year. He tried some of our drills but will need another couple of trips to get loosened off.

(Andy)

9.00am-12.00 noon. Skiers-Andy & Graham. Wind-Light Northerly veering east later. Boat-Glastron.

Greeted by glassy water though this changed fairly soon as the wind swung to the east. A mixture of free water work and a scratch at the course(only the second chance this season). No major leaps forward this session though some good solid practice. Andy had a go on the 14.25m rope length at 30mph but found quite a large wake givig problems.
Tried out a prop modification as detailed in the Seloc engine manual. Involved drilling a 6mm hole near the root of each blade to allow exhaust gasses through and encourage controlled cavitation for quicker pull up. Couldn't tell the difference apart from a little cavitation in tight turns so we're back to the 13 X 17 for good I should think.
We're off for some coaching soon so hope to see some improvements!!!

(Graham)

Coaching with Tim Hazelwood. Boat-Malibu Response. Skiers-Andy, Graham, Tim and George Hazelwood. Weather-sunny with a light to moderate easterly.

Ready to hit the water at 10am at the Hazelwoods slalom lake near Lincoln. A great day skiing behind a great boat with much learned. I managed 3 buoys at 28mph after some very useful tips. Graham concentrated on body position across the wakes. Our first session in wet suits and no problems with cold so the drysuits have gone away for the summer. A relaxed format made for some enjoyable skiing, we'll be doing it again.

(Andy)

9.00am-12.00 noon. Skiers-Andy & Graham. Wind-Light southerly. Boat-Glastron.

Mild conditions gave us some glass for free-water work plus a bonus of only a light ripple through the course. Wetsuits were the order of the day even in the cold deep waters of our lake. This was our first chance to practice what we had learnt at our coaching session and we got through £26 of fuel doing it.
Andy was getting it together well with good balance and speed through the wakes and controlling the ski on the coast to allow the ski to bite in the turn.
I am still struggling to get may weight equalised on the ski so as to stop riding the tail. However some helpful comments from Andy saw me improve by the end of the session with a couple of passes through the blue course seeing me arrive earlier than ever before at the buoys. Just need to keep concentrating and go back to basics when we get ragged.
We switched back to the 17" prop again as we are back at 28mph and at this speed we get good control without over-stressing the engine plus the pullout is much easier.

(Graham)

9.00am-1.00pm. Skiers-Andy & Graham. Wind-Light-moderate North westerly. Boat-Glastron.

A tricky session with the slalom course getting the best of the water but none of it perfect. Both of us trying like mad to get those buoys, but a cold wind and less than perfect water meant it was not to be.
The cold and gruelling regime meant I was to be a little on the sore side for a couple of days afterwards. Lesson learnt. Graham, however, had a steady session, all be it, a little aggressive for 1 ball, and suffered no such pain.
Graham's away now for two weeks skiing at the Hillside Beach Club in Turkey. Temps are well in the eighties at the moment and they're equipped with a slalom and wakeboard school which he'll make full use of. Sounds awfull !!

(Andy)

10.00am-2.00pm. Skiers-Andy, Bob & Jane. Weather-Hot and Sunny. Wind-Light-moderate southerly. Boat-Tige.

Managed to get Bob to bring the Tige out to us. Water was very flat for the first 2hrs but conditions deteriorated as the wind strength increased. Got in some good practice, especially my 135 turn, and believe me, it needs practice. Bob needed some encouragement to get his ski on, following his latest bout of back repair injections, but skied well.

(Andy)

11.30am-2.00pm. Skiers-Andy, Bob & Jane. Weather-Hot and Sunny. Wind-Light south-westerly. Boat-Tige. Location-Tattershall Lakes.

Great stuff. After a morning's work on Bob's farm, fitting a door open alarm, we packed up and hot footed down to Tattershall Leisure Park, where Bob is also a member, for some skiing. Had the place to ourselves and crammed in lots of good work. We were not able to use the slalom course until Bob gets his driver's ticket, not that I would have been able to make good use of it. Still a little sore from yesterday. For the record, took 50mins to get home.

(Andy)

1.30pm-3.00pm. Skiers-Andy, Bob & Jane. Weather-Hot and Sunny. Wind-Light-moderate easterly. Boat-Tige. Location-Tattershall Lakes.

After a morning's jet skiing with my mate Steve, I thought I'd push the envelope a little by ringing Bob for some afternoon skiing. This was obliged so I set off for the 40 mile trip from 7 Lakes to Tattershall. Managed 4 tugs but conditions a bit on the lumpy side. I had a blast on two skis while Bob was along side on mono. He realised some long overdue revenge by continually spraying water in my face while I was unable to return the gesture.

(Andy)

Graham went to Hillside Beach Club, in Turkey, for two weeks and I went to Tallington Lakes, here in England, for four days.

Location-Hillside Beach Club, Fethiye, Turkey Skiers-Graham. Weather-Hot and sunny! Air Temp 28-34 Sea Temp 20-22 Boats used-CorrectCraft Ski Nautique and Mastercraft

This was my family holiday but had been chosen because of the opportunity for some skiing. I was not to be disappointed......I went skiing every day!
Most days I had just one session (though I started getting greedy towards the end of the second week). This comprised of 4 passes of their slalom course and cost approx £7 a tow which I thought was pretty good value. The resort itself is in an isolated "bay within a bay", though the best time to ski was in the morning as later in the day a gentle swell made monoskiing less enjoyable. There was however plenty to keep everyone busy both on and off the water.
The resort has 2 tournament boats (equipped with booms and towers), another ski boat with a 125hp Mercury O/B a para-sailing boat and a couple of Yamaha Waverunner XL700 wet bikes. All equipment is provided including a selection of skis, wakeboards and kneeboards. Coaching for all levels and ages is provided by a set of the friendliest guys you could wish to meet. One of whom is a previous Turkish slalom champion. The resort also has sailing dingies, catermarans, windsurfs plus 5 tennis courts with professional coaches, a PADI dive centre and all manner of other activities if you feel just lazing in the sun ain't your thing.
The water conditions in the morning were usually superb with just a light ripple. The format each day usually saw me take a light breakfast then a stroll along the bay to the Wake Bar for around 9-9.30am. Shorts and a life-jacket were all that were required in the clear warm waters. I used a Connelly RS2 monoski though next time I go I shall take my own ski. Then all that was required was to fire up the Ski Nautique and we were off. Usually 2 passes and then drop for a rest and some coaching were the order for the day. On some days I would do another set of 4 depending on how well it was going. A good way to finish off the session was with an ice cold beer while watching the the next guys up. It was a little early but it helped wash away the taste of the sea (honest!).
By the end of the holiday I had certainly improved and it was interesting to compare notes with Andy about what he had been told by his coaches at Tallington. Not surprisingly I suppose, the same comments arose from both-particularly this one-"it's all about rhythm and timing"
The whole holiday was fantastic with plenty to do for everyone, beautiful surroundings, excellent food and very friendly staff. Although you probably wouldn't go purely for the skiing it made an excellant family holiday while keeping this slalom addict well satisfied.
You can check out the resort at their website at Hillside Beach Club

(Graham)

9.00-2.00pm. Skiers-Andy and Graham. Weather-Cloudy with sunny spells. Wind-Light-moderate north westerly. Boat-Glastron.

9.00-12.00pm. Skiers-Andy and Graham. Weather-Cloudy. Wind-Moderate westerly. Boat-Glastron.

A good session before work with a mixture of course and freewater work. Andy continues to work on his regime and I worked on getting some consistancy with my wake crossings following my improvements since return from my hols.

(Graham)

9.00-3.30pm. Skiers-Andy, Graham, Sad and New boy Weather-Hazy sunshine. Wind-None-light vairable. Boat-Glastron.

9.00am-12.00 noon. Skiers-Andy & Graham. Wind-south-easterly. Boat-Glastron.

Three runs a piece was a good way to loosen up after the last 2 days sessions. The wind wasnt ideal so restricted use of the course though Andy still manged to take 3 bouys in the rough conditions...he cant be far from completing the course now. Good consistent runs by me with no falls. My confidence is riding high now as every session I feel more and more comfortable. Watch out Andy!!!!

(Graham)

1.30-2.30pm. Skiers-Andy and Graham. Weather-Sunny. Wind-Light. Boat-Malibu. Location-Hazelwoods Ski World.

Great stuff. Managed the course for the first time, 5 times too with some great tips from Tim Hazelwood and Tom Asher.
Graham looked 10 times better than on our previous visit and the whole lot on vid too.

(Andy)

9.00-12.00pm. Skiers-Andy and Graham. Weather-Cloudy with sunny spells. Wind-Lightish north westerly. Boat-Glastron.

A passable north-westerly marred only by the fact, it was straight over the corner of the lake meant no good water, just passable water. Still, any time we are able to use the course can't be bad.
Managed to repeat my form at Hazelwoods with 3 good passes of the course along with a dozen bad ones.
Graham had a bit of a revelation with a greatly improved body position.

(Andy)

9.00am-14.00. Skiers-Andy & Graham with Sad & New Boy mid-session. Wind-Mod Northerly. Boat-Glastron.

Despite what the forecasts had promised the weather was overcast and cool and while there was some reasonable water to be found the slalom course was un-usable. Andy used the session to work on his 1-3-5 side and I carried on improving my body position through the wakes. This now feels pretty sorted so I moved on to my edge change and handle control. I am on a real high at the minute and should be snapping at Andy's heels through the course soon!!!
Sad came down on his new Suzuki RF900 motorbike and he and Lee(New Boy) had a few runs on the wakeboard.
Sad is starting to stick his jumps now and looking good.
When the lads had gone Andy and myself put in another few passes each just to kick the a*** out of it in style.
All in all a good session....can't wait for some glass in the course!

(Graham)

9.00am-14.30. Skiers-Andy & Graham. Wind-Mod Westerly. Boat-Glastron.

After several days of gusty easterly winds came the promise of a light south-westerly for today. Light, it was not, but to compensate it turned into a westerly which is great for perfect conditions in the slalom course.
After the usual dodgy start, to the skiing, progress. Graham made some of the best passes that he's ever made with controlled turning just inside the orange buoys. If he could keep his head during a pass he would easily run a perfect six at 26mph. Not long now.

I made a few passes at 26 then moved onto 28mph which was just within my abilities.

Using around £40 worth of fuel between us was definately pushing out fitness a little and sore hands, arms and back were the order of the day.

(Andy)

9.30am-13.00 noon. Skiers-Andy, Graham & Bob Wind-Mod SE Boat-Glastron.

Tricky conditions left us struggling on the short stretch of water at the south end of the resevoir. Bob was giving it MAX as usual. Gary called in and did some videoing from the top of the wall so this should give us some good footage from a differant angle.
Hopefully the wind will have dropped for tomorrow

(Graham)

11.30am-13.00. Location-Hazelwoods. Skiers-Andy and Graham. Wind-Mod Easterly. Malibu

10.30am-13.00. Skiers-Andy, Graham & Bob Wind-Moderate W to SW. Boat-Glastron.

Variable conditions saw us using the course to begin with but conditions worsened later.
Bob was looking good in the course though with Andy waving at him to tell him when to get cross course. Bob used my HO Venture for a while and finally conceded that our hybrid skis were in fact pretty good bits of kit (he used to call them ironing boards!!)
Andy was looking more comfortable after his excursion yesterday on board the F2 and I'm still not sure that I could tell the difference between my Venture and the ASX I had tried yesterday.
All in all an enjoyable session though the water in our lake is noticably colder than the bath-like water at Tallington!

(Graham)

9.30am-14.00. Skiers-Andy and Graham. Wind-Light Westerly. Boat-Glastron.

Superb conditions saw us using the course. I had some good consistent runs at 28mph while Graham ran all six for the first time at 25mph.

09.00am-12.00noon Skiers-Andy & Graham Wind-Moderate SW to SE. Boat-Glastron.

Choppy conditions in the course though I again managed to run it several times at 24mph
We concentrated on free water work and in particular reducing the amount of slack I generate while in free water.
We used Andy's new automatic video recorder mount(pat. pending!). It worked a treat once dialed in. We won't have to rely on the loosers to get some footage now!!!!

(Graham)

06.30am-10.30 Skiers-Andy & Graham Wind-Flat calm all morning Boat-Glastron.

An early start to try and catch some morning glass and we weren't disappointed. It remained glassy all morning after the mist had lifted off the water...if only every session could be like this.
Needless to say we had a fantastic time and again used the new video mount to get some excellant footage.
It seemed criminal to leave it but needs must when the devil(AKA the wife) drives!

(Graham)

06.30am-10.30 Skiers-Andy & Graham Wind-None. Flat calm all morning Boat-Glastron.

Another early start to great effect. I continued to push the 30mph runs but didn't manage to improve on my P.B. of 5 buoys @ 31/32 mph. Strange that 30mph feels so comfortable yet 32 feels so fast. Next time we get good water, its mine, I swear !
Graham repeated his usual format of three to four good 24mph passes at the beginning of the session, then some how making slalom look so difficult for the remainder of the time. Still, considering how long he's been skiing, he does OK. Concentrating on his turning arc is his main object at the moment.

(Andy)

06.30am-10.30 Skiers-Andy & Graham Wind-

Boat-Glastron.

(Andy)