2011 Race Schedule

[SGettmann]

This season's race schedule is up for the marathon weekends on the nwsra.net site. We're cooking up some additional races too. Nor Cal Circles, and even some stuff down south...stay tuned. It's good stuff though! I'm really fired up for the 2011 NWSRA racing season. Last weekend's National Board meeting was productive and lots of fresh ideas presented.

One of the things that I'm most excited about is that we're going to have a stacked calendar. Also, during the marathon weekends - there will be a race for everyone! We'll be adding a race for those who aren't ready for the mini quite yet - a shorter 15 minute + a lap race that allows a skier to come out of the grass roots to challenge themselves to go a little longer. Intended to be a feeder to the mini, and eventually the full marathon races. Even my mom will have a race to ski in during the marathon weekends!

So if you haven't started getting your workouts in yet for the season opener - here's your invite...

Sean

 

[Mondorally]

:thumbsup

MARCH
12 Parker International -- Parker, AZ
13 Parker International -- Parker, AZ
19 National Meeting -- Hacienda Hotel /
El.Segundo -- 9:00 AM

APRIL
2 Marathon Series -- Lake Elsinore
3 Marathon Series -- Lake Elsinore
16 National Meeting -- Hacienda Hotel / El
Segundo, CA - 9:00 AM

MAY
14 Marathon Series -- Sugar Barge or Pittsburg
15 Marathon Series -- Sugar Barge or Pittsburg
21 Grass Roots Event -- Puddingstone
World Team Announcement

JUNE
11 Marathon Series -- Lakeport, CA
12 Marathon Series -- Lakeport, CA
AUGUST
13 Marathon Series -- Pittsburg
14 Marathon Series -- Pittsburg
27 Grass Roots Event -- Puddingstone

SEPTEMBER
10 Worlds Race #1 -- Australia
13 Worlds Race #2 -- Australia
15 Worlds Race #3 -- Australia
17 Grass Roots Event -- Puddingstone
Worlds Race #4 -- Australia

OCTOBER
8 US Open -- San Diego (tentative)
9 US Open -- San Diego (tentative)

 

[fennaz]

Thanks for posting this information.

 

[racerden]

:thumbsup

MARCH
12 Parker International -- Parker, AZ
13 Parker International -- Parker, AZ
19 National Meeting -- Hacienda Hotel /
El.Segundo -- 9:00 AM

APRIL
2 Marathon Series -- Lake Elsinore
3 Marathon Series -- Lake Elsinore
16 National Meeting -- Hacienda Hotel / El
Segundo, CA - 9:00 AM

MAY
14 Marathon Series -- Sugar Barge or Pittsburg
15 Marathon Series -- Sugar Barge or Pittsburg
21 Grass Roots Event -- Puddingstone
World Team Announcement

JUNE
11 Marathon Series -- Lakeport, CA
12 Marathon Series -- Lakeport, CA
AUGUST
13 Marathon Series -- Pittsburg
14 Marathon Series -- Pittsburg
27 Grass Roots Event -- Puddingstone

SEPTEMBER
10 Worlds Race #1 -- Australia
13 Worlds Race #2 -- Australia
15 Worlds Race #3 -- Australia
17 Grass Roots Event -- Puddingstone
Worlds Race #4 -- Australia

OCTOBER
8 US Open -- San Diego (tentative)
9 US Open -- San Diego (tentative)

Sean;
First-Good work on the (2) Grassroots Events scheduling. Everyone must realize these are a 'team effort'. Scheduling is just the beginning of any successful event. All current and past racers who really give a darn about our future must contribute in some sort of manner to make these successful.
Second- I along with many, are questioning the logic behind the venue change for The Open (the word 'logic' is being politically correct). Any unbiased input would be appreciated.
Thanks,

197

 

[138]

We all would love to see you out at the marathons ...until then see you on the slopes..

 

[SGettmann]

Sean;
First-Good work on the (2) Grassroots Events scheduling. Everyone must realize these are a 'team effort'. Scheduling is just the beginning of any successful event. All current and past racers who really give a darn about our future must contribute in some sort of manner to make these successful.
Second- I along with many, are questioning the logic behind the venue change for The Open (the word 'logic' is being politically correct). Any unbiased input would be appreciated.
Thanks,

197

Hi Denny - the reason for the scheduling of the US Open for Mission Bay is that for safety and fair competitive reasons, Parker is not a good fit for hosting competitive circle races. The NWSRA Board has decided to shoot for Mission Bay. Also, I believe that marathon and US Open events will no longer be held on the same weekend. The idea is to cut the US Open down to a 2 day event instead of the 3 day event.

I hope you can make our scheduled races. On the Nor Cal side, I've been working away with permits for Sugar Barge, Lakeport, and Pittsburg events, along with our Nor-Cal Club circle races. We're also working on formatting of the Puddingstone event. (I owe Carl some work on this)

Looking forward to seeing you and your team out on the circuit.

Regards, sean

 

[racerden]

We all would love to see you out at the marathons ...until then see you on the slopes..

Thanks brudah...I'll do snoopin' & see who's/what skiers are out there for some backwards riding. Although there's some very good powder sking in March, I do miss the OB action...alot.
DV

 

[racerden]

Hi Denny - the reason for the scheduling of the US Open for Mission Bay is that for safety and fair competitive reasons, Parker is not a good fit for hosting competitive circle races. The NWSRA Board has decided to shoot for Mission Bay. Also, I believe that marathon and US Open events will no longer be held on the same weekend. The idea is to cut the US Open down to a 2 day event instead of the 3 day event.

I hope you can make our scheduled races. On the Nor Cal side, I've been working away with permits for Sugar Barge, Lakeport, and Pittsburg events, along with our Nor-Cal Club circle races. We're also working on formatting of the Puddingstone event. (I owe Carl some work on this)

Looking forward to seeing you and your team out on the circuit.

Regards, sean

Thanks for the reply Sean. Being a past Region & National Race Chairman and running races at both venues please explain "Safety & Fair Competitive Reasons".
Here's my take (I won't deep-dive into NWSRA's resource savings side of things; paid officials/rescue workers etc. nor the salt water drawbacks for boat owners) so here goes:

#1- "Safety": As far as rescue is concerned, Terry Jessie's top notch crew will be present no matter what venue. The race course in Parker is shorter than SD so rescue response will be generally quicker.
Race Course Control- Unless Mission Bay's pleasure boat count has dropped dramatically, Parker is much easier to control spectators because of a 'closed end' racetrack.
Water Depth- Parker is a constant (and a bit higher vs. the tides).
Debris- Parker's racetrack is considerably debris free compared to Mission Bay.
#2- Competitive Reasons- The only thing I see that 'may' serve some validation is the class sizing vs. the racetrack..I/E heats/flights etc. However, judging on the necessay frequency of hosting flights at Parker vs. SD, there really aren't that many and fitting 10 boats into Radar Island is a chore to say the least. This is an obvious supply vs. demand situation however if attendance is high at SD, heats will also be required. So what's the gain?

Lastly and MOST important, without dedicated folks like you, we'd be sitting around asking what the hell happened to our sport...I recognize that, have been there also and sincerely appreciate your efforts Sean. Also, I am not aware of the insurance costs between the two venus if that is a factor or not.
Lastly, yes I do own a vacation home in Parker but I assure you, that isn't in play here (actually SD is a much closer tow anyway).

Your respected response or any NWSRA Execuive Board member is appreciated by all.

Denny Valdez

 

[SGettmann]

Thanks for the reply Sean. Being a past Region & National Race Chairman and running races at both venues please explain "Safety & Fair Competitive Reasons".
Here's my take (I won't deep-dive into NWSRA's resource savings side of things; paid officials/rescue workers etc. nor the salt water drawbacks for boat owners) so here goes:

#1- "Safety": As far as rescue is concerned, Terry Jessie's top notch crew will be present no matter what venue. The race course in Parker is shorter than SD so rescue response will be generally quicker.
Race Course Control- Unless Mission Bay's pleasure boat count has dropped dramatically, Parker is much easier to control spectators because of a 'closed end' racetrack.
Water Depth- Parker is a constant (and a bit higher vs. the tides).
Debris- Parker's racetrack is considerably debris free compared to Mission Bay.
#2- Competitive Reasons- The only thing I see that 'may' serve some validation is the class sizing vs. the racetrack..I/E heats/flights etc. However, judging on the necessay frequency of hosting flights at Parker vs. SD, there really aren't that many and fitting 10 boats into Radar Island is a chore to say the least. This is an obvious supply vs. demand situation however if attendance is high at SD, heats will also be required. So what's the gain?

Lastly and MOST important, without dedicated folks like you, we'd be sitting around asking what the hell happened to our sport...I recognize that, have been there also and sincerely appreciate your efforts Sean. Also, I am not aware of the insurance costs between the two venus if that is a factor or not.
Lastly, yes I do own a vacation home in Parker but I assure you, that isn't in play here (actually SD is a much closer tow anyway).

Your respected response or any NWSRA Execuive Board member is appreciated by all.

Denny Valdez

Hi Denny,

Thank you for the acknowledgement. There is a bit of calling, paperwork and coordination required just to get access to host a race. The real fun will start as we get closer and setting up the specific venues. A team coordination between a number of individuals. John Doherty providing guidance, Cheryl addressing my NWSRA requirements and so on. The cool thing is that you get to meet a bunch of people along the way.

So in regards to Mission Bay vs. Parker. There are definately challenges with hosting a race at Mission Bay. Personally, I'm relatively new to the sport as an adult athlete and haven't raced at Mission Bay since 1981 behind my dad's 20'. I would like to go back and experience the venue in the US Open format. However, the reason for scheduling Mission Bay as the US Open has been the feeling that Parker does not offer a fair US Open course. The bottom turn near Bluewater is tight. The upstream river where it was placed last year is also tight. Now the upstream turn could be moved to a wider section of the river, but if you're on the outside, and starting in waves, you are at a complete disadvantage. Second wave is coming up on the previous wave, coming into the turn, where you ski over your rope and go in for a swim because your driver had to get out of it to prevent colliding with another boat. Hosting at another location, such as Mission Bay, addresses this concern. Doesn't mean there aren't other areas of concern, but we are trying to provide a spectator friendly venue where we'll maximize our exposure and provide competitive racing.

I hope this adds clarity on the justification on what we are trying to do as a board. Our goals are to provide a fun racing environment where we can grow our exposure and increase participation within the sport.

So Denny - why don't you make a trip up to the SugarBarge race May 14th and 15th. I live down the street from the venue - plenty of parking for your truck and boat, its fresh water, and I can even have an extra roomfor you:thumbsup

Sean

 

[flyingcolors]

Parker for the Open gets my vote!

 

[Boat211]

Parker is one of my favorite places to go racing. Just not circles. Marathons are super fun though.

 

[stevel]

What is the reasons there are no races at havasu or mead. At mead you could have circles in front of the beach the use the long course for the marathons.

 

[racerden]

Hi Denny,

Thank you for the acknowledgement. There is a bit of calling, paperwork and coordination required just to get access to host a race. The real fun will start as we get closer and setting up the specific venues. A team coordination between a number of individuals. John Doherty providing guidance, Cheryl addressing my NWSRA requirements and so on. The cool thing is that you get to meet a bunch of people along the way.

So in regards to Mission Bay vs. Parker. There are definately challenges with hosting a race at Mission Bay. Personally, I'm relatively new to the sport as an adult athlete and haven't raced at Mission Bay since 1981 behind my dad's 20'. I would like to go back and experience the venue in the US Open format. However, the reason for scheduling Mission Bay as the US Open has been the feeling that Parker does not offer a fair US Open course. The bottom turn near Bluewater is tight. The upstream river where it was placed last year is also tight. Now the upstream turn could be moved to a wider section of the river, but if you're on the outside, and starting in waves, you are at a complete disadvantage. Second wave is coming up on the previous wave, coming into the turn, where you ski over your rope and go in for a swim because your driver had to get out of it to prevent colliding with another boat. Hosting at another location, such as Mission Bay, addresses this concern. Doesn't mean there aren't other areas of concern, but we are trying to provide a spectator friendly venue where we'll maximize our exposure and provide competitive racing.

I hope this adds clarity on the justification on what we are trying to do as a board. Our goals are to provide a fun racing environment where we can grow our exposure and increase participation within the sport.

So Denny - why don't you make a trip up to the SugarBarge race May 14th and 15th. I live down the street from the venue - plenty of parking for your truck and boat, its fresh water, and I can even have an extra roomfor you:thumbsup

Sean

Thanks for the hospitality off er Sean. I might just take you up on that..besides, Sugar Barge is a great race track

 

[SGettmann]

What is the reasons there are no races at havasu or mead. At mead you could have circles in front of the beach the use the long course for the marathons.

Hi Steve, Havasu and Mead have traditionally been great race venues. Mead has been low for years from my understanding. It is a possibility, but hasn't been leveraged since I've been on the circuit the past three seasons. Havasu is complicated with the time of the year that we can obtain permits to race. Two years ago NWSRA was hosting early season races in Havasu - cold and a preseason event. Plus, no anchors are allowed to set our turn markers too - requires that you have a boat at all turns, and the longer course means that you need more safety personel and boats for patrolling. Resources can be difficult, but this is why we have generally gone to a smaller circuit style course, where 2 or 3 safety boats can cover areas of the course and minimal patrol boats are needed.

However, these are viable venues and can be leveraged. Anyone wanting to put the work into getting the permits and hosting a race there, I will support and make the trip down for. I'm sure the NWSRA board will support as well - putting the leg work into organizing a race takes some cycles, but its something that we all appreciate when race day comes and we get to go out and do what we love.

Sean

 

[Wonsley66]

Is there going to be a grassroots class for the parker race?thanks

 

[Mondorally]

Is there going to be a grassroots class for the parker race?thanks

Yes. Grassroots marathon info below.

http://nwsra.net/uploads/11pargr.pdf

All race info here.

http://nwsra.net/

See ya out there Cole!

 

[SGettmann]

There is scheduled to be the mini-mini marathon. A 15 minute race first thing in the morning on Saturday. New event - Should capture some good interest and get a few skiers out there. Be sure to get signed up online before Saturday for all your events - no race day registration.

 

[138]

I am disappointed to see that the Mini/Mini is being put at the beginning of the day. This was and could have been a great opportunity.

I attended the January 8 NWSRA meeting and what was proposed and approved at the meeting was somehow changed later. Here is what people at that meeting had approved: a Mini / Mini 15 minute race for grass roots racers, drivers and anyone else that would like to ski a fun race at the end of the day. It would be open to anyone, any class, any ability with no points awarded and no trophies given?just bragging rights. The cost would be the same as the mini and be held after the marathon races both days. (After all, the mini marathon is already an opportunity for up and coming skiers to race at the beginning of the day whether they finish all of the laps or not.)

The ideal part about putting it at the end of the day, is that those of us who are drivers, observers etc. would get a chance to race in our boats without the worry of having something break that we would need do use in the marathon/points races. Many of us aren?t willing to sacrifice those who have spent countless hours training etc. to go out on a small race and risk losing out on marathon points if something were to break on the boat. This end of the day race would have given an opportunity for people who don?t normally get a chance to ski, or people to go double up etc. and have a good time.

Sorry to see that it got changed to the morning as I for one will not be able to participate.

 

[Wonsley66]

Yes. Grassroots marathon info below.

http://nwsra.net/uploads/11pargr.pdf

All race info here.

http://nwsra.net/

See ya out there Cole!

Thanks Justin I dont know how I missed that! Hopefully I will see you there.

There is scheduled to be the mini-mini marathon. A 15 minute race first thing in the morning on Saturday. New event - Should capture some good interest and get a few skiers out there. Be sure to get signed up online before Saturday for all your events - no race day registration.

Thanks Sean, as a grassrooter I appreciate having a place to learn the ropes of ski racing.

I am disappointed to see that the Mini/Mini is being put at the beginning of the day. This was and could have been a great opportunity.

I attended the January 8 NWSRA meeting and what was proposed and approved at the meeting was somehow changed later. Here is what people at that meeting had approved: a Mini / Mini 15 minute race for grass roots racers, drivers and anyone else that would like to ski a fun race at the end of the day. It would be open to anyone, any class, any ability with no points awarded and no trophies given?just bragging rights. The cost would be the same as the mini and be held after the marathon races both days. (After all, the mini marathon is already an opportunity for up and coming skiers to race at the beginning of the day whether they finish all of the laps or not.)

The ideal part about putting it at the end of the day, is that those of us who are drivers, observers etc. would get a chance to race in our boats without the worry of having something break that we would need do use in the marathon/points races. Many of us aren?t willing to sacrifice those who have spent countless hours training etc. to go out on a small race and risk losing out on marathon points if something were to break on the boat. This end of the day race would have given an opportunity for people who don?t normally get a chance to ski, or people to go double up etc. and have a good time.

Sorry to see that it got changed to the morning as I for one will not be able to participate.

I would have to agree with this, I had a feeling that we were holding everyone else up when we went out right after the marathon at parker last year. I know you guys can"t always cater to the newbies, but a little bit more lax atmosphere might help those who are just beginning.

 

[SGettmann]

The mini-mini is a chance for anyone to go out and ski, including the junior members and those who are drivers and observers and don't have an opportunity to ski with the points level races. The points made were discussed, however, a valid concern over the roughness of the water conditions after the last marathon of the day is generally pretty rough, and would be tougher. I would rather see a fun race like the mini-mini held in smoother conditions to encourage growth of our sport.

In regards to being a driver or observer, and not wanting to wear yourself down for the main races by skiing, the thought is that its a 15 minute race and should be able to recover. I asked about this concern.

Also, in regards to wearing down your boat - if your boat is going to break in a 15 minute race, wouldn't it break during the marathon? Now I understand in a tight points race - points are awarded for starting the race, which could be risked.

These are all valid points of discussion. I feel the main thing is to support the mini-mini and it could potentially be changed as the class grows, giving everyone on the beach a chance to ski. Sean

 

[Wonsley66]

Sean, i have a boat,2011 tagged lifelines and helmets. What would it take to have my dad drive and my brother observe for me in the mini-mini? Would it be too ambitious to think we could get this put together before march 12?

 

[stevel]

It is a shame that the grassroots and mini mini are only saturday. When you factor in all the costs and time to be able to race ( boat number registration, driver physcal, first aid card and so on) It is a hard call to sign up the family this year when they will only race one day a weekend. If there is a real need to grow the sport then shouldnt they have races both days for the new skiers? I know a lot of people work very hard and give a lot of there time for the sport so i don not mean to show any disrespect.

 

[138]

You do not need new gear it just has to be in good working shape as per the rule book. As a driver I think it would be great for your dad to drive for you in a race just make sure your brother has a current CPR and first aid card and your dad gets a physical as per the dmv forms that can be found on nwsra.net. Hope to see you at the races.

Carl

 

[138]

Stevel,
"I know a lot of people work very hard and give a lot of there time for the sport so i don not mean to show any disrespect." The only disrespect that you could possibly give is that you do not show and try to find a class you can have fun with and race. We do need to be racing all races both days. Good luck and hope to see you at Parker.

 

[SGettmann]

Sean, i have a boat,2011 tagged lifelines and helmets. What would it take to have my dad drive and my brother observe for me in the mini-mini? Would it be too ambitious to think we could get this put together before march 12?

Hi Wonsley - nice 20'! No problems in getting you setup for Parker and the season. There are a few items that you'll need to get taken care of to be able to get your family out and racing. Here we go:
*2011 NWSRA membership
*USA Waterski membership
*Your dad will need to have a physical certification - basically get a physical and have the dr. complete the physical form for a California Class A driver's license
*Observers must have a current First Aid and CPR card
*need to also get a number registred for your 20' and pull the rudder and get x-rayed for certification. I need to do the same thing for my v-drives as well (actually on my list of things to do this weekend)

Feel free to PM me and I'll exchange phone numbers with you and check in and help you along with the the forms that you'll need. Also, any gear that you'll need, I'm more than happy to share what I have.

I'll be in touch. Sean

 

[SGettmann]

It is a shame that the grassroots and mini mini are only saturday. When you factor in all the costs and time to be able to race ( boat number registration, driver physcal, first aid card and so on) It is a hard call to sign up the family this year when they will only race one day a weekend. If there is a real need to grow the sport then shouldnt they have races both days for the new skiers? I know a lot of people work very hard and give a lot of there time for the sport so i don not mean to show any disrespect.

Hi Steve - thank you for posting. I agree that races need to be made available for all levels if we are to grow the sport. This is part of the reason why I feel so strongly about hosting circle races in addition to the marathon weekends. Numerous races to make it worth the time and effort in training as an athlete, time in preparing the boat and the financial investments we make into our gear (boat, ski's, safety gear, etc). On the schedule, we have 5 NWSRA marathon weekends, Norcal is hosting 5 circle races, where we each race 2-3 circle races per race day -and then go out and play ski as a club till dark). There is also scheduled a few so cal based circles as well. I definately encourage anyone wanting to have a fun ski weekend to make the trip up north - Friends, race boats, skiing all day long, lots of coaching, and great food - doesn't get better!

So in regards to Parker - don't mix up the mini-mini with Grass Roots. Grass Roots is a very important component to our sport. There will be a Grass Roots event each day. It just may not be part of the mini mini. It will be integrated into another one of races. So you will have a chance to race in Grass Roots on both days.

Please let me know if you have questions, or need help in lining up gear. This is one of the tasks that I have taken on and look forward to doing. So grassrooters - if you can PM me your email address, I'll start to put information together for you to ensure that you're all set to go for the season.

Sean

 

[SKI & RACE MARINE]

It is a shame that the grassroots and mini mini are only saturday. When you factor in all the costs and time to be able to race ( boat number registration, driver physcal, first aid card and so on) It is a hard call to sign up the family this year when they will only race one day a weekend. If there is a real need to grow the sport then shouldnt they have races both days for the new skiers? I know a lot of people work very hard and give a lot of there time for the sport so i don not mean to show any disrespect.

boat must have a kill switch to race in NWSRA races

 

[Wide Open Throttle]

So in regards to Parker - don't mix up the mini-mini with Grass Roots. Grass Roots is a very important component to our sport. There will be a Grass Roots event each day. It just may not be part of the mini mini. It will be integrated into another one of races. So you will have a chance to race in Grass Roots on both days.


Sean: The sign up sheet for Grass Roots and Mini-Mini state that they will only race on Sat. Will Grass Roots race both days or just Sat?

 

[Wide Open Throttle]

Cole: If things don't work out with getting your boat and Dad set up, let me know, I can pull you in the Grass Roots if you wish.

Jim

 

[SGettmann]

So in regards to Parker - don't mix up the mini-mini with Grass Roots. Grass Roots is a very important component to our sport. There will be a Grass Roots event each day. It just may not be part of the mini mini. It will be integrated into another one of races. So you will have a chance to race in Grass Roots on both days.


Sean: The sign up sheet for Grass Roots and Mini-Mini state that they will only race on Sat. Will Grass Roots race both days or just Sat?

Hi Jim - I owe you an answer on this - apologize for the delay. From my notes, I understood that there would be a grass roots event each day, during the mini-mini on Saturday and a single race grass roots during one of the other marathons on Sunday, where you would drop a skier and got to the BlueWater launch ramp to load up once completed. However, after checking in, I was corrected and looks like a single event on Saturday. Apologies to everyone for the misinformation.

Can you guys give me a count on grass-roots skiers that we have out there? I need numbers to justify resources and cycles (there are lots of cycles that go into racing and determining the schedule). Please let me know if you are a grass roots skier and attending Parker. If you can list your team as well, this would be helpful.

Thanks All - Sean

 

[138]

If the mini mini were at the END of the day as originally discussed, I believe that there would be more than enough participants and no one would have to worry about having enough people for an event each day.