Waterskiing

[MV Mike]

How come nobody skis anymore??
Growing up it was the reason to come to the River,what changed??

 

[checkrdpast]

people just what to chill.

 

[Rivrat]

because wake surfing is easy.

 

[UltraLucky]

Some of us are still skiing but we are usually done for the day before everyone roles out of bed.

 

[Javajoe]

It’s like snow skiing. Still fun but Kinda gay

 

[Sharp Shooter]

I would bet "most" of the Riverdave membership can't ski today. They probably could at one time. Could Riverdave get up on a single ski today? It would make a great live stream event.

 

[Sharp Shooter]

It’s like snow skiing. Still fun but Kinda gay

Hardly....

 

[MV Mike]

I just remember the first Morning Beer when getting picked up before heading back to camp for Breakfast,it was good too be an Riser

 

[rivermobster]

I would bet "most" of the Riverdave membership can't ski today. They probably could at one time. Could Riverdave get up on a single ski today? It would make a great live stream event.

I could shred pretty good back in the day. Could Almost make it dam to dam!

Today? At 66?

Barry keeps telling me to man up and bring my ski, and he will Absolutely get me back in the groove.

I'm a pussy.

Just like all the kids these days. But at least I have an excuse!

 

[Chili Palmer]

I tried to teach my boys to waterski when we got our boat 22 years ago, but they wanted to wakeboard because that's what the cool kids did. My youngest learned to waterski when the older one went off to college and now he prefers waterskiing to wakeboarding. Plus after playing in waterpolo in high school he still has so much endurance that I have to just turn off the boat as my neck and back hurt from turning around watching him ski so long (yes, we have an observer too), and tell him that the old man needs a rest from him skiing for such a long time.

 

[Gramps]

How come nobody skis anymore??
Growing up it was the reason to come to the River,what changed??

beer and tequila

 

[Sharp Shooter]

I could shred pretty good back in the day. Could Almost make it dam to dam!

Today? At 66?

Barry keeps telling me to man up and bring my ski, and he will Absolutely get me back in the groove.

I'm a pussy.

Just like all the kids these days. But at least I have an excuse!

Now that is an honest answer!

I bet a lot of people could find their way back to a ski with a little dusting off.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

How come nobody skis anymore??
Growing up it was the reason to come to the River,what changed??

Apparently they don’t have parents like mine.

When I was a kid, my dad would stop the boat somewhere, grab a ski and toss it in the lake/river, grab a life jacket and toss it in the lake/river, and then grab me and toss me in the lake/river, and then tell me if I wanted back in the boat I was going waterskiing.

I think today that would be classified as child abuse which is probably why you don’t see a whole lot of kids skiing these days.

 

[Sharp Shooter]

Apparently they don’t have parents like mine.

When I was a kid, my dad would stop the boat somewhere, grab a ski and toss it in the lake/river, grab a life jacket and toss it in the lake/river, and then grab me and toss me in the lake/river, and then tell me if I wanted back in the boat I was going waterskiing.

I think today that would be classified as child abuse which is probably why you don’t see a whole lot of kids skiing these days.

I felt pressured as well, but it wasn't that bad.

 

[hallett21]

I still ski…..

 

[RVRKID]

In Havasu you would need 2 boats to ski on the weekends, 1 to get up at sun up and ski then park it and get the big boat for the rest of the day. When I was a kid the 18' Kona worked for everything.

 

[C-Ya]

Apparently they don’t have parents like mine.

When I was a kid, my dad would stop the boat somewhere, grab a ski and toss it in the lake/river, grab a life jacket and toss it in the lake/river, and then grab me and toss me in the lake/river, and then tell me if I wanted back in the boat I was going waterskiing.

I think today that would be classified as child abuse which is probably why you don’t see a whole lot of kids skiing these days.

That’s how my Dad did it too!

 

[Chevy5150]

I skied every morning when I was younger on Parker. Loved it. Got my first wetsuit for skiing before learning to surf. I loved when we could demo ski's right on the water. I don't remember what the place was called but I believe it was on the CA side. that did the demo's.

 

[cofooter]

I think it's the older guys that grew up skiing that still ski. It's almost impossible to convince a kid that it's cool compared to surfing. To me there's still nothing better than getting up at first light, taking a rip, and watching the sun coming up while floating back down the river. For you older guys that say you can't do it anymore, check out @Riverbottom and his crew every morning at dawn on the strip, not sure if any of them are under 60 and they freaking rip it up!!!!

 

[HBCraig]

Because it takes talent....

 

[Boatymcboatface]

I just learned to ski a few years ago at 45. Love it just had a 3 day waterski trip! I thought I would like wakeboarding more because I grew up snowboarding and still do but waterskiing is way more fun!

 

[rivergames]

Start em early. My baby boy and I will be skiing this weekend

 

[Boatymcboatface]

It’s like snow skiing. Still fun but Kinda gay

Yeah

 

[Backlash]

I started skiing when I was around 7, and still ski to this day! The funny thing is, I can't wakeboard! I've tried a number of times but just seem to have a problem with my feet being in the wrong position!

I've never ridden a race ski and have always used slalom skis. I'd love to try it just to see what it's like!!

 

[HBCraig]

Here's my old plate

 

[badluck]

We still ski. On the water about 7am. Dads 1st! Kids ski at least once a yr. They’ve been on a single since about7yrs old. All they really do is wakeboard now.

 

[Mrs. Riley1]

My 12yo son and husband ski just about every Friday in the summer. New boat has a heater, so we’re hoping to extend the season a couple months.

We’re headed to Bass Lake for a week in June with the extended family. We just picked up an HO Hovercraft to get the grandparents, aunts and uncles skiing again.

 

[badluck]

They’re slow learners. Some hurt just to watch

 

[rivermobster]

They’re slow learners. Some hurt just to watch

That had to of hurt!

 

[Boatymcboatface]

Morning warm up run a couple weeks ago. Didn’t end up the way I planned.

 

[obnoxious001]

How come nobody skis anymore??
Growing up it was the reason to come to the River,what changed??

Quite a number of skiers out this morning before 10AM, even some whose boats I have not seen before. During the summer the water turns to junk pretty early with the surf boats.

 

[Taboma]

That’s how my Dad did it too!

Yup, not long after he'd tossed my very young ass in the river and yelled "Swim Boy, Swim"

 

[obnoxious001]

I skied every morning when I was younger on Parker. Loved it. Got my first wetsuit for skiing before learning to surf. I loved when we could demo ski's right on the water. I don't remember what the place was called but I believe it was on the CA side. that did the demo's.

That was probably Mike Murphy's ski shop?

 

[obnoxious001]

I think it's the older guys that grew up skiing that still ski. It's almost impossible to convince a kid that it's cool compared to surfing. To me there's still nothing better than getting up at first light, taking a rip, and watching the sun coming up while floating back down the river. For you older guys that say you can't do it anymore, check out @Riverbottom and his crew every morning at dawn on the strip, not sure if any of them are under 60 and they freaking rip it up!!!!

I am not sure how old Richard is, but pretty sure I have him beat, and I know several guys older than me. This was yesterday, caught a ride behind an original owner 1966 Poty flat, big block Chevy, 83 yr old driver did better than many who pull me!

 

[Sharky]

I just remember the first Morning Beer when getting picked up before heading back to camp for Breakfast,it was good too be an Riser

Nothing better than a good red beer in the morning after skiing. Coors light and spicy V8.

 

[Nanu/Nanu]

My wife slaloms im trying to learn to ski and we just picked up a set of kid skis for our girls.

 

[85RiverRAT]

I think I would pick it up again. 1- don't get out early enough. Usually a washing machine, or being to picky about wind chop. 2- personally don't feel safe on specifically Havazoo being out on a ski. Through the whole process, I don't think people pay attention to spotter flags and then when they do see one I dont think they are looking for downed skiers, or giving space for someone being towed. We've bugged out from skiing.

 

[rivermobster]

I think I would pick it up again. 1- don't get out early enough. Usually a washing machine, or being to picky about wind chop. 2- personally don't feel safe on specifically Havazoo being out on a ski. Through the whole process, I don't think people pay attention to spotter flags and then when they do see one I dont think they are looking for downed skiers, or giving space for someone being towed. We've bugged out from skiing.

Just like off roading...

There is no educate being passed down the line.

 

[Taboma]

When I was a youngster at Lakeside Trailer Park, Lake Arrowhead, we'd teach other kids how to ski by using a paddle board and a one sided kid powered tug of war.
We'd get them started on the beach with sitting back in these kid's skis, then getting pulled up, knees bent etc.
Then next was loading them on the paddle board and taking them out to the other side of the bay. They'd start by sitting on the paddleboard skis on, then get pulled up by a bunch of other kids running up the beach tugging a rope and eventually ski across the bay all under kid power.
So before they ever got behind a boat, they'd fallen several times but eventually got the feel of skiing. Before you'd know it, dads were helping to tug, became a real fun event.

 

[HBCraig]

an old pic from Lake Mead

 

[LuauLounge]

Back in the early 80’s it was too much work dealing with a boat xtra people, etc. We bought 2 new Kawa JS440’s and spent all day on the weekends and evenings on the river. House is 5 blocks from the free launch ramp.
Later, friends had boats, so we’d have Skis and boats. Then moved to 47’ mother ship.
Bought a couple of new SeaDoo 255IS in 2009, but never got attached to them.
That’s also a 35 year span and I get tired of thinking about what I used to do.

 

[cofooter]

I am not sure how old Richard is, but pretty sure I have him beat, and I know several guys older than me. This was yesterday, caught a ride behind an original owner 1966 Poty flat, big block Chevy, 83 yr old driver did better than many who pull me! View attachment 1375103

Awesome Barry!!

 

[HB2Havasu]

I just remember the first Morning Beer when getting picked up before heading back to camp for Breakfast,it was good too be an Riser

Breakfast Beers are the best!

My 61 year young wife still water skies on the weekends were out at the river. She can go for hours on end. I was never very good at skiing, but I still enjoy wakeboarding when I can find a driver to tow my fat ass, lol.

 

[dread Pirate]

Grew up skiing, but prefer wake boarding now. I rode skateboards a lot through my teens and 20's. When I ride now it's just to get behind the boat on a rope. Not trying to learn new tricks or even attempt the stuff I was doing 15 years ago. Just get up and ride behind the boat with some cool music playing.

My kids wakeboard, but my middle daughter has shown interest in learning to ski. We'll see how she does this summer. My wife won't ski or wakeboard anymore. She got a gnarly concussion once and never regained her confidence. Surfing is the only way she'll get behind the boat now.

I always slow down or stop to watch when I see someone shredding on a ski. Reminds me of growing up and my uncles.

 

[Todd Mohr]

I still ski a couple of times a year (61 years old), I was pretty into it when I was younger. We had a course at Lahonton and that was pretty addicting, my best was 28 off at 34 mph. I have some pics running the bouys behind my Cole TR2 , but we all had tournament boats. Too bad no one is into it anymore, pretty much have to find a private lake these days.

 

[farmo83]

My theory on skiing (especially on one ski) is people for the most part are just heavier now and it's more physically demanding. In addition to the lack of coolness compared to yesteryear.

 

[Sharky]

I need to go dig out some old pictures. . . Just a couple I had handy. . . .

Taken before digital cameras & smart phones. . . . Had to scan them.

 

[RVRKID]

I've shared these before I think but all I have right now.

 

[Moabifam5]

Mikey, remembering those cold morning runs at the Kings...good times!

 

[Riverbottom]

I think it's the older guys that grew up skiing that still ski. It's almost impossible to convince a kid that it's cool compared to surfing. To me there's still nothing better than getting up at first light, taking a rip, and watching the sun coming up while floating back down the river. For you older guys that say you can't do it anymore, check out @Riverbottom and his crew every morning at dawn on the strip, not sure if any of them are under 60 and they freaking rip it up!!!!

Still out most mornings. I have spent the last two months learning to foil board. It is super challenging and comes with many face plants. Going out at 7:00A.M. tomorrow. ( don't want to mess up the skiers water at 5:30 ) Still skiing at least one morning a week. The foil sessions wipe me out, using so many muscles and am real sore afterwards. Not sure how old Barry is, but I will be 65 in November. Tim that is teaching me to foil is out almost everyday skiing or foiling at just 76 years old.