London to Liverpool, & Back!

9/2/2010-Heathrow

Exactly 1 week ago from this moment now, I was preparing for a trip to London.  At this very moment, Terry Winter and myself are seated comfortably in London Heathrow airport, T-minus 2.5 hours until our bird launches for the West Coast of the US, scratching our heads a bit but generally enjoying this opportunity we've seized to attempt to be the best on the Globe at one thing:  Skiing on Water.

How are we doing, you might ask?  Well, we've done better.

Our spirits?  Maybe we're foolish, but they're still high....  Why?  Because we're not even close to done yet.

Terry Winter has notable titles to his name:
-National Champion: 1996
-2nd at Junior Worlds: 1996
-2nd at Junior Masters: 1997
-3rd Pro Tour Sacramento: 1999
-2nd World Cup Dubna, RUSSIA: 2004
-2nd World Cup Changshu, China: 2004
-Water Ski Mag Pro Slalom Shootout Champion: 2006
-2nd at Boardstock Last Man Standing: 2006 (best slalom event ever)
-2nd at Boardstock Last Man Standing: 2007
-etc......

My point, you ask? - At least one of us has potential.  We've been there before....we'll be on top again....

So here we are, 2010....things are a bit rough.  But there are things to look forward to.  For instance, this past week....

Yeah, it has been rough....for us.  But for the sport, its quite a different story.  Amidst a Global economic recession, a flatlining past and a hailstorm of changes within the industry....Water Skiing is alive and well.  Why?  Because of events of the sort we just had the pleasure of experiencing, that's why.

Within 5 days time, we had the opportunity to ski 6 guaranteed rounds of pro events....3 in London at Princes Club (a fabulous idea might I add...a place where you can ski, ride the cable, grab a drink or some food at the clubhouse or simply sit back and watch the action with a cup of tea), and 3 up north in Wigan, just outside Liverpool at 3 Sisters Club.  The folks in Wigan took it a few steps beyond, trusting us crazies with 70 mph Go Karts and double barrel 12 gauge shotguns.  Fantastic stuff!!  Add that to all the events thus far this season (Moomba Masters, US Masters, Global Invitational, Malibu Open & Alizee Cup) and it turns out to be a really solid line up.  Very fortunate we are, us Pro Skiers.

The Future:
With things regarding the industry looking up, and water skiing in general making a comeback....us pros have an opportunity.  We have a chance to push things to the next level.  Its time.  Its our time....you only ever get one shot at this life...

Thats where Terry and I are right now.  Thats how we see it.  14 years ago we skied our first Pro Event:  High Point, North Carolina.  If fortune has it, we'll have another 14 years of Pro Events before we walk away.

I want to personally thank all the folks in this industry who have contributed to the experience, facilitated the successes, supported the skiers and fueled the passion.

Also, big thanks to my sponsors for keeping me going.....MasterCraft Boats, HO Skis, O'NEILL & Global Marine. You have kept me alive and I am ever grateful.

1 more event to go for the season.....Diablo Shores Pro am, Sept 17/18.

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MB