WaterSki Magazine

Risto
2006-09-22 15:00:00 | 57 views |
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The first round of the 2006 Diablo Shores Pro Am is underway with 20-30 mph winds.

The opening round of the 2006 Diablo Shores Pro Am held in Brentwood , California was all about survival of the fittest. With gusty 20-30 mph winds packing a punch on the beautiful manmade lake, the best skiers in the world faced a nasty tail wind off the dock – many didn't even see the other end of the lake.

“It was like a rodeo out,” explained New Zealands's Aaron Larkin, who tied Jodi Fisher with the second best score of the first round, running ½ at 39 ½ off. “It was basically hang on and keep the ski underneath you. Just get to the next orange thing and make a turn.”

Skiers from all over the world arrived in California Thursday with high expectations, as the final pro slalom title of year is up for grabs. Great Britain 's Glenn Campbell is waiting for the wind to die. “It was a long way to come to ski in wind like this, but I love tournaments with this format,” explained Campbell .

The near 30-man field will battle it out in three record-capability rounds for eight coveted positions that will ski in the head-to-head final on Sunday. With $20,000 and a top-of-the-pack season end on the line, skiers will be going for broke.

Radar team skier Chris Rossi described the conditions as teeth chattering. “It's always fun to go out there and post a big score in challenging conditions,” explained the event leader Rossi, positing 2 at 39 ½ off.  “It was a confidence booster, definitely, but if the wind calms down it's going to take a lot more than two [at 39 ½ off].”

Time will tell.