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RistoMeet WaterSki's Fantasy Camp Class of '07. Find out what they learned, who they met, how they skied and find out which tips you can take from them to help your own skiing! Stay tuned for more info. on how you can become a part of the Class of '08.
It was about 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday at Swiss Ski School, and Lynn Pitts was getting anxious. “I need to get on the water pretty soon,” she said good-naturedly to no one in particular.
After about 30 minutes, during which pro skier Kyle Eade adjusted her ski's wing and trimmed her binding flaps for a more streamlined ride, Lynn finally skied her first set. As she got out of the water, her smile was the biggest it'd been all morning. “I could immediately tell a difference,” she said. “It was great.”
Thus began WaterSki magazine's Ultimate Fantasy Camp. Chosen from a pile of applications, nine skiers were selected to come for three days of meeting with, learning from and competing alongside the biggest names in water skiing. The campers came from all walks of life, but the one thing they all had in common was a true passion for the sport.
It was a passion they shared not just with each other, but with their coaches as well. “What a wonderful idea,” said pro Wade Cox. “It really brought together a lot of camaraderie within the group. That's what pro skiing is all about. Those guys are lifestylers — waterskiing is their lifestyle. They got to experience our lifestyle with us, and that was really cool.”
The fantasy campers, who spanned the board in terms of their ability levels, were privy to personalized instruction from Marcus Brown, Jason Seels, Kyle Eade, Will Asher, Wade Cox, Matt Rini, Chris Parrish, Thomas Degasperi and others. Said camper Heike Neumann of that wealth of knowledge: “I have a lot of homework.”
So here's your chance to peek over Heike's and the rest of the campers' shoulders to find out what assignments they took home, which tips they picked up and what you, too, can learn from the pros. And for even more info and exclusive videos tailored to your ability level, check out waterskimag.com/mycoach.
Level 1 – Beginner Skier
Theresa Juback
Theresa only skis about once a year and coming into the clinic had only free skied. She can already do a deep- water start. “I'm small, so I just pop right up,” she says.
Level 2 – Open-Water Skier
Lynn Pitts
With more than 190 days on the water already this year, Lynn is passionate about slalom. According to Marcus Brown, she's very close to running the entire course.
Level 3 – Novice Course Skier
Heike Neumann
This German import is approaching six balls, thus far achieving four at 15 off at 28 miles per hour. “I have the skills, I just need the rhythm.”
Chris Lownsbury
“I just started skiing the course last year,” he says. Chris has progressed considerably in a short time frame and is currently able to run 15 off at 34 miles per hour.
Level 4 – Course Skier
Glen Juback
With nearly 30 years under his vest, Juback is comfortable skiing the course at 28 off or better at 34 mph.
Nestor Agramonte
As a lifelong skier, Agramonte has the course wired at slower speeds but wants to start going faster, shortening the rope and perfecting his technique.
Level 5 – Shortline Skier
Jay Kolewaski
Kolewaski, who has been on skis since childhood but only serious about slalom for two years, consistently skis full pulls at 15 off at fast speeds.
Imanol Luisa
The rookie of the group has only been skiing for a year and a half, but he already has the course wired at 15 to 28 off at fast speeds.
Andy Brisbourne
After six years behind the boat, Brisbourne has mastered the course at 15 to 28 off at 36 mph.
