Burnin' Water Ski Club

Club News

 1st Annual Lane Bowers Barefoot Clinic     July 5, 2002 Independence Ski Show          

 2002 BWSC Kickoff Meeting                    September 3, 2001 Labor Day       

July 21, 2001 Malibu Party Ski Show      July 6th, 2001 Independence Day Show

1st Annual Lane "Dawg' Bowers Barefoot Clinic

The first annual Lane "Dawg" Bowers Barefoot Clinic at Hyco Lake was a HUGE success!!!  We had great weather, great water, great equipment, a great group of people, and the greatest barefoot instructor in the world. Everyone made big improvements.  We had individuals that had only very limited boom experience that actually made it to the long line.  And the people with some experience were all able to nail down some new tricks and get more solid in their footin'.

The entire weekend was a super positive experience with everyone helping and encouraging one another to reach the next level.  The only disappoint was the people who signed up for a half day wished they had a whole day, and the people who signed up for a whole day wished they had signed up for two days.

We took lots of digital pictures and digital video and Lane is currently working on a CD-ROM set to music that will show the highlights of the three days.  Anyone who participated should make sure to e-mail Lane at Lane@lanedawg.com with your mailing address so you can get a free copy of the CD.  It should be pretty kool.  Also, anyone with any interest in barefootin', whether you participated in this clinic or not, should take advantage of his free barefoot updates and e-book that outlines all kinds of barefoot tips and tricks.  You can view it and sign up at www.thefootersedge.com .  In addition, we can get copies made of the digital video from Sat. afternoon and all day Sunday that includes everyone who participated including Lane showing off his current National Barefoot Champion style on the boom and behind the boat at Hyco Lake.  If you are interested in this in either VHS or DVD format, e-mail me at BurninWaterSkiClub@nc.rr.com .

Also, Lane is now representing and selling all the products from Barefoot International.  Anything you purchase from him will earn you 10% off your next clinic with him as well.  Feel free to e-mail him personally with any of your equipment questions.  He has a vast amount of knowledge and loves to help people to improve.

Thank you to everyone who participated!  Your great attitudes and enthusiasm made the weekend awesome!!

July 6th, 2002 Independence Ski Show

We had a great Independence Ski show on Sat., July 6th!  We introduced some terrific new acts, went to a new dock start format that kept everybody centralized and organized, and put the show to music.  What an improvement!  We also saw a tremendous increase in the amount of teamwork in preparation, keeping the ski show moving smoothly, and clean up.  Everyone's help was evident and very much appreciated!

We started the show off with a tandem barefoot run by Andy Krichman and David Miliken, followed by a 20' flying boathouse barefoot start and some nice tumbleturns by David.  These acts were pulled by Phillip Miliken in his Mastercraft.

The next act was the flag line in which Andrew Rockman, age 11, Benjamin Krichman, age 8, Heather Harrison, age 10, and Michael Rockman, age 8, attempted a clean pass around the cove carrying large American Flags to the tune of the National Anthem pulled by Howard Rockman in the '87 Mastercraft Prostar.  Special thanks to Michael who helped pull the act out and keep our flag flying.

Randy Budzinski followed up with a really nice slalom pass behind the Malibu Echelon driven by Donnie Harrison of Burling Drapery at 39 1/2 off.

Adrienne Oates, age 9, then debuted in her first ski show with a pass around the cove behind the 2000 Air Nautique Pro captained by Roger McKinney.

Dave and Krystal Wedra from Lake Wiley, SC then put on a beautiful conventional doubles act behind the Malibu Echelon.

Luke Lunsford and his 10 gallon cowboy hat then put on a show on his vintage Cypress Gardens Ski Skat.

Howard Rockman and Donnie Harrison teamed up for some round the boat skiing.

Kelly Budzinski, Cindy Dressler and Karen Clemmer got together for a women's slalom run behind the Nautique.

Benjamin, Heather and Michael then teamed up for a two ski run, dropping a ski and then a slalom pass behind the Mastercraft.

Dave, Andy and Krystal continued the show with a strap trios performance.

Jessica Dressler, Kody Wedra, Thomas Sanders and Josh Lunsford then made kneeboard passes.

Brian Dressler and John Clemmer demonstrated their wakeboarding skills.

And the show was wrapped up by a great seven person pyramid based by Howard, Donnie, Dave, and Mark Dressler, with Benjamin, Heather and Michael on top, pulled by Roger and Brent McKinney in the Nautiqe.

Special thanks to everyone who helped out.  Thank you especially to the entire Clemmer family who came by a day before and early the day of the show to do anything they could to help out by putting skis together, sewing flags, and setting up ropes.  Thank you to Donnie Harrison who was and is always such a big help in setting up, cleaning up and helping keep the plan organized.  Thank you to Howard and Claire Rockman whose endless help in practices and the day of the show was invaluable.  Thank you to Clint Harris, Kylie Edwards and Mike whose help on announcing, organization, and sound made a huge difference in the show.  Thank you to Sonya, and Cindy Dressler, your videography and photography was terrific.  Thank you to Steve Kennedy and Tim Oates for running the chase boat so efficiently and keeping the wakes down.  Thank you to Randy, Luke and Shirley for keeping the upcoming acts ready and positioned.  Thanks also to Brent for bringing and setting up the tent on top of the boathouse, the shade was great.  Thank you to everyone else who helped keep everything moving, and thank you to everyone who came out to watch and support us!

2002 BWSC Kickoff Meeting

We had a successful, productive meeting last Sunday.  There was great dialogue with lots of input and feedback from everyone.

Recap - We started the meeting with a brief recap of the 2001 season, which culminated with a Labor Day Show attended by over 250 people.

Membership Growth - We grew from our original 16 charter members to 26 paid members by the end of 2001 and have added 11 new members so far this year.  There are another 20+ people who have expressed interest and/or skied with us but have not yet paid the minimal dues.

Goals - This year's goals are to increase membership, improve shows, and increase exposure of sponsors, increase # of sponsors, improve equipment, and host some ski clinics.

Financial Information - Money spent plus money budgeted for this year is slightly over $5,500.  We have collected $3,500 from sponsors and dues.

Sponsors - The following sponsors have generously supported us.

Support for Sponsors - We are going to focus our team members and spectators on our sponsors through a four prong approach.

  1. New website which is up and running

  2. Brochures which are hoped to be out by June 15th

  3. T-shirts which will go to print next week

  4. Increased exposure at ski shows which start the weekend of July 4th

This Year's Shows -  

Carolina show Ski Team - We have teamed up with a great show ski team out of Charlotte with 15 years of experience.  Some of our members have already been to clinics with them at their site, some of their members have offered to come ski with us here at Hyco, and we may collaborate on future ski shows as well as competitions.

We are considering inviting members of their team to come ski with us on either the weekend of June 22nd or June 29th.

Delegation of Tasks - Everyone has volunteered to take on responsibilities to help make the club grow.

Children's Clinics - The club is planning on hosting the following children's clinics taught by the following club members:

New Sponsors - The following people have offered to attract these companies to sponsor our club.

T-shirts - We are going to print 50-100 t-shirts and tank tops depending on demand.  We are expecting the cost to be $10 for members and $15 for non-members.  They will have 5 color fronts and 4 color backs with our club logo.

Website - Our website is up and running.  It is a great site with a ton of great links, and our thanks go out to Randy for all his hard work.  Please thank Randy when you see him.  We have a lot of pictures yet to download, and it will become even better with time.  Check it out! www.burninwater.com

Collected Dues - Dues were collected from most everyone there.  If you have not yet paid your dues please mail them today.  If you have not filled out an application or if your information has changed, please print a new application from the website www.burninwater.com and mail or fax it in.

Free Videos - Everyone who attended the meeting took home great videos fromt he 2001 Show Ski Nationals.

New Members - As the meeting was ending, some existing and some new members showed up.  In total, we signed up 11 new members on Sunday.

T-shirt and/or Tank top sizes - Please respond to me with how many t-shirts and tank tops and what sizes of each everyone wants.  There are 5 color fronts and 4 color backs with a great design.  Please respond by Wed., June 5th.

Thank you to everyone for your enthusiastic participation.  We have a terrific group of people and this is a great club!             

September 3rd, 2001 Labor Day Show

Wow! What a great show! Terrific performances from everyone involved.  34 people participated in the show and over 250 people watched the show.  We have checked the video; there were over 50 boats in the cove plus people all along the shore and on docks.  Everyone had a great time!

Chris Foust and Andy Krichman started the show off with a two man deepwater barefoot start in front of the crowd and returned with sliding finishes.  Kevin did a great job pulling both passes with the Malibu Flightcraft and 200 horsepower outboard.

David Miliken followed with a perfect 15' drop to a barefoot start and returned with a slew of textbook tumble turns behind the Mastercraft driven by his father, Phillip.

Chris Foust finished up the barefootin' with a 40' flying barefoot start that amazed all who saw and heard it!

Randy Budzinski then took two nice clean slalom passes, the second of which was at 39' off.

Benjamin Krichman, age 8, and Heather Harrison, age 9, teamed up for a pass around the cove behind the 2002 Nautique Ski on loan from White Lake Marine in Burlington and expertly driven by Brent McKinney and Mark Dressler.

Jessica Dressler, age 11, followed with a kneeboard pass full of smiles and big waves.

Ashley Harrison and Laura then took their first ever slalom run together to charm the crowd.

Brad Hylton then skied three consecutive super clean round the boats to amaze everyone there.  The driving was professionally and exceptionally done by Donnie Harrison in the Mastercraft Prostar.

Kelly Budzinski, Kylie Edwards and Kimsie then followed with the women's slalom run and big waves.

The show was capped off by a seven person pyramid that was dry land practiced just an hour before the show and never previously attempted by this club on water.  Everyone performed flawlessly, the pyramid looked great and the crowd loved it!  Mark, Brad, Donnie and Steve Kennedy based the pyramid with Heather, Benjamin and Brian Dressler, age 9, flying along on top waving with one hand and gripping the new climber's braid lines in the other.  The pyramid was expertly pulled by Roger McKinney in the Air Nautique.

Everyone performing and watching had a great time!

Clint Harris did a great job announcing, and we look forward to him adding his colorful commentary to next year's shows.

Special thanks to Clay Kyker for keeping the boat wakes under control.  It made a huge difference.

Thanks to Ty for manning the chase jet ski, Sonya for her wonderful job on video, Cindy Dressler for photography, Abby Krichman for assistance with commentary, and especially to Donnie and Tim Oates for their huge help in set up and break down for the show.

Special thanks to our sponsors who made it possible for us to have some important equipment to pull this show off.  We will be producing a brochure for next season's shows that will highlight your businesses and thank you for your support.

And last, but certainly not least, we have to thank the spectators.  Your support, and enthusiasm were terrific.  You came out in droves, and cheered loudly for everyone.  We thank you for that.  Your support makes it all worthwhile.

July 21st, 2001 Malibu Party Ski Show

Many thanks to all those who responded to our e-mails and participated in our ski show at the Malibu Party.  The show and the party were a huge success!  We had a turn out of 30 ski boats and about 125 people.  Everyone had a great time! We had some phenomenal talent there.  With all the new skiers and riders it was not quite as efficient as last time, but we had a large cheering crowd and some really great acts.  I'm very pleased.  All our members really pitched in and worked together to make the show successful.  We received lots of compliments on the show.

Special thanks have to go first to Randy and Steve.  Both of these guys were unable to ski on Sat. due to temporary injuries suffered the week before.  Instead of being down and out, both of them communicated with me often and helped me plan during the week leading up to the show and then showed up and assisted on the docks in getting skiers ready and coordinating the show.  Randy, your walkie talkies were a huge help.  Both of your assistance was invaluable and the type of support that will make guarantee this club a successful future.

Thanks also to Kelly and Kylie.  These women rose to the occasion and performed flawlessly in the Women's Slalom act.  Your waves and smiles were the biggest of the day and the crowd loved it.

Benjamin and Heather did an awesome job!  These kids had never skied together.  They got out there and were smiling, waving, shaking hands and high fiving through the whole routine.  Everyone in the crowd could see and feel your excitement and enthusiasm.  Keep up the great work!

Chris, what can we say, you definitely entertained us.  The backward one foot barefoot wave was great, only to be topped by an awesome 40' jump to a spectacular barefoot run.  We are all fully aware of the rough water you skied through.  When you hit the roller and went airborne for the second time on your forward run, I didn't know if you were going to be able to stick it out.  Not only did you hang on and ride it out, you made it exciting.  You are a great performer.

Brad, you are always willing to try anything and help anyone to learn.  When we didn't have anyone to drive the Round the Boat act you helped us train a new driver.  This can be a dangerous trick to skier, driver, and equipment.  I put my confidence in you, you went out and trained Mark to drive it, and it went perfectly.  Your one ski wave at the end was terrific!

Mark, thanks for your help.  The round the boat was great!  I would have hated to leave it out of the show.  Glad you could rise to the occasion.  Something told me that a dirt bike racer like yourself would be aggressive yet safe enough to drive this tough trick.  Thanks also for stopping by the night before.  Your support is invaluable.

Keith, you gave us a solid third man for the the three man barefoot run.  Thanks for coming out and we hope you will join us again.

Sean, your driving for all the barefootin' was terrific.  When that boat blocked your path on the beach landing you adjusted and never missed a beat.  Your pull for Chris's 40' barefoot jump start was timed perfectly.  You really helped make Chris look good.  We look forward to many more pulls from you.

Ted and Randy, thanks for coming out and performing.  Your kneeboarding was as great to watch as ever.  Watching follow the leader by two guys who have nine national championships between them was great to see.  It is always fun to see and hang out with you guys.  Good luck with your new baby Randy and Jennifer; and Ted, we hope you and Liz make up your minds on that breakfast set.

Ritchie, Roberto, Jeff and Ashley, you showed us all a couple of new wakeboard tricks.  You guys got a lot of big air off those double ups and amazed us with rallies, inverts, spins, flips, and some tricks I'm yet to figure out what they were.  The 540's and 720's blew us away! Thanks!

Eric, thanks for filling in on the video camera.  You did a great job.

Clint, thanks for standing by with the chase boat.  Also, your recycling program sounds good.  We will get the word out to our members.  The Burnin' Water Ski Club is proud to support our environment.

Abby, thanks for manning, or should we say, womanning that membership table.  Your support before, during and after these shows helps keep the club going.  This club and me would be dead in the water without your support.

And last, but certainly not least, Jimmy, Flash, Johnny, David and especially Micah of Switch Stance Sport and Pro Marine, thank you for asking us to perform and hosting such a great party.  Jimmy, your assistance with announcing was terrific.  You are a natural.  Thank you for feeding all of us.  You are all great people to be around as well as terrific ambassadors of the sport of waterskiing.  We are proud to be associated with you.  We would like to do even better next year.

And of course, a show wouldn't be a show without a crowd.  Everyone was very supportive, and we really appreciate them coming out.

July 6th, 2001 Independence Day Show Recap

Congratulations to all who participated in the rain delayed 4th of July Burnin' Water Ski Show last Fri. evening.  It was a terrific performance by everyone.  I was really proud of everyone for not only performing their own acts with skill, style, a wave and a smile, but also for coming together and helping each other out.  It was a terrific team experience!

I want to give special thanks to Jessica, Brian, Ashley, Heather, Jay and Benjamin.  You really made the show great.  Also special thanks to Steve, Donnie, Marc and Eric.  Your boat driving was terrific.  Special thanks also to Sonya for videotaping.  You did a great job and we want you to film all our shows.

 
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