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Day 9 2006 Worlds Sunday 17th September

Hello Australia. Here we are finally at the last day of the World Championships and all is set to finish on a high note. Skiers are ready and looking forward to their events. It's Finals day folks and we are hunting for shiny pieces of metal!

Open Women's Slalom finalists are Australia's own Nerissa Wright and Ashleigh Stebbeings, Emily Goldie from Great Britain, Rachel Normand and Elaine Heller from the USA. Emily away 1st and good 1st pass with a 7.0. All to do on the way home to post a score for the rest of the girls on the dock. Comes in Backwards and looks solid all the way home to finish with a boat score of 13.0. Elaine away as the next skier. Looks good on the way up to finish with a 6.3 on pass number 1. 2nd pass coming in backwards and all the way home. Finishes with a 12.4. Ashliegh is up next. Comes in for her 1st pass but has a fall early and it is going to be tough from here. Comes back in for her 2nd pass forwards and posts a 7.0. Nerissa up next and looking to light it up here at Lake Silverado. Strong 1st pass forwards and comes it at 6.8. Backwards to come home with and good and solid to finish with a score of 10.3e so must have been carved up by the judges. Rachel is the last skier away. Solid on the way down and comes up with a 7.1. All to do backwards now to get into the medals. Gets back to the dock and score from the boat is 13.1. All these scores at this stage are provisionally only at this stage. Well the results are out but a protest has been made about Ashleighs slalom passes and she has been granted a re ride on both passes. The boat speed was wrong on the 1st pass when she fell then she wasn't given the chance to make a clear decision. So the need to give all skiers an even chance means she gets the re ride on both passes. Ok so Ashleigh in for a re ride and to see what happens next. well up and back looking really good and finishes with a 13.0 to tie with Emily. Off to the CJ for a chat on the scenario now and both Great Britain and Australia put up their cases to a possible solution. Just got to wait on the outcome now. What I can tell you though is that Open Womens World Slalom Champion is Nerissa Wright from Australia, silver to Rachel Normand from the USA and 2 bronze medals to Emily Goldie of Great Britain and Ashleigh Stebbeings from Australia respectivly.

Open Men's Slalom finalists are Keith St Onge, Bill Brzoza and Lane Bowers from the USA, Heinrich Sam from South Africa and Don Baker from Canada. 1st away is Don and up and back with the score of 17.2 to set the bar. 2nd away off the dock was Heinrich who again skied out 2 full passes with a mid 17 score. 3rd off the dock was Bill who had 2 great passes up and back to finish with and 18.0. Lane off 2nd last and good solid skiing on both passes to finish with a boat score of 18.8. So last off the dock was Keith who lit up the water going both ways up  and down the lake to finish with a 20.3. So they guys really made things happen and the skiing was 1st class. Results are in and the World Open men's Slalom Champion is Keith St Onge, silver to Lane Bowers and bronze to Bill Brzoza all of the USA. 

Open Women's Trick finalists are Australia's Ashleigh Stebbeings and Stacey Green and Jody Sherwood, Laura Szwed and Rachel Normand from the USA. Away 1st off is Stacey and ski's out the 1st pass nice and solid with a score from the boat of 980 for pass number 1. Back for pass number 2 and the bank has gone ape hit. Nails everything to set a score of 2030 from the boat. Jane is going off her nut and jumping around. Wow that was great for Stacey. Now the bar has been set and the rest of the Women have to step up. Jody away next and a good 1st pass to get down to the far end. From the boat a score of 1020 for pass number 1. On the way home nice complete pass to keep the pressure on. Score from the boat in at 2330. 3rd off the dock is Ashliegh to see if she can add to her Junior Girl Trick title with the Open one. Great 1st pass all the way to the end. 1060 from the boat. Looking for a big pass on the way home. Looks good until he step to the front. can't ski it out and from the boat a score of 2160. Laura now off the dock and ski's the 1st pass to the end. Coming home has a good run and falls towards the end of her pass. From the boat 2100 is the score. Rachel is last off the dock for the final. Ski's out 2 solid passes and just fall son the front to back 1 foot but a great score. Well I said it was close and I was right. Laura and Rachel out again for a run off to break a tie for 3rd. So Jody is away 1st and puts a score of . Rachel away last with the work to do and ski's out pass number 1 and again trouble late in pass 2 so we wait for a score. It seems she has done enough. Let's just wait on the scores. A bit of confusion just to what they tie was for? I'll let you know when I know!!! Ok so results are in and World Open Women's Champion is Jody Sherwood, silver to Rachel Normand and bronze to Laura Szwed all from the USA.    

Just a short break while the Harley Davidson Drill team show us their stuff. lots of bikers riding around in circles and looking good. Now we got a guy on a snow mobile coming up the lake. I didn't know they could go on water. It looks like we will se another run from him trying to tow a barefoot skier! Well he has another run and Pete O'Neill is on the mike and giving him a fait bit of stick. Then the guy sinks it and Pete is fair giving it to him. Poor bugger!!! I reckon the guy who owns the snow mobile is looking for him right now. Hope the leg holds up Pete cause you better run.

Open Men's Trick Finalists are Paul McDonald from Canada, Andre De Villiers from South Africa, Patrick Wehner from France, David Small from Great Britain and Keith St Onge from the USA. Paul away 1st and good clean skiing with a great pass down the lake. Waiting now for the 2nd pass. Great pass on the way home finishers it in the toe piece with arms in the air and hooting!! 7710 for a mark in sand as the 1st skier. 2nd skier away is Andre and smokes the 1st pass with good lean tricks at his slow but steady pace. Gets it all in and looking good for the trip home. Does some trick on the way home that most only dream about Line 5's and a line 7!!! Score we get is 5980 so he must have been cut big time.  Meanwhile I digress as Pete is still on the mike giving it to the local sheriff!! Ok back to the water and next away is Patrick Great tricking again all the way to the end of his 1st pass. He's happy with it as he pumps his fist in the air. 4900 on pass 1. Goes in on the way home about 1/2 way into the pass. Score we get is 6850. David Small making his way into the water. What a run on the way down. He's gotta be dizzy after that. It looked great and we get a score of 5080 on the 1st pass!!! Coming back up the lake and again it was 1st class. Trouble on the reverse line 3 but gets out of it and continues. Finishes with a 9630 to set the bar. Keith next on the water and he looks pumped for a big one. Lights it up on the way down and a great run. This is top stuff by all the guys. 5350 for the 1st pass. Now for number 2 to go for that gold. Fantastic skiing on the way back up the lake and goes in on the last trick before time by the look of it. Get's a total score from the boat of 10,650 points. We now wait until their posted officially. Open Men's World Trick Champion is Keith St Onge from the USA, silver to David Small from Great Britain and bronze to Paul McDonald from Canada.

Junior Boys Jump finalists are Garth Syndrom and Heinrich Sam from South Africa, Chris Morrison from the USA, Ryan Groen from New Zealand and Ben Harris from Great Britain. Can't give the blow by blow though as I'm called away but it has now finished after a jump off for a tied 3rd place between Ryan and Garth. Now I know all the kiwi's at home are glued to this website looking for the good oil. So Junior Boys World Jump Champion is Heinrich Sam from South Africa, silver to Ben Harris from Great Britain and the bronze to Ryan Groen from New Zealand.

Ok so the Junior Boys are finished now and New World Overall Champion is Heinrich Sam from South Africa, 2nd to  Billy Benoist and 3rd to Chris Morrison both of the USA.

Open Women's Jump finalists are Australia's Ashleigh Stebbeings, Rachel Normand and Nicole Soubliere from the USA, Svenja Hempleman from Germany and Emily Goldie from Great Britain. Nicole in for jump number 1 and rides it out ok for a distance of 10.3. Svenja in for number 1 and gets a10.9 to get one on the board. Nicole in for number 2 and rides it out for a nother 10.3. Svenja in for number 2 and ski's it to the far end of course. Nicole in for number 3 and ski's it out at 10.8 metres. Svenja in now for number 3 as Rachel swims out for her round of jumps. Svenja ski's it out and puts a 10.7 so she still has the biggest jump so far with her 10.9. Rachel out the back for number 1. Emily swims out for the final to get into the Gekko ski boat. Nice 1st jump and 13.5 metre jump. Emily in for number 1 now and a very nice jump and ski's it to the far end. Score comes in at 11.8 metres. Rachel in for number 2 and ski's out a smaller jump of 12.0 metres. Emily up to the end for number 2. Another nice jump and ski's out a 11.7. Rachel in for number 3 and ski's it out dragging a foot with a 12.3 but has the score on the board to beat. Ashleigh swims out to the boat being the last Women's Skier of the Championships. Emily in for her last jump and cutting on the ramp and goes in but she's happy and gives the crowd a wave. Ashleigh in for number 1 and goes big but comes unstuck and goes in for a heavy fall. Has an injury time out to let her regain some compsure and up to the end for number 2. Comes in and ski's out a 9.3 jump to get one on the board. In now for the last Women's jump of the Championships. In she comes fror number 3 and a chance at the medals and ski's out a great jump. This is going to be close. Comes in at 12.5 metres. Open Women's Jump Champion is Rachel Normand of the USA, silver to Ashleigh Stebbeings from Australia and bronze to Emily Goldie of Great Britain.

Ok so now the Open Women's have finished and the New World Overall Champion is Rachel Normand form the USA, 2nd to Ashleigh Stebbeings from Australia and 3rd Emily Goldie from Great Britain.

Open Men's jump finalists are Australia's Brett New, Bill Brzoza and Lane Bowers from the USA, Andre De Villiers from South Africa and David Small from Great Britain. Bill 1st jumper away abut a heavy landing for a no score but the distance was right out there at 24.3 metres. Lane in for his 1st now and going for distance fails to ski away.Bill in for number 2 and he ski's it out and scores a 23.6 metres to set the mark so far. Lane in now for his 2nd and puts it out there at 24.0 metres. Lane in for number 3 on a smaller jump but doesn't ski it out. Bill as well unable to hang on to his last. Andre out for the 1st of his jumps. A huge 1st jump and it's right out there. Distance comes back in at 25.0 metres for the lead in the event so far. Brett swims out to the boat his series of jumps. Brett in now for jump number 1. Ski's it out to the far end and score is in at 23.8 metres. Andre in for number 2 and another good jump but not out past his first. 24.5 metres. Brett in now for number 2. Ski's it away at 23.1 so it's all to do for jump number 3. Andre in for number 3 and another good jump of 23.6 but not credited due to not standing it up. Brett in for number 3 and looking for some distance. Get s it all wrong but is offerred a re ride on number 3. Meanwhile David in for number 1 and puts it right out there at 26.4 metres. In for number 2 and not as big as the 1st but a good jump all the same. Brett in for the re ride and nice in the air but only 21.2 so not big enough for a podium at this stage. Last jump for David and it's huge. Is it a World record??? It was certainly big and comes back in at 26.4 metres. Open Men's World Jump Champion is David Small from Great Britain, silver to Andre De Villiers of South Africa and bronze to Lane Bowers of the USA.

Ok so it's all over now for our Open Men's. New Overall Champion is Keith St Onge from the USA, 2nd to David Small from Great Britain and 3rd to Lane Bowers of the USA.

All right so now it is all over. All event champions have been crowned. the Overall ones will be crowned later this evening. I hope you all have enjoyed reading this site during the last couple of weeks. For those of you who couldn't be here, it was done for you. No profit, just for your enjoyment. So now I go to the final night banquet happy in the knowledge that all of you who have been reading this site have enjoyed it. Thanks for the many messages throughout the week. We will all be home very soon and look forward to seeing our family and friends very soon.

ay 8 2006 Worlds Saturday 16th September

Hello Australia and other parts of the World who are reading the site. The emails we are getting are great and not only from Australia. Thanks for all the support. Well we had a great time last night at a local diner. Not all the team went but a group went to quite a unique place. Meal wasn't too bad anyway. Wether it will ever be the same is open to conjecture. The trip back was fun with the sun roof of the hummer getting a workout. Well we are off to site now and into the 1st final of the day. Senior Men's Slalom up 1st We get to the site however and the fog is in so we are on hold until it lifts. Well it's all about to happen now with the boat parades and then we are into it. Finals day for Junior & Seniors.

In the Senior's Slalom final is our very own John Stekelenburg along with Mike Salber, Brad Pegg, and Jerry Kanawyer of the USA and Gordie Croteau from Canada. Gordie (aka Rod) on the water 1st and up to the end with a 9.0 on the 1st pass. Backwards paas on the way now and lights it up and puts up a score form the boat of 15.8 to set the bar early. Brad Pegg next away and looks like a 8.8 so looking for a big pass on the way home to take over the lead. Ski's back home but maybe not enough. Score from the boat is 15.3. Jerry Kanawyer up next and good solid pass on the way up in the forwards position. Comes home backwards nice and solid and form the boat we get a score of 14.9 so Gordie still in the lead but the top 2 old dogs are still on the dock. Mike Salber out next and backwards 1st and ski's it to the end for a 7.2. Plenty of work to do on the way home. Doesn't look like nearly enough and with aa score of 15.0 it ain't enough. John Stekelenburg up as top seed and looking for Gold. 1st pass and a 7.1 with a touch on 1 cross so all to do on the way home. Good solid pass on the way home and from the boat we get a score of 15.2. Got to wait now on the official results. These are only very provisional folks. Ok so now the scores are in. World Senior Slalom Champion is Gordie Croteau from Canada with Brad Pegg for the USA 2nd and Australia's own John Stekelenburg 3rd.

The Junior Boys Slalom final are Chris Morrison, Brody Benoist, Billy Benoist, from the USA, and Zane De Villiers and Heinrich Sam from RSA. Chris Morrison is away 1st and up and back for a solid for a 15.4  Brody Benoist away next and a good pass on the way up. Comes back towards the dock backwards and ski's it all the way home with a score from the boat of 15.8. Next away is Zane De Villiers and smokes 2 great passes and comes back with a great score of 16.8. Billy Benoist away and great 1st pass then ski's it all the way home and we get a score of 16.3 so with the Heinrich Sam to come the bank is on it's feet. Pass number 1 in the forwards position and all the way to the end to finish with an 9.0. Time to come home backwards and absolutely smoking with a score from the boat as 17.7. As I said earlier these are all provisional. As soon as I have the official scores I will let you know. Ok so scores are in. World Junior Boy Slalom Champion is Heinrich Sam and Silver to Zane De Villiers both from South Africa and Billy Benoist form the USA 3rd.

Trick Finals are up next for Junior & Seniors. Senior Women's 1st away and it's an all American affair. Sherri Morse, Theresa Hoffman, Kay Wiser, Andrea Eaggert and Jody Sherwood are our finalists. 1st away is Sherri Morse and must be a hick up somewhere as she gets a re ride on the 1st pass. Take 2 and ski's most of the 1st pass on the re ride. Pass number 2 and ski's it back home. Score from the boat is 1140. Next away in Theresa Hoffman and ski's it all the way to the end. Back for her 2nd pass and makes it back to the dock ok and a provisional of 1330. Up next is Kay Wiser and a good 1st pass then has a fall midway on the 2nd and settles for a 1420 which at this stage would put her in the lead. Andrea Eaggert away in the final and ski's out a full 1st pass. On the return journey a late fall just before time but gets plenty in. A score of 1730 which puts her in front at thsi stage. Jody Sherwood away as the last skier. Makes the far end of the course without any problems and sets herself for the return journey. Clean skiing all the way home and looks good for the Gold. 2360 the score from the boat. Scores are in and World Senior Women's Trick Champion is Jody Sherwood, Silver to Andrea Eaggert and Bronze to Thersa Hoffman all of the USA.

Junior Girls Trick finals up next. Finalists this year are Sra Lebogang from South Africa, Emily Goldie from Great Britain, Elaine Heller for the USA and our Laura Dickers and Ashleigh Stebbeings from Australia. Sara is 1st away and has 2 solid passes to finish with a 160. Emily up next and ski's out the full pass with some great skiing. On the way back no problems and makes it all the way home. Score form the boat of 2160. Ok So Laura up is next and looking to light up the water. Ski's it out all the way to the end with some great clean tricking. Pass number 2 to come home and great skiing making the back to front then the front to back but a fall on the reverse back to front. She's happy and so is the bank. Scores back from the boat have dried up. Elaine away next  Good looking pass all the way to the end. On the way home and looking good until the back to front but tumbles out of it but cost her some time. Last away is Ashleigh looking for a big one. Looks great on the 1st pass getting it right to the end. Pass number 2 and great until the step to the front. Solid looking pass. No scores available at this time. It's going to be close though. Ok theyr'e in in it's good news for Australia. World Junior Girl Trick Champion is Ashleigh Stebbeings from Australia, Silver to Emily Goldie from Great Britain and Laura Dickers from Australia in the bronze medal position.

Senior Men's Tricks up and our finalists are Brian Heeney and Mike Salber form the USA, Evert Artson from Finland and John Stekelenburg and Cameron Smith form the best country in the World. AUSTRALIA !!! 1st away is Brian Heeney and 2 good passes on the way up and back and from the boat a score of  Cameron up next and has a blitzing pass on the way up 2700 plus for the 1st pass so it is all to do on the way home. Gets the toe up up fine but goes into outer space on the wake flip and doesn't get back to earth in the barefoot ski position. From the boat 3100 total with some good skiers behind him. Evert Artson away next and looking good until the back to back 7 which ends in a fall. It's all to do on the way home. Not this time as he goes in early again so he won't make the medals this year. Ok so Aussie on the water with John Stekelenburg looking for hardware. Smoking 1st pass with arun right to the end and some big tricks. Certainly the best 1st pass of the day so far. Pass number 2 and nearly all the way but falls on the back to back 3 right on time. Score of 3630 to set the pace. Mike Salber up last. 1st pass and in about half way down. Got his work cut out to wipe off John's run. 2nd pass just wont be enough so I reckon John is good for the big one and probably Cameron for the silver. Got to wait on the results. Ok theyr'e in and the Senior Men's World Trick Champion is from Australia John Stekelenburg, silver to Brian Heeney from the USA and bronze to Australia's Cameron Smith.

So we go on hold as the rain comes making a distinct contrast from the perfect conditions we have had so far today. Tournament goes on hold for a while until it clears.

Junior Boys Trick Finalists are Ben Harris from Great Britain, Billy and Brody Benoist USA and Zane De Villiers and Heinrich Sam from South Africa. Well we are back into the action and Ben Harris is 1st away. Looking for the big tricks and probably not the pass he wanted but then that's the finals for you. On the way home has trouble again and has to swim to shore. 2nd away is Brody Benoist who is unlucky and goes in early on pass number 1. 2nd pass is not much better than his first unfortunately and goes in. Has the long wait until all the other skiers have gone. Zane De Villiers next and a good 1st pass to the end. Looked solid enough. On the way home fell late in the pass on his front to back 5. Posted a score to beat. Billy Benoist next and skied both passes out ok. Looked the goods so far. Heinrich Sam the last away and a cracking 1st pass in at 4800. Coming home fell towards the end of his pass on another 540 turn. The scores are going to be tight to decide this one. The World Junior Boys Trick Champions is Billy Benoist of the USA, silver to Heinrich Sam and bronze to Zane De Villiers both of South Africa.

All the scores are coming to you as they happen so you will hear them here 1st. We are updating as it is happening so you can get the good oil on what is happening if you aren't here.

Senior Women's Jump Finalist are Sherri Morse, Andrea Eaggert and Jody Sherwood of the USA. Jody 1st jumper and ski's out a   Andrea's 1st jump good for an 8.7.  Jody's 2nd jump ski's it out no problem for a 7.5. In for Andrea's 2nd and rides it out for a 8.2. Jody's 3rd and ski's it out for an 8.7.  Sherri Morse into the water as the top seed for this event. Andrea in now for number 3 and ski's it out but looks smaller and is confirmed at 7.8. Sherri in for number 1 and heavy on the landing, loses the helmet but gives us a wave and she is ready to go for number 2. Comes in looking good but clips the jump with the bum and comes unstuck and unable to ski away. All to do now for number 3 to get a medal. In she comes just a minor clip and ski's it away. Wait for distance now. 8.1 for the score so it looks like a jump off for 1st and 2nd between Andrea and Jody. Yep looks like a jump off after the Junior Girls. Ok so run off time to decide the tie. Both Andrea and Jody skiing head to head. Both are jumping well and ski most of their 3 away. Can't get scores at present so stay tuned for the results when they come to hand. Well just o hand are the results. World Senior Women's Jump Champion is Jody Sherwood, Silver to Andrea Eaggert and bronze to Sherri Morse, all from the USA.   

Junior Girls Jump Finalists are Australia's Ashleigh Stebbeings, Emily Goldie from Great Britain, Elaine & Shannon Heller from the USA and Kelly O'Donnell from New Zealand. Kelly will be 1st jumper and swims out to the Gekko jump boats. In for her 1st jump and trips on the jump but is ok. A slow boat speed is the result and she ids offered the re ride. On the re ride no problems and ski's it out. Jump number 2 and the re ride gods are around for Kelly as she is offered a re ride on her 3rd jump for rollers. Accepts it and back up the other end. in now for her real number 2 jump which is really number 4. Get the idea?? anyway ski's it out at 8.0. Decides enough is enough and calls it a day. Shannon Heller in for number 1 and 2 and ski's them out easily. 10.9 for her longest of the 2 so far. Number 3 for Shannon and ski's it out to finish with a 9.7. Emily in for number 1 a really nice jump but looks like an injury after up an skiing. Comes in at 12.2 metres and just waiting to see the result.  A no jump form the boat judge but she is right to go again. Up to the end for Emily for number 2. Comes in and rides out a distance of 9.8 to put one on the board. Elaine Heller on the water and jump number 1 is good and ski's out a 11.5 to set the bar. Emily to the other end for jump number 3. But wait... Here comes the rain and we go into a holding pattern for a little while. Looks like the action is about to start again  Emily in for number 3 after the break and unable to ski away. Elaine in for number 2 and can't ski away. Number 3 for Ealine and try's her best but just can't hang on and will have to settle for her 11.5. Ashleigh in for jump number 1 as the top seed and lovely off the top and in the air and ski's it out easily for a distance of 12.9 metres. Ashleigh with a bit of trouble on the start for jump number 2 and we wait to see what has happened. Looks like she has missed the start but in she comes again for her next jump. Bigger jump but can't ski it out. So it finishes like this: World Junior Girls Jump Champion in Ashleigh Stebbeings from Australia, Silver to Elaine Heller from the USA and the bronze medal to Shannon Heller from the USA.

Ok so Junior Girls are over for the Championships and the New Overall Champion is  Ashleigh Stebbeings from Australia, 2nd place to Elaine Heller from the USA and 3rd Emily Goldie from Great Britain.

Senior Womens have now finished as well and the New Overall Champion is Jody Sherwood, 2nd place to Andrea Eaggert and 3rd to Sherri Morse all of the USA.

Senior Men's Jump Finalists are Warren Wark and John Stekelenburg from Australia, Gordie Croteau from Canada, Mike Salber from the USA and Evert Aartson from Finland. Mike Salber in for jump number 1 and ski's it out for a 19.3 metre jump. Gordie Croteau in fror number 1 and ski's away a 17.7. Mike in for number 2 and no good for a 17.8 metre fall. Gordie in for number 2. Big jump but out the front in a spectacular style and no score on that one. Mike in for number 3 and not enuough off the ramp and fails to ski out a smaller 16.0 metre jump. Gordie in fro number 3 and fails to hang on to the jump and has to settle for for his 17.7. The two flying Doc's from Australia hit the water. Warren away 1st followed by John. Jump number 1 by Warren and big but he misses the jump but comes up with the handle. Busted the sucker so he will get a re ride. John in for Number 1 and a good 19.8 jump. Warren in for Number the re ride and fails to ski it out. Almost as it was all there to ge tout of. John in for number 2 and another good jump again at 19.8 metres. Jump number 3 and we have to wait it out. Distance comes in at 21.1 metres which puts him in the gold position with just a few jumps to go. Warren in for number 3 and pops the handle which puts him out of medal contention. Bad luck for Warren as he deserved better. Evert Arrtson in for jump number 1 and it looked big but no handle so it's a no score. Up to the end of course for jump number 2. In he comes and blows the handle once moreand then repeats the dose on number 3. Bad luck as he was jumping really well in the earlier rounds. So it goes like this, World Senior Men's Jump Champion is John Stekelenburg from Australia, silver to Mike Salber from the USA and bronze to Gordie Croteau of Canada.

Well Senior Men's are done and dusted and the New Overall Champion is John Stekelenburg from Australia, 2nd place to Mike Salber form the USA and 3rd to Evert Aartsen from Finland.

Well that's it for today's skiing and looking to finish off tomorrow with Junior Boys Jump and the Open finals. A Great day for the Aussies and everyone on the banks as the skiing was top class.

Day 7 2006 Worlds Friday 15th September

Well into the last few events of the semi finals and in the juniors team race it will all come down to the last 2 jump events. At the moment South Africa are in the lead with USA and then Australia 3rd. All positions have the possibility of changing. It was a relatively quiet night last night for the team as they try and rest up for the business end of the Championships. Junior Girl's jump is the 1st event for today. Laura is 1st away and looking to increase her 1st round to get those team points on the rise. Jump number 1 and unable to ski it out. 8.1 so it would have been handy. Up the end for number 2. In she comes and just unable to hang on to it. Looked good but just pops the handle. So up to the far end for jump number 3. Ski's it out to the far end and scores 7.8 so that is an increase and helps the points out. Gee it's close. Ashleigh in now for number 1 and puts a 13.2 on the board for number 1. Now to the far end for number 2 and see if Ash can push the bar. Ski's it out but drops a foot and has to settle for 11.8. Jump number 3 and 12.8 but ski's all 3 away and puts her into the final in both Juniors and open as the top seed. She is easily the best female jumper at the worlds. Junior Boys jump and last chance for all teams to get some points. Jamie the only Aussie in the field and looking to improve on his PB from the 1st round. Jump number 1 and cutting on the ramp and goes sideways for a fall. Up the end for number 2 and lets the feet get under too far and kicks out high and unable to ski away. That one hurt a bit and calls an end t it as the back is just too sore. He's skied really well all week and really done himself and country very proud. Well the teams race will come down to the final 2 jumpers in junior boys. Basically Chris Morrison from the USA has to go huge and Heinrich Sam from RSA only needs to maintain his current score. Heinrich though is after something big. The bigger he goes the better for us so there will be a whole heap of Australian's willing him out there. Well it's all go and although young Chris goes big it just ain't big enough. So in the finish in the junior teams race it is South Africa 1st, USA 2nd and Australia coming in a gallant 3rd. We always new it would be a hard task and in the end we were less than 200 points off 1st and about 140 off 2nd. A great effort by our great junior team. Senior Men's up now for the Slalom semi. Warren 1st off the dock with Cameron and John to follow. With this the last event for Seniors in the team race, we have a lot to do to chase down the USA. However we are clearly in 2nd with plenty of room. Warren's 1st pass up to the end with no problems. 2nd pass and he goes in early and unfortunately it's game over with no chance of a final this year. Well looks like Warren has snagged a re ride for the 2nd pass so back up to the far end for a better run home hopefully. Much better un but with a couple of drops but still maybe not enough to progress. Good to hear everyone at home is up late and reading the updates. Everyone over here says a big hi to all. Cameron up next. Ski's out 2 passes no problems at all. Finals in the Senior men's is going to be a tough assignment so who goes through will be interesting. There's a lot of USA senior independent skiers in the slalom event. No provisional scores coming through at present. John away as the last Aussie and 2 great passes which looks like a 17.2 at this stage so we just got to wait. Should put him in the final ok though. Women's and Men's trick to close off the semi finals. 1st Aussie away is Nerissa and nails the toe up and ski's through the 1st pass ok with a fall at the end but it looks out of time. Pass number 2 and in she comes backwards on a good solid pass but pops the handle on the back to front at the end. Comes in at 1800 as a provisional. Straight after Nerissa and Stacey on the water. Jane pacing the grass and has a problem on the toe up. Get's the the re ride and Jane takes up smoking!! Now jane seems a little tense and the fingernails are getting a workout. So re ride for Stacey and it starts all again. Nails the start this time and completes the run and mum is smiling wider than Stacey!! Coming in backwards for pass number 2. Everything ok so far and ski's out a great pass with a lovely back to front feet to feet with a 2050 point run which smashes previous PB. Crowd is on it's feet and Jane's jumping around like a maniac. Maybe we will se a repeat of her nationals celebrations later in the week???? Laura and Ashleigh will be away next. That makes all 4 of our girls in the semi of Women's tricks. Great stuff for Australia. Laura in for her toe up and misses but a bad pull sees another re ride on the start. Gets it all on the re ride and ski's out the pass with ease. On the way home has trouble with the line step hop and goes in. 1280 provisionally. Ashleigh is away next and nails the 1st pass and then all the way back until the step to the front. Falls but a provisional score of 2220 should see her into the final. The final spots will be tight so it's going to be an anxious wait. Men's trick semi final up next and both Brendan and Brenton will be on the water. Well the Senior team results are all in and in 1st place is the USA, 2nd Australia and 3rd Canada. A great effort by all the old fellas and now we go into the Senior finals on the hunt for Gold. Brendan away 1st and has trouble on the toe front on the way down and goes down! A good solid run on the way home but finals will be remote with the calibre of skiers to come. Brenton next away and ski's out both passes and should have a score which gives him a chance for the final on Sunday. Well it's all over for the semi's but not before some great tricking by the Men. Highlight has to be Kieth St Onge's run of 10,850 which is a pending World Record.

So Finals have arrived and we have Senior Women's and Junior Girls Finals to round out the day. Both Ashleigh and Laura have made it into the  Junior final along Emily Goldie from Great Britain and Elaine and Shannon Heller from the USA. The Senior Final has Sherri Morse, Andrea Eaggert, Dawn Farrell, Jody Sherwood from the USA and Alessandra Magheri of Italy. The Seniors away 1st and Andrea up and falls on the 2nd cross. Ski's the 2nd pass to the end and has to settle for a 7.3. Alessandra up next and both passes completed and settles for a 5.9. Dawn away now and 1st pass nice and clean in the forwards position. Back in for the 2nd pass and nearly all the way to the end before a fall on the 5th cross. Score comes through as a 9.4 from the boat. Jody up next and comes in forwards for her 1st pass. Ski's it right through and sets up for the trip home. 2nd pass and all the way back to the dock and puts forward ??? No score from the boat.  Sherri away as the top seed for the final. Great 1st pass all the way to the end and ski's it home. Have to wait on the results as they have dried up form the boat. So just who has won as yet is unknown. Well the results are in now and Jody Sherwood takes Gold, Sherri Morse the silver and Dawn Farrell the bronze. Juniors almost ready to go but the rain comes in and delays the start. It's not heavy but it is enough to make it difficult to ski in so the decision to hold is correct. Ok It's on now and the Junior Girls are ready to roll. 1st away is Shannon Heller from the USA. Pass number 1 and comes in at 6.0 from the boat. Pass number 2 and in backwards and completes her pass. Total score of 9.0 from the boat. Remember all these scores are provisional folks!! Laura Dickers from Australia in next and the crowd gathers on the bank. Pass number 1 with rain starting again and looks good until a fall on the 6th cross and comes back from the boat with a 5.4. But the rain has come again so she is offered a re ride as the rain she skied in would have been hitting her in the face big time and making things very uncomfortable. Meanwhile the rain gets heavier. We go on hold again. Well as you can imagine it isn't the best of circumstances to run a final in and off to the CJ for a chat. Not much good on that one so they decide to start again. Then it rains again and we stop again!! Ok so now it's decided to cancel but then decided we start again?? I think you at home arte starting to get the picture now. So now to be fair to all the girls who are skiing in the final I want to say that they put on a brave show but I certainly don't agree with the call to go again. Did it affect the end result?? Read on and decide for yourself. Now you have to picture 5 girls ready to ski who have been ginned around for over an hour to complete a final. So lets start again and we have Shannon who has kied already. Then Laura has a re ride on her 1st pass and ski's through her pass. Unfortunately goes in on the way home and settles for a 9.3 from the boat. Ashleigh now ready to go and has a horror run and goes in very early. Up to the far end for pass number 2. Comes in backwards for the run and again goes in very early. No score from the boat but it really doesn't matter. Won't be enough by a long shot. Emily Goldie from Great Britain up next as the rain again comes in very briefly. A solid 1st pass and then backwards with a late fall but puts up a good score. Sorry I don't have it as I'm on my way to see the CJ to discuss the whole situation. Last away is Elaine Heller from the USA who has solid passes in both directions and puts up the score to win the Gold. Great effort by all the girls but then again I ask wether they were given the best opportunity to perform. So until scores are posted it looks like Elaine Heller wins gold, Emily Goldie the silver and our own Laura Dickers the bronze. So back to the hotel now for a meal and plenty of rest before tomorrows finals. The Senior and Junior Finals are scheduled to be run. Will keep you updated with all the goings on and things as they happen. Ok so scores are out and the World Junior Girls Slalom Champion is Elaine Heller from the USA, Silver to Emily Goldie of Great Britain and Bronze to Australia's Laura Dickers.

Day 6 2006 Worlds Thursday 14th September

A good night at "Hooters" last night with quite a different atmosphere form the bars back home. Meal was good and beer was cold so all had a good time. Girls had a great time in the gift shop. But what was Benny doing in there?? Must have been buying Lisa a present maybe!!! well back to the hotel early for some rest. The lenght of the tournament is long as keeping everybody up for it definitely has been a challenge. With skiers skiing at different times and needing to keep them fresh it has been a logistical nightmare. The weather has turned cooler now so that is helping. By the way Pete Taylor is trying to convince me of his good behavior. Seems like the heat from home is getting through. It's ok Janine. We didn't take him to Hooters last night...(he got kicked out the night before!!!) If you can get a copy of the Seattle Tribune, Newy is all over the front page of news. A great photo of his high flying jump style.

Ok so well into the semi's today and the business end in regards to Team scoring. 1st away is Men's slalom and Brendan up and back with 2 good passes with 16.4 provisional. Ben is next and looks good on pass number 1 but goes in late in the 2nd pass but was looking really good. No score as yet. Pete is the last Aussie away and 2 great passes and finishes with a 17 even. Just gotta wait on the final scores to see how we go in relation to picking up any points on the US team. Nerissa up in Women's jump and ski's 3 away for 8.2, 8.3 and 8.6 respectively. Jumped well but with little luck. With Slalom and Tricks to come she is looking good. Ashleigh is top seed and will be away last skier. In for number 1 and a huge 14.9 but unable to hang on. Only just so it's in for number 2 and ski's out a nice jump of 11.8 to equal her 1st round score. Ok so down the other end for number 3. looking to go big here. 12.9 and ski's out to put her into the final as the top seed and cementing the 1000 points for the team. Senior Men's tricks final up next. Cameron and John on the dock for that one. Cameron away 1st and nails a good 1st pass but on the way home has trouble with the wake flip coming back. Has to swim to shore. He's got a dose of the flu so we'll get him some rest and set him up for Slalom later. John Stekelenburg is on the water as the top seed and is last away. Solid 1st pass and looks good. Screw the commentators as they try the psych out but it looks good from where we see it. Pass number 2 and looking for a good pass on the way to consolidate. Certainly ski's out most of the pass and falls just before time on his back to back reverse. Ok so as is the case this week jump up next and the wind rears it's ugly head again. Water isn't too bad yet but the crosswind is the factor. Ben, Brendan and Brett in it for the green and gold. Ben up 1st and ski's the 1st one away with a distance of 22.3. Up tot he far end for number 2 and a shot of looking at the finals. A bit bigger now with a 23.1 nad then a bit further with 23.5 for number 3. Now we wait to see if he has made the final but it may not be enough. Brendan out next and looking for valuable team and overall points. Nice jump but needs more ramp time and ski's out a 22.2 metre jump. Up to the far in in the Ghekko and jump is bigger but unable to ski it out. But it seems that it was a re ride of jump 1. So we wipe the 1st jump score and then have a zero out on the re ride. It's ok as it was smaller than round 1 anyway. So up the far end for number 2 now. Rides it and comes up with 22.9.  Hey sh....t!!! We got a re ride in something!!! Ki's out number 3 and pushes it out to 23.2 to finish his set. Finals not in the picture unfortunately. Well now we go into the big gun of Australian and world jumping. Brett hits the water and he's looking ready. Aussie on the bank making some noise and even Cory with a really bad didgeridoo impression! Jump number 1 and   it's out there and ski's it away at 23.8. Looked bigger but its easy enough for the finals on Sunday. In for number 2 and 24.7 but heavy on the landing and the rope goes down course with Brett on the end. last jump in the semi's for Brett and he's through ok to the final but looking for that 1000 for the team. Jump number 3 and a beauty and pushes the bar up to 25.2 which is the biggest of the semi so far. 1 jumper left and it's Dave Small with a 24.2. Number 2 is huge and pushes it right out to 26.4 which is the biggest jump of the week so far. Number 3 and although he isn't an Aussie I'm sure you all want to know! Another big jump but a bit smaller and unable to ski away. Junior Girls Tricks semi finals up next. Both Laura and Ashleigh in this event for Australia. 1st pass for Laura and all the way up to the far end. Coming home the front to back is shaky but it will depend on the judges on that one. Provisionally 1800. Ashleigh away and a great 1st pass. Looked really good so it's all to do now on the way back. Stands it all up but loses it on the Step to the front. Provisionally 2220 so a good improvement. Team score getting interesting with South Africa ahead of us with the USA 3rd. Getting interesting over here folks! Junior Boys away next with Jamie flying the flag. Pass number 1 and he ski's all the way to the end. Looked nice and solid but no scores as yet. Falls after the reverse back toe but provisionally an 1850. Won't be enough for a final but Jump is left. He's had a good Championships to date. Well that would have been it for the day but just when it was time to go the CJ springs an event forward. Then just before it is about to start calls it off. So then end result is that we all go home and relax until tomorrow. A big hi from all of us over here to all of you down there. We are thinking of you all.

Day 5 2006 Worlds Wednesday 13th September

Well a great night last night and everyone had a great time at the launch of the new barefoot video from Team Vortex called "Soul." Everyone was in fine spirits and a few certainly let their hair down. Antics not seen since the KKK tournament were witnessed!! As I said earlier, footy trip rules apply here.

Well 1st up today was Men's A tricks for the elimination round. 1st away is Brenton and a great 1st pass but goes in 2nd trick coming home. Good provisional of about 5400 so will be enough to progress. Pete away next and good solid pass down the lake but Falls coming home. Knee starting to play a bit of havoc but with the 1st pass it might be enough. Women's B jump and Stacey 1st away. Jump number 1 ski's it out easy and scores a 6.7. Number 2 bigger and pushes it out to 8.2. Jump number 3 and bigger again but unable to ski it out. It will all come down to what transpires in the rest of the event to see if she can progress. Next event will be Women's A jump where Nerissa and Ashleigh fly the flag. Nerissa away 1st in windy and cold conditions. Ski's out a 7.2 for an opener. Gee, it's bloody cold here. Feels like the wind is coming straight off the Artic. Tricky conditions with a fair crosswind but the water is surprisingly ok. Not saying it's glass but it ain't bad. In for number 2 and nice looking jump increasing the distance to 8.8. Getting better all the time and back in for number 3. Ski's it out ok but only a 7.9. She will make the semi ok though. Ashleigh next away and number right out there at 13.7 but unable to hang on. Jump number 2 and much better from on the ramp and ski's out and 11.7. Just 1 more jump for Ashleigh and then that will be the Aussies done for the elimination round. Semi's start this afternoon. All skiers have made a semi with the exception of Cory. Bad luck as he has done all right. Jump number 3 and a huge 14.0 metres. Bad part is that she is unable to hang on to the sucker but easily through.

Well semi final time and Senior Men's jump going on. Peter Taylor 1st skier on the water. Will he make finals day this year???? Will he be awake for the event. Spies say that he had trouble keeping awake while sitting down before he skied?? Jump number 1 and ski's away but not big enough for a final yet. Jump 2 and only a 9.9 so still needs to go bigger. In for the last jump and can only get out to??? Well waiting on a score but I can tell you it wont be big enough. Oh well he can dry the wetsuit out now so it doesn't weigh to much in the luggage on the way home!!!! With John, Cameron and Warren to come we will be looking to get some distance to help the team score situation. 1st away is john and a 17.7 for number 1. Water isn't great so we hold for a while. Jump number 2 bigger and comes in at 20 metres even. Great for both Team and individual overall points.  Jump number 3 and smaller in the rougher conditions and unable to ski it out. He's into a final with that one though. Cameron out next and jump number 1 was big but not able to hang on to the sucker. Now we are in hold as the weather has turned a bit and the water ugly. I'm off to see the CJ for a re ride request John's last jump. We have a fair case so it will depend on the god's now. In the meantime looks like we a at it again. Cameron in for number 2 and passes up the jump. Spray off the side of the boat is an issue here with the wind as it is. Takes a re ride and unable to ski out another good jump. Number 3 and there are issues out there as he has to jump conventional due to the conditions. Off to the CJ again. Warren in for number 1 and a nice jump and ski's it out easily. 18.5 for number 1 and then backs it up with a 19.2 on the second. Number 3 and goes for distance but just can't hang onto it. Well success on a re ride for Cameron's last jum and we still wait on a result of our concerns over John's. So Cameron coming in for a re ride of jump 3 and looking for some points and the finals. Not a good jump as again has to convert back to conventional but ski's away a small distance. Have to wait on the finals situation. Just in late is that John and Warren have made the jump final on Saturday. Well finally get the goods on John's re ride. No go and I reckon again we've been screwed again! Man I gotta get that lube. That one hurt!!! Bugger it.... Might as well make them work in the judges area so stuck in protest quoting about 4 different rules. That should make em busy for a while. Anyway we got some valuable team points to make things interesting. Into Women's Slalom semi final and Stacey, Nerissa and Ashleigh on the water. Stacey 1st away and has trouble with the back deepie. Pops the handle after being towed through rollers. So yep, you guessed it. Off I go again and you know what happens..... I'm not one to complain too much but we are being screwed a little too often especially today. It's wearing very thin. I don't know what more I can say except that it is very disappointing that we come this far, ski so well and then screwed as well. Oh well, Ashleigh's turn and good solid 1st pass then goes in on the way home but looked solid until then. Nerissa up last of the Aussies and 2 good passes and pleased with the result. Solid performances all round. Junior Boys Slalom semi final and Jamie ski's 2 good passes. Has couple of drops on the forwards pass but makes it both ways. He has had a good worlds so far with some great performances and PB's. Junior Girls Slalom semi last up for the day and Laura and Ashleigh looking for more team and overall points as well as run into the finals. Ashleigh 1st of the girls away and 2 great passes to finish with a 13 even. That boosts the team and individual scores with that run. Laura up now and a great 1st pass and backs it up with a bigger 2nd pass and puts up a 11.2 which is a big PB for her. Great points getting racked up by the girls. Well that's it form the Aussies on the water so now we all go back to the hotel then out to tea together to I believe "Hooters." Should be fun. Everyone has done well today and as always appreciates everyone at home. Looking forward to a big day tomorrow when we continue the Semi Finals.

Day 4 2006 Worlds Tuesday 12th September

Ok so now we enter day 4 of the worlds and with the seniors and juniors having a rest day except for those skiing in Opens as independents time for the big guns to come out to play. A lot of nervous energy around as the excitement builds. 1st away this morning is Nerissa and Ashleigh in A Slalom. With Stacey putting up a good score last night in B slalom the cut for the semi's will be interesting. Driving down to site now is interesting as there is plenty of fog around again. Could be waiting for a while. Good fun in the bar last night as there usually is. Pete was in full form again and Billy Wyatt was helping him out. Who was in the bar with Claire Willard's top and bra on?? Maybe she can buy then back if the PRICE is right! Ok so back to the skiing. Wow we arrive at site and it's great with just a little mist on the water. Nerissa 1st off the dock and 2 great passes. That mist has now turned to smoke! Wow she turned a few heads with that. No scores as yet but it looks good. Ashleigh up next of the Aussies and sets a 13.4 provisional. Great runs and PB's for both girls I'm sure. It looks like from that all 3 will go into the semi's. Back to last night for a minute as Pete is up here with the team at the moment. All he is saying is that footy trip rules apply. Why all the writing on his back??? Not sure about that. Make your own assumptions. Well back to the water now and it's Men's A slalom. 1st Aussie away is Brett who has a great 1st pass but goes in on number 4 backwards on pass 2 and has to settle for a mid 13 score. It wont be enough for a semi which is a pity as he was looking good. Next Aussie away is Ben for 2 great passes and puts up a 17.4. Good skiing and he was smoking forwards. John Stek away having a mixed run and finishes with a mid 15 score. Brendan last away of the Australian's and up and back with 2 good passes with the high 15. Provisional scores are a bit sketchy so check out the results page at the top of this page each night for the full scores to date. Laura will be the next away in Women's B Tricks. She had a good round in Juniors so she is confident of doing ok. Nails the 1st pass and then back for number 2. All very clean and great back to front but just misses the front to back but finishes with about 1960 which is another PB for Team Australia Skiers. Bank has gone ape shit in the Aussie sector and she is smiling nice and wide. Now we head into Open Men's A jump. This is going to be good. If you didn't have a jump of around 25 metres you aren't in A jump. 1st away is Ben. Number 1 and a good jump for 19.8. Up to the far end and in for number 2 and ski's away again ok but only for a 19 flat. Back for number but hold the bus!! Offered a re ride for a bad line and then ski's out and 18.2. Back in for number 3 and posts a 22.7 for a chance for the semi's. Next away is Brendan and ski's out a 21.2 jump for one on the board. In between David Small from Great Britain comes in for number 1 and sets the bar at 26.3. Great looking jump. Brendan back for number 2 and much better use of the ramp and ski's out a 22.9 but it looked bigger. Oh well number 3 on the way. and bigger still but unable to hang. Should be enough to get through to the semi's. Brett will be the next away. 23.9 skied away for an opener. Not quite right off the ramp and has to wash off some distance. In for number 2 and pushes it out to 24.9. Plenty more left in the tanks so it's off to the other end for number 3. Comes in from the far end behind the Ghekko ski boat and it's balls to the wall time. Looks good off the top of the ramp and ski's out a 24.7 but easily into the semi's. A fair bit of controversy surrounding the jump event I must say. Some very dubious decisions regarding re rides which have the bank talking. Well I better leave that alone or even I might get into trouble.... Nah, I can look after myself! Into Women's A tricks elimination and 1st off was Ashleigh who had a good solid 1st pass and then back home but falls on the line to front but a good score posted. Nerissa is next and again all the way to the end but falls on the back to front on the way home. Stacey last away and nails both passes with a lovely back to front coming home. A PB for her I'm sure. There will be no problems with all 4 girls progressing to the semi's. Last event for the day and it's B Tricks with Brett the 1st away. Nice toe up but then it all goes wrong. Falls on the 1st trick. Speed issues but it seems no re ride on offer. Pass number 2 and again comes unstuck. Not a good result for Brett. Off to the CJ for a quick chat and ask a few questions. The ACJ took the issue to the driver and crew but no go. Next time I should just try the rubber gloves and lube. That way it least it wont hurt that much! Ok so more skiers to come and next away from Australia is Cameron skiing as an independent in Opens. Blows the back tumble up but able to hang on and ski's out most of the 1st pass. Trouble on the wake flip on the way home and goes out the front. Brendan away as the 2nd last Aussie of the day. Nice run both ways which is a real boost. Good score by the look of it and hopefully will progress him. John Stek will be the last away. Ok so before John ski's we have Ryan Groen skiing. Looked good on the 1st run. Fred I know is reading with interest so I need to keep him happy. Nails the 2nd pass and he is looking at a really impressive score. Ski's nothing like Fred!!!! Ok so John finally on the water. Last skier of the day. All the Aussies are on the bank. Falls on the toe front on the 1st pass but has a good run coming home. Have to wait to see if he gets through. Well the day is done and we have seen some great results and others where we could have improved. All in all a good day and off home to rest. I'm off to a managers meeting and I'm telling you it is going to be hot! There are a few issues I think that need to be addressed. Stay tuned to more from the USA.  

Day 3 2006 Worlds Monday 11th September

Well a somewhat sombre start to the day as we remember the tragic events of 9/11. It doesn't seem like 5 years ago. At a short ceremony to remember those who died in the terrorist attacks and also those who died in trying to save the lives of many others, a feeling of triumphant glory could also be felt as we all took time to reflect in what we were here trying to achieve. A bouquet of flowers was laid by the 4 young ladies in our team to signify the 4 Australians who lost their lives as well as showing respect to the many others who perished.

Into the skiing now and 1st away for team Australia are senior Men's in Slalom. All the fellas did a great job skiing out both full passes. Looking good for all 3 to progress to the semi's. Just got to wait on those scores to confirm it. Water conditions are a little tricky as there is a bit of breeze around. The sun is out though and it looks like it's going be another great day at Lake Silverado. Open Men's finally on the water with B Slalom. Pete is the 1st aussie away and 2 great solid passes to open his campaign. The knee is sore and her won't be jumping but he has pulled up pretty well and will trick for Australia. Brenton on the water for his 1st time in the open division at the Worlds. Up and back like a pro and no problems with a good base score. Should be enough for the semi's and both looking good. Everyone is fit and healthy with the possible exception of Pete's knee and things are looking good. Far too early to tell for the teams yet but we are in strong positions in Juniors and Seniors so far. With only 1 event in Open's it is far too early to tell there. Mens B jump uip now and Pete has pulled out to save the knee for tricks so Brenton will be up as the 1st Aussie. Jump number 1 and nearly misses the deepie but tumbles out. Can't ski away and we get him a re ride due to an incorrect pull on the start which affected his jump. Gotta love this sport sometimes!! It helps to know which rules we need every now and then. Jump number 2 which is a re ride of number 1 and settles for a 11.1 to get score on the board. Jump number 2 which is really 3 but you get he idea now, and unable to ski away. Calls it a day as the heel is a little bruised so the smart move is to bail out and wait for his pet event "tricks" tomorrow. Next jumpers on the water for us are Cory and Jamie in Junior Boys Jump. Cory up 1st and an easy 9.6 to get one on the board. Back up to the far end for number 2 behind the "Ghekko Ski Boats" and much better and increases it to 11.0 metres. Jump number 3 was way bigger and bad luck as he tumbled out so in the end a no jump. Conditions are interesting with a little wind chop on the water at present. Jamie is the last away of the Australian's. 1st jump a beauty and PB of 11.8. Looking good to progress with that one. Jump number 2 bigger but lets the feet too far out the front and unable to ski out the 13.4 distance. So far he is having a great Championships and looks like making all 3 semi's. Up to the far end for his last jump. Cutting on the jump for his last and goes in. But maybe the winds have changed.... Slow boat speed so the re ride offered and Jamie says yes. Bring it on. Way to go Rowdy! In for the re ride on 3 and all the Aussies are on the bank. Look great in the uniforms and the morale is high. So in for Jamie's last jump. He's made the Semi already and now just trying to push for some more overall and team points. Squares up nice but unable to hang on to it. 12.3 metre fall. Well finally time for our lovely ladies to take to the water and Stacey our smiling assassin into the water in B Slalom. Up and back solid as a rock and smashes her previous PB and finishes with a 12.0 Great stuff and another PB into the book. Australian Women's 1 record and looking good for the semi's. Just as well she broke the record as it's bye bye to Women's 1 and hello Open Women's back home. Everybody has gone really well and Cory has been unlucky but has skied really well. 1st time at a Worlds and the pressure is tough but he has handled it ok. The opens are right into it tomorrow as it is full bore into the tournament. Round 1 is finished for Junior & Seniors and Team wise we are in good shape. Not much in it between all the top players. At the moment Seniors in 2nd and Juniors in 3rd. Don't pay too much attention though as we have plenty left. Well back to the hotel again for some needed rest. It's only day 3 but there's still plenty to go. Life's good in the USA but we all still call Australia home. If I was to go into a gossip page I wouldn't have enough space. And that is just for Peter Taylor's bits!!!

Day 2 2006 Worlds Sunday 10th September

Well after a great day 1 we are all ready to fire it up but the fog is thick so we are on hold until it lifts. Junior Boys tricks up 1st and Jamie is 1st off the dock. Well we had to wait for a while but it was worth it. Glass water and great conditions. Jamie up and back with 2 good solid passes. Cory is our only other Junior Boy and has trouble on the toe up but gets underway. Goes in about time and sets up for run number 2. Ski's most of the way back and will have an anxious wqait to see if he makes it through. No scores at this stage but will advise as soon as I can. Looks like Jamie finishes with a 21150 and Cory only an 850. Bad luck for Cory as he has really been tricking well all week. Junior Girls jump and Ashliegh will be the 1st Aussie. Jump number 1 and great pop off the top and lands a beauty of 13.4 NEW AUSTRALIAN and AA RECORD.... The bank is going apeshit... Jump number 2 and another ripper. 13.4 metres again but looked bigger. Jump number 3 and great form off the jump and in the air.and 13.4 again!!!!! Well it looked better but still the same distance. Go figure eh!!!! Well now it's Laura's turn so up to the far end for number 1. Sorry need oxygen for a second because Pete's sitting next to me and just dropped something... Well number 1 and easy over for a 6.2. Plenty of nerves and she is happy to ski the 1st one out. Number 2 and comes unstuck and unable to hang on to it. Not quite square onto the jump and back up the far end for number 3. Much better jump and looked much better than the 6.7 score. Should easily be enough for both girls into the semi finals. Well just checked the jump with Claire Willard of NZ and we can confirm the jump distance of 13.5 metres for a new AA record. That makes it a Sub & Junior Australian record as well. Unfortunately the 13.4 stands for the tournament score but there is plenty more to come. Senior Mens Tricks and John Stek away 1st of the team. Up and back with 2 good solid passes. No problems in getting through to the semi's with that one but we ain't got no scores yet. Cameron the 2nd Aussie away and again 2 solid passes and a toe butt slide to finish to thrill the crowd on the start dock. Warren last of the team to go and goes in on the toe up. 2nd pass is scratchy and the semi's look remote at this stage. Gotta wait to see on that one. John and Cameron will easily make it through. The weather here is really great this afternoon. Not too hot but enough to be comfortable. Still need the hats and sunscreen though. Junior Girls A tricks left for this afternoon. 1st away is Laura and a good solid pass on the way up. Follows up with another good backwards pass but unable to nail the front to back but still possibly a PB. Asleigh last team skier away and looking good until the 2nd toehold. Goes in but was solid enough until then. Puts up a good 1st pass score for the others to chase. Sets up for pass number 2 but wait there's more. offered a re ride for a boat speed and elects to do another pass. Risky but she nails it and everything is peachy!! Now setting up for the 2nd pass and great pass again, has trouble with the step to the front but hangs on and tumbles out. Great tricking by both girls and semi finals here we come. That's it for us on the water today and everyone has done great. Back to the hotel for some much needed rest. The Open's hit the water tomorrow for the 1st time ans they are looking forward to it big time. It's on over this way of the worlds folks. Of that I can assure you. An dof course the Australian's are right in the thick of it. Hi to all back home. We all miss you lots and are being driven by your good thoughts from downunder.

Day 1 2006 Worlds Saturday 9th September

Well its all go now and after a fantastic opening ceremony it is all go Brett was our flag bearer and got to ride in on the back of a Harley. We had cheerleaders, (which had Jamie aka 'Rowdy" interested), the local School band with all the fancy costumes, and to top it off 3 skydivers with the last one carrying the IWSF flag. Looked really impressive. A quick meeting and then into it!. 1st on the water for Australia is Jamie Payne in Junior Boys slalom. A great run up and back and provisionally 12.6 so that is a new PB and a great way to start. Cory Jones-McLean away next of the Aussies and up and back with a couple of drops but no score at this stage. A good solid start by the Boys. Into Jump next for Senior Men's and the B draw 1st with Pete Taylor up 2nd skier. Skied out 2 in a row and up to the end for number 3. Wanted to cancel the event after his 1st jump because he was winning. Good looking site with no teeth in Brendan's wetsuit. Finishes with a 10.9m as his best so will he make the 2nd round this year????? Maybe his Carlton affiliation will see him at the level they were this year!! Gotta wait for a while now for Group A jump in Senior Men's where John, Warren and Cameron come out to play. Winds coming up a little at the moment so making things a little tricky. Cameron is the 1st Aussie away and jump number 1 is not looking real flash and fails to ski away. Didn't look settled and rushing things a bit. Back up to the far end to set up for number 2. Ski's in and cuts out, nice on the ramp and ski's the sucker out. Looks like the 1st one is a no go and the 2nd is a re ride of number 1. Cool works for us. So jump 1 works out to be???? Video problem and they have to go back and have a look later?????? Fails to ride out 2 and 3 but they were bigger and should see him into the 2nd round easily. Next Australian is John Stekelenburg the 1st of our flying doc's. Jump number 1 and it looks like he is going in but somehow get s out of the impossible and puts up an 18.4. Warren is up for number 1 and trips on the jump and fails to ski away. John up to the other end for number 2. Better jump but tumbles out and is a no score. Warren in for number 2 and 18.1 for a good score. John in now for number 3 and better jump again. Slight tumble but that will be ok. 17.3 metres and good. Warren in now for number 3. Ski's it out easily for an 18.8. So all our Team should be definitely ok for round 2 but maybe Pete is looking really shaky. Well the results are out and it looks like the toothless one will make the semi finals. Scary eh??? Aussies next on the water in Junior Girls slalom. Ashleigh is 1st away of our team ( I can tell because Fran is pacing the bank like a prowling lioness smoking 3 ciggarettes at once) and a good 1st pass but falls just inside the wake on her 7th cross and has to settle for a 6.4. Pass number 2 and oops! Goes in early and has to settle for a 7.8 total. Can't use the quote she has given me but something about ducks again keep coming up! Anyway into the semi final so it isn't all bad. Laura away next and great first pass and then backs up with a solid backwards pass to settle for an 8.9. You bloody beauty. PB time. So that it for skiing on the 1st day of competition. I will try and get results of all the skiers online but in the meantime keep checking the main Worlds site.

 Training and Lead up.........

Friday 1st September

Well after long flights a group of travel weary people arrived in Seattle. Packed all the gear into spaces that just aren't supposed to be used and then a long trip to Olympia where the hotel is and early to bed for some. Others, well a couple of nightcaps and then into the cot. Highlights of the flights had to be Warren having his same reading material from both 2003 & 2005 Worlds but he did tell me that he had a new book. The commodore manual was obviously getting to dog eared and he has updated to the Lexcen manual! Exciting stuff. Laura found out that you gotta make sure that you're travel docs are correct. The wrong name on her LA to Seattle flight had the security guys giving her the treatment! Cory having difficulties speaking in a low voice when the earphones are in. The whole plane or departure lounge hears him every time. Who ever said the yanks are loud? Brenton (in economy) sleeping his little head off except for the odd stray water bottle! Cameron and I made sure the Bundy was up to scratch. Kept on getting told off by some Jap tourist who was trying to sleep! Hey he was watching a movie anyway! I used our best political lines and kept on drinkin!! I don't if what I said was in proper Japanese but he understood by the look on his face. Erika probably taught me the wrong words! Warren by this stage was trying to re write the Lexcen manual as he had found some errors! Lost Jamie in the airport but he showed up at the hotel with his mum and dad. This guy just never stops talking... A good drive in the peak hour traffic to Olympia. All the boys keeping every girl on the road amused. (In case you want to buy an RV there are heaps over here. More RV sales yards than cars!) Oh well we got here fine in the end.

Saturday 2nd September

Out of bed early as the body clocks are all a bit haywire but we make it to one of the training sites to ski for a couple of hours. All the juniors in the water 1st and shake out the travel bugs. An interesting trip to the main Worlds site and then everyone's is in the water and skiing. Jump sets for a few and Newy sets the pace with some very impressive jumps. Keeping it low key in the lead up but he is right on the mark present. Boats seem to be fine and no problems to adjusting as yet. Only problem in serviceable props!!! See Foot for the full update on that one. Lets just say that we now know why he isn't driving at this Worlds!! Jamie still wont shut up and Cory is finding out how many ways that Pete can annoy someone! Both Laura and Ashleigh skiing well early. Cameron on the water and looking ok. Finding hard to get speed though now as the prop problems surfacing. Foot on the bank watching now. Also looking for the prop puller and opening his account with the prop guy. Lucky one of the worlds sponsors supplies props. To Wallmart on the way home for some supplies and other necessities but nowhere near the antics seen in 2003 in the Texas one. The must be missing Slooters influence! Back to the hotel. Caught up with some of the Kiwi's who have been here for about a week. Found out where not to go at night from them. Something about a gay bar downtown! They said they didn't know??? They must be missing Fred and Rob's guidance?? A quiet night for all of us as we are back on the water early tomorrow. Oh by the way everyone here wishes all the dad's back home a happy fathers day! Because it's Sunday at home right now.... figure that out!!!!

Sunday 3rd September

Ok well the juniors off early to train leaving the oldies for a well deserved sleep in. Plenty of paperwork to catch up on before I'm off top Seattle to pick up the rest of the team. Hire cars are doing fine with no casualties as yet. Only the 2nd day though! Seattle turned out to be a very nice place to visit although it was a quick one. Pete, Cory and I managed to find the Space Needle Tower in the heart of the city. Up to the top to check out the sites, couple of photo's and then to the airport to pick up Brendan, Nerissa, Stacey, John and Ben. The others were at Silverado skiing and enjoying a BBQ tea. Everyone skiing really well at this stage with the only hic-up an injury to Laura's leg which turned out ok and Cory with a sore bum! Not going near that one!!! Some of the other teams rocking in now with the some of the US team making an appearance. South Africans were at site today as well. The boat seems to be running better now with the new prop. Foot had a good day and didn't damage one. I think Doug Jordan has just got a box full of them in anticipation!!!! Jamie is still making too much noise and never shuts up!! Pete is still annoying Cory and as a rule life is good in the USA. Up at 6.30 tomorrow morning for and 8 hour session. Gotta love that eh? Juniors up 1st is the cry form the bar.........

Monday 4th September

Ok well up early again and making contact with the family back home then off to breakfast. Juniors all ready and raring to go. Funniest thing I've seen for a while was the US Junior team at breakfast. Willie had them doing all sorts of stuff and little tests. Most of them went really well. then again some of them didn't. Poor Chris Morrison!! We had the waitress from hell for breakfast so we give it to her a little bit. One sad note was that we heard about Steve Irwins tragic accident. Now Steve is bigger in the US than peanut butter and jelly sandwiches so it's having quite an impact.

Well all the team is now here and been on the water. Fine tuning is the go and they are really starting to crank it up a notch. We will ski today again this afternoon and then on Wednesday all day, Thursday will be a day off and we plan to go down to Mount St Helens for a little sightseeing and see how vast the impact of the eruption in the 1980's really was. Pete is having a little trouble with the knee again but will be right by the weekend. Newy is doing great and looking forward to whole shooting match. Brendan is feeling a bit crook but ate lunch ok and it stayed where it should have so he will ski at the site later today. Brenton is skiing really well and supposedly missing his girlfriend!! Cory is just Cory and Pete just loves stirring him up. Jamie again just wont shut up! Foot has had a good morning with no prop puller required so far today! John, Warren, Cameron and Ben all skied solid today and will be having another set at site later. Nerissa, Stacey, Ashleigh and Laura all skied and no problems there. Me, well I'm just running around doing stuff and paying the bills. I'm glad I don't have to pay for Foots prop bill!!! One bit of interesting info was a Qld parent from up north had a little trouble with the wildlife here. Seems SHE can't tell the difference between a real duck and a fake duck!! She was off later quacking around saying we can all get ducked!!!!!!

Back at Silverado for the big fellas to use the big boat. Most skied very well and then a couple of jump sets then back to the hotel. Out for tea to the Outback Steakhouse, (apparently they do sell steak) a quick birthday party for Stek and then back to the hotel for some much needed rest.

Tuesday 5th September

Well the Juniors and Women's up early and out to one of the training sites. Good water and great skiing. Cory had some trouble on the way back at Burger King with a few $50 bills as they thought they looked counterfeit. He says he went off but the person behind the counter couldn't understand him anyway. Jamie at this stage was again making too much noise! Good water and great skiing. The Men's and Seniors a sleep in and a trip into Olympia to check out the sites and a little shopping. Then out to Silverado for our afternoon session. Unfortunately the wind was up and it was no skiing for a couple of hours. A great time for a team meeting and getting some stuff organised. Curfew times set for the tournament and standards expected etc. No worries for us though as we are all pretty tight as a unit. This is one of the reasons we do so well when we are away. Sorted out a few jobs for everyone and its all go. Our 2 doc's John and Warren have defined roles one as human and the other as hire car repair!!! Might have to get Warren a new manual to cover left hand drives.

Finally onto the water and everyone skied really well. Tuning up is the go and it looks like clear skies ahead. Boats going well and no prop issues today. Foot only drove for a couple of hours though! Most concentrated on Slalom and then into jump sets. Dropped into the local restaurant which turned out to be really good. Then a trip home to the hotel but Warren really has to do something about that wind problem. Spent most of the trip with the windows open! Off to bed for an early start in the morning.

Wednesday 6th September

Well out to train for the open and seniors for the early stint. And what have we here??? John Stek late for skiing?? Pete is having a day out with this one. He looks happier than a kid in a candy store at having to wake up John. Juniors with the sleep in and really happy about that. Trick sets the go and maybe a jump set on the other lake. We are on one lake and the Kiwi's on the other. Not a sheep in sight but they look happy enough. The juniors arrive after their easy morning as 4 of the opens head to site for a jump set. Plenty of other teams seem to be arriving now and all looks good for the outcome of the next week. One highlight so far this week has been some of the amazing special comments being made. Brendan, Cory are leading the race but nearly everyone has goofed somewhere. So far a prop free day and it seems like the heat is over on Foot but then why not keep giving it him anyway?? Jamie still making too much noise and the new nickname is "Rowdy!" Stacey is sitting by the water with hair blowing in the wind. A lot of hair!! The weather is really great and the suntans are staring to come on. By the time we come home we will be ready for summer.

A couple of more sets on the water and another crew to the main jump site then lunch, a bit more skiing and then back to the hotel. A few quiet ones around the pool to discuss tomorrows adventures. Everyone is looking forward to the day off and to see Mt St Helens. Although all the skiers are a bit weary they have all skied really well today. The lay day tomorrow will just come in time for everyone to be all go by Saturday. I hope to have a photo page on the web really soon. As soon as I can make it work properly it will be there.

Thursday 7th September

Well a well earned day off and a chance to see Mt St Helens which for those of you who don't know was a volcano which blew its top and side out in 1980. I think everyone came away really amazed at the power of the destruction that occurred. A helicopter flight by Ashleigh, Big Ashley, Brenton and I was total experience. It was fantastic the amount of devastation which occurred. To explain fully without seeing is really quite hard. Everyone really enjoyed the trip and really learning something new.

A quick team meeting to discuss a few items then tea and an early night. It was good to catch up with many friends from all over the World who are arriving all the time. It looks like it is going to be one hell of a Worlds.

Friday 8th September

Last day of training for the team and down to Silverado for a jump set for everyone. A little break then offsite to train and tune up for the start of the Tournament tomorrow. Lucky for me I get a day of meetings with the World Barefoot Council. The site looks great and everything is looking good. Team are all fine with no issues and looking forward to the Championships. As I sit here at the meeting I am looking out onto a pristine site and the LOC here have done a fantastic job. The Opening ceremony is tomorrow morning at site and Brett New has been given the important task of Australia's flag bearer. It promises to be a great ceremony with big things planned.

Back to the Hotel and a welcome function for all the teams, officials, family's and supporters to get together socially to start of the tournament week. A great time with name badges depicting nicknames and other feats of brilliance. All had a good. Maybe no one mare than Nana Wright. Was that Jane Green feeding her all those drinks!!!! At least was able to walk home though!