Training for US Masters has started here in Florida. I arrived here on 27th April, so things are progressing along!
It's a big difference from skiing in Scotland!
Training at Jodi Fishers lake is a great place to ski, good friendly atmosphere and obviously great coaching from the man himself.
US Masters coming up soon so just getting time on the water. This year it seems most of the major tournaments are being held in USA, so events to follow the Masters will be the Mastercraft Pro-Tour Stops dotted around the different states.
Im looking forward to competing in these events this year.....already I'm gaining valuable experience!
Well I competed in my first Masters tournament and I'm glad to say it was a great experience. Skiing on Robin Lake certainly is not like skiing on any other lake in the world, skiers who skied in the Masters will know what I mean. The hype and atmosphere at Callaway Gardens for this tournament is just amazing. As soon as you arrive at the lake, you certainly know its the US Masters!
It was a great weekend of skiing. Great weather and some really cool performances.
All in all, I'm pretty pleased with my first performance at the Masters. I was 2nd off the dock in the semi finals, posting a score of 3@11m.
Top seed for the event, Karen Truelove and France's Clementine Lucine also scored 3@11m forcing a run off for the 3 of us, starting cold at 12m.
Clementine took to the water first scoring 2@11m. I then followed scoring 4@11 which equalled the top ladies score of the tournament. I thought this score would have been safe, securing a place in the final, but America's Karen Truelove came out skiing strong, scoring 4.5@11m. It was an exciting run off and congratulations goes to Karen for getting her place.
The Ladies slalom final proved to an exciting event, showcasing another run off for 1st place. Regina Jacquess was second last off the dock knowing she had to beat Emma Sheers 2.5@11m. Regina skied strong past this and secured a good score of 3@11m. Top seed for the finals, April Coble was last off the dock knowing she had to get a piece of 4 to obtain the title or no less than 3 to force a run off. Very exciting! The crowd was watching anxiously waiting to see who would be crowned 2008 US Masters Slalom Champion!
April reached the 11m line...good solid 1 ball, over to 2 ball and she looked in good rhythm...over to 3 and she looked comfortable for sure.....as she came in to 3 the title was hers for sure.....but then suddenly she wheelied out of 3 and matched Regina's 3@11m!
So another run off!!! The girls certainly put on a show for the adoring US Masters fans over the weekend!
Down to the run off......Regina skied first, starting at 12m. She scored all 6 buoys at 12m moving on to the 11m line. The crowd was silent, all placing bets on how many buoys she would get.....
Regina skied towards the pavilion scoring 4@11m....now it was down to April.
Who would take the title?
April pulled out for her gates at 12m....she seemed to be a little narrow as she turned in for her gates, came into 1 ball then.....over turned and fell, scoring 0.5@12m..... A shocked crowd seemed silent for a second as they were a bit surprised at what happened! However, the "Regina Fans" were on their feet cheering for the new 2008 US Masters Champion.
Congratulations goes to Regina and April for some really cool skiing! Great to watch the girls putting on a good show!
So there it is, Regina Jacquess takes the 2008 US Masters Title, 2nd place April Coble-Eller and 3rd place Emma Sheers.
Great weekend and I look forward to competing again next year!