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Tuesday, Jun. 30th 2015 6:01 AM
There are many ways to think about our movement on a ski, and one important factor is where our focus of attention is directed. Example: As we approach a buoy, we can think of our hip placement and shoulder position. This qualifies as internal attentional focus. When we focus on external objects, such as handle, buoy or ski, we speak of external attentional focus. The question that this distinction poses is simple: Where should we target our attention?
Dr. Gabriele Wulf, a professor at the University of Nevada who’s done considerable research on this topic, firmly believes that external attentional focus is best. The idea for this distinction, and the advantage of the external attentional focus, came to her as she was trying to master the power jibe in windsurfing. After continued failure of the movement in which she was focusing on foot placement, she decided to change it up and focus on the inclination of the board. This new strategy brought almost immediate success, and she claims that an external focus of attention leads to faster learning of new movements and better performance, even under pressure.
Considering Wulf’s inspiration for attentional focus research, it was unavoidable that a lot of studies involved balance tasks. Experiments with snow-ski simulators, stabilometers and various balance boards clearly show that focusing on the position, direction or weight of the board leads to better balance than focusing on foot pressure.
Other studies looked at the accuracy of movement, which proved that a golfer’s focus on the face of a club resulted in more accurate shots. Similar findings were discovered in basketball free throws, dart throwing, and soccer penalties. External focus has shown to make movements more efficient, where efficiency involves less energy expenditure for the same result. If sprinters are told to focus on shoes “clawing the floor,” as opposed to leg movement, their performance improves faster.
The connections to skiing are very strong. Balance on a ski is a crucial aspect for a successful slalom pass, from pullout to exit gates. A common balance problem most of us have to face is being too far back on the ski. So, rather than focusing on front foot pressure, it would be beneficial to think about the tip of the ski being down. Similarly, if tip rise occurs at the end of the turn, try to focus on sinking the front binding more. Accuracy is another crucial aspect of slalom. An example of this is the turn in for the entrance gates, a movement that requires both physical and locational precision. If the goal is to increase the angle of the ski at the end of the turn, rather than just thinking about lean and pull, one should focus on the line tension, with the understanding that (usually) the more tension, the more angle. Efficiency is another word that’s used considerably in coaching circles. It’s often related to a skier’s “stacked” position behind the boat that allows maximum velocity and stability with decreased physical effort. Skiers will achieve this position in different ways, but once the keys are established, one can move the focus externally. So, if the goal is to increase lean, you could think about bringing the ski more under the line or, alternatively, farther away from the handle.
Focusing attention externally has been proven to work with athletes of all ages and sports. More importantly, it works with experts and amateurs, debunking the old belief that internal focus should precede external when learning new movements. Next time you start to get nervous at a tournament, focus on external objects. The rule is to think as little as possible, but if you start to overthink your body position, change your focus externally to the ski, the rope or the handle.—By Matteo Luzzeri
Ranked 20 on the IWSF World Standings list, Matteo Luzzeri is a Ph.D student in sports psychology at Florida State University. He’s sponsored by HO Skis, Fluid Motion Sports, Jolly Ski, and Aqua Flyer Wetsuits.
Sunday, Jun. 28th 2015 6:04 AM
Fresh off the heels of the 2015 NMMA and BWI Innovation Award, the ROUSHCharged Raptor does it again! Indmar Marine Engines, the worlds largest privately held manufacturer of gasoline inboard marine engines was honored again today by Boating Industry Magazine as their all-new ROUSHCHARGED Raptor 575 was selected as one of the Top Products for 2015. Products were chose for innovative achievement, impact on the industry and how they have advanced in their category.
So what does the ROUSHCHarged Raptor have that makes it one of the Top Products for 2015 that the others don’t? For one, it is the first and only emissions certified catalyzed supercharged inboard available, the first to bring ROUSH Performance supercharging technology to the marine industry and it produces the most torque ever offered in a towboat; revolutionizing how boat builders will build new models from this point forward.
The innovative minds at Indmar spent more than 3-years, over 6,000 hours in extreme lab, durability and open water testing to deliver a breakthrough engine that will forever change the towed-watersports segment. The all-new ROUSHCharged Raptor 575 provides innovative features that benefit the end user by making boating easier from operation to service and it’s backed with a 5-Year factory warranty. It has more power that’s not only stronger, but also cleaner and more fuel-efficient than comparable supercharged offerings in its segment.
To make all of this possible, Indmar’s engineering team was ableto marinize and bring to the market for the first time; Ford’s F-Series Super Duty ® block – a block that was engineered for towing. However, in order to custom build a towsport specific inboard and adapt a block with overhead cams and dual plugs to the marine market, Indmar collaborated with wake and ski experts to design innovative towsport specific components to optimize, protect and adapt the engine to the rugged demands of watersports.
In addition, Indmar’s team also designed a superior non-traditional catalyst exhaust system that delivers the lowest emissions and is the only catalyzed supercharged engine in it’s segment, resulting in a safer, smoother and quieter boating experience. Then, they topped it off with high torque at low rpm ranges to provide torque where and when tow boats need it allowing for faster time to plane and increased loading. But they didn’t stop there; they also added a suite of monitoring systems and intelligent components that make boating easier for the driver by constantly monitoring the driver’s conditions and driver input to optimize the performance and efficiency of the engine while adding an extra layer of protection.
Friday, Jun. 26th 2015 6:10 AM
 ABILENE, TX—After introducing the boating industry’s first-ever remote controlled, and fully adaptive, wakesurf system in October 2014, Tige Boats is proud to announce that the AVX Surf System and the Surf Link™ Remote has been named one of Boating Industry’s 2015 Top Products. Chosen from hundreds of nominations, the Boating Industry’s Top Products were selected based on many factors, such as their impact on the industry, innovation and how they advanced their category.”More than ever, boaters want the ability to enjoy the sport on their terms. The Tige AVX Surf System is a perfect example of that trend, making it easy for wake surfers to create the experience they want on the water,” commented Jonathan Sweet, Editor in Chief of Boating Industry.The all-new Tige AVX Surf System, featuring the Surf Link™ Remote and adaptive hull technology, is the first of its kind, making you the creator of the ultimate surf experience. Any stance, any style, any side… the power is now in the palm of your hands. The AVX Surf System is a collaboration of seven components: the Surf Link™ Remote, AdaptiVX, Tige Touch2, Surf XL Ballast, TAPS2, Convex V/Apex Hulls, and the new Raptor Series Engines by Indmar, which was also named a 2015 Top Product by Boating Industry. With the industry’s leading technology working together as one, the AVX Surf System now equips your endless wave with endless possibilities.To learn more about the AVX Surf System, visit tige.com/avx.
Tige Boats launched in 1991 placing innovation and passion at the heart of their boats. Today, Tige keeps these values alive with one common goal in mind—to make your ride better than anything else on the water. From the new ASR to the highly-acclaimed Z3 and throughout the entire 2015 lineup, Tige produces the most technologically advanced product line specializing in massive wakeboarding wakes and ocean-size wakesurf waves.
Wednesday, Jun. 24th 2015 6:43 AM
Two of the most progressive names in action sports, MasterCraft Boats and ESPN’s X Games, have announced a renewed collaboration providing an entirely new platform to showcase the latest, boundary-pushing athletes in both wakeboarding and waterskiing.
MasterCraft Throwdown and Real Wake Driven by MasterCraft will debut as part of the World of X Games series on ABC this summer. The invitation-only, inaugural MasterCraft Throwdown is set to take place at Millennium Park in Grand Rapids, MI on August 8 with thousands of spectators anticipated to attend and watersports enthusiasts everywhere able to watch live via the telecast on ABC. Upping the ante from traditional event formats, this first-of-its-kind competition will pit the best wakeboard athletes in the world in head-to-head elimination heats with the added pressure of a “one run, fall-and-you’re-done” format forcing riders to pull out their best tricks. Embracing the “go big or go home” mantra, the event will also feature an amped up version of long distance ski jumping in an attempt to break a world record. Boasting the largest single event cash purse in the history of competitive wakeboarding/waterskiing, the MasterCraft Throwdown will showcase some of the biggest names on the water today including top-ranked pros, past X Games medalists, Pro Wakeboard Tour Champions and World Champions. Ski jumping legend Freddy Krueger will also be resurrecting the gravity-defying sport of skiflying with officials from the Guinness Book of World Records on hand to witness his attempt to soar the length of a football field in hopes of surpassing the current World Skifly Record of 299 feet.
“MasterCraft has long been at the forefront of progression in watersports from the company’s initial roots in competitive waterskiing to its current role reinvigorating the landscape of wakeboarding competitions,” said Terry McNew, President and CEO of MasterCraft Boats. “ESPN and the World of X Games will serve as the perfect platform to showcase the amazing athletes currently pushing the limits of the sport and expose the future of watersports to a global audience.” In addition to the mind-blowing action on the water, the MasterCraft Throwdown will feature a full line-up of entertainment including a live musical performance by a renowned recording artist, pyrotechnics, zany stunts, flying unicorns and general pandemonium all being produced by Gregg Godfrey, the brain behind Nitro
Monday, Jun. 22nd 2015 6:19 AM
 How many times have you heard your buddies say, “Relax your arms and stop pulling them in as you edge across the wakes?” It’s a common problem, but do not fret. Coach Vincent Soubiron (vincentsoubiron.com) has a unique way to break this bad habit, and it’s all related to your grip. Next set, instead of gripping the handle for slalom in a traditional way (baseball bat grip), place both palms on the handle and go ski. He recommends this style of skiing every other set, and he says, “You’ll be amazed at how this exercise significantly helps you when you return to your normal grip.” The benefits:
Soubiron says this is far from exhaustive, but these are the first ones that you will discover:
• Better body alignment: Muscle chains are working in synergy
• Easier to keep shoulders squared and stacked
• Provide a better handle/hips connection
• Spend less energy
• Reduce elbow tendinitis
• Drastically reduce a disorganized pulling position
• Increased rope control
Saturday, Jun. 20th 2015 6:00 AM
With a combination of French racers and inexperienced Chinese sailors, the Dongfeng Race Team is second in the nine-leg race around the world entering Leg 7.
Thursday, Jun. 18th 2015 8:48 AM
Supra Boats fuels passion for water sports with high-performance, bold designs and interior refinement achieved through precision-engineered tow boats. The flagship wakeboard boat brand manufactured by Skier’s Choice Inc., Supra Boats are the result of a quest for continual improvement in every aspect of boatbuilding. Thirty-five years of award-winning tow boats prove that fact. Everything from wake performance to ride and handling to interior refinement to production processes to the ownership experience is constantly being improved. Supra builds high-performance wake boats with a level of precision matched only by your extreme passion for water sports. Supra Boats: where passion meets precision.
Tuesday, Jun. 16th 2015 6:00 AM
At least two-fifths of owners of recreational boats in the United States are over 50, and while many continue to boat beyond retirement age, they have to adapt to some physical limitations.
Sunday, Jun. 14th 2015 6:53 AM
DAY TWO RESULTS
Pro Wakesurf Finals
Heat 1
1. Keenan Flegel 100.50
2. Noah Flegel 86.00
3. Parker Payne 85.50
4. James Walker 85.00
5. Chris Wolter 81.00
6. Aaron Witherall 71.50
Men’s Professional Wakeboarding Semi-Finals (Riders in Bold Advance)
Heat 1
1. Tony Iacconi 80.00
2. Parker Siegele 75.00
3. Josh Twelker 68.33
Heat 2
1. Cory Teunissen 90.00
2. Steel Lafferty 88.00
3. Christian Primrose 50.00
Heat 3
1. Phillip Soven 85.00
2. Tony Carroll 82.00
3. Gunnar Shuler 43.44
Heat 4
1. Noah Flegel 77.67
2. Brad Teunissen 36.67
3. Shota Tezuka 31.67
Heat 5
1. Rusty Malinoski 85.00
2. Massi Piffaretti 68.33
3. Daniel Powers 36.67
Heat 6
1. Harley Clifford 90.00
2. Mike Dowdy 80.00
3. Andrew Adkison 60.00
Men’s Professional Wakeboarding Finals
Heat 1
1. Harley Clifford 95.65
2. Cory Teunissen 93.67
3. Phillip Soven 88.33
4. Rusty Malinoski 76.67
5. Tony Iacconi 70.00
6. Noal Flegel 44.33
Pro Skim Finals
Heat 1
1. Keenan Flegel 111.5
2. Noah Flegel 97.50
3. Aaron Witherell 97.00
4. Trevor Fearson 68.50
5. Austin Keen 68.00
6. Parker Payne 61.00
Friday, Jun. 12th 2015 6:00 AM
 The vessel departed from Thailand’s waters after Thai authorities repaired its engine and provided supplies. Its destination remains unknown.
Wednesday, Jun. 10th 2015 6:36 AM
When Nautique athlete Jacinta Carroll set the pending Jump World Record at 193ft (58.8 meters) yesterday she was not finished. Carroll returned to Sunset Lakes today for the second round of the Masters LCQ and broke the record two more times, going 193ft (58.9meters) on her first jump and then soaring to 194ft (59.1meters) on her second jump behind the PCM, GM Marine Technology powered Masters Ski Nautique 200.
Monday, Jun. 8th 2015 6:00 AM
The odds heavily against them, two men who sailed together at Brown University are on track to finish their first Volvo Ocean Race.
The two close friends with the thickly calloused hands that come with years of yanking on ropes and hoisting sails are well on their way to racing around the world together.
It has been a grueling shared journey involving four-hour sleeping shifts, a bacchanalian celebration at the Equator and even a rescue mission. Though they still have the Atlantic to cross before finishing their first Volvo Ocean Race, they are already eager to do it all again.
Saturday, Jun. 6th 2015 6:32 AM
Back on the water only three months after a horrific jump crash, Stephen Collins intends to once again launch off a ramp.
Canadian 3-eventer Stephen Collins was on the right path to challenge the world’s best skiers. Prior to 2014, he had tournament scores of 2 at 39 off, an 8,000 point trick run, and a 217-foot jump. Then a jump accident in early 2014 at the Pan Am Games in Bogota, Colombia, changed all that, upending Collins’ life — but not his attitude. “We have a choice how we react to bad things,” he says. “I think about the things I can do instead of what I can’t.”
His story hints at a bit of serendipitous bad luck. You see, Collins started skiing at age 6 with his dad, then tried his hand at tournaments and competitions before finally landing at the McClintock’s Ski School in Cambridge, Ontario, learning the ropes with Jason, Jeff and Whitney. When Whitney had to suddenly drop out of the Bogota tourney, Collins was called to duty to represent team Canada.
“I wasn’t skiing well that week, but I wanted to make sure I jumped well, so I saved it all for the final jump,” he says. He passed the ramp on his first two attempts, adding pressure to his final attempt. “I went harder than I should have,” he says, “and I ended up early at the ramp and went out the front, landing on my upper back and shoulders. I rolled into the water and once I stopped tumbling I knew something wasn’t quite right.”
As he floated, he realized his legs and arms didn’t work right. “I was almost fully paralyzed in all four limbs,” says Collins. “I thought I’d broken my neck.” He cracked his C4 and C5 vertebrae, putting intense pressure on his spinal cord. Luckily, traction helped him quickly regain limited movement, and after 10 hours of surgery and screws in his spine, he regained nearly full movement. “I’m about 80 percent of where I was,” he says, a full year after that accident.
It took him only three months to get back on the water, although his strength has yet to fully return. He slaloms and tricks now, but he has yet to jump. “I’d say I’ll do it again,” he says. “I’m not ready yet, but never say never.” Collins credits his continued involvement in the sport for his positive outlook. He coaches, drives and judges at tournaments, and he’s also a certified AWSA safety director. “Skiing has been the thing in my life that has brought me the most joy. That love and passion never does away.”
Thursday, Jun. 4th 2015 6:24 AM
If you employ marine workers, it can be challenging to figure out what insurance you should invest in to ensure adequate coverage.
There are two federal statutes governing compensation for marine injury claims:
● The Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (DLHWC) for workers involved in longshoring and harbor operations includes a ship repairman, a shipbuilder, and a ship breaker. There is a long list of those who are not covered under this federation compensation program.
● The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (the “Jones Act”) covers seamen and other crew members assigned to a vessel or fleet of vessels. Among those covered by the Jones Act are deck hands, captains, engineers, drillers, and first, second, or third mates. It has also been applied to fishing and shrimping boats, oil fields, barges, tug boats, and other maritime workers at sea. As with DLHWC, there are many examples of maritime workers who are not covered under the Jones Act.
Judicial rulings are also used to guide judges as they determine the outcomes of similar cases. Many times the courts carefully consider how much time the worker spends at sea to determine which act should be applied in the case of injury. There is also a gray area in decisions about what constitutes a vessel. For this reason, in addition to considering the federal legislation, employers need to also consider legal precedents set in other cases as they determine which marine business insurance is best for their industry.
Employers aren’t the only ones confused by who falls under which federal compensation act. Marine workers are often just as bewildered, and to protect their own interests they file claims under both laws. For this reason it is not unusual for employers in the marine industry to have marine business insurance that offers coverage for both DLHWC and the Jones Act. It is also important to seek advice from an experienced marine business insurance specialist to ensure state-mandated coverage is met, if applicable.
Workman’s compensation is an important concern for marine businesses, particularly in the spring when many marine businesses like yacht clubs, marinas, boat dealers, and other commercial marine enterprises hire temporary employees for the busy season. In addition to ensuring they have adequate marine business insurance, employers should consider:
● All staff have proper marine certification and safety training
● First aid requirements are met, both with respect to training for staff and first aid supplies on vessels
● All staff know how to respond to shipboard incidents such as fires, as well as how to raise an alarm or react in an emergency situation
● All personnel have current training in survival and rescue situations
● An employee manual outlining all the necessary requirements are kept current
As for marine business insurance, there are different approaches to obtaining coverage as an employer: self-insurance, group self-insurance through a U.S. Longshore Act policy, or statutory workers compensation. There are options for maritime employer liability coverage with various underwriters.
Tuesday, Jun. 2nd 2015 6:43 AM
Generally, every sail-powered vessel over eight feet in length and every motor-driven vessel (regardless of length) that is not documented by the U.S. Coast Guard which is used or on the waters of this state are subject to registration by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The vessel must be located in California.
Vessels previously registered in other states must be registered in California within 120 days of being brought into the state, if it will be used upon California waterways the majority of the time.
The term vessel applies to every description of water-craft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, except the following:
•A seaplane on the water.
•A watercraft specifically designed to operate on a permanently fixed course and guided by a mechanical device that restricts the watercraft’s movement to the fixed course.
•A floating structure that is designed and built to be used as a stationary waterborne residential dwelling, which, (a) does not have and is not designed to have a mode of power of its own, (b) is dependent for utilities upon a continuous utility linkage to a source originating on shore, and (c) has a permanent, continuous hookup to a shoreside sewage system.
The following vessels do not have to be registered in California:
•Vessels propelled solely by oars or paddles.
•Nonmotorized sailboats that are eight feet or less in length.
•Nonmotorized surfboards propelled by a sail and with a mast that the operator must hold upright.
•A ship’s lifeboat (a dinghy is not a lifeboat).
•Vessels currently and lawfully numbered (registered) by another state that are principally used outside California.
•Vessels brought into California for racing purposes only (exempted only during races and tune-ups).
NOTE: Commercial vessels of five net tons or more, or 30 feet or more in length must be registered (documented) by the U.S. Coast Guard
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