TRICK SKIERS WAKE UP! 
By Paul Fraser

Trick skiing has been a permanent fixture in a classic three event
skiing ever since it was popularized by "Tricky" Ricky McCormick in the
early sixties.  Patience, dedication and hours of practice are required
to excel at trick skiing.  A qualified coach/pin person, a competent
driver and a tournament ski boat are pretty much mandatory if the
individual is serious about competing at higher levels.  These factors
have hampered trick skiing's recreational involvement and growth.  Even
on a competitive level, tricking attracts the least competitors.
Purists will attest to the fact that trick skiing takes more time to
acquire the same level of performance as slalom and jumping.

The 90s brought the advent of wakeboarding, which has injected new life
into the water ski scene.  At the recreational level, the number of
participants is growing rapidly and this will help feed the tournament
sector.  The simple fact that it is easy to learn allows people of all
ages and levels of ability to participate.  Also due to the wakeboards
design, the learning curve is steep, and a great number of talented
innovative riders are emerging on the scene.  Many three-event skiers
are hanging up their trick skis in pursuit of a new challenge.  Some
have even quit slalom and jump to commit to wakeboarding full time.
This year the US Pro Tour cut back to three events from seven in 1995.
Men's distance jumping is the number one draw followed by wakeboarding;
men's slalom is a close third.  These three disciplines are ranked from
a spectators point of view through surveys conducted at the tour
stops.  Many of these spectators are turning into participants and the
majority of these people are taking up wakeboarding.  This is
consistent with the trend that has seen wakeboard sales pass those of
slalom skis in 1995.

The wakeboard and the trick ski share some similarities, but there is
one key difference  - the sideways stance!  The first board that
emerged in 1991 used a surf shape with a distinct nose and tail.

It wasn't until 1995 that the twin tip or "twin tail" shape evolved to
become the rage in the wakeboard market.  "Symmetrical twins" are
designed for freestyle and "directional twins" are ideally suited for
freeriding.  The most common stance is with the rider's foot position
shoulder-width apart and back from centre.  The front foot angle will
vary from 9 to 36 degrees with the back foot at 0 degrees.  As the
individual progresses to the point where they are riding in the reverse
position more often, a centred stance may be more preferable.  The foot
angle may change to 9 degrees front/9 degrees back, which is more
anatomically comfortable and is referred to as "duck stance".  The
rider's weight and ability determine the board model and length, which
varies from 135 to 152 cm respectively.  The trend has gone to shorter,
wider shapes that more closely resemble that of a trick ski.  By adding
a fin to the tip of the board, which is shallower, or low aspect
compared to that mounted on the tail, the board will track better and
be more stable in the reverse or "fakie" position.

Some of the tricks performed in competition on a wakeboard and trick
ski are the same, as are the point values. Basic surface turns and wake
tricks, are all judged in the same manner; however, line stepover or
toe tricks can only be executed on a trick ski.  The variations of
grabs, rolls and snowboard-influenced moves have provided wakeboarding
with incredible diversity.  Judging the wakeboard freestyle events
involves a subjective vote, and style points are awarded based on the
individual's personal flair and aggressive riding.  Each trick has a
point value which is determined by the degree of difficulty.  The rider
will perform five tricks in two 25-second passes.  The rider may, at
his/her discretion add a sixth trick at the end of the second pass.
This trick must be identified as the "wild card" trick on the attack
sheet.

The "expression session" is just that.  The object is to determine the
best freerider on the given day of competition.  Each contestant is
judged on one individual routine that begins when the rider leaves the
dock, and ends when time expires.  Each rider is allowed an equal
amount of time based on the number of contestants to compete in the
window available.  There is no attack sheet for the pass in which the
rider may perform as many different tricks as he desires, with the
emphasis on creativity and personal expression.  The tally for the pass
consists of subjective (style points) scoring only.  The rider loses
points if he falls, while also eating up valuable time.  However, the
risk may be worth it, as points are awarded for a good recovery.  The
course may include floating obstacles such as foam buoys, logs,
inflatable rafts, even canoes and small boats.  By sliding across,
bouncing off or jumping over these objects in various ways, the rider
will add variety and points to his run.  A condition called a "double
up" is created when the boat crosses its path and the two wakes form a
peak.  When timed just right, the rider can maximize his lift and
generate incredible height.

The strategy in the "expression session" is simple, just go for it!

Wakeboarding has complimented the trick event since it was accepted on
the traditional tournament scene.  So far, the two disciplines have
coexisted favourably at the amateur level.  At the professional level,
however, there are signs of animosity towards the wakeboarders by the
three-event skiers.  This is understandable, as wakeboard addicts steal
the spotlight.  The question is, will the three event structure
continue to exist as it is, or will there be a transition to a joint
association?  Will the wakeboard frenzy and growing number of
participants take over the trick event as well as establishing their
own network of competitions at all levels?  Only time will tell.

Paul Fraser is the president of the Canadian Wakeboard Association,  He
is also the national sales manager for High Output Sports Canada Inc.
For more information, call (604) 985-3933.