Skiing

World Water Ski Racing Championship in Tacoma

On your marks! Get set for something unusual coming to Tacoma July 26, 2017. Have you ever seen water-skiers go over 100mph? I haven’t. It looks kinda like this:

WWSRC

This year the World Water Ski Racing Championship will conduct preliminary races in Commencement Bay with the final heats taking place at Seafair in Seattle. In other words, most of this exciting event will take place along the waterfront at Point Ruston here in Tacoma. The logistics are being finalized at the time of this writing, but I’m told permits have been secured and this is most definitely a go.

There will be no tickets, no admission prices, no grandstands. Just come on down and watch one of the craziest things you’ve ever seen and have a stroll along the new waterfront. You’ve been meaning to check out all the new restaurants down there anyway, so why not go when you can also view death-defying stunts going on at the same time.

Water skiers.. 100mph.. men and women..

The event puts ski racers in choppy Commencement Bay to do as many 3-mile laps as they can. FOR SIXTY (60) MINUTES STRAIGHT. When I first heard about this, I assumed it would be like drag racing, where competitors get up to their top speed for a few seconds and then it’s over. Not so. These people are literally skiing faster than I drive my car, and they don’t stop for an hour. There are currently 60 teams of MEN AND WOMEN from all over the world slated to be in Tacoma for this event.

If you’ve never heard of water ski racing, you’re certainly not alone. It appears this phenomenon heralds from Australia where they’ve been 100mph water skiing for quite some time. Just search YouTube for “water ski racing” and you’ll see some ridiculous stuff going back decades. Much like Ice Cross Downhill, the WWSRC could emerge in the U.S., seemingly out of nowhere, to sweep spectators off their feet in short order.

Snow day perfect for urban skiing

It’s been a few years since we had this much snow on the ground. Had to get the rock skis dusted off and ready for 36th hill. What a joy. There are quite a few people out playing in the snow today. Terry’s Office Tavern was bustling and the turns on the east facing slopes were… nice.. for urban skiing. Where will the big snowball fight be tonight? I hear Jane Clark Park is going off. Point Defiance never disappoints. So much to do and so little time. Have fun out there and be careful. Here’s a clip of 36th:

Tacoma Snow of December 2008

Most people are ready for a change in the weather pattern following a solid week of snow here in Tacoma. Nearly a foot of snow has fallen. The extra hassles, the crowds, heck even the dangers presented by the snow have worn down many a northwest driver, commuter and shopper. I spoke with a guy the other day who normally loves the snow; he can’t wait for the leftovers from this recent dump to clear completely. Seems the white Christmas concept goes over better with the masses when it is served to them for only a day or two. It is widely believed that the holidays are hectic enough without the added mayhem of snowy roads for a week thrown to the mix.

Once iconic, white Christmas an iconoclast becomes. Careful what you wish for!

This might have been the deepest, most sustained snow pack in the lowlands of Western Washington over the past decade. I personally had no issues or conflicts with the frigid temperatures or the heavy snowing. My dog loved it. The extra fluff in the mountains and the opportunity to ski Tacoma sufficed to keep me plenty occupied. To those who floundered at the mercy of Mother Nature, I offer my condolences.

Pray for snow

Pray for snow!!!

Calling all skiers and snowboarders of Tacoma; there is a mandatory meeting Thursday November 8th at Harmon Brewery. The annual Tacoma Pray For Snow party is back, and with it come the usual pranks, prizes, super strong beer and overcrowding. I am focused on the prizes – this year the raffle is mine.

If our collective prayers are answered, I may realize my plans to be near the snow gods on Thanksgiving.

Wear your finest ski sweater. Can’t hurt.