I remember Jason Stoyer sqeezing hand lotion all over Gary Burtka’s windshield. Good times at the Chicago Air and Water Show. I was just getting started had my Yamaha FX1 and found out what it meant to compete in freestyle. The Liquid X Freestyle Tour actually paid out pretty well. I made some good money that season. Gary introduced me later to the IJSBA and Patrick Mell. As I look at the footage I realize how much things have changed in the sport of Personal Watercraft Freestyle.
The first thing I learned is that my super jet was better for tricks. You may remember hood tricks were still popular in those days. Today’s light weight skis are much more unpredictable when trying to ride the hood. These days my rule for freestyle competitions is “stay in the tray”. Both Gary and I ride different boats for shows than competitions. Folks still like to see hood tricks. Ride by sitting on the hood waving at the young kids on shore they love it. Don’t get me wrong we still break out the light weight hulls with big motors for shows as well.Everyone likes to see big air barrel rolls, back flips and such. If I had a dime for every time someone tells me they love it when we make the skis sub under the water I would be rich. The older footage reminds us that it is fun to just get out and ride. Fountains bulldogs and subs are always fun. These tricks are also a great way to get to know your machine. It is my wish that you all will enjoy the online release of our first hit. I recommend that if you like what you see grab a copy of Twangled Remastered in our shopping cart. Sorry they are only in VHS but they also are on sale. Stay tuned for more online video in the months to come
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