The final two brackets came down to Jeremy Newby-Ricci of the UK against 2012 Champ Todd Ristorcelli or Orlando Florida. Ristorcelli put out a score of 3.5 at 39 off and Newby-Ricci came back with one buoy better with 4.5 at 39 off.

Thank you to Nautique, O’Brien and all the sponsors for your dedication to the best water ski event of the world. We would also like to recognize all the officials, Ski Club of the Palm Beaches, Palm Beach County Parks and Rec and all volunteers. Congratulations to all the skiers who made it to the finals and hope to see you next year for the 11th year of the Big Dawg Series.

The final two came down to Todd Crow who ran 3 at 39 off and Mark Johnson getting 3 at 38, crowning Todd as the Senior Tour Champ under the lights.

Thank you to everyone who participated and all the sponsors for your dedication to the series.

The two legends of the Nautique Big Dawg World Tour went head to head for the final two on Sunday.  Ben Favret challenge Dave Miller and Miller with both running a trying 39 after two days of skiing.  Dave Miller put up a score of 2 at 41 and Favret came back with .5 at 41 giving Dave Miller the title of the Big Dawg of Michigan.  Thank you to all the sponsors and our gracious hosts Jeff, Patty and Whitney Smith.  A special thanks to all the sponsors who help contribute to the different and exciting show of water ski athleticism.  Also, thanks to the skier who dedicate their time and passion for this sport and to Nautique for bringing us this series.  See you at the finals in West Palm Beach!

Final Brackets

SATURDAY PRELIMINARY ROUNDS

It was off to a slow start this morning with only a few guys getting into 41 off in the first round.  But after the warm-up, the Big Dawgs were fighting to get into the Sweet 16.  Weather was not a factor.  There was no wind and sunshine all day.  Water temp is about 80 degrees and the shore lined with cheering spectators.  Congratulations to the Sweet 16.  Start time 9:00am on  Sunday.

Saturday Scorebook

FRIDAY SITE REPORT

Lake Conditions – Like butter
Weather – Calm, no wind, blue sky
Water temp – 80 degrees F
Air temp 85 degrees F
Skiers – Ready to go
Time Zone – Eastern
Twitter –  Follow @skibigdawg

RUNNING ORDER

Location
Jepawhit Water Ski Club
Lake Jepawhit
Gaines Township, Michigan
Lake Jepawhit is located at 9209 Baldwin Rd. in Gaines Michigan 48436. From Flint Bishop International Airport FNT only 15 minutes. From Detroit Metro Airport DTW one hour.

Entry Fees
$180.00- Checks made to BAREFOOTING UNLIMITED INC. WE ALSO TAKE VISA-MASTERCARD-DISCOVER. Must have all paperwork and fees paid in full to be considered officially entered in this tournament.
Deadline is 7/1/2013
Late Fee – $10 per day
USA WATER SKI ENTRY INFORMATION 

BIO - Online

Send Entries to:
Patti Smith-Big Dawg
4037 W Silver Lake Rd.
Fenton, MI 48430
810-343-6358
sssports@silverspraysports.com

Accommodations
Fenton-Fairfield Inn-810-629-0400. Fenton-Holiday Inn Express-810-714-7171. Flint-Holiday Inn Gateway Center-810-232-5300. 15 minute drive from each hotel to the ski site.

Grass air strip available at Lake Jepawhit ski site with prior approval by site owner. Please contact Jeff Smith at 810-343-6357.  Also Price-Linden Airport available with paved runway for small plane accommodations 7 miles from ski site.

Practice
Practice will be run at the site on Friday July 12 with start time TBA.

Schedule
Saturday July 13-8AM Sunday July 14-9AM Subject to change-weather permitting.
Saturday July 13 two round qualifiers. Saturday evening on-site banquet. Sunday July 14 slalom Head-to-Head Finals and the presentation of cash awards. Subject to change.

Congratulations to Jeremy, the European Nautique Big Dawg World Tour Champion.

2nd Thierry Malhomme
3rd  Fabrizio Merlo

FINAL BRACKET RESULTS

Congratulations to our Champion Greg Badal
Tim Huston 2nd
Ben Favret 3rd
Kyle Jones 4th

 Final Brackets (Unofficial)

Saturday Preliminary Rounds

LOCAL NEWSPAPER FEATURES BIG DAWG SKIERS

2011

How did you prepare for the 2011 finals? 

Trained harder than I had ever done in the past.  I would run up to six 38’s in a row and then go at 39.  By the time the finals rolled around, I was bullet proof at 39.

Kyle Tate 2011 Big Dawg Champion ready for 2013

You had heart surgery just after the finals, tell us what happened?  

I have an electrical AV block in the lower part of my heart which is a defect in the blood pumping ability of the ventrical.  My Mother has the same condition.  I learned of my condition while at work about 7 weeks before the 2011 Finals.  I actually passed out while meeting with a client and off to the hospital I went.  Just a few days out of the hospital and while waiting to see the heart specialist, I decided I would ski in the Southern Regionals and won that event (probably shouldn’t have done that).  Once I saw the Cardiologist and learned that my problem was more pronounced while at rest, I decided to postpone the Pacemaker surgery until after the 2011 Finals as I knew I was skiing well, I believed I could win and it could possibly be my last Big Dawg event.  My victory was no coincidence – that’s for sure!

I honestly was able to put it out of mind.  I knew from the cardiologist that I was at my best when exercising so it gave me peace to be on the water.

How soon after surgery did you start skiing again?  

I was back on the water five weeks after the October 2011 surgery but had to go back in December 2011 because one of the leads connected to my heart had slipped and my problems had returned.  That second surgery kicked my buttocks both physically and mentally.  Something happened in the surgery that left my shoulder in a bind where I could not raise my arm above shoulder height until just recently. I joked about the cardiologist hurting my shoulder on purpose in an attempt to keep me off the water.  The mental part of it has been a process for sure.  I have to admit that I still worry about the pacemaker leads and how a bad fall might cause a serious problem?  THERE IS NO solution other than to man up and press forward a la Jeff Smith.

How does having a pacemaker affect your mental and physical preparation for a tournament?  

The bottom line is that I skied very poorly last Summer. I was skiing well in practice but for some reason it did not translate to competition.  I was getting extremely winded in tournaments and by the time I got to 39, I was beat.  Then after a poor showing in my title defense, I skied the MM Nationals and opted-up from 35 to 39 and bam, right back into 41 off.  I learned shortly thereafter that my pacemaker is also a regulator so I am still learning how to cope in tournament conditions.   I ran 39 eleven times last Fall – all opt-ups, so I might be on to something.  Obviously the opt-up would be ok for Big Dawg qualifying but the head to head is a different story.  I’m still working on a solution.

Kyle Tate Okeeheelee Record - Spring 2013

What is your skiing strategy when you train?

Go up the line!  “If you don’t go – you won’t know”, quote by Sammy Duvall.

Where do you ski?  

Lake Roper in Winter Garden Florida (Sammy Duvall’s old ski school lake)

Who do you ski with?  

Mainly my next door neighbor, Marco Bettosini and son Cooper.  Also, Ben Favret at his lake and Doug Ross when his back is feeling ok!

Anything special you will be doing to prepare for Mississippi?  

I need to get moving.  I recently skied the Okeeheelee Spring Record and while I ran 39 in a practice set before the tournament, my tournament scores were not good at all.  Drew Ross was there and posted 4@41 three times! Ironically Drew and I had a few good matches last fall, most of which I came out on top, but now he is on a new ski and looking like the younger Drew Ross.  I am officially motivated to train if I can get out the court room a bit.

Cooper Tate

You are very involved with your 9-year old son’s skiing, at what age did Cooper start to ski?  

Cooper (coop) learned to slalom at 7.  He is now running 32 off in practice with regularity.

How do you train together as a team? 

Cooper works right into the rotation with the guys and girls on Lake Roper.  Coop skis with me mostly but when I’m working late or out of town, Brenda Baldwin and Marco Bettosini get him on the water.

What do you have him focus on? 

Serious across course direction, in a stacked position, with a level but always on edge ski – this is the goal every set.  Just look at Nate Smith and Will Asher.  Matt Rini has been helpful in the evolution of my coaching with Coop.   If you want to get better – both Wade Cox and Matt Rini are a must ski!

What does he like best about skiing? 

Hanging out on the dock or in the boat.  Coop is a true fan of the sport.

What other Big Dawg skiers does he look up to?  

Marco and Coop are tight and Ben Favret is a great friend of the family.  Coop loves to watch Doug Ross ski (who wouldn’t!) but I think Mike Baldwin and Coop have a unique connection.

There some heavy hitters, including yourself, skiing in the Big Dawg this year.   Drew Ross is ripping it, then you have Andy,  Ristorcelli, Dave Miller, Chad Scott, Seth, Kris LaPoint. Larson, Tynan,  Chet, Leach, Big Ben, Badal, Todd Johnson,  these are only a few, there are some new young Dawgs coming in.  It’s going to be another exciting year.   

The Big Dawg is certainly one of the most difficult slalom events in the World to win.  Not only does it take superior skiing ability but you also need incredible endurance, mental toughness and a borderline crazy will to win.  I remember sitting in the water during the 2011 semifinal match against Thierry Malhomme where he had just run 6 and no continue @ 39 and the crowd was going wild.  I was tired but the crowd noise inspired me – I recall thinking to myself there was no way I was going to miss 39 and thankfully I got it done against Thierry and once again in the championship match.  The atmosphere at the Finals under the lights is the best stage in water skiing – period!

What boat do you train behind, and does training behind a Nautique help your confidence when it’s time for the Big Dawg?  

I train most of the time behind my 2008 Nautique; so it’s always nice to get a Nautique 200 in tournaments!

What is your equipment of choice?

Eagle vest, Goode slalom with Powershell boot, Masterline gloves and rope/handle.

PCM has been a supporter of competition water skiing forever.   When you make a decision to purchase a boat, how important is the fact that the boat has a PCM engine? 

PCM is the only boat engine I know – they have been around forever.  So yes – it matters!

Kyle Tate and Bill Yeargin, President and CEO of Nautique

Are you on a Nano One now?  What ski were you one when you won the Big Dawg finals?  

I won the Finals on a Goode 65 Mid Ride Nano Twist with ventral fin set up.  I stopped using this ski the middle of last Summer which was a mistake.  After skiing poorly in the Big Dawg Finals, I decided to mount it up for the MM US Nationals and ran 2@41without a practice ride.  Dave Goode then set me up on Nano One and I ran 39 off 11 out 14 attempts last fall with a best of 3@41 at Champions Lake Fall Record (Phil Hughes site).  Both the Mid and Nano One are great skis and I currently train on both.

Congratulations, you join a very special elite group of skiers, the Big Dawg Champions, I know you have had a special relationship with Kristi Overton Johnson, for a very long time.  She was there, that night, to share with you the exciting accomplishment,   how special was that? 

Kristi and her entire family are very special to me. Kristi and I became like brother and sister while training with Wade at Carl’s ski school in the late 80’s.  At that time, Wade was quickly rising to the top of the World standings and Kristi and I were trying to learn to ski like Wade.  I recall our training sessions where Kristi and I would always compete against each other (friendly of course).  In less than two years, Kristi was winning professional events with regularity.  I started skiing a few pro tour stops, won the Collegiate Nationals and climbed to 14^th in the World Standings Fall of 1990. In the Spring of 1991 I blew out my left wrist, which required major surgery, and off to law school I went and my water ski career over.

Favorite right now – Drew Ross.  But look out for two time champ Big Ben who is training harder than ever; Maybe Chad Scott who always wins a qualifier or maybe country strong Jay Leach who loves that Mississippi water.  My sleeper pick is Marco Bettosini who will finally get it done in a Big Dawg event like he did as a professional.    Who knows, maybe, just maybe, the 2011 Big Dawg Champion might get it going again?  You have to BELIEVE!

Sweet 16 finals – Saturday

The Nautique Big Dawg World Tour in Chile on Saturday was full of excitement as skiers competed for the Sweet 16, then immediately into the Elite 8, followed by the Final 4 with once again Andy and Todd going head to head competing for the win.  Todd finished the day with 1.5 at 41 and Andy went for the win with 2 at 41.

We would like to thank the sponsors for supporting the Big Dawg and also Miranda’s Ski School for their hospitality and  great conditions.  A  big thank you to officials, skiers and everyone who helped organize the event.  Next stop, Moomba.

View the scores and final brackets.

ROUND 1 and 2 SCORES

FINAL BRACKETS

Friday Prelims

It’s only February and the first tournament of the year for some of the  Big Dawg skiers and many admitted to being nervous on the dock.  Miranda’s festive atmosphere with music and enthusiastic skiers,  helped to calm the nerves.  There was a newcomer in the middle of the pack, Rodolfo Guzman.  He pulled out a clean 4 at 39 (10.75) early on in the running order.  He may be one to watch on Saturday for the 2nd round.

Saturday will be exciting because the skiers will compete in the 2nd round at 10:00am Chile time, then a short break to organize the brackets for the Sweet 16, followed by the Elite 8 and Fabulous Final 4 to determine our winner.  The Sweet 16 will be determined by the best score of the two rounds and 8 spots are reserved for Latin American skiers.

FRIDAY ROUND ONE SCORES

RUNNING ORDER

For photos and more information, LIKE us on Facebook and check in for more details soon.  Follow us on Twitter @skibigdawg for up-to-date information.

Thanks to PTM Edge for donating a panoramic mirror and congratulations to our winner.

Greg Davis presenting Camilo Mena PTM Edge panoramic mirror he won in a drawing.

Wednesday and Thursday Dawg Treats

Wednesday was a day to explore the canyons and visit a restaurant on the raging river called La Tribu.  This campground-style restaurant has a chic outdoor eating area and just below your table is a river that is mad with rushing water.  You would not think for such a dry climate that water would be so abundant, but it is coming from the tall mountains that surround almost everywhere your eye can see.

Thursday was an adventure as “The Americans” navigated their way to a cow pasture trying to find Chilean Ruben Rosenberg’s lake.  After the Italian, Fabrizio Merlo raced to the Americans rescue, and found them going in the wrong direction, there was finally some practice skiing behind the new Nautique 200 on this beautiful setup.  The water temperature is about 80 degrees and the sky is full of sun.

After skiing, Ruben escorted the crew to a very local restaurant called La Ruca.  La Ruca serves meat on little grill fireplaces at your table complimented by fresh vegetables and potatoes.  Todd Ristorcelli was given a Dr. Seuss-style balloon hat as a souvenir, but we don’t know why.   A visit to another Chilean lake was spectacular with its surroundings, and little pup Kotarsky was forced to ski on a borrowed ski with borrowed gloves and borrowed handle and there was some success rounding one buoy and a nice crash for the Editors camera.

Upon return back to Miranda’s ski site, reality set in because banners were in place, Nautique Boats were pulling practice and rows of tables and chairs were ready for the start of the event on Friday.  Big Dawg skiers take to the water at 1:30pm Chile time.

For photos and more information, LIKE us on Facebook and check in for more details soon.

RUNNING ORDER

John Shealy AKA Juan Chealy traveling to Chile

Okeeheelee skier, John Shealy, AKA Juan Chealy, took the week to ski at Miranda’s ski school along with Tim Huston, Jeff Smith, Ed Hickey, and Andy Mapple. Last year, Shealy traveled to Peru for the Big Dawg and was crowned the name “Juan Chealy.” This came about because he was anxious for practice time and the practice segments were going by country. Every time it was his turn to ski, there was a mechanical issue, break for lunch, or equipment failure. The South American team, mainly instigator Ruben Rosenburg decided to adopt the American but he needed a new name, therefore, John Shealy, became Juan Chealy and was moved to the top of the practice list with the Latins.

John Shealy enjoys traveling the world for the Nautique Big Dawg Series

Before leaving West Palm Beach, John spent most of his time in the gym doing his typical winter training. The weather in Florida has been superb, so he was able to kick up the skiing and get some short-line training at 39 off. In Chile, he plans on skiing two sets a day before the competition. Skiing on a foreign lake with different conditions has its challenges. He focuses on balance and rhythm and his Goode Nano One gives him the confidence he needs in unknown waters. John has skied many tournaments in Miami that were part of the Latin American Tour, and has had the opportunity to meet the Latin skiers and become good friends with most of the group. One of his memories from the Peru stop last year was going to Juan Carlos’s beach house for lunch and the amazing atmosphere and food served.

John travels to the Latin Big Dawg because he enjoys the southern hospitality and positive attitude of the series. Last year in Peru, John landed on the podium with a bronze medal and he hopes to stand on the box again this year. He has run 5 at 39 many times in a record tournament so he will be part of the top skiers in the boxing ring for a placement.

John said, “I would like to thank all the members of the Ski Club of the Palm Beaches for always supporting me, and I encourage all skiers to follow their addiction to the sport and enjoy the journey.”

ABOUT THE CHILE TOUR STOP

RUNNING ORDER

The first stop for the Nautique Big Dawg World Tour kicks off in beautiful Santiago, Chile.  The weather will be perfect with blue skies and temperatures in the 80′s for that time of year.  The Big Dawg competition begins on Friday, and the Finals will be held on Saturday.  Sunday is left open to visit some of the interesting area attractions.  You can experience scuba diving, snorkeling and the beach is only one hour away.  Chile has some of the best wines in the world and a vineyard tour may be planned for guests.

Location:

Mirandas Water Ski (in Spanish)
Mirandas Water Ski (in English)

Site Address:
11333 Camino Los Morros
Santiago San Bernardo, Chile

GPS:
Latitude:   33° 38′ 21.62″S
Longitude: 70° 41′ 5.02″W

Tourism:

Diving and Snorkeling
Area Excursions

Dates:

Friday, February 1, 2013
2 rounds of qualifier

Saturday, February 2, 2013
Sweet 16 head to head and Final 8

Banquet and awards following tournament to be held on-site

Sunday, February 2
Open for planned tourism event; Beach, Scuba or Wine Tour

Entry Fee:
$180 - Lunch provided
ENTRY FORM

BIO

Practice:
$30 / 6 passes

Accommodations:
2 houses available to rent on-site
$100 per house (sleeps 5-6)
Local hotel information coming soon

Airports:
Santiago, Chile (SCL)
Lake is 45 minutes from airport.  There will be a shuttle from the airport to the lake for guests in the on-site guest houses.

Car Rental:
At the Airport

Big Dawg Running Order PDFBig Dawg Live Brackets

Senior Tour Running Order PDFSenior Tour Live Brackets

NAUTIQUE BIG DAWG WORLD TOUR FINALS SCHEDULE

Thursday, August 15
Nautique Big Dawg 40 Skiers Prelim
8:00am – 5:00pm
Main Lake

Thursday Prelim Results To be posted after the event

Friday, August 16
Big Dawg Sweet 16 Head-to-Head
3:00pm - 5:00pm
East West Lake
Take down to Elite 8

Nautique Senior Tour Prelim
16 skiers head-to-head off the dock
4:00pm – 6:30pm
Main Lake
Take down to Final 4

Nautique Senior Tour Final 4
8:00pm - 8:45pm
East West Lake

Elite 8 Big Dawg Skiers
8:45pm - 10:45
East West Lake – Under the lights

____________________________________

HOST HOTEL

Embassy Suites
1601 Belvedere Road
West Palm Beach, FL 33406

AIRPORTS

Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)

7 miles  (10-15 minutes)
Northeast of  Okeeheelee and services most major domestic airlines.

Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

45 miles (approx. 50 minutes) south of West Palm Beach and services most major domestic airlines and several international airlines

AREA INFORMATION

The Nautique Senior Tour Finals will be based upon the results from the five Big Dawg stops. The Senior Tour Finals will consist of a sweet sixteen head-to-head format held in conjunction with the Nautique Big Dawg World Tour Finals at Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach FL on August 16, 2013.

The two competitions will be working together to promote water skiing and to expand opportunities for skiers to participate in the head-to-head format. The Senior Tour will be pulled exclusively by the world record breaking Ski Nautique 200. Below are the five stops of the tour and how to qualify:

• San Bernardo, Chile: Feb 1-2, 2013 – 3^rdand 4^thplace skiers from the Entire Latin American Sr. Tour.
• Melbourne, Australia, Moomba Masters: March 6 -11, 2013- Top two Australian skiers.
• Canton, Mississippi: June 29-30, 2013 – Top 5 skiers that did not qualify for NBDWT.
• Baurech, France: July 6-7, 2013 – 4^thand 5^th place skiers from European NBDWT qualifier.
• Fenton, Michigan: July 13-14, 2013- Top 5 skiers that did not qualify for NBDWT

“We are extremely excited to expand the Nautique Big Dawg World Tour,” stated Nautique’s President/CEO Bill Yeargin. “The Nautique Big Dawg is clearly the most prestigious 35 and older ski event in the world and we look forward to continuing to give skiers around the world an opportunity to participate in this exciting format,” Yeargin added.

Nautique Big Dawg World Tour and Nautique Senior Tour Rules

The event attracts the world’s best skiers in the disciplines of Slalom, Trick, Jump, Wakeboard and Big Dawg, who all vie for the coveted honour of winning a Moomba Masters title.

During the Moomba Masters, there is also displays from the VWSA Ski Show division, for the thousands of spectators who line the bank of the Yarra River to watch the action on the water.

March 6-11, 2013

For more information go to MOOMBA MASTERS

2012 Moomba Masters