So sorry for your loss Big K. Some people fail to see the bigger picture in life & I feel I should apologize to you (& the mods) for all the BS in these Chan vs BOB threads as I'm the "idiot" & "F--ktard" that Ryan (Turbo) keeps referring to.
I can't PM Ryan or anyone as I haven't posted enough, but I read all the threads & shake my head in disappointment each time I see the drama explode. I know there is more happening behind the scenes, but for what it's worth to anyone who is remotely interested, yes I worked on the BOBs. I quit because my passion was subsiding & the quality was failing. I was overworked, underpaid & stressed. My friendship with Derrick Sr. & Taunia meant more than the skis. The success of their business mattered more than my job. I had been accepted into the Union Hall, so I stepped away for the benefit of everyone.
In the interim whilst waiting on the Hall's list (with no income), Steve got in touch with me to paint some bikes & work on his munched Rok hull. After about 2 weeks of working with him he revealed the bottom deck to a new hull he wanted to build.
Yes, I worked on the Backie Chan. Steve needed some assistance with laying glass. I showed him how & since my name hadn't moved on the Union Hall list I was stuck working there for a while longer with the understanding that once I got called I would be gone. Steve was cool with that & I bounced a few weeks later.
So, yes I worked on both hulls. I worked with both companies. Two very different business set ups & two very different owners, but both are blue collared guys trying to make a living in a relatively small & exclusive industry. Without builders, without competition, without innovation this industry can't exist. It doesn't need haters, it doesn't have room for bashing and for a hull manufacturer to succeed they not only have to have a good product & good customer service they have to be respectful of each & every member of this community/industry including their competition. Whether it's bad mouthing openly on a public forum or behind people's backs, this community is so small it doesn't' matter what is/was said - truth or lie it all gets heard & reflects upon you/your business. The same goes for the riders, I understand the 'fan boy' stance, but promote what you ride, promote your team, promote your sponsors - the sport needs promoted not dragged down.
As for me, I'm out of the sport, out of the hull manufacturing. I have no loyalty to any hull, but I hope it can start to grow more positively. There are people out there that are making it happen who see the bigger picture & want there to be a future in PWC freestyle.
I wish everyone nothing but the best in freestyle & in life. We only have one shot at it, make it worthwhile.
Dave
