Freestyle judging in Nashville

[GDFL]

Congrats to Ratti!:Banane09: Is routine was flawless with the biggest and cleanest tricks out of all 4 riders. Personally, I think hood tricks are for amateurs . Big air and difficult tricks are what the pros have to focus on. IMO. Lustic looked better when he was on his kawi 750 back in early 2000. I was expecting a huge backflip out of him. Also IMO, I don't think any of these pro riders have a chance for the top 5 (except Ratti) without a clean backflip at WF. they will have to go up agains Malone, Lenzi, wannabe (sp) and Rok if they want to podium. I don't think any of these guys will be doing hood tricks anytime soon. Yes , we are spoiled and want big air just like freestyle motocross. When I saw Malone's flair into a backflip, I got chills...that's what and every spectator want to see and feel when watching the pros.

A large part of what you saw came down to equipment. Josh broke his trim cable so you didn't see his backflip or flair. Parr was on a borrowed ski, but is very capable of clean backflips given the right equipment. John had equipment failures and didn't even compete. I watched him in practice and his backflips and other tricks were absolutely huge when everything worked. I think that Stoyer had a good, but not spectacular engine and he did very well with what he had.

Not that you could or should, but if all these guys had similar top notch equipment, the competition would have been interesting to watch and very close. All of the riders are good and probably on a similar level if they are on their game. As far as placing at WF, I don't think a clean backflip would do it. There are amateurs doing backflips now. It will take some kind of backflip variation or combo to get it done.

I also think that hood tricks aren't really for pros unless maybe it's a spectacular combo, but some of these guys definitely needed the filler to make up for equipment shortcomings.

 

[SJBrit]

So, how about this for an idea (and this is from watching way too much Olympic gymnastics) - what about two runs with different rules? One run is wide open - whatever you want. The other: no points for rolls or backflips. That would force some variety. Speaking personally, I like to see some finesse tricks in there - it shows mastery of the ski which is what freestyle is all about for me.

 

[Big Kahuna]

Was talking to Parr about this, as far as Ratti's ski, that motor is not condusive for any flat water hood tricks. Power is all or nothing.... That is something that I had not considered.

 

[GDFL]

So, how about this for an idea (and this is from watching way too much Olympic gymnastics) - what about two runs with different rules? One run is wide open - whatever you want. The other: no points for rolls or backflips. That would force some variety. Speaking personally, I like to see some finesse tricks in there - it shows mastery of the ski which is what freestyle is all about for me.

I like that.

 

[2nd nature]

those hulk hogan hand pumps to the crowd after every trick is killing me. i rember at sff ride a few years ago . the beach had maybe a hundred people and you would have thought some one was saving kids from a burning fire with every hand pump i saw after every trick.

 

[yamaslut]

So, how about this for an idea (and this is from watching way too much Olympic gymnastics) - what about two runs with different rules? One run is wide open - whatever you want. The other: no points for rolls or backflips. That would force some variety. Speaking personally, I like to see some finesse tricks in there - it shows mastery of the ski which is what freestyle is all about for me.

Why would we adapt rules that have worked for hundreds of years??? This is jet skiing, we do everything backward.

Seriously... A compulsory routine format would be perfect for this type of competition.

you have the standard tricks (everyone agrees on)

1. barrel roll
2. 180 stab
3. hood trick
4. monkey flip
5. flip

each trick is required to get a full score and each trick is graded on it's amplitude, style, and execution... while variations gain even more points...

this is a start and will ensure variation and make for a better show..

 

[SJBrit]

The other thing I like about gymnastics scoring is that the routine is known beforehand, and there is a maximum score for difficulty with a deduction system for mistakes. Then there's another score for "artistic content" or whatever, which is a more subjective view on the overall all style, energy etc. It still has it's problems, but it's better than the way freestyle is judged today.

 

[GIL]

Due to my ignorance, I am gonna ask.

What do riders of Stoyer and Ratti's caliber pay for their hulls, engines, and parts? How much of the travel expense do they pay, what is the payout in PRO freestyle competition?

 

[yamaslut]

The other thing I like about gymnastics scoring is that the routine is known beforehand, and there is a maximum score for difficulty with a deduction system for mistakes. Then there's another score for "artistic content" or whatever, which is a more subjective view on the overall all style, energy etc. It still has it's problems, but it's better than the way freestyle is judged today.

exactly... perfect start. everyone knows what they need to do to win the comp. Instead of just going out and winging it, they will know what they need to do or pull off to win. That way, Parr, could go over Stoyers routine and say well, I need a no handed roll right here to win this unless he screws up... Or, He could adjust his routine to something he is more comfortable w/ if someone gets deductions ahead of him...

You get what I am saying..???.

 

[PancakePete]

Due to my ignorance, I am gonna ask.

What do riders of Stoyer and Ratti's caliber pay for their hulls, engines, and parts?

Riders Get different Deals ! and Depending on company/Sponsorship !
But I have to say that is between the sponsor and the rider ! :usa2:

Alot of Contracts will Say in them, your not to speak of the deal.
and Others dont care !

Either way, they take their time and pratice to compete !
Wish I saw the Pro and AM. comp. Looks Like it was a great
scene ! :biggrin:

 

[Cody25911]

dude josh did not have a trim cable. if he had that he would of done his flip, and his rolls would have been 10X's bigger. If that would have been the case he would of killed it. It takes alot to impress me and he has killed it the little he has ridden this year. The hull and motor he has at finals will be the combo he needs to put it all together. Out of all of these guys my money is on him making the top three in havasu.

 

[Kaveman]

dude josh did not have a trim cable. if he had that he would of done his flip, and his rolls would have been 10X's bigger. If that would have been the case he would of killed it. It takes alot to impress me and he has killed it the little he has ridden this year. The hull and motor he has at finals will be the combo he needs to put it all together. Out of all of these guys my money is on him making the top three in havasu.

:trink26::friday::Banane35::fridayude, lay down the crack pipe. Josh is an incredible rider and performer, but seriously you are not acknowledging the competition. These guys eat, breathe, sleep and live freestyle! Every year is bigger than the last and Josh is a few years behind.