Those were the days! Tons of riders, you usually had to qualify for main events even at regional races. Thousands of spectators, Bud and Busch as title sponsors, weekly prime time coverage on ESPN. Racing was rail to rail with tight courses, and lots of passing. The best rider usually won not the fastest boat. Every ski had battle scars from contact, and there were no couches. coincidence?
The first 2 pics are Lloyd Burlew the rider who took the whoop it up style of freestyle to another level. Non stop arm pumping and yelling at the crowd. I've never been a fan of that style. I always liked riders that impress with their skill rather than arm pumps, like Scott Watkins, or Larry Rippenkroger. Lloyd had awesome skills to go with his style though. I was one of the judges on his first freestyle competition which he won hands down.
The first pic he is either going into or coming out of a power 360. Tough trick with a leg on your nose on a 550. He would also do tail stands and tail spins with a leg up there. He's a limber bastard! LOL
The second is his trademark handstand. He would go full speed, pop up unto a handstand and hold it. Even after the ski came to a complete stop, he would still hold the handstand.
I keep hoping the sport will get that big again one day. It wont happen without some major changes though.
