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  • A Personal Thanks to Ski Ranch

    June 16, 2009
    I would personally like to thank the team at Ski Ranch for their hospitality and beautiful ski site.  Claire and Dave could not have been any more accomodating.  From providing local food specialties like jambalaya and shrimp to the perfect ski conditions, it was truly a skiers paradise.  We thank you!

    Laurie Lindsey

  • Finals Change

    June 2, 2009

    There has been a change to the format at the Finals. (Due to Sun Glare on E/W lake).  On Friday the Sweet 16, start at aprox. 6 pm on Main Lake (North / South Lake).  Then a short intermission, and move the show to the East / West Lake.  Start time of Elite 8 will be approximately 8 :15 or 8:30. 

    We will run Elite 8, Final 4 and Championship on E/W lake under lights.   Wrap up at aproximately  10:15  with awards presentation.   (Nothing has changed for Thursday)

  • Exciting Webcast This Year!

    5/20/09

    A bit of information regarding the web cast.  We have contracted a Professional TV Web Cast production company for this years Finals Web Cast.   Last year we used one camera!   This year   5 cameras,  one in each tow boat, 3 on shore. 

  • Eagle Contingency Program

    5/7/09

    One of the sponsors EAGLE SPORTS,  has stepped up and posted a very nice contingency program.   Check it out at

    Eagle Sports

    A BIG THANKS TO:    Chuck Gleason at Eagle Sports for stepping up and supporting us.    I hope you guys will give some of Eagle sports products a try, and support Chuck.

    QUALIFIERS:    La.  is full, however there is a waiting list in case of any cancellations.   Mich.  as of this morning they had 2 spots open.            

    Thanks again to our Sponsors:    OBRIEN,  Nutiques,  PCM, Polk Audio, ZERO OFF,  D-3, Ramlin, Connelly, Eagle Sports, Straight Line, and Global Ins.

  • Hotels Listed For Finals
    and Entries Filling up Fast for Qualifiers

    4/8/09

    A list of Hotels has been posted for the Big Dawg Finals and the Nationals at Okeeheelee.  Go to www.skibigdawg.com   then, click on Tournament schedule on the left.  When making reservations, please mention Water Ski Nationals for special rate. In addition to getting a special rate, by mentioning the Nationals, it lets the County officials track the number of people, related to water skiing, coming into the community and contributing to the local economy.  Thus, giving Okeeheelee, documentation when asking the County to continue supporting the Club and the Water Ski Park.

    As I understand it, the Big Dawg Qualifiers are filling up with entries, I believe both stops are over half full.   It is anticipated that both the qualifiers will reach the Max entry limit, which is 50 skiers.    If planning on going, it would be good to send your entry soon.  

    Greg Davis

  • Press Release
    NAUTIQUE ANNOUNCES DATES FOR THE FOURTH ANNUAL O’BRIEN BIG DAWG SERIES

    Orlando, FLA (February 20, 2009) – Nautique is proud to announce the dates of the fourth annual O’Brien Big Dawg Series presented by the world-renowned, prestigious Nautique brand.
    The two O’Brien Big Dawg qualifying tournaments will take place in Louisiana and Michigan on June 13-14 and July 11-12, respectively. Each qualifying event will pit up to 50 skiers in head-to-head competition, all vying for cash and other prizes exceeding $20,000 and a chance to advance to the finals held August 13-14 in West Palm Beach, FL, in conjunction with the prestigious 2009 National Water Ski Championships. Additionally, the head-to-head finals will be webcast live under the lights from Okeeheelee Park, allowing a large number of ski enthusiasts worldwide to view this unique event from the comfort of their own homes.
    “The O’Brien Big Dawg is about the enthusiasm and excitement of competing against the best amateur Slalom skiers in the world,” commented Greg Davis, Founder and Director of the Big Dawg series. “We are thrilled about hosting this year’s finals at Okeeheelee Park in combination with the 2009 Nationals which will allow a larger audience to experience this exciting head-to-head competition firsthand,” added Davis.
    “The entire Nautique team is excited to once again support competitive amateur water skiing in the form of the O’Brien Big Dawg. This series provides athletes over the age of 35 with the opportunity to compete like no other watersports event and Nautique is proud to play such an active role in producing the Big Dawg,” stated Correct Craft President/CEO Bill Yeargin.
    O’Brien Ski Company is the title sponsor of the Big Dawg series. The presenting sponsor for this competitive amateur series is Nautique, known for delivering high quality product and exceptional service experiences. Each event will be pulled exclusively by the Ski Nautique 196 and powered by Pleasurecraft Marine Engines (PCM). Additional sponsors include: Polk Audio, Connelly, Zero Off, D-3, Eagle Sports, Ramlin trailers and Straight Line.
    The series is open to skiers ages 35 and older who have not placed in a top pro Slalom tournament within the past 3 years. Entries for each qualifying event will be limited to the fifty paid participants. For additional information concerning the 2009 O’Brien SNBD, visit www.nautiques.com/events.
    Celebrating 84 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft, Inc. is the producer of the Nautique line of boats. The manufacturer of Nautique is known for delivering superior quality product, cutting-edge technology and exceptional service experiences. To see the complete line of Nautique boats, visit www.nautiques.com.

  • New Rule

    February 10, 2009

    The present rule reads,  The Elite 8 from any SNBD Qual. invited to finals.  The balance of skiers will be invited as follows:  the first 50% based on best single score, and second 50% based on best cumulative scores at any Qual.   Max 50 skiers at Finals.   Because we have reduced the number of qualifiers, from 4 in the past, to 2 for 2009,   The sweet 16 from each qualifier will be invited to the finals, and then the balance of skiers will be invited as above.  best single score, and best cumulative score at any qualifier.  

  • The Big Dawg Finals in West Palm Beach

    February 1, 2009

    How do you plan to run the finals in West Palm Beach?

    The Plan is to have the preliminaries (two rounds) Thursday during Nationals, on the main lake at Okeeheelee, with the top 50 skiers who have qualified (in 2009) at one of The Obrien Nautique Big Dawg Qualifiers.    From Thursdays preliminaries, we will determine the Sweet 16, for the Head to Head on Friday.  The Head to Head will be on the East West Lake,  Start time approximately 6:30 PM.  The Head to Head will be Live Web Cast, (with a much improved Web Cast), and will conclude with the Final four being under the lights.     We still have a few things to work out, and will keep you posted. 

    We're really excited about this years Obrien Ski Nautique Big Dawg, it is sure to be VERY SPECIAL.    I want to take a minute and sincerely Thank OBRIEN, for stepping up.  Also a big thanks to  PCM, POLK AUDIO, D3 SKIS, EAGLE SPORTS, CONNELLY, RAMLIN, STRAIGHT LINE,and  ZERO OFF. As we all know, business is very challenging for everyone, and the uncertainty of the economy is on everyone's mind.  For these companies to step up and help us, well, bottom line, there would be no Big Dawg without them, it is very, very much appreciated. I hope everyone thinks about these companies and the products they make when considering their next purchase. 

    Oh Yea, I forgot to mention one important Company that has been there since the beginning, and continues to support the sport we love.     CORRECT CRAFT.    Greg Davis

  • Obrien Becomes Title Sponsor

    January 25, 2009

     We are very proud to announce that Obrien Ski Company will be the TITLE SPONSOR for the 2009 Ski Nautique Series.  Obrien is committed to Slalom Water Skiing and is very excited about the Obrien Ski nautique Big Dawg. 

    Business is very, very challanging out there for all the compainies in the Water ski industry, for that matter, for everyone.  I want to thank you guys for sending the Thank you notes to the sponsors, it was very, very important in this years support.  They (the sponsors), really appreciated the notes from each of you. 

    Also a big thanks to the following companies for supporting the 2009 Series.  Guys, without the below companies helping us, we could not do the Big Dawg.         Greg Davis

    Zero Off, PCM, CONNELLY, EAGLE SPORTS, POLK AUDIO
    D3 Skis, Ramlin Trailer, Straight Line



Got bragging rights?  Pictures in magazines or publications?  We are happy to post them. 

Water Ski Mag                   Dr. Mike Morgan

Water Ski Mag December 2008 Ben Favret

 

 

A note from Greg:

I hear some of the guys (Big Dawgs), are ripping it, the past few weekends.  Big Ben ran 3 at 41 in Miami, over the weekend.  Also heard Dave Miller ran 2 1/2 at 41 at another tournament recently.  Holy Cow, These guys are stepping it up.   Will 41 fall this  year?  

I still go back to my Don Beeman Story.  Don, got 4th place at the Finals two years ago.  I think his best score was 2 or 3 at 39, (all weekend),  Now don't get me wrong, 3 at 39 is awesome,  (most skiers only dream of that kind of score).  It does go to show you, anything can happen, and just because you can't run 39 doesn't mean you can't be in the hunt.