This is not an instructional ski video, it’s not a “Pro’s only” video, it’s not a video of record breaking ski runs.  What it is, is one of the best water sports videos ever compiled using state of the art equipment, innovative camera angles, and best of all, skiers we can all relate to.

     The Film opens up with a breathtaking helicopter ride down an endless ribbon of glassy river water. Watching it is mesmerizing and inspiring.  This film is more than just a ski video; it encompasses most major disciplines of water sports. It has great music mixed extremely well with the action shots and best of all; the sound track is available on CD.  The use of local and area musicians makes this video even more special. Along with the local skiers it really helps capture the true local feel all of our ski sites have. 

     The various shots taken using multiple camera angles really captures the power and energy of all the water sport disciplines. The scenery and wildlife along this pristine river make it a destination point whether or not you’re on the water or hiking the bluffs. As everyone congregates along the shores it starts to bring your senses back in line and put your priorities in order. The only rush hour is the rush you get from the hours on the river.

     The Slalom skiing is a wonderful mix of open water and course skiing. The power of the skier can be seen with camera angles that pro skiing television could take a lesson from.  It isn’t just skiing, but general boaters, swimmers, and people tubing along the edges and generally just spending a day in their secret spot on the river.

     The film is more documentary than action movie but is chocked full of action shots. It’s the type of film you would make of your own family and friends if you had the time, money and resources to do it right. The Callaway Brothers got it right.  It makes you yearn for a simpler time with a slower pace and leaves you wondering why all days can’t be like this day on the river.
 

     Sunrise on the river brings you into a morning we all want to experience. Tranquil and quiet, it only leads you to wonder how such places exist and is kept such a secret. The first run in the morning begins with a light mist rising off the water, my favorite time to make a run. Just like snow skiing, there’s nothing quite like “First tracks”

     This run alone shows just how much skiing has to offer you. There’s so much more to skiing than just running six buoys. Not to say this film doesn’t cover some awesome course runs. The camera angles are like nothing shown before. It captures the power and finesse of running the slalom course. Parallel boat shots, overhead shots, in the boat, from the shore, in the water. The Callaway’s did a truly commendable job of grafting all these angles into a seamless slalom run.

     This film showcases your average skiers, as most of us are. Not elite short liners but skiers like us that do it for fun, maybe a tournament here and there with a few national contenders mixed in. And while a few recognizable skiers are in the film, such as Mike Seipel, Michelle Simpson, Peter Chase and several others, it’s really a film about all of us. People whose abilities we can relate to whether we can ski as well or not.  The last slalom run of the day is a beautiful sunset run skiing this river in Texas. Some there refer to it as “The bug run”, we can all imagine why.

  

     The bare footers are the unofficial stars and nuts of the river, making some unbelievable runs, doing all kinds of tricks and stunts. The footers really make this film another reason it’s a must see video. After watching them it’s still hard to imagine what they can do without skis. Just using their feet and bodies in ways never meant to be used.

     The obvious unsung hero of this video is bare footer Gary Hickson, as one young man puts it so eloquently in a typical Texas drawl, he says of Gary, “He ain’t right” but the man can truly barefoot. He’s in class by himself and um, well let’s just say he’s “unique” We’ve all known someone like him but this guy is caught on film for all to see and enjoy. His passion for his sport, his family and the river comes through without any pretense.

     This film helps explain to the non skiers just why we are so addicted to water skiing. So many times we have to try and explain the un-explainable. The one word that keeps coming up during this film and with most skiers I know of, is “passion” Watching the skiers on the river gives you the feel of the passion they have for their sport and their secret spot.

     The wake boarders showcase the newest breed of skiers. Performing amazing jumps and tricks, their passion is no less than any other river rat. The music’s a little louder, the wakes a little bigger but the love of the water is the same. And with miles of river snaking endlessly they can enjoy long unbroken runs until only fatigue drives them to stop. There’s also a nice section on wake surfing; where riding an endless wave is only a dream for beach surfers, on the river it truly is endless.

     And if you’ve never witnessed hydro foiling before this film will leave you wanting to either get on one or never in a million years get on one. The air these guys get is just unreal. But beware, a foil runs deep and rivers have sand bars, stay tuned through the end for the outtakes, they’re well worth it.  From the typical to the outrageous, if it can be done on the water it’s already being done on the river.

    I would highly recommend this video for any water sports enthusiasts. While it’s not an action movie it’s an action video with more adrenaline pumping action than any blockbuster film because this is all real, by skiers just like us, enjoying a day or two on the river with family and friends in their on “Secret Spot”, just like we’d all like to do.

     On a scale of one to six buoys, I’d give this video a full pass, six buoys.  Well done guys!

Gordon Slingerland
    

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