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July 16th and 17th
Kaiafas International Cup (Kaiafas, Greece)
This was possibly the best water ski tournament I have ever been to and competed in during my 10 year tournament skiing career! Everything was perfectly organized from the transportation, meals, and accommodation to the perfect set up at the site. Vangelis, the organizer of the event, did a spectacular job and all of the athletes voiced extreme enthusiasm to return next year! Vangelis’ team of helper,s known as VAG 10, showed so much hospitality to the skiers and we really enjoyed getting to know all of them during our time at Kaiafas.
As we left Athens International Airport, we were told to go to the Sofitel Hotel just across the road from the airport to wait for our transportation. To our surprise a room with snacks and drinks had been organized at the hotel for us to wait in for our ride to Kaiafas. Never in my life have I arrived at a professional event and actually felt like a professional athlete. In Greece we felt like pro skiers every step of the way.
When we arrived several hours later in Kaiafas we had a late dinner (which is normal in Greece). The next day a relaxed practice was run at the site for anyone interested in taking a ski ride. Kaiafas is a beautiful site which is basically a canal connected to the ocean. The sulphur/salt water is very soft and slow, which makes for quite a nice slalom site!
Friday afternoon after our practice rides all of the skiers were taken on a large tour bus to Olympia, which is the original city of the Olympics and sports. The highlight of our trip to Olympia was seeing the long strip or track where the running event took place in the ancient Olympics. The tour guide pointed out the marble start line used in the ancient days and all of us skiers lined up on the start line for a memorable photo.
Friday night a cocktail/kickoff party was organized with a live Greek television broadcast on Supersport TV. All of the skiers were given goody bags (with free cell phones) and Men’s Health freebies. All of the athletes were introduced and brought up in front of the camera. The welcome party was first class, just like the entire event.
Saturday morning the event began with the first round of women’s slalom. The format of this event was quite unique, but I really thought it was an interesting and successful way to run a professional slalom event. We were given three record capability rounds and the skier with the best score out the three rounds was the winner. Then the top four scores in the women’s slalom event and the top eight scores in the men’s slalom event were taken through to a head to head competition. The winners of the head to head competition were given Tag Heur watches and trips to Greece.
My first round score was 3 @ 38 off (11.25 meters) which put me tied in fourth place with two other skiers. The third round I almost beat my best score of the tournament and skied 2 ½ buoys at 38off. In the first three rounds the only competitor to complete the 38 off (11.25 meter) pass was Karen Truelove. I missed making the head to head by ½ a buoy. I was a little bit disappointed because I really wanted to compete in the head to head for experience and fun, but next time I will be there!
I always feel frustrated when I fail to make the cut, but I have to remind myself how much younger I am at the moment than most of the field. Although I have had some success in the past, I am still maturing and working on gaining experience and toughness on the water. In each event I feel like I am gaining more confidence this season and by the World Championships in less than one month I should be at the top of my game!
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 All of the athletes at the end of the event
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The Kaiafas International Cup was sponsored by Men’s Health, Cosmote, Honda, and Oneil. The event was such a success and I would like to say a big thank you to TEAM VAG 10 and Vangelis for all of their hard work and passion for the sport! I love Greece and hopefully we will be invited back to compete in Kaiafas next year.
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