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I'm building the photos page where I will have many of memories from this competition posted for your viewing and/or purchase.  We can do calanders, mugs, photos, posters, etc....   YOU CAN CHECK OUT WHAT I'VE POSTED SO FAR AT;  http://marketplace.kodakgallery.com/schnitzphotos  Stay tuned!

After 41 hours of traveling (which included an 11 hour stop over in Paris), we finally arrived at our hotel, The Redlands in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa where for the entire time we spent there, we were treated like royalty. The weather here in South Africa is a bit different than that which we are accustomed to. It can be 100 degrees one minute and in the 50's or 60's within an hour. The tournament organizing committee did an excellent job with all facets of the competition, from the sizing of the buoys to the seating of the banquet guests.

During the many years I competed, I stayed within the shell of a competitor. I was always competing with people, always out to win, to be tough, mentally, physically, etc.. I never allowed myself the opportunity to get to know all the others involved in our sport. I had blinders on, focused only at my target, winning. At all the competitions I now attend as a writer, photographer and observer, I now see all those around me. I see the young and the old, the best of the best and those with less talent, yet all enjoying this beloved sport that we all partake in. Here in SA, hundreds of people from all over the world gathered to put their skills to the test. On the water, they competed against one another but around the dinner tables and on the dance floors, we were all united. Remarkable scores were achieved like never before by Franz Oberleitner from Austria who pushed the jump event to it's limit. Thierry Malhomme from France with best score ever in he Senior Worlds and Dave Miller with back to back 39's (10.75m). I witnessed an incredible display of toughness by Gabriella Hueller of Germany who smashed her jump helmet in practice yet was there with a black eye, waving her country's flag at the awards ceremonies. I watched Mitch Grau of the USA take a horrendous jump crash in the preliminary round that tore up his ankle. Mitch went on to get food poisoning the night before the finals and was literally lying on the ground still throwing up only hours before his event. He then went on to capture his spot on the winners podium. I watched Mike Hornagold of Great Britain take a horrendous jump crash on his first jump in the finals. Mike, an overall skier calmly put his gear back on and went on to take his place also on the winner's podium. I watched Brett Nieuwstadt of SA crash on his second jump yet was saluting the crowd as the safety boat brought him back to the shore. I witnessed great acts of love and compassion the entire time I spent at this competition. I watched Ricardo Botas drive from early morning till late afternoon, some days while freezing and others while cooking in the sun as the boats had no bimini tops. I watched as the officials and planners worked their tails off late into the night. I watched as smile after smile passed my way. I watched with a different set of eyes. I watched from the outside looking in and what I saw was heartwarming. Everyone I met along the way during this fabulous journey had either a story to tell, a memory to share or a smile to brighten the day. We may be competitors but above and beyond all of these physical tests, we are friends!

Schnitz!

YOU CAN CHECK OUT WHAT I'VE POSTED SO FAR AT;  http://marketplace.kodakgallery.com/schnitzphotos  Stay tuned!