Message from Mike Suyderhoud

8122pbrainard wrote: She even still uses your signature orange >> life jacket. The problem is, a chipmunk got into the thing. If you >> have any idea where I could purchase one please let me know. She >> doesn't want to switch to a neoprene vest.

My son found one of the old style vinyl dipped jackets!!

I suggested he email Mike again and see if we could send it to him for his signature.

A marginally funny story about Suyderhoud.

A friend of mine Todd Scruggs decided to have some fun. He went to the Nautique booth at the boat show, and proceeded to start talking about what a POS the Nautiques were because they wouldn't do 60 mph +. Syderhoud was working the booth and asked why anyone would need ski boat to do 60 mph. Todd's response was "because I can." Todd proceeded to get Mike a little riled up as to why any idiot would want to do 60 plus on a slalom ski. Another friend decided the matter was getting a little heated and walked up to introduce the two. Mike Syderhoud, meet Todd Scruggs, National Speed Skiing Chamption. Todd, meet Mike, National Slalom Champion. BKH

You got that right about being able to connect with the stars. I barefoot with Willie Farrell all the time, and did some footin' with the South African prodigy, Andre DeVilliers over the summer!

Thats the beauty of this sport, being able to really connect with the stars!

I got a email from my son copying me a email he sent to Mike. I was happy to hear that he is thinking ahead and really trying to come up with a Christmas present my wife would really enjoy and use. I also found it cool to see Mike Suyderhoud responed and thought others would enjoy it too.

Here's the email from my son to Mike:
">To: <mike@mikesuyderhoud.com>
>Sent: Monday, November 30, 2009 10:00 PM
>Subject: Western Wood questions
>
>
>> My Mom's been skiing on your signature ski since she was 16. The two
>> tone wooden one with the black/orange bindings. She refuses to switch
>> and absolutely loves the thing, we were able to find another ski and
>> splice out some of the parts. She even still uses your signature orange
>> life jacket. The problem is, a chipmunk got into the thing. If you
>> have any idea where I could purchase one please let me know. She
>> doesn't want to switch to a neoprene vest. I searched ebay and
>> craigslist, no luck. Please let me know, thanks
>> Colin Brainard"

And Mike's responce:
" >Colin:
>
>Now that is brand loyalty! The problem is that I am not aware of anyone
>making flotation vests that are vinyl dipped like the orange one your
mom
>uses. My only suggestion is to Google the vest description and hope for
the
>best. It makes me feel good that after all these years the ski and vest
are
>still being used.
>
>Mike Suyderhoud"