Everything is looking good for the Big Dawg. The site is well-groomed and the Nautique Boats are being prepared to pull some of the best skiers in the country. The weather is sunny and calm with light wind. A lot of skiers were practicing and spending some time in between relaxing. Dave Miller is ready and in good form. He said he hopes to see some big scores and some guys to step it up and get into a deeper 41. Ben Favret is healing from his injury and doing well, but was a little quiet about his plan and mentally preparing and studying the wind. Mike from Alaska typically skis in 60 degree water and was trying to adjust to the warm 75 degree water. It is impressive that this is his first tournament and he choose to be in the Big Dawg. He comes with a lot of enthusiasm and appreciation for this sport.
The water is skiing really well and the temperature of 75 degrees is fantastic for optimum buoy counting. A slight wind on the water gives it some texture. If you have not been to this site it is one to put on your tournament list.
More photos to come and a big thanks to the sponsors and officials who bring the O’Brien Big Dawg Series to life.
GREG
Congrats Chad! What does it feel like winning the first Nautique /Obrien Big Dawg qualifier in TX?
CHAD
Well Greg, thanks for the congratulations. It has been a great feeling to win the first stop of the O’Brien Big Dawg in Houston. It is truly a great way for me to start my season and hopefully continue skiing at this level throughout the season.
GREG
What are you doing differently this year? Your skiing is off the charts!
CHAD
I decided to trim down a little over the winter and spent a little more time in the gym and was swimming all winter. I made several trips down to West Palm Beach and skied with Chet Raley and Becky Lathrop to try to stay in some sort of ski shape all year.
GREG
A new ski? Goode has been a sponsor of Nautique Big Dawg since day one, looks like something is clicking?
CHAD
I am currently skiing on a Goode Nano Twist mid-ride with the Raley ventral fin. This is the best feeling ski I have ever ridden. The set up with the Nano twist and the ventral is really working for me and my skiing style.
GREG
Who do you see as the Big Dawg Skiers to watch for going to the Michigan stop?
CHAD
There are so many great skiers that participate in this series it’s hard to pick just one or two. I think I heard that 21 skiers at the Houston big Dawg had scores into 41 off. You have guys like Chet Raley, Ben Favret, Scott Tynan, TJ, Badal, Miller and now Todd Ristorcelli. The list goes on. Who is not to watch for?
Dave Miller, Chad Scott, Todd Ristorcelli, Harald Hintringer
GREG
Will you be competing in Michigan?
CHAD
I plan to go to Michigan and the finals this year and would like to be one of those invited to ski in Moomba next year.
GREG
I know you pulled Chris Parish to a new World Record, behind a Ski Nautique 200. Being a driver, what are your comments on the Nautique 200?
CHAD
As for the 200, it is a great driving and performing boat, which is evident by the world record set by Chris Parrish.
GREG
I know you might want to thank some of the sponsors, any comments?
CHAD
I would like to thank all of the sponsors that support the O’Brien Big Dawg series. Certainly Correct Craft and all the others that continue to make this series possible… And thank you Greg for all you do to keep this series going
GREG
Best of Luck to you in Michigan, and we look forward to watching you ski again.
Everything is looking good for the Big Dawg. The site is well-groomed and the Nautique Boats are being prepared to pull some of the best skiers in the country. The weather is sunny and calm with light wind. A lot of skiers were practicing and spending some time in between relaxing. Dave Miller is ready and in good form. He said he hopes to see some big scores and some guys to step it up and get into a deeper 41. Ben Favret is healing from his injury and doing well, but was a little quiet about his plan and mentally preparing and studying the wind. Mike from Alaska typically skis in 60 degree water and was trying to adjust to the warm 75 degree water. It is impressive that this is his first tournament and he choose to be in the Big Dawg. He comes with a lot of enthusiasm and appreciation for this sport. 
slight wind on the water gives it some texture. If you have not been to this site it is one to put on your tournament list. 
