Tuesday the 13th of July became an historic day for Slåstad waterskiclub. At 6 p.m. sharp a mutual toast was held by the 100 appearants, and Åge Vangen put on his trickskis an was the first to try the water at SIAP.
Åge takes his first trip at SIAP
The volunteerworkers started early to get everything in order for the “grand opening” of SIAP today.
It was carpented, hammered end tidied up, and the hours before the opening were quite hectic. Hours before the announced opening people started coming to the arena. “The ladies” keeped up the tradition of serving the guests champagne, waffles and watermelon to celebrate the big event.
The tabled is laid with watermelon and champagne
Openingspeeches were held by Ragni Haare, the mayor Henning Myrvang and last but not least, Åge Vangen. All the 100 appearants gave a toast to SIAP, and everything was ready for the first, historic waterskitrip on this nearly perfect arena. Åge Vangen started it all with his two passes in trick, and afterwards stated that it was his best trip ever. Next in line was his brother Ole Vangen to “open” the slalom lane. On his son’s ski he did two nice passes, and we could declare the arena opened.
Ole Vangen ready to “open” the slalom lane at SIAP
After that the skiers in the club cewed up.Topskiers like Torstein Bale, Jens Martin Johnsrud, Øystein Barhaughøgda tested the water and everybody was of the same opinion: “This is awesome!”
They report that the water is very similar to Dølisjøen (the "old" lake), that the conditions are perfect at any time, and that there is no backwash. This is as close to the perfect waterski-water as you can get.
Henrik Kåsin Vangen is having his first trip. This picture is taken from the place where the future audience stand will be.
Due to shortness of time, the jump was not on the right spot to the opening, but it will be placed tonight, and we are anxious to hear the jumpers’ reactions tomorrow.
Ther will be much activity at SIAP the coming days, both with building the clubhouse and the training for the active skiers.
