Posts Tagged ‘Geoff Clarke’
Saturday, October 13th, 2012
MEMBERS MAKE IT A GREAT LAST EVENT FOR 2012

The Car Park was full, the blue skies and sunshine made it look like Summer – and the water was just perfect. What a perfect way to end our 2012 season.
Best of all, our Members turned out in force and the really big surprise was the number of outstanding performances achieved.
Carl put the whole thing together, Geoff was the Driver and all helped to make it a fun event. We don’t have the actual scores yet as I think they are in Mick Murphy’s right now – but we’ll upload them asap.
Check out our Facebook page for GOLDEN FALLS WATERSKI CLUB – for a full Album of today’s shots – and here are the Winners :

JoJo takes the Rising Star Novice Award ahead of Abby & Toby

Grown Ups Star Carl edges ahead of Figs and Dom
Tags: Ballymore Eustace, Carl cautley., Clubhouse, Daryl Higgins, DES BURKE-KENNEDY, Dom Jameson, Geoff Clarke, Golden Falls, SLALOM AND JUMP GRAND PRIX, Water ski Ireland, Waterski Blessington, Waterski Boat Driver, Waterski Dublin, Waterski Lessons, Women Waterskiers
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Tuesday, September 25th, 2012
NEW NATIONAL 55+ JUMP RECORD FOR OUR OWN GEOFF CLARKE

Having now entered the 55+ Waterski Jump category, Geoff Clarke (Golden Falls WSC) is not new to setting National Jump Records.
In spite of the poor weather here at home this year, he made the most of his limited time on the water – and also trained hard at Hazelwood’s in the UK.
The National Record to break was set by Robin Skelton (Stillwaters WSC) at 30.8m. Geoff has now raised this by a whopping 12.5m to the newly approved score of 43.3m / 143ft.
As with Jake Bridges, our National Open Jump Record holder, Geoff has also made a spectacular recovery from a nasty injury which still limits the grip of one of his hands. This new National Jump Record is a great credit to his determination not to let that prevent him from enjoying our sport at the highest level. Congratulations Geoff.
Both Geoff Clarke and Jake Bridges owe much of their success to their Coach and our dear friend Ray Stokes who we lost to Cancer earlier this year.
Tags: 55+, Ballymore Eustace, Clubhouse, EA JumWaterski Championships, Geoff Clarke, Golden Falls, Golden Falls Waterski Club, National Championships, National Waterski Champions, SLALOM AND JUMP GRAND PRIX, Water ski Ireland, Waterski Blessington, Waterski Boat Driver, Waterski Jump, Waterski Lessons, Women Waterskiers
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Friday, June 29th, 2012
WEEKDAY AND WEEKEND TIMES NOW FINALISED FOR SUMMER 2012

Carl shows how its done
After all the rain and wind and various challenges, we are now back on the water in full force once again. Daryl is our Duty Driver all day Saturday and Sunday – and we hope to attract as many visitors and groups as possible to be with us on those mornings so that Members will have more time on the water in the afternoons. For Visitor and Group bookings, all are asked to call Daryl as soon as possible so that we can look after everybody well : 087 668 6225
Thank you also to Figs, Carl, Geoff, Sam, Richard, Simon and Mark for volunteering to take over as Drivers on Tuesday and Thursday nights. There is a copy of the NEW Weekday Drivers Rota available here :
CLUB DRIVERS ROSTER 2012
We will also shortly launch our SAVE GOLDEN FALLS campaign to kick start our major recovery plan caused by the serious bank erosion challenge which has caused huge disruption this season – so watch this space for updates on our plans and hopes for the future.
Tags: Ballymore Eustace, Clubhouse, Daryl Higgins, DES BURKE-KENNEDY, Fiachra, Geoff Clarke, Golden Falls, Golden Falls Waterski Club, Irish National Waterski Championships, Ladies on the water, Learn to Waterski, Magic Ramp, Save Golden Falls, SLALOM AND JUMP GRAND PRIX, Slalom Buoys, Slalom Course, SplashEye, Water ski Ireland, Waterski Blessington, Women Waterskiers
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Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012
BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND TO SEE COMPLETION OF OUR FUEL JETTY PROJECT
This looked like a minor project when we started. Making safe and extending our Fuel Dock Jetty did not look like a big deal – but it was !

Two part walkway almost ready for launching
Firstly, we went the stainless steel route – thanks to Joe Hearne’s welding skills. We learned many years ago that while it may be a bit expensive, it does last more or less forever. The new Jetty walkway has been made in two hinged sections and they are now waiting on the slipway for assembly – see photo.

On goes the lid !
Next, we had to repair and extend the old wooden floating dock. Des B-K has the carpentry almost completed. Again, this is in two sections which will be bolted together in the water. The top sheeting will be finished on Friday and then we have to figure out how to move it all to the slipway to insert the barrels. It is a fierce weight and some willing hands will be needed.

More to be poured on the right
On Friday, we are also looking at pouring more concrete to expand the slab laid a few weeks ago as it is just not big enough for the correct placement of the walkway. Getting it done will depend on the water levels. Today, the water was perfect – so lets hope we get lucky again in a few days.
Figs, Simon, Geoff, Sam, Richard, Mark, Joe, Rick and Siggi have all played their part along the way – and now we may even get this job off our backs this weekend. Do drop down as the more hands we have the better.
Tags: Ballymore Eustace, Concrete, Daryl Higgins, DES BURKE-KENNEDY, Geoff Clarke, Golden Falls, Golden Falls Lessons, Golden Falls Waterski Club, Irish National Waterski Championships, Learn to Waterski, New Jetty, SLALOM AND JUMP GRAND PRIX, Slalom Buoys, Slalom Course, Stainless Steel, Water ski Ireland, Waterski Blessington, Waterski Boat Driver, Waterski Jump, Waterski Lessons, Waterski Nationals, Women Waterskiers
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Friday, September 2nd, 2011
SUPER RAFFLE PLANNED FOR SUNDAY AFTERNOON AT RAY STOKES GRAND PRIX

Get your iPad at Golden Falls
Come for the Skiing – and stay for the RAY RAFFLE PRIZES !
To create some extra fun at our September 10/11 RAY STOKES GRAND PRIX, we put out an urgent call yesterday for donations of interesting items for our special Raffle which will take place before our Podium results are announced on Sunday, September 11th at the Golden Falls Boardwalk.
Within just a few hours, great things happened. We received a sparkling new iPad from Donal Connolly, some rare Vintage Champagne from Simon Durham and a full KEEP FIT Course from Carl Cautley. Many thanks to Donal, Simon and Carl for responding so quickly. What a great start !

Can you add anything to the RAY RAFFLE ?
Just drop a note to Des with the details of anything you can offer so that the proceeds which will go to the RAY STOKES FUND and will be added to the TOTAL PRIZE FUND which is also going to help Ray at the RAY STOKES GRAND PRIX.
des@burke-kennedy.com
Tags: Apple iPad, Ballymore Eustace, Clubhouse, Daryl Higgins, DES BURKE-KENNEDY, Geoff Clarke, Golden Falls, Golden Falls Waterski Club, iPad, Irish National Waterski Championships, Jump Helmet, Jump suit, Keep Fit Course, Learn to Waterski, National Waterski Champions, Raffle, Ray Stokes, Ray Stokes Grand Prix, SLALOM AND JUMP GRAND PRIX, SplashEye, Super Raffle, Vintage Champagne, Water ski Ireland, Waterski Blessington, Waterski Boat Driver, Waterski Dublin, Waterski Jump, Waterski Lessons, Women Waterskiers
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Thursday, September 1st, 2011
YOU ARE INVITED TO THIS VERY SPECIAL EVENT ON SEPTEMBER 10/11

The annual Slalom & Jump Grand Prix has now been transformed into the RAY STOKES GRAND PRIX. All at Golden Falls are doing everything possible to make this a special experience in honour of our dear friend Ray Stokes who has been our regular visiting Australian Coach since 1990 – twenty one years ago ! On January 19th this year, Ray was diagnosed with Cancer and given 90 days to live. Eight months later, he still carries on the battle and today is having brain surgery to help ease the burden. To date, 19,875 people have visited his CaringBridge Website to leave get-well messages ! That is a measure of the level of enormous regard for Ray.
So, this year our RAY STOKES GRAND PRIX will have a twist. We are asking all the participants to support our plan to turn all the CASH PRIZE money on offer into a donation to Ray’s Fund. Golden Falls have agreed to add a further donation to ensure that the amount raised will be of help to Ray. All the details are on the Official Notice – see Link below. So, do come along and ski for Ray. Your efforts will make a real difference to the fun on the day.
We are also running a special RAY RAFFLE only for those who are present on Sunday, September 11th. The chances of winning something special must be high. Donated Prizes of any kind will be greatly accepted if you can help. Already Donal Connolly has presented a gleaming all new iPad ! Wow !
And now for the business details – and if you want to bring along Angelina Jolie and Freddy Krueger, we will have spare seats available !
As usual, this is a THREE ROUND Slalom and Jump PERSONAL BEST competition. It will kick off at 09.30 hrs on Saturday, September 10th. Entry Forms must be returned by Thursday night, September 8th – so that the RUNNING ORDER can be released on Friday. This really does help all concerned to enjoy the entire weekend. Click here for the details :
GFWSC RAY STOKES GP NOTICE 2011a
GFWSC RAY STOKES Entry Form 2011
PLEASE SEND YOUR ENTRY FORMS TODAY TO
des@burke-kennedy.com
Tags: Angelina Jolie, Apple iPad, Ballymore Eustace, Cash prizes, Clubhouse, Daryl Higgins, DES BURKE-KENNEDY, Freddy Krueger, Geoff Clarke, Golden Falls, Golden Falls Waterski Club, Hospital, iPad, Irish National Waterski Championships, Irish Sports Council, Ladies on the water, National Championships, National Waterski Champions, National Waterski Championships, Ray Stokes, Ray Stokes Grand Prix, SLALOM AND JUMP GRAND PRIX, Slalom Buoys, SplashEye, Waterski Blessington, Waterski Boat Driver, Waterski Lessons, Women Waterskiers
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Friday, August 26th, 2011
MAJOR COW CATCHER REPAIRS COMPLETED WITH BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS !

MAGIC RAMP LOOKED A BIT SAD !
Our Golden Falls pride and joy, the Magic Ramp, was looking a bit sad this Summer. A few of the immaculate blue aluminium Cow Catcher panels had worked lose and attempts to rivet them back into place were quickly undone once the windy weather did their work. With the RAY STOKES GRAND PRIX just two weeks away, an emergency was declared !
Yesterday, Daniel Hearne came to our rescue. As a solid Skier and also a skilled Fabrication Welder, he joined forces with Dary Higgins and Geoff Clarke. Armed with cutting and welding equipment and a supply of steel, they spent the entire day in, under and out of the water – mostly uner the Magic Ramp. For those who have not had the experience, this is dangerous work and not for the feint hearted. The good news is that by the time sunset arrived, the job was virtually completed with just a little tidying up up needed today and Daryl has already got this in hand.
Thank you so much guys ! Your work has got our Ray Stokes Grand Prix preparations off to a perfect start. Now it is time to round up our troops for the other tasks and we will be sending out help please over this weekend. As some Members will be away next week, we need to now make the most of every day.
Tags: Ballymore Eustace, Clubhouse, Daniel Hearne, Daryl Higgins, DES BURKE-KENNEDY, Geoff Clarke, Golden Falls, Golden Falls Waterski Club, Irish National Waterski Championships, Ladies on the water, Magic Ramp, National Championships, National Waterski Champions, National Waterski Championships, Ray Stokes, Ray Stokes Grand Prix, SLALOM AND JUMP GRAND PRIX, Slalom Buoys, Water ski Ireland, Waterski Blessington, Waterski Boat Driver, Waterski Jump, Waterski Lessons, Waterski Nationals, Women Waterskiers, World Jump Record
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Saturday, August 13th, 2011
ANNUAL WOMEN’S FUN DAY ON THE WATER FROM 09.30 TOMORROW SUNDAY

FUN ALL DAY ON SUNDAY
This event was created last year by Golden Falls. This year, SIX Clubs are now involved and so it is really becoming a NATIONAL fun day for women on the water.
The whole idea is to increase the number of women involved in our sport. Fully supported by the Irish Sports Council, this project is really working. While female participation was at about 30% in the past years, last month our research showed it at 51% for July – and all time record. Well done to all for making this welcome trend happen.
Tomorrow we kick off at 09.30hrs and will keep going till the last one hangs on ! It should be great fun. Do come and join us and bring those cameras so that we can upload some great photos here on Monday morning. All you need is your swim gear and a towel – we will supply all the other equipment needed. At a special price of just Euro 15, we hope to be inundated all day long !!!
Tags: Ballymore Eustace, Clubhouse, Coaching, Daryl Higgins, DES BURKE-KENNEDY, Geoff Clarke, Golden Falls, Golden Falls Waterski Club, Irish National Waterski Championships, Ladies on the water, Learn to Waterski, National Waterski Champions, Ray Stokes, SLALOM AND JUMP GRAND PRIX, Slalom Buoys, Slalom Course, Water ski Ireland, Waterski Blessington, Waterski Boat Driver, Waterski Dublin, Waterski Jump, Waterski Lessons, Waterskiing in Dublin, Where can I waterski, Women Waterskiers
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Wednesday, June 8th, 2011
SAND AND CEMENT AND STEEL AND A SHOVEL ARE ALL IT TAKES

Filling the steel fixings with cement
Wind, rain, hailstones and cold northerlies did not stop play down at the bridge today !
So far, we have used 30 galvanised steel anchors, 22 bags of cement, four tons of sand and a spirit level to be sure to be sure. We have also moved the two gates and will put them on the new posts at the bridge entry point. The preserved Stud Railing and Posts will not arrive till next week and the last stage will be the green wire phase !
When its all done, we should organise a bridge party when its time to cut the tape. It will certainly be the safest bridge this side of San Francisco – even if it did cost well over €2,000. Actually, it will look great and add a lot to our entry point. There will even be a pedestrian gate beside the large gate to help keep vehicles out and skiers in !
Tags: Ballymore Eustace, Daryl Higgins, DES BURKE-KENNEDY, Geoff Clarke, Golden Falls, Golden Falls Waterski Club, National Waterski Champions, Water ski Ireland, Waterski Blessington, Waterski Boat Driver, Waterski Jump, Waterski Lessons, Waterski Medals, Women Waterskiers
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Tuesday, May 31st, 2011
WE WANT TO SEE ALL OUR SKIERS ON THE LAKE THIS WEEK !

Daryl enjoying his Slalom set today
‘April was perfection – May was a bit on the windy side but Summer is definitely here. If you have not been down at Golden Falls recently, the weather forecast for the coming weeks sounds perfect for some great skiing.
Today, Daryl and Geoff did some serous work on the water. Both gladiators had some great Jump sets – and Daryl was straight back out with a Slalom and Trick run. As two of our most talented skiers, our photos caught some of the action this afternoon. The O’Malley family are also making serious progress this year and it is great to see all our younger skiers enjoying the warm water.

Geoff at take-off point on the Magic Ramp
So, please don’t wait for October – now is the time to head for Golden Falls – and why not bring your friends and introduce them to the fun of Waterskiing. Beginners of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Just call Daryl at any time on 087 668 6225

Pilot's License Required !
Tags: Ballymore Eustace, Clubhouse, Daryl Higgins, DES BURKE-KENNEDY, Geoff Clarke, Golden Falls, Golden Falls Waterski Club, Magic Ramp, National Waterski Champions, Skiing Dublin, Slalom Ski, Slalom Skiing, Water ski Ireland, Waterski Blessington, Waterski Boat Driver, Waterski Jump, Waterskiing Dublin, Women Waterskiers
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