>Pan Am Report by Vern Oberg
Nov. 29 What I saw today ...

Tricks:

Everyone was absolutely amazed at Javier Julio's hand pass including me. Unbelievable! He put together combinations of flips, lines and wakes in sequences that absolutely nobody does with a power of athleticism that I have not witnessed but he is not the leader - Jaret holds that followed by Russel Gay.

Freddie Krueger is in the Trick Final! He had 2 hand passes and his first one included at least 5 flips that were perfect!

Jimmie Siemers had a great first pass and a not so great second pass but the master of disaster stated as he returned to the dock stated - "well, I am walking back" with a laugh - this is a sportsman!!!

Some good results in Jumping - no major crashes except one near the end of the dia. The pick-up boat cut the anchor line for the jump. Major delay and the Open Men's event was cancelled until tomorrow.

"Jaime" Siemers went out last with a letter "P" - about 4 down from what he could have - less smoke than Burris but similar distance - can't wait until the finals.

Can't go live - network on site is toast and I think it is a virus that is causing the problem and, no tools to fix it -just yet. Boescher Jump system almost crapped out as well but found a fix (thank god for Argentina who use Euro Systems and PAL). Need more duct tape!!! My camera battery charger got toasted with the 220 volt power so I am begging others to send digi pics to ski fly and IWSF dot com.

Sorry about the late reporting etc - In less than an hour from now, I am on the bus,

Pan Am Region congress meeting later this evening - Trying to get Jim Jaquess to take my job but ran out of "whine"!!! ha ha ha. Thus - you may get another 4 am report - Chileno time!

This is the best group of competitors and comraderie that I have seen in many Pan Ams. You have to be here to soak up the feeling. I wish I could have a computer at the starting dock to report live because you would all be proud of the skiers that have been selected by your countries to represent you.