End of the Rope:
David Rossiter
Photo courtesy of David Rossiter
Everybody has their part in the hydrofoiling community. Not everyone can be an expert or pro rider, not everybody is an after market manufacturer, most do share their experiences on line. David Rossiter is a member on foilforum, often offering help and advice to new riders. David also is known for having one of the largest collections of foils and foil parts, especially for a non manufacturer. Welcome into the world of David Rossiter:
So David, lets start at the beginning, how long have you been foiling?
I have been riding for about 5 years and have had inverts for the last 3½ years.
How did you find the sport? Who introduced you?
Back in the mid ninety’s I went to a Sea World ski show and saw guys riding a hydrofoil. I thought it was the coolest thing I had ever seen so I went back home and rented an Air Chair. I tried to ride it but I did not get close to getting up because the water was white capping and my wife was not in the mood to turn circles all day. Fast forward twenty years and I decided to try it again. Bought an AC Stealth and an easy up handle to take on a week long Lake Powell houseboat trip. I was thrilled when I got up and by the end of the week I was able to fly the foil!
I have been riding for about 5 years and have had inverts for the last 3½ years.
How did you find the sport? Who introduced you?
Back in the mid ninety’s I went to a Sea World ski show and saw guys riding a hydrofoil. I thought it was the coolest thing I had ever seen so I went back home and rented an Air Chair. I tried to ride it but I did not get close to getting up because the water was white capping and my wife was not in the mood to turn circles all day. Fast forward twenty years and I decided to try it again. Bought an AC Stealth and an easy up handle to take on a week long Lake Powell houseboat trip. I was thrilled when I got up and by the end of the week I was able to fly the foil!
Photo courtesy of David Rossiter
How many people have you taught to foil?
I would guess about 20 but only a few have stuck with it.
Do you still have moments where you have to explain everything about foiling to someone when you tell them you Hydrofoil?
I am sure that I am like most other foilers, I would guess that about half the people I run into know what a sit down hydrofoil is and have seen one in person (or at least a video).
Ever take lessons?
Yes, my friend Kenny in Hawaii is a Hydrofoil instructor and I have also taken a lesson from Greg Crocket in Utah.
Ever ride with some of the elite riders?
Yes, I have also ridden with Mike Mack and Greg Crocket.
I would guess about 20 but only a few have stuck with it.
Do you still have moments where you have to explain everything about foiling to someone when you tell them you Hydrofoil?
I am sure that I am like most other foilers, I would guess that about half the people I run into know what a sit down hydrofoil is and have seen one in person (or at least a video).
Ever take lessons?
Yes, my friend Kenny in Hawaii is a Hydrofoil instructor and I have also taken a lesson from Greg Crocket in Utah.
Ever ride with some of the elite riders?
Yes, I have also ridden with Mike Mack and Greg Crocket.
Photo courtesy of David Rossiter
What is your day job? Employed or retired?
I would say I am in between careers right now. I still own an automation/controls company but have not been active in it for about 3 years. I don't think it will be too long and I will find another (part time) adventure.
Married? Kids?
Yes, married for 29 years, 4 kids and 2 grandkids. One of my boys also likes to hydrofoil.
Most fun foiling? Single moment?
I will always remember landing my first invert. As dumb as it sounds, I never wanted anything so bad and when I got it (after at least 500 attempts) I was thrilled!
You spend part of the year in Utah and part in Hawaii. Two very different climates and I imagine water conditions. How do they differ and do you have to modify your skiing between them?
I spend equal time between Hawaii (Island of Kauai) and Utah but foil much more in Hawaii (2 or 3 times a week). In Hawaii I ski on the Waialua River, the river is a little brackish but the water conditions are almost always perfect with mid 70 deg water and no chop. In Utah I ski on lakes and reservoirs where the water temperature can vary between 40/80 degs.
Who is your regular crew you ski with?
In Hawaii most of the time it is just my friend Kenny and I. In Utah it is normally with my family.
How many foils do you own?
As of today, I own a total of 18 fully built and complete foils. I have many “spare parts” including wings, boards and towers (but no extra tbars).
Could you outfit a fly-in by yourself?
I think so but some of my skis are in Hawaii and some in Utah.
Why so many?
This question seems self explanatory, because I love hydrofoils! People collect many things (cars, stamps, Beatles memorabilia) I collect hydrofoils. Also, I like to decide for myself what works best for my riding style instead of just riding whatever the pros tell me because sometimes they have an agenda or bias. By having a good selection, I find that some of the hardware the pro’s use is not for me.
Favorites currently?
Not considering price, I like the AC MV40 tbar, XAir tower, AC seatbelt belt, XAir black board (but just slightly over the AC carbon board), N2O Phoenix/UFO wings and MM bindings. However, I have found that most of the top end hardware from each manufacturer is decent with few disappointments.
Estimate for me the $ value of the foiling related transactions (buying and selling) you’ve been involved in over the years?
I would guess my current collection is worth about $80K and I probably have made $ transactions doubling that number.
Saw a post where you tried out some water skis with foils under them, like Mike Murphy had long before the sit down hydrofoil came to be. How was that experience?
My friend in Hawaii (Kenny) had a waterski hydrofoil in his garage that he said Murphy gave him. It did not look like it had been ridden in a long time and the bindings were rotted out so we put new bindings on it and took it out. It was really squirrely and you had to lock your legs out to be able to ride it. It was a fun experience but not something that I would want to do very often.
I would say I am in between careers right now. I still own an automation/controls company but have not been active in it for about 3 years. I don't think it will be too long and I will find another (part time) adventure.
Married? Kids?
Yes, married for 29 years, 4 kids and 2 grandkids. One of my boys also likes to hydrofoil.
Most fun foiling? Single moment?
I will always remember landing my first invert. As dumb as it sounds, I never wanted anything so bad and when I got it (after at least 500 attempts) I was thrilled!
You spend part of the year in Utah and part in Hawaii. Two very different climates and I imagine water conditions. How do they differ and do you have to modify your skiing between them?
I spend equal time between Hawaii (Island of Kauai) and Utah but foil much more in Hawaii (2 or 3 times a week). In Hawaii I ski on the Waialua River, the river is a little brackish but the water conditions are almost always perfect with mid 70 deg water and no chop. In Utah I ski on lakes and reservoirs where the water temperature can vary between 40/80 degs.
Who is your regular crew you ski with?
In Hawaii most of the time it is just my friend Kenny and I. In Utah it is normally with my family.
How many foils do you own?
As of today, I own a total of 18 fully built and complete foils. I have many “spare parts” including wings, boards and towers (but no extra tbars).
Could you outfit a fly-in by yourself?
I think so but some of my skis are in Hawaii and some in Utah.
Why so many?
This question seems self explanatory, because I love hydrofoils! People collect many things (cars, stamps, Beatles memorabilia) I collect hydrofoils. Also, I like to decide for myself what works best for my riding style instead of just riding whatever the pros tell me because sometimes they have an agenda or bias. By having a good selection, I find that some of the hardware the pro’s use is not for me.
Favorites currently?
Not considering price, I like the AC MV40 tbar, XAir tower, AC seatbelt belt, XAir black board (but just slightly over the AC carbon board), N2O Phoenix/UFO wings and MM bindings. However, I have found that most of the top end hardware from each manufacturer is decent with few disappointments.
Estimate for me the $ value of the foiling related transactions (buying and selling) you’ve been involved in over the years?
I would guess my current collection is worth about $80K and I probably have made $ transactions doubling that number.
Saw a post where you tried out some water skis with foils under them, like Mike Murphy had long before the sit down hydrofoil came to be. How was that experience?
My friend in Hawaii (Kenny) had a waterski hydrofoil in his garage that he said Murphy gave him. It did not look like it had been ridden in a long time and the bindings were rotted out so we put new bindings on it and took it out. It was really squirrely and you had to lock your legs out to be able to ride it. It was a fun experience but not something that I would want to do very often.
Photo courtesy of David Rossiter
Did you play sports in high school/growing up?
I raced motocross for many years growing up and turned pro locally (not anywhere near national pro level). Fortunately, my boys also enjoyed the sport and we raced as a family until about 5 years ago.
Describe your skiing? What inverts would you say you own or hit reliably?
I am proficient with gainers and wake rolls on my strong side with mid 40 frames. I would like to get my offside tricks and frame count closer to 50.
Personal goals for foiling? A particular trick or frame achievement?
My goals are to be proficient on both sides of the wake with gainers and rolls and have at least one trick at (or near) 50 frames.
You are 50 years old, do you see yourself foiling in 10 years? 15? 20?
Absolutely, I did 50 inverts in one run to celebrate turning 50 and I plan on doing 60 inverts on my 60th birthday. I plan to keep improving over the next 10 years and then try to maintain my skill level as long as I can.
Where would you like to see the sport progress to in 5 to 10 years? Organized? Completions? Coverage in media?
This is a two edged question for me, on one hand I would like to see the sport evolve to be mainstream with media coverage and major manufacturers developing new equipment but on the other hand I like it being a niche sport where it is still kind of a novelty.
How about the equipment, evolution to affordable in the $300-$400 range in Wal-marts across the land?
I’m not sure about Wal-Mart’s but I would like to see good beginner-intermediate foils in the $600-$800 range.
Utah held the winter Olympics a few years back; did you happen to attend any of the events?
No, we decided that we would rather be in Hawaii and miss the chaos.
I raced motocross for many years growing up and turned pro locally (not anywhere near national pro level). Fortunately, my boys also enjoyed the sport and we raced as a family until about 5 years ago.
Describe your skiing? What inverts would you say you own or hit reliably?
I am proficient with gainers and wake rolls on my strong side with mid 40 frames. I would like to get my offside tricks and frame count closer to 50.
Personal goals for foiling? A particular trick or frame achievement?
My goals are to be proficient on both sides of the wake with gainers and rolls and have at least one trick at (or near) 50 frames.
You are 50 years old, do you see yourself foiling in 10 years? 15? 20?
Absolutely, I did 50 inverts in one run to celebrate turning 50 and I plan on doing 60 inverts on my 60th birthday. I plan to keep improving over the next 10 years and then try to maintain my skill level as long as I can.
Where would you like to see the sport progress to in 5 to 10 years? Organized? Completions? Coverage in media?
This is a two edged question for me, on one hand I would like to see the sport evolve to be mainstream with media coverage and major manufacturers developing new equipment but on the other hand I like it being a niche sport where it is still kind of a novelty.
How about the equipment, evolution to affordable in the $300-$400 range in Wal-marts across the land?
I’m not sure about Wal-Mart’s but I would like to see good beginner-intermediate foils in the $600-$800 range.
Utah held the winter Olympics a few years back; did you happen to attend any of the events?
No, we decided that we would rather be in Hawaii and miss the chaos.
Rapid Fire Time:
How many days a year do you get out on the water and ski yourself? About 50 times
Do you have a nickname? “Air Chair Dave”, “Dave Walka-laka-louie” (to my Utah friends) and “Utah Dave” (to my Hawaiian friends).
Foiler you are in awe of (either in person or via video) ? Geno
Do you have a bag of stuff you take on the boat? What's in the bag? Yes- helmet, wetsuit, rope (with release), tools and extra bolts.
$10m in cash or a super power, which super power? Any super power would be worth more than 10m
If you were instantly made commissioner of the newly founded World Organization of Hydrofoiling, what would be your first move? Remove the commissioner.
Rank in order of favorite to least favorite (surfing, Star Wars, selfies, The Beatles, sushi, draft beer, Donald Trump, grits, LL Cool J, Karl Malone ) Donald Trump, Grits, Karl Malone, The Beatles, Surfing, Star Wars, Draft Beer, Selfies, LL Cool.
Is there an afterlife? 50/50 but if there is, it is just as likely that there is reincarnation and we have all lived many lives before now.
Favorite all-time song that makes you happy? Good Times Roll – The Cars
Favorite all-time song that makes you sad or thoughtful? Quicksand Jesus – Skid Row
A weird talent you have? Making people believe I know what I’m talking about
Best concert you've ever attended, why? Molly Hatchet, it was the first concert I went to as a kid (about 16) and it was hardcore “Flirtin’ with Disaster” rock and roll. It left a mark.
Time travel exists, where/when do you travel, why? Being Mormon (but skeptical) I would really be interested in traveling back to early Mormon days and visit Joseph Smith and his wife Emma.
Worst movie you've ever seen? Steel Magnolias
Best movie you've ever seen? About any Clint Eastwood movie, but if I had to pick one, it would be “A perfect World (Director).
Best sitcom of all time? King of Queens
Ever get someone's autograph? Who? Bob Hannah
Lennon or McCartney? Lennon
Where do you do your deep, introspective thinking? Mountain Biking
Olympics or Xgames? Olympics
O.J. Simpson - murderer or accused and aquitted searcher for the murderer? Murderer
Did man ever walk on the moon? Yes
Top 3 websites you visit every day? eBay, Foilforum, KSL.com
Lee Harvey Oswald - acted alone or a patsie? Patsie
Snakes or spiders? Spiders
Papa John's, Dominoes, or Pizza Hut? Pizza Hut
Collect baseball cards as a kid? No, but I did collect football cards
Lets say you're on death row, what's your pick for last meal? Number 1 from McDonald’s with a mocha frappe
Hammock or adirondack chair? Adirondack
Last time you were on a tube? At least 20 years ago
What worries you more, climate change or the price of gas? About the same
Justin Bieber’s coming to Hawaii for a concert? How many tickets you want? Haha 0
Most embarrassing moment of your life? I was waterskiing and I was going to spray my friends on a dock that was in the middle of the lake. I went on the wrong side of the dock and clothes lined everyone/everything on the dock. People, coolers, chairs and more hit the water. Oh man were they pissed and I was embarrassed, at least no one got hurt.
What happens next, Tiger Woods remarries or makes a cut in a pro tournament again? Remarries
Do you play any musical instruments? No
Fill in the blank with the person(s) that would be your ultimate, amazing show-off experience):
You're out foiling, a boat approaches, you can't believe your eyes, this is amazing, Kid Rock wants to watch you and try foiling! Who wouldn’t want to hang out with Kid Rock on the Lake!
Do you have a nickname? “Air Chair Dave”, “Dave Walka-laka-louie” (to my Utah friends) and “Utah Dave” (to my Hawaiian friends).
Foiler you are in awe of (either in person or via video) ? Geno
Do you have a bag of stuff you take on the boat? What's in the bag? Yes- helmet, wetsuit, rope (with release), tools and extra bolts.
$10m in cash or a super power, which super power? Any super power would be worth more than 10m
If you were instantly made commissioner of the newly founded World Organization of Hydrofoiling, what would be your first move? Remove the commissioner.
Rank in order of favorite to least favorite (surfing, Star Wars, selfies, The Beatles, sushi, draft beer, Donald Trump, grits, LL Cool J, Karl Malone ) Donald Trump, Grits, Karl Malone, The Beatles, Surfing, Star Wars, Draft Beer, Selfies, LL Cool.
Is there an afterlife? 50/50 but if there is, it is just as likely that there is reincarnation and we have all lived many lives before now.
Favorite all-time song that makes you happy? Good Times Roll – The Cars
Favorite all-time song that makes you sad or thoughtful? Quicksand Jesus – Skid Row
A weird talent you have? Making people believe I know what I’m talking about
Best concert you've ever attended, why? Molly Hatchet, it was the first concert I went to as a kid (about 16) and it was hardcore “Flirtin’ with Disaster” rock and roll. It left a mark.
Time travel exists, where/when do you travel, why? Being Mormon (but skeptical) I would really be interested in traveling back to early Mormon days and visit Joseph Smith and his wife Emma.
Worst movie you've ever seen? Steel Magnolias
Best movie you've ever seen? About any Clint Eastwood movie, but if I had to pick one, it would be “A perfect World (Director).
Best sitcom of all time? King of Queens
Ever get someone's autograph? Who? Bob Hannah
Lennon or McCartney? Lennon
Where do you do your deep, introspective thinking? Mountain Biking
Olympics or Xgames? Olympics
O.J. Simpson - murderer or accused and aquitted searcher for the murderer? Murderer
Did man ever walk on the moon? Yes
Top 3 websites you visit every day? eBay, Foilforum, KSL.com
Lee Harvey Oswald - acted alone or a patsie? Patsie
Snakes or spiders? Spiders
Papa John's, Dominoes, or Pizza Hut? Pizza Hut
Collect baseball cards as a kid? No, but I did collect football cards
Lets say you're on death row, what's your pick for last meal? Number 1 from McDonald’s with a mocha frappe
Hammock or adirondack chair? Adirondack
Last time you were on a tube? At least 20 years ago
What worries you more, climate change or the price of gas? About the same
Justin Bieber’s coming to Hawaii for a concert? How many tickets you want? Haha 0
Most embarrassing moment of your life? I was waterskiing and I was going to spray my friends on a dock that was in the middle of the lake. I went on the wrong side of the dock and clothes lined everyone/everything on the dock. People, coolers, chairs and more hit the water. Oh man were they pissed and I was embarrassed, at least no one got hurt.
What happens next, Tiger Woods remarries or makes a cut in a pro tournament again? Remarries
Do you play any musical instruments? No
Fill in the blank with the person(s) that would be your ultimate, amazing show-off experience):
You're out foiling, a boat approaches, you can't believe your eyes, this is amazing, Kid Rock wants to watch you and try foiling! Who wouldn’t want to hang out with Kid Rock on the Lake!
Click on pictures below to enlarge