Natty’s aka The National Tournament

Chargrilled oysters 

A big party

All the teams (D1and D2)

Muffuletta sandwich - we had leftovers for Saturday lunch 

The Miami guys watching women’s jump

Night jumping 

Yup - that’s our son 

Nighttime at the lakes

Marshall and I made the trek down to Zachary, LA for the National Collegiate Water Skiing Association  Championship to cheer on Drake and the Miami RedHawks. Considering the cold weather and winter storm warning in Colorado, it was great to be in the 85+ degree weather for a couple of days. 

We arrived late on Thursday night into New Orleans and stayed at an airport hotel. We departed mid morning and made our way to Zachary to catch the end of the D1men’s slalom and women’s jump. Because we are so new to the sport, it can be hard to appreciate the level of skill of these athletes at times. However, at the highest levels, you can see the strength, agility and precision required to perform. 

Friday was our best “food day” here - we stopped for a muffuletta sandwich at an Italian deli after the skiing day was done and took Drake out to dinner at Parrain’s seafood restaurant and then went back to the lake for Friday night “Flight Night” under the lights. Drake came back with us and stayed in our room to get a better night sleep before his jump day on Saturday. A good first day taking in our first experience at Natty’s.