This is My new Video that is located in the lake that I practice in Alabama with the University team.

BACK IN THE WATER

I am very enthusiastic today after completing two full days of training in my favorite training venue on the island of Poros. The weather was amazing and expect to be able to train regularly.
The big bonus for me is that I came through two tough training sessions without any reaction to the injury which forced me out of the water last year. My sights are now firimly set on the first competition of the year which will be held in Poros in June.

Here are some photos & Video from today's practice.    

READY FOR TRAINING

I'm preparing for my first training session of the year. I set off for Poros tomorrow morning. I feel excited, fit and ready for the forthcoming water ski season, before I start my training, there are some important checks that should be made prior to entering the water. Anyone who is involved with waterskiing would be  advised to make same checks. 

1) Try on all clothing and equipment to see if they still fit properly. You may have grown over the winter period.

2)check all the screws on your skis to make sure they are tight.

3)Take the appropriate creams for relaxing your muscles after the training because no matter how hard you have trained in the gym your body will feel the strain of your first training.

4)Don't forget to take your camera with you. Apart from providing you with some amazing photos, it will also give you a valuable chance to analyze your mistakes through video feedback.

5) Set yourself realistic but ambitious targets for the coming season and no matter what disappointments you experience, don't lose sight of them or give up trying to achieve them.

Hopes For 2012

After nine years of hard efforts in the world of competitive waterski, with several accomplishments such  as the National Record in slalom, 1st place in the European Ranking List (2008) ,7th place in the World junior slalom competition (2010), 9th place in the World Ranking list 2011 and the honored invitation from the American Waterski Federation to participate in the U.S.A OPEN competition (2011). Following an injury sustained whilst competing is the U.S.A Open, I have been working extremely hard in both the gym and with my physiotherapist to regain peak physical condition once again. I am now ready to start competing in a new category, the under 21s. I will do my best to be among the best athletes of the world under the Greek flag.  Here in Greece the weather is cold and it's difficult to practice. For that reason I go to the gym to keep myself fit and strong. 
I am looking forward to getting into the water for my first set and pushing myself to new heights. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my sponsors ONEIL,JETOIL,and NIKE SUNGLASSES for their valuable support in this effort. Also I would like to thank my family for the valuable support they have given me all these years.

Highlights

I have just returned from practice first time after three whole months of intensive physiotherapy on my right shoulder. It was fantastic! My arm responded better than anticipated; I felt no pain! The weather was favorable and i had great fun. I also had the chance to try out my new GoPro camera! Here are some photos from today's practice.    

                         

Achilleas Patounis Summer Update

Last June I was invited to the United States by the American Water Ski Federation, to compete in the 2011 U.S. Open Juniors in Slalom and Tricks. Despite a back injury that kept me out of training for at least three months i decided to participate. During the competition I felt an other pull on my shoulder but I continued my participation and placed 5th in tricks and 6th in slalom. I would liked to defend my title in the 2011 Greek National, but I chose to rehabilitate my injured shoulder and back and be able to return healthier and stronger than ever before. I am determined to raise the level of standards in Greek and International competitions and defend my World Ranking position.

Sponsor Achilleas Patounis

Achilleas Patounis. has been fortunate enough to work with some great companies. If you would like to join these companies and support me, email patounis@hotmail.com. If you want to Sponsor me you can do so via paypal here:         

       

     

               

                  

                 

Us Open 2011 Highlights

Water ski Junior US Open

Preliminary May 2011 World Ranking List released