Author: IWWF

Venues for next two waterski world championships announced

Italy and Australia Announced as Hosts for the 2025 & 2027 World Championships | IWWF

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Italy and Australia Announced as Hosts for the 2025 & 2027 IWWF World Open Waterski Championships

Venues for next two waterski world championships announced

Image: IWWF

IWWF

The International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) is delighted to announce that Italy and Australia have been selected as the hosts for the 2025 and 2027 IWWF World Open Waterski Championships, respectively.

Both countries had initially submitted bids to host the 2025 edition, but after careful consideration and discussions, Australia opted to reschedule its bid for the prestigious event until 2027.  

Italy will host the 2025 IWWF World Open Waterski Championships from 3rd to 7th September at the Parco Nautico del Sesia in Recetto. This will be the fifth time that Italy has hosted the World Championships, reaffirming its strong ties to the sport and its reputation as a world-class destination for waterski competitions. The Parco Nautico del Sesia is renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and stunning natural surroundings, making it an ideal venue for this prestigious event.

Parco Nautico del Sesia in Recetto, Italy

Australia will take the spotlight in 2027, hosting the IWWF World Open Waterski Championships from 16th to 22nd February 2027 at the Max Kirwan Ski Park, Mulwala in New South Wales. This will mark only the second time Australia has hosted the event, with the last occasion being in 1965 at Surfer’s Paradise on the Gold Coast.  The decision to defer to Italy for 2025 highlights Australia’s commitment to fostering international cooperation within the waterskiing community, and the 2027 event promises to be a spectacular showcase of the sport.

Max Kirwin Ski Park in Mulwala, Australia

“We are incredibly fortunate to have both Italy and Australia as hosts for our upcoming IWWF World Open Championships,” said José Antonio Pérez Priego, President of the IWWF. “Australia’s gracious gesture to focus on delivering an exceptional event in 2027 is a true reflection of the unity and sportsmanship that defines our global waterskiing family. We look forward to two outstanding championships in these two remarkable countries.”

As the IWWF continues to promote and advance waterskiing on the global stage, the 2025 and 2027 IWWF World Open Waterski Championships are poised to be landmark events. With Italy’s deep waterskiing heritage and Australia’s return to hosting after more than six decades, these championships will not only celebrate the sport but also the spirit of international cooperation and respect that underpins the IWWF

Ahumada Esqui Nautico

Argentina to Host 2026 Under-17 World Championships | IWWF

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Argentina to Host 2026 IWWF World Under 17 Waterski Championships

Ahumada Esqui Nautico

Image: @ahumada_esqui_nautico

IWWF

The Argentinian Waterski & Wakeboard Federation has been awarded the bid to host the next IWWF World Under 17 Waterski Championships in 2026 at Lago Ahumada Esquí Náutico in San Jose in Córdoba from 30th March to 5th April 2026.

The “Club Ahumada Waterski,” founded 10 years ago in Villa Dolores, has been a pillar in promoting water sports. For 8 years, the training has taken place at “Lago La Viña” in the Trasla- sierra Valley. Recently, the club built a high-performance private lake between San José and Villa Dolores, designed for skiing both day and night thanks to its advanced lighting. This lake, unique in the province of Córdoba, meets all the technical and safety requirements necessary for high-level competitions.

Read the full press release from IWWF

2024 IWWF World Under 17 Waterski Championships

2024 Under-17 World Championships Kick Off This Week | IWWF

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2024 IWWF World Under 17 Waterski Championships Kick Off Today

2024 IWWF World Under 17 Waterski Championships

Image: IWWF

IWWF

The 2024 IWWF World Under 17 Waterski Championships officially commences today at Predator Bay in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

This prestigious event gathers over 100 of the world’s finest junior waterskiers from 21 countries, all vying for the coveted World Titles in various disciplines.

The Championships, running from August 1st to 4th, promise thrilling displays of talent and skill as young athletes push the boundaries of waterskiing excellence. Admission is free and spectators can look forward to an array of exhilarating performances, including slalom, tricks, and jump events, all set against the stunning backdrop of Predator Bay.

Adding to the excitement, the event will be live-streamed, allowing fans worldwide to experience the action in real time. The live stream will cover every moment of the competition, ensuring that waterski enthusiasts around the globe don’t miss a single turn, trick or jump.

Towing the competitors will be the World-Record setting Ski Nautique, renowned for its superior performance and reliability.

To read the full media release and for more information about the event, the schedule, and to access the live stream, please visit the following link:

Please click here to read the full media release on IWWF’s website.

His new record score of 12,970 points was set at the Masters Qualifying Series 1

Watch: Abelson’s World Trick Record is Approved | IWWF

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IWWF Open Men Tricks Record Broken Again

IWWF

He has done it again, this time even better!! 16 years old Jake Abelson (USA) has surpassed his previous IWWF World Open Men’s Tricks Record of 12,720 points

His new record score of 12,970 points was set at the Masters Qualifying Series 1, on Lake Ledbetter, Winter Garden, Florida on 10th of May, 2024. This also becomes the new Under-17 Boys and Under-21 Men tricks record. Once again, the new world record was pulled behind the World record-setting Ski Nautique.

In Remembrance of Dr. Günther Ludwig

In Remembrance of Dr. Günther Ludwig | IWWF

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In Remembrance of Dr. Günther Ludwig – 10 October 1938 to 14 May 2024

In Remembrance of Dr. Günther Ludwig

Image: IWWF

IWWF

The world of waterskiing mourns the loss of Dr. Günther Ludwig, one of the most esteemed judges, who passed away on May 14, 2024. Dr. Ludwig’s contributions to the sport, especially in cable waterskiing, have left an indelible mark, shaping the course of its history and development.

Dr. Günther Ludwig was a respected figure at the IWWF European Championships, both in cableski and waterskiing, where his expertise and fairness set the standard for judging. His outstanding dedication has been recognized globally, culminating in his role as Chief Judge at the IWWF World Waterski Championships in Medellin, Colombia, in 1997. His leadership and integrity ensured that the competitions he oversaw were of the highest standard, earning him respect and admiration from athletes and colleagues alike.

Full article at IWWF.

@jakeableson World Record 12720!

Watch: Abelson’s World Trick Record is Approved (12,720) | IWWF

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New World Open Men’s Tricks Record Set by 16-Year-Old Jake Abelson

IWWF

16-year-old Jake Abelson from the USA has set a new World Open Men’s Tricks Record with a remarkable score of 12,720 points. This impressive feat has been officially approved by the IWWF World Waterski Council, marking a significant milestone in the world of waterskiing.

Jake Abelson achieved this record-breaking performance during the Ski Fluid Classic held at Lake Grew in Polk City, Florida, USA, on April 28, 2024. By scoring 12,720 points, Jake surpassed the previous World Trick Record of 12,690 points, which was held by Mexico’s Patricio Font.

Jake’s achievement is particularly notable as it not only sets a new benchmark for the Open Men’s category but also becomes the World Tricks Record for Under-17 Boys and Under-21 Men.

The Orakei Basin in Auckland

2025 IWWF World University Water Ski Championships To Be Held in New Zealand

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2025 IWWF World University Waterski Championships to be held in New Zealand

The Orakei Basin in Auckland

Aerial view of Orakei basin, near Auckland, New Zealand (image: Bruce W. Hayward)

IWWF

The IWWF Executive Board has approved a bid from New Zealand Waterski Association to host the 2025 IWWF World University Waterski Championships at the Auckland Water Ski Club (AWSC). The Championships, which will include the three traditional events of slalom, tricks and jump, will be held February 26 through March 2, 2025 at the Orakei Basin in Auckland. The dates have been selected to align with New Zealand’s peak summer period and pre- Moomba Masters.

“The site is unique and located inside a dormant volcanic crater on the side of the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland Harbour. It is within sight of the SkyTower in the centre of Auckland. While the site is saltwater based, it has hosted several great skiers and events over the years including the New Zealand Nationals every 5 years. It skis well with historical slalom scores into 10.25 metres and jumps over 65 metres.”

This will be the first IWWF World Titled traditional waterski event hosted by New Zealand and the first since our separation from the FISU World University Championships program. It will be towed exclusively by the World Record-Setting Ski Nautique.

The IWWF World University Waterski Championships is a team event comprised of skiers between the ages of 17 and 28 who are full time students in good standing at an accredited university.

The event itself has a very rich tradition with many of the world’s top skiers competing over the years. Beginning in 1996 with the first IWSF World University Trophy Tournament, in Milledgeville, Georgia, USA and a second IWSF World University Trophy Tournament in 1998 in Cleveland, Tennessee, the IWSF went on to sanction the 1st World University Waterski Championships in Tianjin, China, in 2002. The Tianjin event, probably the largest amateur waterski event in history with tens of thousands in attendance, was broadcast live on China’s National TV Network, which at the time had a total viewership of 600,000,000.

In 2002, The IWSF (Now IWWF) partnered with the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and FISU sanctioned events in Balakovo, Russia (2004), Tianjin, China (2008), Santiago, Chile (2012) and Akita, Japan (2016). Events were also scheduled for Dnipro, Ukraine in 2020 and Minsk, Belarus in 2022. Both were canceled, the first by COVID-19 pandemic, the second due to the war. Ukraine was rescheduled to 2024 but had to be canceled once again due to the war.

2025 marks the beginning of a new era as the World University Championships returns to the IWWF. The next event, hopefully, will take place in 2026 and will include two or more sport disciplines, conducted under the umbrella of the “IWWF University Worlds.”

 

Joel Poland and Erika Lang were named the IWWF male & female waterskiers of 2023.

Lang, Poland Named Skiers of the Year | IWWF

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Erika Lang and Joel Poland named IWWF Waterskiers of the Year

Joel Poland and Erika Lang were named the IWWF male & female waterskiers of 2023.

IWWF

The IWWF is pleased to announce the 2023 IWWF Male & Female Skiers & Riders of the Year, selected by their respective disciplines’ councils.

Erika Lang | Athletes | Camaro Onlineshop
Erika Lang Trick Skiing World Record Holder

Images: Camaro/Johnny Hayward

2023 IWWF Female Water Skier of the Year: Erika Lang (USA)

Erika Lang demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the season, securing victories in every trick event she participated in, with just one exception. A fantastic athlete, she set a new world trick record, surpassing her previous record.

  • Female Tricks World Record Holder: Erika set the record during the 2023 season with an impressive 11,360 points on May 19th, 2023, at the Sunset Cup – MLCQ.
  • World Ranking: 1st Place
  • Waterski Pro Tour Leaderboard: 1st Place
  • Pan American Games: 1st Place
  • World Championships: 1st Place
Joel Poland is Overall World Champion & Team Win Silver! - British Water Ski and WakeboardJoel Poland is Overall World Champion & Team Win Silver! - British Water Ski and Wakeboard Joel Poland is Overall World Champion & Team Win Silver!
Joel Poland Sets Pending Overall World Record - British Water Ski and WakeboardJoel Poland Sets Pending Overall World Record - British Water Ski and Wakeboard Joel Poland Sets Pending Overall World Record

Images: BWSW/Johnny Hayward

2023 IWWF Male Water Skier of the Year: Joel Poland (Great Britain)

Joel Poland showcased outstanding consistency, consistently finishing among the top 10 in all disciplines throughout the season, with only one exception. A fantastic overall athlete, he set two overall world records in 2023. Notably, he became the sole three-event skier to run 10.25 (41′ off) at 58kph (36mph).

  • World Overall Record Holder: Joel set two records during the 2023 season. The first record, with 2664.16 points (1.00@58/10.25 – 11680 points – 69.8m), was established on September 2nd at the WWS Florida Cup. The second record, with 2670.62 points (2.00@58/10.25 – 11680 points – 69.3m), was set on September 16th during the Malibu Open.
  • World Ranking: Slalom 4th Place, Tricks 5th Place, Jump 3rd Place, Overall 1st Place
  • Waterski Pro Tour Leaderboard: Slalom 13th Place, Tricks 1st Place, Jump 4th Place
  • World Championships: 2nd Place Overall

2023 IWWF Skiers & Riders of the Year

DisciplineFemaleMale
BarefootAshleigh Stebbeings (AUS)Keenan Derry (AUS)
Disabled SkiSamantha-Jane Longmore (AUS)Connor Poggetto (USA)
Cable SkiPhoenix Baumgardt (GER)Aviv Levy (ISR)
Cable WakeboardJulia Rick (GER)Oliver Orban (HUN)
RacingNellie McMillan (AUS)Carter Robertson (AUS)
Show SkiGrace Petzold (USA)Peter Hegarty (USA)
WaterskiErika Lang (USA)Joel Poland (GBR)

Please click here to learn more about them. Congratulations!

From this list of outstanding skiers & riders, the IWWF Executive Board then selected the 2023 IWWF Male & Female Athletes of the Year:

2023 IWWF Female Athlete of the Year: Ashleigh Stebbeings (Australia)

2023 IWWF Male Athlete of the Year: Joel Poland (Great Britain)