Legend is a term often overused in sports, diluted until it loses its impact. Defined as someone who leaves an unforgettable impression, the 2025 IWWF Hall of Fame inductees restore its true meaning. Among them, two titans of waterskiing stand out: Jaret Llewellyn and Camille Duvall. To speak of these icons is to speak of transcendent greatness, boundary-breaking dominance, and the magnetism that defines sporting legends.
Let’s start with Jaret Llewellyn, a man whose career statistics read like they belong to an entire team, not just one individual. With a reported 117 professional victories, 11 world records, and 9 World Championship titles, Llewellyn is a colossus of Canadian waterskiing, a beacon of brilliance in a sport that often favors youth over longevity. From the frozen plains of Alberta to the humid swamps of South Florida, Llewellyn’s impact has been felt worldwide. By 14, he was representing Canada. By 18, he turned professional, carving his name into history one victory at a time.
Llewellyn’s versatility is unparalleled. A Junior World Champion in tricks, a world-record breaker in jump, and a five-time U.S. Masters overall champion, he dominated multiple disciplines even as they evolved. He thrived during the heyday of Ski Fly and continued winning well into his 40s. His story isn’t just about victories; it’s about adapting, surviving, and triumphing amid fierce competition. Patrice Martin, Jimmy Siemers, Adam Sedlmajer—these weren’t mere rivals; they were legendary opponents. Yet Llewellyn consistently emerged as the standard of excellence.
His 16 World Championships medals—the most by any man—tell a tale of persistence. From his breakout performance as a 21-year-old in 1991, sharing a podium with his brother Kreg, to his bittersweet swan song in 2015, Llewellyn’s career has been defined by longevity and dominance. His influence doesn’t stop at medals and records; through the WWS Overall Tour, he has spearheaded a resurgence in the overall discipline, ensuring his legacy endures for future generations. His Hall of Fame induction is more than an accolade—it’s a crowning achievement for a career that reshaped waterskiing.
On the other side of the lake stands Camille Duvall, whose waterskiing legacy is as luminous as the golden era she dominated. Upon her retirement, USA Today called her “the best-known female water skier in history,” and Sports Illustrated named her among the “100 Greatest Female Athletes of the Century.” If Llewellyn’s career was a marathon of excellence, Duvall’s was a meteoric ascent that redefined the possibilities for women in waterskiing—and beyond.
Her dominance was forged in the fiery crucible of the 1980s professional circuit, where she didn’t just compete—she reigned. The Coors Light Water Ski Tour wasn’t merely a competitive stage; it was Camille’s playground. She claimed the season championship every year from 1984 to 1988, an unparalleled streak. Beyond her wins, Duvall’s charisma and marketability turned women’s waterskiing into a marquee attraction, transforming the sport’s perception on a global scale.
Her accolades came thick and fast: the 1985 World Slalom title, five U.S. Masters victories, 43 pro tournament wins, and becoming the first female water skier to earn six figures in a single year. Injuries may have cut her competitive career short at 33, but Duvall’s influence only grew. She transitioned seamlessly into roles as a coach, television producer, and advocate for women in sports. Her legacy stretches far beyond the water’s edge, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and female athletes worldwide.
What unites Duvall and Llewellyn is their defiance of limits. They shattered ceilings, reshaped perceptions, and transformed their respective eras. While Llewellyn endured and mastered the sport’s evolving dynamics, Duvall flourished in a spotlight she helped create. Their inductions into the Hall of Fame are not just personal milestones but milestones for waterskiing itself—a testament to the sport’s capacity to produce athletes who transcend its shores.
The 2025 IWWF Hall of Fame class isn’t just a celebration of past glories. It’s a reminder of what waterskiing—and those who dedicate their lives to it—can achieve. Jaret Llewellyn and Camille Duvall, welcome to immortality.
For the first time since his devastating leg injury, two-time world slalom champion Freddie Winter took to the water on January 10, marking 198 days since the crash during the Monaco Slalom Cup that broke his femur.
“198 days ago, my leg was snapped in two,” Winter wrote on Instagram. “It’s taken a while and, trust me, it’s taken a lot, but today I got back out there. It couldn’t have felt much more foreign, but who cares? I’m back.”
The injury, sustained during a high-stakes final against compatriot Will Asher, was a brutal blow to Winter’s 2024 season. Chasing a victory at 10.25m (41’ off), Winter’s quest ended in calamity when an uncontrolled lean led to a collision with a dock. The image of Winter being stretchered away became a sobering reminder of the perils of elite slalom skiing.
Doctors initially estimated a recovery timeline of up to a year—a grim prognosis for the fiercely competitive Brit. Yet, through rigorous rehabilitation and the guidance of a top-tier medical team, Winter defied expectations to be back on the water in just over six months.
“It’s been tough,” Winter admitted on the TWBC Podcast last fall. “When you break something as significant as your femur, it’s not just the bone—it’s the muscles, the ligaments, everything around it. But I wasn’t going to sit on the sidelines longer than I had to. I’ve been counting the days, and now I’m counting down to Moomba.”
While his first session back was far from a return to form, it was a critical milestone in a journey that has been equal parts physical and mental. Winter’s return is a beacon of perseverance in a sport that constantly flirts with the edge of control.
As he sets his sights on the Moomba Masters in March, Winter’s comeback isn’t just about chasing titles; it’s about reclaiming his place in the sport he loves. For now, the slalom maestro is back where he belongs—on the water, defying the odds.
After three decades of redefining the boundaries of South American water skiing, Rodrigo “Toti” Miranda is stepping away from the sport. On January 25, at Lago Los Morros, the 43-year-old Chilean legend will take his final jump, closing the chapter on a career filled with groundbreaking achievements, iconic medals, and fearless performances.
“The best 30 years! Total thanks 🫶,” Miranda wrote, announcing his retirement and inviting fans to a special event. “Accompany me on my farewell, the last jump.”
For Chilean water skiing, Toti was more than an athlete; he was a pioneer. In a nation without a legacy in the sport, he forged one with relentless determination, thrusting Chile onto the global stage. Alongside his younger brother, Felipe, Toti became the face of Chilean water skiing during its early years, inspiring a generation of athletes to follow in their wake.
His achievements? Unparalleled.
Toti was the first Chilean to medal at the Under-17 Worlds (1998), the Under-21s (2003), and the open World Championships (2011). His bronze in jump at the 2011 Worlds solidified his status as a trailblazer. At the Pan American Games, his podium streak stretched across four consecutive editions from 2007 to 2019. On the global stage, he earned four consecutive World Games medals, including a gold in overall at the 2009 event in China.
While Miranda excelled in all three water skiing events—slalom, tricks, and jump—it was jump where he consistently left his mark. A fearless and tenacious competitor, Toti may not have always jumped the furthest, but he was renowned for cutting the latest. Few skiers attacked the ramp with as much aggression and precision as the Chilean.
For over two decades on the professional circuit, Toti was a consistent podium presence. He enjoyed particular success at the Malibu Open, where he claimed jump titles in 2015, 2016, and 2020. His retirement not only marks the end of a storied career but also signals the conclusion of an era for Chilean water skiing—a sport whose foundations owe much to his unwavering pursuit of excellence.
On January 25, as Toti takes his final leap, it won’t just be the end of his time on the ramp; it will be the culmination of a legacy. And true to Miranda’s style, it promises to be a jump for the ages.
The waterskiing community and beyond are celebrating the life of Dr. James Dayle “J.D.” Morgan, who passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, at the age of 88 in Lake Wales, Florida. Known as much for his pioneering accomplishments on the water as his decorated career in medicine, Morgan leaves behind a legacy of excellence, determination, and family tradition.
Lauren Morgan, his granddaughter and a world-class professional jumper, captured the sentiment of many: “You taught us that life wasn’t about taking the easy way out. It was about hard work, dedication, and living with purpose… We’ll miss you, papa skier. But we’ll keep pushing forward, just like you taught us. Legends never die.”
Born in Perry, Iowa, Morgan’s life was one of extraordinary achievements. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, where he earned his M.D. in 1961, he served 20 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Captain in 1980. His military tenure included roles as a flight surgeon and senior medical officer aboard the USS Independence. Afterward, Morgan operated a private dermatology practice in Lake Wales until 2012.
Yet, it was on the waters of America’s lakes and rivers that Morgan truly made waves. A fierce competitor and a stalwart of the sport, he began skiing in the 1960s and quickly rose to prominence, claiming national titles and records through the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. He represented the U.S. in the inaugural World Veteran Team Competitions in 1983 and 1984, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite.
Beyond competition, Morgan was instrumental in shaping the sport’s future. As president of the American Water Ski Educational Foundation (AWSEF) from 1996 to 2005, he spearheaded the creation of the American Waterski Hall of Fame, which opened in 2013. His contributions earned him the AWSEF Award of Distinction.
Morgan’s impact extended to his family, where his love for the sport became a generational legacy. His sons, Mike and Zack, achieved national championship titles, with Mike representing the U.S. in world competitions. Lauren Morgan continues the family’s dominance as one of the world’s premier jumpers.
While his accolades are many, Morgan’s influence stretched beyond titles. He was a mentor, a relentless advocate for the sport, and an enduring symbol of grit and passion.
For those who knew him, on the water or off, Dr. Morgan wasn’t just a legend. He was an inspiration.
Water skiing in 2024 was a symphony of breakthroughs, rivalries, and legends. It was a year where the boundaries of the sport were not just nudged but obliterated. From historic records tumbling to teenagers staking their claim among seasoned veterans, the season delivered a relentless procession of stories that reminded us why we love this sport. Whether it was iconic figures bowing out, future stars rising to the occasion, or tense moments that left fans speechless, the year had it all.
Throughout 2024, skiers showcased their talents across two professional tours, the Waterski Pro Tour and WWS Overall Tour, legacy events like the Moomba and U.S. Masters, and the Under-17 World Championships. At its heart, 2024 was about evolution—on the water and in the stories surrounding it. As we count down the top ten moments, we reflect on a year that redefined what’s possible in water skiing and set the stage for an even brighter future.
The women’s trick world record turned into a game of musical chairs this fall as Neilly Ross and Erika Lang traded the title in a jaw-dropping display of skill and rivalry. It all began on October 26, when Ross posted an 11,380-point run at the Okeeheelee 3-Event Record Tournament in West Palm Beach, Florida, surpassing Lang’s standing record. But just a week later, Lang fired back with an 11,450-point run at the Timber Cove Record Tournament in Texas—the highest score ever tricked by a woman.
Then, on November 9, Ross delivered a double counterpunch at the Autumn Record on Lake Ledbetter, tricking 11,430 points in both rounds and submitting two pending world records. The back-and-forth battle captivated the water ski world as the scores awaited review by the IWWF. Ultimately, Lang’s record was denied, and Ross officially claimed the world record for the first time. As of now, her latest scores remain under review.
Regardless of official ratification, the razor-thin margins and high stakes of this duel solidified Ross and Lang as two of the sport’s fiercest competitors, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in elite trick skiing.
Perhaps most intriguing was Lang’s response. After competing at the October Okeeheelee tournament, she appears to have replicated Ross’s record-breaking sequence in a matter of days, perfecting it before her Timber Cove run.
The 10th anniversary of the Swiss Pro Slalom delivered a fitting start to the 2024 Waterski Pro Tour, and amidst the action, Jaimee Bull delivered one of the most astonishing performances in recent memory. Hosted at Florida’s iconic Swiss Waterski Resort, the event featured a stacked lineup of veterans and rising stars battling through two preliminary rounds and a high-stakes final—all packed into a single day. By sunset, the water had witnessed more than just skiing; it had seen history.
Heading into the women’s event, Regina Jaquess—the nine-time champion and reigning Queen of Swiss—seemed an unstoppable force. She’d never lost here, and few would bet against her claiming a 10th crown. But Jaquess fell short of McClintock-Rini’s lead of 5@10.75m (39.5′ off). Then came Bull, who had spent the winter on snow and only returned to water skiing weeks earlier. Defying expectations she ran 1@10.25m (41′ off) to claim victory, snapping Jaquess’ undefeated streak at the Swiss Pro and leaving the water ski world in awe.
Reigning men’s world champion Freddie Winter summed it up best: “It takes me a month and a half to feel like I can even stand on a slalom ski. Jaimee’s gone out and run 39 maybe in her second or third week of training. It’s exceptional. She looks outrageously good.” Bull’s understated response reflected her shock as much as her grit: “I haven’t been on the water that long, and skiing three sets in one day is a lot. [But] the rhythm was really good, and everything felt smooth.”
By year’s end, Bull’s early-season magic proved prophetic, as she claimed her fourth consecutive Waterski Pro Tour season championship. It all began with a Swiss Pro Slalom victory that was as unlikely as it was unforgettable.
Sibling rivalry often adds an emotional edge to sports, but few moments have captured it quite like 2024’s Under-17 World Championships in Canada. The final showdown between Jaeden and Damien Eade, two second-generation water skiing prodigies, delivered an unforgettable spectacle of skill, resilience, and brotherly competition. The Eade brothers, top seeds heading into the event, tied for the gold medal in the slalom event, forcing a dramatic runoff.
Jaeden, the elder, had broken an almost decade-old championship record in the preliminary round with 4 buoys at 10.75 meters (39.5’ off). Damien, nursing an arm injury, was a pass back but fought his way to tie with his brother in the final at 2 buoys on the same line length. In the runoff, Jaeden showcased his composure, running a clean 11.25 meters and repeating his earlier record-setting score from the preliminary round. Damien, chasing the highest score in the history of the tournament for victory, managed 3 buoys at 10.75m – falling just short. The embrace that followed between the brothers was a picture perfect moment, a reflection of years of shared training and mutual support.
For Jaeden, the win was about strategy as much as skill. “I just had to play it safe,” he explained, describing his decision to lay up in the finals and force the runoff. Damien, meanwhile, emphasized gratitude: “Just being at Junior Worlds was an awesome experience.” Their father, Kyle Eade, a former professional jumper, summed it up: “It’s a storybook ending for us.”
Four countries, four tournaments, 10 days, and $150,000 in prize money—this was no ordinary week in waterskiing. It was a whirlwind European tour that tested the endurance, skill, and grit of the world’s best slalom and trick skiers. Starting under the Moroccan sun in Marrakech and winding through the Alps, the French Riviera, and central Spain, the schedule was as relentless as the competition.
In men’s slalom one name stood tallest by the end: Will Asher. The 42-year-old veteran rolled back the years with three consecutive wins in Marrakech, Fungliss, and Monaco, cementing his place atop the 2024 Waterski Pro Tour standings. Asher not only won but did so in style, conquering the daunting 10.25m (41’ off) line length twice in the process.
Team Syndicate dominated the conversation throughout the week, claiming over 50% of slalom podiums and all seven slalom titles. Jaimee Bull continued her reign, pulling ahead on the Pro Tour leaderboard with another masterful performance. Rob Hazelwood and Allie Nicholson added individual wins to the team’s haul, while Frenchmen Sacha Descuns showcased brilliance on home waters.
Strong all season, Team Syndicate would go on to pick up their second consecutive Brand Leaderboard title on the Waterski Pro Tour. Their response was a mix of pride and gratitude: “What a year it’s been. We couldn’t be more proud of our team—on the water, in the factory, and in the back offices in Seattle. This trophy wouldn’t be possible without everyone working together and driving the team to be better every day.”
Joel Poland isn’t just rewriting the record books—he’s tearing them apart and starting anew. The 25-year-old Englishman delivered a fortnight of water skiing that bordered on perfection, beating the world overall record in three consecutive rounds. The latter two done in professional competition at the WWS Travers Cup, cementing a third consecutive season championship on the WWS Overall Tour.
This isn’t an isolated hot streak. Poland has been on a relentless tear since last year, when he ended a two-year drought to break the world overall record at the final stop of the 2023 WWS Overall Tour. That moment seemed to unlock a new level of dominance. Since then, he smashed the record again at the Malibu Open, again in the spring at Fluid, and—astoundingly—exceeded it in three consecutive rounds this September. Records aren’t supposed to fall this easily, let alone in bunches. It’s a staggering level of consistency in a sport where perfection is fleeting.
Spare a thought for his competitors, who find themselves skiing in the shadow of history. Louis Duplan-Fribourg, Dorien Llewellyn, and Martin Kolman all delivered exceptional performances at the Travers Cup—indeed, the entire podium surpassed Jaret Llewellyn’s legendary “unbreakable” record that held from 2002 to 2017. The competition was breathtaking, with highlights like a pending under-17 world record from Jake Abelson and a new French national jump record from Duplan-Fribourg. But none of it could hold a candle to Poland, who put up elite-level scores in slalom, tricks, and jump across all rounds.
“I’m pretty happy—three [overall records] in a row now,” Poland said, in his typical understated way. Look away at your peril—he’s not done yet.
The rise of youth in men’s trick skiing was nothing short of astonishing. Heading into the season, names like Patricio Font and Joel Poland were expected to dominate. Yet, the story quickly shifted to teenagers Matias Gonzalez, Martin Labra, and the prodigious Jake Abelson.
After Font’s early-season triumph at the Moomba Masters, skiers 18 and under claimed every remaining professional trick title. Most remarkable was Abelson, who, in just two weeks, went from never breaking 12,000 points to smashing the world record—twice. This wasn’t just incremental progress; it was seismic, with his combined improvements eclipsing nearly two decades of prior growth in the sport.
The year also marked the highest level of tricking depth ever recorded, with over half of all 12,500+ scores coming in 2024. Abelson’s inspiration came from a variety of sources: the speed and efficiency of Font’s hand pass, the boundary-pushing tricks of Joel Poland, and the blistering pace of Gonzalez and Labra’s toe tricking, to name a few. Far from occurring overnight, the sudden rise in trick scores is the product of “the collective knowledge” of generations of skiers and coaches who have laid the blueprint.
“To consistently trick over 12k, the most important thing for me was to focus on speed,” shared Gonzalez. Labra echoed the sentiment, attributing their collective success to their shared childhood rivalry. “I think we helped each other to be better… we started pushing ourselves to a better level,” he said. The next generation has arrived, and the path to 13,000 points is now firmly in sight.
The final weeks of the 2024 professional water skiing season were a relentless showcase of high-stakes tournaments across Florida, but none captured the imagination quite like the MasterCraft King of Darkness (KoD). A festival-like night event, bringing together incredible skiing and an enthusiastic crowd that harkened back to the sport’s glory days. But it wasn’t just the atmosphere that made KoD special—it was the level of competition, particularly in women’s slalom, where the bar was raised to unprecedented heights.
In a dazzling display of skill and composure, all four semifinalists—Regina Jaquess, Whitney McClintock Rini, Jaimee Bull, and Allie Nicholson—successfully navigated the notoriously demanding 10.75-meter (39.5’ off) pass in the head-to-head matchups. It wasn’t just a one-off either; the feat repeated in the finals, making KoD the first event in history to see such consistency at this level under head-to-head pressure.
The semifinals were thrillers. McClintock Rini ran 10.75 meters, likely thinking she had sealed her finals spot, only to watch Nicholson match her, forcing a 10.25m (41’ off) showdown. McClintock Rini held her nerve to edge Nicholson in a tense finish. In the other semi, it was déjà vu for Jaquess and Bull, whose rivalry delivered again. Bull pushed Jaquess to the limit, but the veteran pulled out her signature magic at 10.25 meters to secure her finals berth.
The final was a fitting climax to a night of exceptional skiing. Both Jaquess and McClintock Rini ran 10.75 meters again under the fading lights, setting up another dramatic battle at 10.25. McClintock Rini threw down a challenging score of 2 buoys, but Jaquess, in vintage form, responded with an audacious attempt at 3-buoy, complete with a spectacular cartwheel crash as she exited her ski. The crowd erupted as Jaquess claimed the title and delivered an electrifying reminder of why fan engagement matters so much.
“That was awesome,” Jaquess said, beaming as the crowd roared its approval. “it’s great to have all the fans and spectators on shore, it’s a special treat.”
Robin Lake, a venue dripping in history and difficulty, played host to McCormick’s maiden professional victory. The tournament was a battle of attrition, with former champions like Smith and Winter faltering at the 10.75 line to miss the final. It came down to McCormick, the 28-year-old Canadian American in his first Masters final, needing to surpass Asher’s five buoys to claim the title.
What followed was raw grit. McCormick scratched his way to five and a half buoys, his ski ejecting him spectacularly into the water but sealing the win. His victory not only ended a four-year drought of new slalom champions but also set off a cascade of first-time winners, with Hazelwood, Vaughn, Mechler, Cornale, and Caruso all adding their names to the annals of the sport before the season’s end.
Reflecting on his triumph, McCormick said, “Words just can’t even describe what this means to me. To accomplish something that you dream about as a kid, to finally deliver a win… just feels unbelievable.” It was a win years in the making, but the timing felt perfect.
When Freddy Krueger, the GOAT of water ski jumping, and Joel Poland, the sport’s newest star, meet in a tournament final, magic happens. Saskatoon’s marquee event delivered in spades as these two titans brought the house down.
Poland, second-to-last off the dock, needed a monster jump to surpass Martin Kolman and seize the overall victory. His third and final attempt was pure adrenaline, and when the crowd’s gasp subsided, he had done just enough to edge ahead of Kolman and take the lead in the jump event in one fell swoop. Enter Krueger, who thrives on moments like these. His last jump tied Poland’s leading mark, forcing a rare jump-off.
Krueger opted to go out first after winning the toss and opened with the longest leap of the day, adding an extra foot to his regular competition best. “It’s getting challenging, we’ve got shadows on the ramp now, playing with the visuals a little bit, but this kids got talent coming out his ears,” Krueger remarked as Poland prepared for his turn.
Poland’s response was dramatic. After slipping out on his first attempt, he delivered an all-or-nothing second jump, punctuated by a mid-air fist pump. The crowd held its breath, and when the measurements were revealed, Poland had edged Krueger by 30 centimeters (tying once again in feet).
“I was maybe too confident throwing the fist,” Poland admitted afterward, “but man, that felt good.” Their neck-and-neck battle defined the season, featuring several nail-biting finishes as they traded titles, with Poland ultimately clinching his first Waterski Pro Tour championship.
Jacinta Carroll capped her storied career with one final, breathtaking triumph—a tenth consecutive Moomba Masters jump title, achieved just 100 days after giving birth to her daughter Amelia. It was the ultimate swan song, a farewell fitting for a legend who has redefined what’s possible in women’s jumping.
The path to her final victory was anything but smooth. With just two weeks of on-water training over the past year, Carroll returned to the ramp powered by sheer determination and a rigorously managed recovery. Her third jump sealed the title, and as she stepped back onshore, the emotions poured out. “I started my professional career here in 2011 when I won my first Moomba Masters, so it was only fitting that I come back this year for my last professional jump event,” she said, her voice quivering.
For over a decade, Carroll was an unstoppable force. She rewrote the record books with 42 consecutive elite wins, seven consecutive U.S. Masters titles, five world championships, and the magic 200 foot milestone ticked off.
As Rabbit waved goodbye to the roaring Moomba crowd, there was a collective sense of loss and gratitude. Her retirement marks the end of an era, but her contributions have undoubtedly elevated women’s water skiing to new heights, inspiring future generations of athletes.
Honorable Mentions
The unbreakable tie between Degasperi and Caruso at the European Championships, marking T-Gas’ 11th consecutive victory.
Winter’s season-ending dock collision at the Monaco Pro Slalom.
Vaughn’s maiden professional victory, achieved after nearly two decades on the circuit.
The Abelson siblings’ dominance at the Under-17 World Championships, leading Team USA to a decisive victory.
TWBC’s rollout of the “helmet cam” at the MasterCraft Pro.
It’s not just a four-buckle vest—it’s a statement. And for Danny Amir, known to the watersports world as Dano the Mano, it’s a matter of life and death.
On a recent episode of the Grab Matters podcast, Amir didn’t just stir the pot; he kicked it over, launching a full-throated takedown of trick skiing’s culture of vestless riding. With a blend of passion and pragmatism, Amir made his position clear: wear a life vest, or prepare to shoulder the blame when tragedy strikes.
The tipping point? A moment burned into Amir’s memory since 2000. Corey Kraut—pioneer of West Coast spins, master of off-axis tricks, and member of the DoubleUp wakeboard team—went for a casual 180 with a grab during a documentary shoot and never surfaced. Kraut, who reportedly only rode without a life vest during photo ops, had the kind of physique that popped on camera. Amir still sees it. “Riding without a vest looks awesome,” he says. “Your abs glisten, you look rad. But then some 10-year-old copies you, and what happens if they don’t come back up?”
To Amir, the argument for mobility—common among trick skiers—is laughable. “If I can land a 540 in a four-buckle vest at 42 years old, fat and out of shape, then why can’t you?” he asks, his voice dripping with incredulity. “You think your sport is so big it can’t adapt? Mary Morgan Howell is out here doing KGBs in a Coast Guard-approved vest. No excuses.”
But it’s not just about individual skiers—it’s about the culture. Trick skiing, Amir argues, has allowed a reckless tradition to fester. Riders cling to a vestless aesthetic, ignoring the risks. For Amir, the solution is simple: leaders like Joel Poland, one of the sport’s biggest stars, need to step up. “Joel wears the vest, Joel makes it cool. You want to grow your sport? Sell a thousand trick ski vests. Market it, profit from it, and save lives.”
Amir doesn’t stop there. He calls out the trick skiing rulebook, which doesn’t require a vest, and the complacency of event organizers. He shares a chilling anecdote about spotting downed riders during competitions, eyes locked on the waterline in case someone doesn’t resurface. “Drowning is real,” he warns. “Nobody thinks about it until it happens.”
The frustration in Amir’s voice isn’t just about safety—it’s about leadership. He’s tired of the excuses, tired of seeing an industry he loves ignore a problem he believes is inevitable. “It’s gonna happen,” he says. “And when it does, everyone’s gonna blame the rulebook. But they’ll have blood on their hands.”
Some might call Amir dramatic, but his message is clear: if trick skiing doesn’t change, it’s courting disaster. His solution? A cultural shift, led by athletes willing to make safety look cool. Until then, Amir isn’t backing down. On his lake, his events, and his terms, there’s only one rule: wear the vest—or don’t bother showing up.
Thomas Degasperi is a man who knows how to make waves. Not just on the water, where his elegant edge changes and icy composure have earned him two World Championships, but also in the industry that powers his sport. After nearly two decades with Malibu Boats, Degasperi’s recent announcement that he’s joining Nautique Boats signals the end of an era for the Tennessee-based boat manufacturer.
“Excited to announce that I’ve joined Nautique Boats! I couldn’t be happier to be part of this family that pushes the sport to the limit,” shared the Italian skiing legend, known as T-Gas for short. It’s a move that feels both inevitable and bittersweet, signaling not just a personal shift but a broader industry evolution.
The End of an Era
Malibu Boats and Thomas Degasperi were practically synonymous. For 18 years, Degasperi skied behind Malibu boats, racked up victories, and became the face of their three-event program. Rob Corum, Malibu’s marketing manager, said it best: “Thank you for pouring your heart and soul into Malibu. You are an irreplaceable legend.”
Degasperi responded with equal grace: “Malibu has been my home for 18 years. To you and the hundreds of people at the factory, to all my teammates, I couldn’t thank you enough for the hard work and dedication. It has been a great ride.”
But the waters have been choppy for Malibu lately. The company has faced lawsuits, a dip in sales, and budget cutbacks—all while competitors like Nautique have doubled down on their commitment to the sport. Regina Jaquess’s departure earlier this year after two decades with Malibu signaled a shift. Now, with Degasperi’s defection, Malibu has effectively exited the professional waterski sponsorship game.
Nautique’s Calculated Gamble
For Nautique, signing Degasperi is a bold move. At 43—44 next month—Degasperi’s prime competitive years are arguably behind him. His 2024 season saw him finish 5th on the Waterski Pro Tour, with consistent performances earning him seven finals appearances and two podium finishes during the European leg. Impressive, yes, but not exactly the dominance he once exhibited a decade ago.
Still, Nautique appears to be betting on more than just results. Degasperi’s enduring popularity, professionalism, and influence in the skiing community make him an asset that transcends podium finishes. He joins Regina Jaquess in what seems to be a Nautique strategy of consolidating the sport’s most marketable athletes under one banner.
The Bigger Picture
Degasperi’s move underscores a larger narrative about the state of professional water skiing. Sponsorships are dwindling, and Nautique’s signing of both Degasperi and Jaquess feels as much about safeguarding the sport’s heritage as it does about marketing. Despite their legendary statuses, neither skier is in the prime of their career, yet they are among the few to secure lucrative boat deals.
It’s a worrying trend. Of the 12 men who, alongside Degasperi, finished on two or more professional slalom podiums in 2024, only two—Joel Poland and Freddie Winter—have a boat sponsor. Jaimee Bull, a two-time World Champion and three-time Waterski Pro Tour champion, remains without a boat deal despite being at the peak of her powers. If the best in the world can’t attract sponsorships, what does that mean for the future of the sport?
Malibu’s Uncertain Path
Malibu’s retreat from the professional skiing scene is disheartening. The company has committed to continuing production of the TXi, its competition ski boat, but financial pressures have forced cuts to their ski program. With fewer than 50 TXis reportedly produced in the US last year and reduced promo boat support, the sport risks losing one of its most iconic vessels from competition.
Malibu’s struggles mirror broader challenges in water skiing. With a small and declining market, manufacturers are forced to balance passion with profitability. Nautique, for its part, has doubled down on its investment in athletes and events, arguably becoming the sport’s lifeline. But even their deep pockets can’t support the entire ecosystem.
What’s Next?
For now, Thomas Degasperi’s move to Nautique feels like a win—for him, for Nautique, and for fans who will get to see one of the sport’s greats continue to carve turns at the highest level. It’s a homecoming of sorts for a man who grew up skiing behind Nautiques at his parents’ ski school in Italy.
At the same time, Malibu’s scaled-back involvement raises troubling questions about the future of water skiing. Can the sport sustain itself with fewer sponsorship opportunities and declining manufacturer investment? Will other brands step in to fill the void, or are we witnessing the early stages of a slow decline?
Yet, if Degasperi’s career has taught us anything, it’s to challenge conventional wisdom. At 43, T-Gas has just finished one of the best seasons of his career, performance-wise, at a time when most would expect him to hang up the skis. The lesson? Don’t write off anyone—whether skier or manufacturer—too soon. After all, Degasperi isn’t done making waves just yet.
For water skiers, Cypress Gardens has always been more than a theme park—it’s the spiritual home of their sport. From its founding in 1937 by Dick Pope Sr. as a botanical garden to the debut of its first water ski show in 1943 for servicemen during World War II, Cypress Gardens quickly became the beating heart of water skiing.
Now, one of the sport’s longest-running traditions is coming to an end. The iconic water ski show at Legoland Florida, which carried on Cypress Gardens’ legacy, will perform for the last time on December 30.
For decades, the ski shows at Cypress Gardens captivated audiences with their audacity and innovation. This was where barefoot skiing, swivel skiing, and the first human pyramids were introduced. Over 50 world records were set on these waters. Celebrities like Elvis Presley and Johnny Carson visited to witness the spectacle, and Hollywood took notice too—1953’s Easy to Love immortalized the park’s legendary synchronized ski sequences.
“It’s a travesty,” said Winter Haven resident D.N. to ABC Action News. “That water ski show has made this town what it is. It’s been here as long as we have and many years before that.”
Through much of the 20th century, Cypress Gardens was the epicenter of water skiing. It wasn’t just a tourist attraction; it was a laboratory of invention and a stage for the sport’s greatest feats. Competitors, celebrities, and aspiring athletes flocked to the park, drawn by its allure and prestige.
Even after Cypress Gardens closed in 2009, the tradition didn’t die. Legoland Florida picked up the baton, continuing the professional ski shows on Lake Eloise. For many, the decision to end the shows feels like the final farewell to water skiing’s golden age.
Nicole Pinzon, another Winter Haven resident, lamented the loss. “A lot of families go there for tradition, and that will be missed. For them to go for years and then have it taken away—it’s going to be sad.”
Legoland representatives acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but pointed to their plans for new attractions, including a Sea Life Aquarium opening in spring.
Still, Winter Haven’s water skiing legacy endures. The Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team, formed in 2012, keeps the spirit alive with free monthly shows at Lake Silver. Meanwhile, the memories of Dick Pope Sr.’s vision live on in the countless athletes and fans who were inspired by the artistry and daring of Cypress Gardens skiers.
As the final curtain falls on this legendary show, the water skiing community can reflect on its profound impact. Cypress Gardens didn’t just entertain; it elevated the sport, setting the standard for what water skiing could achieve.
If 2024 goes down in the annals of waterski history, it will likely be remembered as the year when everything that was supposed to be stable turned upside down. Down was up, men’s slalom was a coin toss, and the podium was filled with new faces—high schoolers, middle-aged men, you name it. Yet, as chaotic as the men’s field was, the women’s side was almost eerily predictable. In fact, it may have been the least surprising year since the condensed 2020 season, with fewer fresh faces than an IWWF board meeting.
The men’s side, though? That’s where things got interesting. Nine different men claimed their first professional victories this season—an all-time record. Nine! That’s not just unprecedented; it’s a complete game-changer. From seasoned pros finally putting it all together to newcomers who seemed like they’d been training in secret since birth, the sport had never seen such a diverse group of first-time winners. Sure, Nate’s decision to get a “real job” and Freddie’s little misunderstanding with a dock opened a few doors in slalom, but still—this is a sign of the sport’s growing depth. New blood has arrived, and they’re coming for the top spots.
Brash. Arrogant. French. Pol Duplan-Fribourg is like the second coming of Aussie folk hero Timothy Bradstreet, and not just because of his impressive bodybuilder physique. This year, the 21-year-old Frenchman made his debut at the Moomba Masters—his first-ever professional jump event. Yes, you read that right. His first. And in true Duplan-Fribourg style, he went full throttle, falling short in the daylight final to the experienced Ryan Dodd and Jack Critchley but turning up the heat when the lights came on, taking down Dodd in a one-jump shootout to clinch the win.
It was a pivotal moment: he became the youngest jumper to win a pro event since 2017. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the immense talent of the Duplan-Fribourg family. His older brother Louis holds the world overall crown, while his younger brother Tristan was leading the charge in junior jumping before the Robin Lake ramp literally cut him in half. Unfortunately, Pol’s season was also cut short by injury—a herniated disc and a fractured ankle sidelined him by late spring.
But that Moomba win? It set the tone for what would become the year of the first-time champion.
If you’re looking for the polar opposite of the muscled, stocky trick skiers who dominate the sport, look no further than Matias Gonzalez. Small, rakish, and soft-spoken, he somehow manages to look younger than his already juvenile 16 years. He’s a featherweight in a field of heavyweights—more Manny Pacquiao than Mike Tyson. Coming into the first event of the Waterski Pro Tour as the Under-17 World Record Holder, Gonzalez wasn’t exactly a dark horse, but in a field that included world champion Pato Font (who was eyeing records before the final even started), few expected him to clinch the win.
But that’s exactly what he did. In the final, Gonzalez scored 12,440, matching his personal best and junior world record to claim his first professional victory. The rest of the season saw him finish on the podium at every trick event, culminating in the Waterski Pro Tour season championship.
The lineup for the Swiss Pro Tricks final was striking, with 25-year-old Joel Poland standing out like a sore thumb among a group mostly too young to order a drink—a clear reminder that Trix are for kids. Gonzalez proved the point.
The build-up to the men’s tricks at the Masters was all about the big names—Abelson’s new world record, Joel Poland’s insane form, and Pato Font’s imminent comeback. But quietly, another teenage Chilean phenom was working his way into the conversation: Martin Labra. After grinding relentlessly through the Chilean summer, Labra—already the most decorated skier in Under-17 World Championship history—stepped onto the professional circuit with a vengeance.
He’s the poster child for ‘nurture over nature.’ The stepson of a professional jumper, Labra was raised across Pan-American ski schools with access to the world’s best coaches. A perfect blend of brawn and finesse, he looks equally at home muscling through a scrappy ski-line sequence as he does executing complex toe tricks with speed and precision. Labra stormed the Masters’ tricks event, securing the win with a standout performance in a final where several seasoned competitors faltered.
And he didn’t stop there. Labra followed up with another victory at the Botaski ProAm. In the coming years, he’s set to become a serious force in tricks and overall. Don’t be surprised if he starts cropping up on even more podiums.
Forget the last name. Forget the Hall of Fame parents. Forget the legacy. Strip it all away, and what do you get? Cole McCormick, 28, a software engineer who looks more at home on a Discord server than on a slalom course. Hell, he even toe-tricked in college.
But here’s the twist: you’d be wrong.
The McCormick of 2024 is a late-blooming slalom maestro. Shredded, laser-focused, and a true student of the sport. This Memorial Day weekend, he made history as the first second-generation winner of the prestigious Masters title, following in the footsteps of his multiple Masters-winning parents, Susi and Ricky McCormick.
His win didn’t come easy. Conditions were tough, but McCormick was the only skier to run the 10.75m (39.5’) pass in the preliminary round. As the top seed, he secured five-and-a-half buoys in the final to clinch the win. And even after a high-speed faceplant out of six, that grin didn’t leave his face.
Before Robert Hazelwood was the YouTube vlogger we all secretly watch when we should be working, he was just a kid from Northern England with the unenviable task of trying to keep Joel Poland humble. Whether he succeeded? Well, that’s up for debate.
Snubbed by the Masters, Hazelwood came out swinging the next weekend at the Lake 38 ProAm. At 24, he had been lurking in the shadows for years—always there, always a threat, but never quite crossing the line. Until now. This time, he was all business. In a final that could’ve been an intense poker match—coming down to a three-way runoff with McCormick and Winter—it was Hazelwood who kept his cool and showed the most skill. His win was a moment he’d dreamed of since he was old enough to tie his own ski boots.
Hazelwood’s victory seemed to signal a changing of the guard. He became the youngest men’s slalom champion since 2019, and suddenly, the balance of power in the sport didn’t seem so solid.
Perennially inconsistent, however, Hazelwood’s form yo-yoed between triumph and missing finals throughout the rest of the season. He found the top step again at the Botaski ProAm, but with plenty left to work on, don’t be surprised if Hazelwood’s climb up the standings is a bit of a rollercoaster.
Among the fresh-faced talents and rising stars stood Corey Vaughn, the veteran journeyman. For over a decade, he has been a fixture on the professional circuit—solid and dependable but never quite a threat. Until now. At 38, Vaughn finally broke through at the Oxfordshire ProAm, becoming the oldest skier to claim his first professional slalom title.
Yes, this is the same Vaughn who once donned a cape and cap as “Buoy Wonder,” only to mellow into the barefoot philosopher affectionately known as “Mr. Peace, Love, and Waterskiing.” For years, we’ve watched him grind it out on the pro circuit, collecting more life lessons than titles.
But under the Oxfordshire lights, Vaughn rose to the occasion in challenging nighttime conditions. A career of near-misses, sweat-soaked toil, and unwavering belief finally bore fruit. At 38 years and 9 months, he reminded the world that persistence can be the ultimate trump card.
Far from a one-off triumph, Vaughn backed it up throughout the season. Finishing fourth on the Pro Tour, he delivered the season of his life, even running the elusive 10.25m pass—one of only three skiers to achieve it this year.
Dane Mechler’s victory at the MasterCraft Pro felt like the culmination of a long, hard-fought journey. For years, Mechler had been the “nearly man” of pro slalom—always consistent, always in the mix, but never quite able to claim the top step. This time, the story ended differently.
His season had been anything but smooth. A broken foot, courtesy of an ill-fated leap through a CorrectCraft hoop and the challenges of balancing family responsibilities could have derailed him. Yet, when it mattered most, Mechler delivered. Skiing early in the final, he laid down a 4.5 at 10.25m—a score that stood tall against a stacked field, including favorites Nate Smith and Will Asher.
The celebration that followed was a moment to savor. With his picture-perfect family cheering from the sidelines, it was a victory that felt as personal as it was professional.
For Mechler, this wasn’t just another tournament; it was the tournament. A skier often labeled “the best never to win” finally got his moment, and the emotions at the finish said it all—relief, pride, and the satisfaction of proving that perseverance pays off.
In a sport often mired in safe, predictable skiing, Cornale is pure adrenaline. He doesn’t seem to know—or care—what an S-turn is. While others might have played it cautiously for a full five, Cornale went for broke, gunning to run the 10.25m (41′ off) pass. His 4.5 held up, delivering not just a win but a statement: fearless beats conservative.
And this wasn’t a one-off. Earlier in the season, Cornale had already turned heads with standout performances at Moomba and the Lake 38 ProAm. His Travers triumph wasn’t luck; it was inevitable.
With a mix of audacity and raw skill that makes veterans sweat, Cornale isn’t just a rising star—he’s the future. Get used to his name. This is only the beginning.
I’ve got mixed feelings about Italians. Part of me leans toward distrust—after all, history reminds us which side they fought on. But if I’m honest, it’s probably jealousy. No nation exudes cool quite like Italy, the land of the Corleones, Ferrari, and Sophia Loren. When I think Italian, I picture the tall, dark, cigarette-smoking guy who effortlessly steals your girl.
No slalom skier embodies that aura of effortless cool better than Brando Caruso. He’s the anti-hero of water skiing, unapologetically marching to his own beat. Feigned courtesy isn’t his style—he’s the guy throwing a death glare while reluctantly posing on the lower steps of a podium. Smooth, elegant, and unmistakably Italian, his skiing is a perfect reflection of who he is.
In the season’s finale, with the biggest cash prize up for grabs, Caruso took down a stacked field—Smith, Asher, Travers, and the rest of slalom royalty. This wasn’t just another win; it was a mic drop moment in a season that saw a record-breaking 10 different winners in men’s slalom.
His triumph was the perfect conclusion to a season full of surprises. It was a showcase of timing, perseverance, and talent, and for Caruso, it was a breakthrough that felt both satisfying and long overdue. Some moments in life are worth the wait—and this was one of them.
2024 was a year that flipped the script on everything we thought we knew about pro waterskiing. It was chaos, unpredictability, and opportunity all wrapped into one, especially in the men’s field, where a record number of first-time winners emerged. Old names faded, and new ones stepped up with the audacity to take it all. From teenagers defying expectations to veteran journeymen finally getting their due, the sport showed that it’s more open than ever to fresh faces. Meanwhile, the women’s field remained more stable, but even that seemed like the calm before the storm. This season didn’t just change the standings; it changed the very tone of the sport. We’ve entered an era where anything is possible, and it’s only going to get more interesting from here. Strap in—2025 might just be the year we see everything we thought was impossible, come true.
Another season of the Waterski Pro Tour has drawn to a close, delivering a whirlwind of action across 14 events, spanning six countries and boasting almost $500,000 in prize money. The Pro Tour, with its mission to weave a captivating season-long narrative by uniting various standalone professional events under a single ‘tour,’ has generally been a resounding success. Much akin to the glory days of the U.S. professional water ski tour (i.e., Coors/Bud Water Ski Tour), the aspiration here is to elevate securing the top spot in the standings to one of the most prestigious titles in the realm of water skiing. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that not all tournaments have chosen to be part of this evolving movement.
For the third consecutive year, our sport’s two longest-running and highest-prize-purse events, the U.S. and Moomba Masters, have decided to stand apart from the Waterski Pro Tour. Likewise, the Botaski Pro Am, which serves as a U.S. Masters qualifier and was a part of the Pro Tour in 2022, made a similar choice this year. Other smaller tournaments, such as the Fungliss Pro Am have also opted out.
Despite the overwhelming inclusion of professional events in the Pro Tour, we were curious to explore how the leaderboard might have appeared had all events been encompassed, similar to the old IWWF Elite Ranking List. Employing the same rules and methodology as the Pro Tour, we proudly present our Unofficial Professional Water Ski Rankings for 2024, offering an arguably more complete picture of the competitive landscape over the course of the full calendar year.
Slalom
As expected, we’re witnessing minimal changes in the slalom leaderboards, given the extensive pool of events already factored in. However, the addition of the U.S. Masters and Fungliss ProAm has valuted Cole McCormick from sixth up to second. Similarly, the inclusion of the Botaski ProAm moves Rob Hazelwood, one of only three men to win multiple slalom titles in 2024, into the top five. Besides these noteworthy shifts, the top positions in men’s slalom remain largely unaltered. On the women’s side, there are no changes in placement from the inclusion of non-Pro Tour events. This reaffirms the Waterski Pro Tour’s status as an accurate reflection of the world’s premier slalom skiers, particularly due to its critical mass of slalom-only tournaments.
Men’s
William Asher (480 points) –
Cole McCormick (303 points) +4
Nate Smith (296 points) -1
Jonathan Travers (294 points) –
Rob Hazelwood (244 points) +2
Women’s
Jaimee Bull (441 points) –
Regina Jaquess (433 points) –
Whitney McClintock Rini (386 points) –
Allie Nicholson (304 points) –
Manon Costard (268 points) –
Tricks
This is where the inclusion of non-Pro Tour events has the potential to shake things up the most, as only two events, the introductory level Swiss Pro Tricks and Monaco Slalom Cup, were featured in the Waterski Pro Tour for 2024. By incorporating the three highest prize purses from the trick event, we gain a much clearer perspective on the athletes’ performance throughout the year. However, changes for this season were minimal at the top of the list. Gonzalez, the only man to finish on every podium of the season hangs on to top spot, with Font and Labra staying tied for second. On the women’s side the top three is similarly unchanged, with Danisheuskaya and Cuglievan vaulting into the top five on the basis of their strong performances at the Moomba and U.S. Masters, respectively.
Men’s
Matias Gonzalez (116 points) –
Patricio Font (102 points, tiebreak) –
Martin Labra (102 points, tiebreak) +1
Jake Abelson (67 points) -1
Joel Poland (66 points, tiebreak) +1
Women’s
Erika Lang (134 points) –
Neilly Ross (124 points) –
Anna Gay Hunter (100 points) -1
Aliaksandra Danisheuskaya (69 points) +6
Natalia Cuglievan Wiese (45 points) new entry
Jump
Out of the seven professional jump tournaments held in 2024, five were featured in the Waterski Pro Tour, while the legacy events, the U.S. and Moomba Masters, opted out. Our rankings typically align with the Pro Tour, the only significant mover in this category is Ryan Dodd, whose mid season injury ruled him out of the majority of Pro Tour events. Dodd started the season with a victory at the Moomba Masters, then two runner up finishes in Moomba Night Jump and the U.S. Masters. Including these events propels him to fifth place in the rankings. Otherwise, any changes were essentially a reshuffling of podium placements.
Men’s
Joel Poland (312 points) –
Freddy Krueger (260 points)
Taylor Garcia (187 points) +1
Luca Rauchenwald (194 points) -1
Ryan Dodd (147 points) new entry
Women’s
Hanna Straltsova (240 points) –
Sasha Danisheuskaya (175 points) –
Brittany Greenwood Wharton (162 points) –
Lauren Morgan (128 points) –
Regina Jaquess (123 points) –
Overall
Finally overall skiing, which is not officially recognized as an event by the Waterski Pro Tour. The last two seasons have heralded in a resurgence for the discipline, with competition across four professional events on the WWS Overall Tour. These rankings, although using a different methodology, line up exactly with the final standings of the WWS Tour.
Men’s
Joel Poland (158 points)
Louis Duplan-Fribourg (113 points)
Dorien Llewellyn (106 points)
Martin Kolman (90 points)
Edoardo Marenzi (50 points)
Independent perspectives on tournament water skiing
