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IWWF International Hall of Fame

Two Titans of Water Skiing Immortalized in IWWF Hall of Fame

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Two titans of water skiing immortalized in IWWF Hall of Fame

IWWF International Hall of Fame

Nine athletes, officials, and pioneers were honored in the 2025 IWWF Hall of Fame.

By Jack Burden

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.

See the full 2025 IWWF Hall of Fame class here.

Winter returns to the water for the first time

Injury Update: Winter Returns to the Slalom Course After Broken Femur

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Injury update: Winter returns to the slalom course after broken femur

Winter returns to the water for the first time

Image: @thefredwinter

By Jack Burden

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.

Toti Miranda retires

Chilean Great Announces Retirement from Professional Jumping

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Chilean great announces retirement from professional jumping

Toti Miranda retires

Image: @totimiranda

By Jack Burden

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.

Dano the Mano rocking a four buckle coast guard approved vest

“Wear the Vest or Wear the Blame”: Dano the Mano Calls Out Trick Skiing’s “Reckless” Culture

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“Wear the Vest or Wear the Blame”: Dano the Mano Calls Out Trick Skiing’s “Reckless” Culture

Dano the Mano rocking a four buckle coast guard approved vest

Image: @darian_michaela @dare_photography

By Jack Burden

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 signs with Nautique Boats

Malibu Exits Pro Water Skiing: What Degasperi’s Move Means for the Industry

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Malibu pulls out of pro water skiing: What Thomas Degasperi’s move means for the industry

Thomas Degasperi signs with Nautique Boats

Nautique is thrilled to welcome Thomas Degasperi back to Team Nautique (image: @nautiqueboats)

By Jack Burden

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.

Show Cypress Gardens Flag Line

End of an Era: Cypress Gardens’ Legendary Water Ski Show Set to Close

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End of an era: Cypress Gardens’ legendary water ski show set to close

Show Cypress Gardens Flag Line

A Red White and Blue Salute to Cypress Gardens

By Jack Burden

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.

Jaimee Bull undergoes surgery

2024’s Unofficial Professional Water Ski Rankings

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2024’s Unofficial Professional Water Ski Rankings

Jaimee Bull undergoes surgery

Image: HO Sports

By Jack Burden

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

  1. William Asher (480 points) –
  2. Cole McCormick (303 points) +4
  3. Nate Smith (296 points) -1
  4. Jonathan Travers (294 points) –
  5. 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

  1. Matias Gonzalez (116 points) –
  2. Patricio Font (102 points, tiebreak) –
  3. Martin Labra (102 points, tiebreak) +1
  4. Jake Abelson (67 points) -1
  5. 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

  1. Joel Poland (312 points) –
  2. Freddy Krueger (260 points)
  3. Taylor Garcia (187 points) +1
  4. Luca Rauchenwald (194 points) -1
  5. 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

  1. Joel Poland (158 points)
  2. Louis Duplan-Fribourg (113 points)
  3. Dorien Llewellyn (106 points)
  4. Martin Kolman (90 points)
  5. Edoardo Marenzi (50 points)

2024 Waterski Pro Tour Podium

A Season Like No Other: Miami Pro’s High-Stakes Finish to the 2024 Waterski Pro Tour

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2024 Miami Pro | Waterski Pro Tour

2024 Waterski Pro Tour Podium

Image: Robert Hazelwood

Waterski Pro Tour

In the context of a season long, globe spanning sporting tour there is always the risk that its finale could end up being underwhelming. Occasionally the destination of the year’s prizes have been wrapped up well before the last event. Often the athletes themselves are physically drained and mentally checked out as they look ahead at rest and recuperation prior to the next season. This can result in a final event in which there is not much to get excited about: less out with a bang, more a ceremonial ritual as the season ends. But this situation could not have been less applicable for this past weekend’s Miami Pro. Oh no. It was, in fact, the exact opposite.

Coming into the last weekend the main talk had been of the women’s slalom Tour Leaderboard. Jaimee Bull had taken top spot at the season opener in May and hadn’t let go since thanks to multiple wins and a 100% podium record. Regina Jaquess had been on a relentless charge in the four events since the Tour returned from Europe, eating into Jaimee’s once huge lead. If she finished in the top 2 in Miami and two places above Jaimee, she would take her first Tour title. Whitney McClintock still hadn’t finalized which spot she’d take on the Tour podium, having shared the wins with Regina in the most recent four events.

So, all down to the last weekend of the season. Ultimately, in the perfect scenario after 11 events, it came down to the very last pass. Regina and Jaimee were tied in the lead at 1@10.25m (41ft off) with Whitney, the top seed after qualifying, still to ski. Whitney ran 10.75m (39.5ft off), of course, to complete the set of such passes for this dominant trio. At this point we’re surprised to see anything else. There were a great many potential outcomes for the win as well as the Tour as Whitney came in at 10.25m for the last pass of women’s slalom in the 2024 season. Suffice to say, the two buoys Whitney heroically turned put her on top of the Miami Pro podium and Jaimee at the top of the 2024 Waterski Pro Tour’s. Whitney also gained a place from Regina on the Tour podium as they ended up in 2nd and 3rd respectively. An incredible season of back and forth between this dominant trio. They took 9 of 11 victories, suitably evenly at 3 apiece, in this year’s Tour.

This level of dominance by a minority of the field just didn’t apply to the men’s slalom field in 2024. If anything the defining story of the season has been of a wild variety of victors after years of only four names hitting the top of the podium. Prior to this weekend there had been seven separate winners this season, including four first timers. After Miami it was eight and five.

Brando Caruso has been only a sporadic presence in the Tour in recent years. Whilst entering most european events and a smattering in the USA he has become increasingly competitive, making podiums here and there but never quite taking the next step. In Miami he did just that with a performance that was up there as the most athletic of the year. Out fairly early in the final after a solid but not spectacular qualifying campaign, Caruso had so shocking of a buoy 2 at 10.25m that it all seemed to be over. Somehow he managed to not only reach 3 but turn it to sneak around 4 in a move that has to be seen to be believed. Some couldn’t understand how he’d managed it after multiple viewings. As the remaining skiers came and went, no one was able to touch his 3.5, giving him his maiden professional win. Nate Smith ended 2nd with a score of 3 and Jon Travers completed the podium with 2, his superior qualifying score breaking the tie with 4 others.

Will Asher had confirmed his status as Tour Champion for the second time a number of events ago. His stellar start to the year – three wins and a second in his first four Tour events – saw him, like Jaimee Bull in women’s slalom, lead the Tour from start to finish. Nate Smith finished 2nd and Jon Travers, with his strongest season yet in his decade and a half of pro skiing, was 3rd.

So, a truly sensational season and almost inarguably the best in years on both sides of slalom with such high levels of competition, variety in winners and placements going down to the wire. It has truly been a hell of a year. A shame to see such an enjoyable season end but it leaves us all the more excited for what 2025 will bring. We’ll see you in April for more of the same!

For event highlights, scores, replays and more visit Waterski Pro Tour.

Brando Caruso at the Miami Pro Slalom

Brando Caruso Captures First Pro Win in Thrilling Miami Pro Slalom Finale

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Brando Caruso captures first pro win in thrilling Miami Pro Slalom finale

Brando Caruso at the Miami Pro Slalom

Image: Waterski Pro Tour

By Jack Burden

MIAMI, Fla. — In a sensational end to one of the most fiercely competitive seasons in professional water skiing history, Brando Caruso clinched his maiden pro victory at the Miami Pro Slalom, the final event of the 2024 Waterski Pro Tour. Held at the Greater Miami Ski Club, the Miami Pro Slalom was the highest cash-prize slalom event on the 2024 calendar and marked a dramatic conclusion to a season that saw a record number of unique winners.

Caruso, who became the 10th different winner in men’s slalom this year, emerged victorious against a field filled with world-class talent. “That was unexpected,” Caruso said, reflecting on his win. “I didn’t train as much as I used to, so I wasn’t expecting this, but I’ve been waiting for this moment for the last two, three years. Wow! I’m out of words.”

The 2024 men’s slalom season featured six first-time winners and matched the 2008 record for the most unique winners in a single year, making it the most competitive season in over a decade. Caruso’s victory at Miami placed him in rare company, as more new winners emerged this year than in the previous nine seasons combined.

The season also concluded with William Asher of Great Britain and Jaimee Bull of Canada securing the Waterski Pro Tour season championships for men and women, respectively. Asher’s frequent podium finishes across most of the season’s events cemented his lead, while Bull’s consistent performance saw her clinch her fourth consecutive Tour title. Whitney McClintock Rini added to the excitement by winning the women’s slalom in Miami, topping off an engrossing season for both men and women competitors.

For Caruso, the Miami Pro Slalom marked the peak of a career moment long in the making. The Italian skier had been on the edge of a major breakthrough, and his win stands as a testament to perseverance amid a season defined by close margins and fierce competition.

Erika Lang sets a pending world trick record

Lang Strikes Back in Texas, Setting New Pending Record After Ross’ Feat

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Lang strikes back in Texas, setting new pending world trick record after Ross’ feat

Erika Lang sets a pending world trick record

Image: @erikalang36

By Jack Burden

GRANBURY, Texas — Just one week after Canadian water skier Neilly Ross set a pending world record, Erika Lang has reclaimed her status as the world’s highest-scoring women’s tricks skier, achieving an impressive 11,450 points at the Timber Cove Record Tournament in Granbury, Texas.

Lang’s score surpasses the current record of 11,360 and edges past Ross’ pending 11,380-point run, potentially restoring the American’s position at the top of the sport. This comeback follows a remarkable week of intense competition and record-breaking, with Lang adapting her strategy after observing Ross’ innovative hand sequence.

Erika Lang's pending world record trick run

Lang’s world record run

“11,450 points!! So excited to have set a pending World Record at the Timber Cove Record Tournament,” Lang shared after her performance. Her response highlights the fierce, fast-paced competition in women’s tricks skiing, where top athletes continually push the boundaries at each tournament.

Ross, 22, had made headlines just days earlier by setting the pending record in West Palm Beach, Florida. Her 11,380-point score was celebrated for its technical precision, featuring an innovative hand run that split her six flips into a series of wake spins and ski line tricks.

Lang, who also competed at the Okeeheelee tournament in pursuit of a world record, seems to have replicated Ross’ record-breaking run, learning and perfecting the sequence in the few days between the two events.

If ratified, Ross’ record would end Lang’s eight-year streak as record-holder, marking a potential passing of the torch in women’s tricks. However, Lang’s recent achievement could keep her at the forefront of the sport.

The escalating rivalry between Lang and Ross brings renewed excitement to the sport, with each record-setting performance intensifying the competition. Both scores are currently pending review from the International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation.