Jack Burden

Writer | Jack Burden

A collection of article’s by RTB’s editor-in-chief.

The moments that defined the 2024 water ski season – and the stories behind them. Year in Review: We Countdown the Most Memorable Moments of 2024 December 31, 2024 Water skiing in 2024 was a symphony of breakthroughs, rivalries, and legends.
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 December 15, 2024 “Drowning is real,” he warns. “Nobody thinks about it until it happens.”
Thomas Degasperi signs with Nautique Boats Malibu Exits Pro Water Skiing: What Degasperi’s Move Means for the Industry December 14, 2024 Thomas Degasperi’s recent announcement that he’s joining Nautique Boats signals the end of an era.
Show Cypress Gardens Flag Line End of an Era: Cypress Gardens’ Legendary Water Ski Show Set to Close December 11, 2024 Through much of the 20th century, Cypress Gardens was the epicenter of world water skiing.
The Year Slalom Became a Coin Toss: Inside Water Skiing’s Wild 2024 December 8, 2024 Nine different men claimed their first professional victories this season—an all-time record.
Jaimee Bull undergoes surgery 2024’s Unofficial Professional Water Ski Rankings November 10, 2024 We proudly present our unofficial rankings, offering an arguably more complete picture of the competitive landscape over the course of the full calendar year.
Brando Caruso at the Miami Pro Slalom Brando Caruso Captures First Pro Win in Thrilling Miami Pro Slalom Finale November 3, 2024 Caruso, who became the 10th different winner in men’s slalom this year, emerged victorious against a field filled with world-class talent.
Erika Lang sets a pending world trick record Lang Strikes Back in Texas, Setting New Pending Record After Ross’ Feat November 3, 2024 Lang seems to have replicated Ross’ record-breaking run, learning and perfecting the sequence in the few days between the two events.
Neilly Ross sets a pending world trick record Neilly Ross Sets Pending World Record at Okeeheelee Tournament October 27, 2024 Ross' performance surpasses the current record, held by Erika Lang, by 20 points, potentially ending Lang's eight-year sreak as the record-holder.
King of Darkness Water Ski Tournament King of Darkness Take A Bow: Jump Finale Shows What Water Skiing Can Be October 27, 2024 Professional water skiing at its core is a show, and King of Darkness exemplified this with perfect choreography.
Auckland Water Ski Club Cash Prize “Flip-Off” Set for University World Water Ski Championships October 24, 2024 Along with a cash prize, the winner will receive a joyride in a MiG fighter jet over the scenic Coromandel Range.
Jonathan Travers - professional water skier Jonathan Travers Speaks Out: Inside the Controversy that Ended a 14-Year Sponsorship October 20, 2024 Earlier this year, veteran athlete Jonathan Travers found himself at the center of a storm—both literal and metaphorical.