The first-ever Collegiate Alumni National Waterski Championships is booked for August 28-30th, 2026 at Bennetts Ski School in Zachary, Lousiana.
It will be a walk down memory lane for some and alma matter bragging rights for others. It’s perfect to have Bennetts, the host of so many NCWSA events, host this inaugural event. This event has been in the works for over five years with many areas hosting alumni regional events already. But now it’s time to bring alumni from across the nation together to compete for the alumni title, see old friends, or just go over a ramp for the first time in 20 years.
Excitement is peaking and the format is still in the works. Of course, there will be some form of team competition, but how many skiers per team, independent competitors, and qualifications are still being determined. Your input will be helpful so please fill out this survey if you are interested in attending this event in 2026. Your feedback will help us gauge attendance and therefore the format. FILL OUT THE SURVEY HERE
The 2025 IWWF University World Championships held at the scenic Orakei Basin in Auckland, New Zealand, is a wrap and marked a historic first as the nation’s debut in hosting its first IWWF World-titled water ski event and the first IWWF University Worlds in nine years.
The competition saw athletes from around the globe deliver world-class performances in slalom, tricks, and jump disciplines.
Malaysia’s Aaliyah Yoong Hanifah emerged as the event’s biggest star, sweeping gold in tricks, jump, and overall. Her victories were historic, as she became the first-ever Asian (and Malaysian) athlete to win an IWWF World-Titled gold medal, and in this instance 3 of them.
In women’s slalom, Luisa Jaramillo (Colombia) secured gold, with score of 4 buoys on the 11.25 metre line, followed by Ali Garcia (USA) with silver and Daniela Kretschner (Chile) with bronze.
The men’s slalom podium was an all-Latin American affair, led by Federico Jaramillo (Colombia), Luisa’s twin brother. The Jaramillo twins have by both won gold medals in slalom at the 2020 IWWF U17 World Championships. Argentina’s Tobias Giorgis took the men’s slalom silver medal, while Mexico’s Jaime Palomino won the bronze.
In the women’s tricks competition, Malaysia’s Aaliyah Yoong Hanifah won the gold medal, with former IWWF World Under 17 World Tricks Champion, Hannah Stopnicki (Canada) winning the silver and Layne Moroney (Australia) took bronze.
In men’s tricks, the current IWWF World Open Men’s Tricks Champion and multiple world record holder Patricio Font (Mexico) added an IWWF University gold medal to his collection, followed by Julian Macias Sedano (USA) with the silver medal and Dominic Kuhn (Austria) with bronze.
The women’s jump podium saw Lili Steiner (Austria) claim silver, with a 42.8 metre jump, while New Zealand’s Lily Meade secured bronze at 42.1 metres (giving the host nation a proud podium moment. In the men’s jump, Luca Rauchenwald (Austria) won his first IWWF World Gold Medal with a 63.3 metre jump, ahead of former Under 21 World Jump Champions, Pol Duphlan-Fribourg (France) and Tobias Giorgis (Argentina) taking silver and bronze respectfully.
The men’s overall competition saw France’s Pol Duphlan Fribourg taking home gold, Argentina’s 2023 Pan American Games Slalom and Jump Champion Tobias Giorgis the silver medal, and Blaze Grubbs (USA) securing a bronze medal.
Austria’s strong performances across all disciplines helped them secure the overall team championship title. Defending team overall champions USA finished second, with Australia taking third.
The event also marked a turning point for the IWWF University Worlds, as discussions are underway for a future multi-discipline format featuring up to seven disciplines. Reflecting on the success of the championships, organizers highlighted the strong performances, new nations on the podium, and the significance of athletes competing in unfamiliar conditions, with many skiing on salt water for the first time.
”Walking back to my hotel from the Banquet and Awards Ceremony, I couldn’t help but marvel at what we achieved here at the 2025 IWWF University Worlds, the first University Championships since 2016, held in New Zealand’s stunning Orakei Basin.
This event was made possible by the dedication of the Auckland Ski Club, officials led by Chief Judge Bob Harris (USA), and, most importantly, our incredible university skiers. Their performances, despite many competing on salt water for the first time, were inspiring, with new nations reaching the podium—a testament to the growth of our sport.
Watching these young athletes hold their flags as their national anthems played was deeply moving. As we look to the future, this may be the last single-discipline IWWF University Worlds, with an exciting new multi-discipline format on the horizon.
Thank you, Auckland, for creating these lifetime memories.”, reflected Phil Chase, IWWF University Commission Chair.
The 2025 IWWF University World Championships was towed by the World Record-Setting Ski Nautique.
For more information, results, and event highlights, visit the event web site.
For 45 years, the NCWSA Collegiate Water Ski National Championships have been the proving ground where passion meets performance, where rivalries ignite, and where a deep love for the sport unites athletes from all corners of the country. The 2024 Syndicate/HO Collegiate Water Ski Nationals, held from October 10-12 at the legendary San Marcos River Ranch, was no exception. This was more than a competition—it was a celebration of the soul of skiing.
Since its inception in 1979, Collegiate Water Ski Nationals has served as a breeding ground for future pros, lifelong friendships, and a community unlike any other. Year after year, we’ve seen the best collegiate athletes push the limits, redefine the sport, and carry on a tradition of excellence and camaraderie that goes beyond the scores.
Fast forward to 2024, and this event has grown into something bigger than just skiing buoys or stomping tricks—it’s about energy, culture, and the collective pursuit of greatness. It’s about what happens on the dock, on the shore, and in the Heart, just as much as it is about what happens behind the boat.
For three straight days, San Marcos River Ranch was electric. With hundreds of fans, teams decked out in school colors, and the best collegiate skiers in the country throwing down, the 2024 Syndicate Nationals delivered everything we’ve come to expect—and then some.
The Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns extended their dominance, securing their fifth straight and 11th overall national title, proving once again why they are one of the most formidable teams in collegiate waterskiing history.
The battle for the podium was fierce, with teams like ULM, Florida Southern, and Alabama pushing the limits in slalom, trick, and jump—each pass, each run, and each launch off the ramp carrying the weight of a season’s worth of training and dreams.
While D1 brought the heat with powerhouse teams battling for the national title, D2 proved that passion, heart, and raw energy know no division. The skiers in Division 2 came out swinging, delivering unforgettable performances that embodied the true soul of collegiate skiing—where underdogs rise, teams rally, and anything is possible.
The D2 team spirit was unmatched. While every skier was out there fighting for their squad, the camaraderie, sportsmanship, and absolute hype on the shoreline made it clear—this is a family, and it’s what makes Collegiate Nationals unlike any other event in the world. The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse made history at the 2024 NCWSA Collegiate
Water Ski National Championships, clinching the Division 2 team title with an impressive 10,010 points. Their relentless drive, team spirit, and standout performances in all 3 events proved that hard work and dedication pay off. In a weekend full of unforgettable moments at San Marcos River Ranch, the Eagles rose to the occasion, cementing their place as the D2 National Champions!
But this year’s Syndicate/HO Nationals wasn’t just about who won and lost—it was about why we do this. It was about the moments that define us, the grind, the victories, the heartbreaks, and the undeniable pull of the sport that keeps us all coming back.
That’s why HO Sports and FlowPoint TV begin the 12th year of their partnership by bringing you something bigger than just a recap. We’re launching a whole new Series, the Soul of Skiing. Episode 1, “Together We Rise” kicks it off by capturing the raw energy, emotion, and unity that makes Collegiate Water Skiing unlike anything else.
This is more than just a sport. This is a movement. This is a culture. This is the Soul of Skiing.
This isn’t just about one weekend in October—it’s about 45 years of passion, progress, and the people who make it all possible.
Follow @HOSports & @FlowPointTV for updates and exclusive content!
AUCKLAND, New Zealand — The 2025 waterski season launches with a bang next week as the IWWF World University Waterski Championships kick off in Auckland. The event, marking the first major competition of the year, is set to establish the early pecking order in what promises to be a high-octane season.
A total of 79 athletes from 19 nations will take to the water, featuring a mix of former junior world champions, rising stars, and burgeoning professionals eager to make their mark. While the World Championships brand may be expanding faster than a ski boat’s sticker price, there’s no questioning the sheer talent on display.
Slalom Showdowns
On the women’s side, Alexandra Garcia (USA) leads a fiercely competitive Slalom field, with Luisa Jaramillo (Colombia) and Daniela Kretschmer (Chile) set to challenge for the top spot. The men’s event features Nikolaus Attensam (Austria), Jaime Palomino Blanch (Mexico), and Federico Jaramillo (Colombia), each capable of throwing down massive scores under pressure.
Tricks to Watch
In the Tricks event, Malaysia’s Aaliyah Yoong Hannifah—already a familiar name in elite waterski circles—will look to fend off Canada’s Hannah Stopnicki in the women’s category. Meanwhile, the Mexican duo of Pablo Font and Patricio Font, alongside Erick Macias (USA), will be the favorites to beat in the men’s division.
Jumping to Great Heights
The Jump event could deliver some of the most electrifying moments of the week. Nellie Allard (Canada), Aaliyah Yoong Hannifah (Malaysia), and Lili Steiner (Austria) lead the women’s field, while the men’s side features France’s Pol Duplan-Fribourg, Argentina’s Tobias Giorgis, and Austria’s Luca Rauchenwald—all capable of clearing eye-watering distances.
Overall Contenders
When it comes to the all-around battle, expect Australia’s Lara Butlin, Malaysia’s Aaliyah Yoong Hannifah, and Austria’s Lili Steiner to contend for the women’s crown. In the men’s category, Pol Duplan-Fribourg (France) and Tobias Giorgis (Argentina) are the names to watch.
The Bigger Picture
This event marks the first University World Championships under the IWWF banner, with previous editions falling under FISU jurisdiction. Talks are already underway for an expanded 2026 edition, potentially adding wakeboard boat, cable wakeboard, and wakesurfing into the mix.
“IWWF is currently in discussions with a city in the USA to host the 2026 IWWF University Worlds with wakeboard boat, cable wakeboard, and wakesurfing being the proposed disciplines,” said IWWF President Jose Antonio Perez Priego.
With an already crowded calendar of IWWF title events, some critics wonder if the ever-expanding slate of competitions could dilute the prestige of the traditional World Championships. But for now, the focus is on New Zealand, where the future of waterskiing is set to take center stage.
And if the past is any guide, the next global star might just emerge from these very waters.
AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Spectators at the 2025 University World Water Ski Championships are in for a high-flying treat with the addition of the Moana Festival Flip-Off competition. The Flip-Off will take place on February 28, during the festival’s entertainment evening, part of the larger championships held from February 26 to March 2.
Organizers have announced that while the Flip-Off is not officially sanctioned by the International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation (IWWF), it will be a highlight of the evening, showcasing the athleticism of the world’s top trick skiers. The eight highest-ranked athletes from the IWWF world ranking list competing in the World Championships will have the chance to participate in this dynamic, fast-paced event. Each skier will be given 20 seconds to complete as many flips as possible.
The competition is designed as a crowd-pleaser, offering a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the formal championship events. Along with a cash prize, the winner will receive a joyride in a MiG fighter jet over the scenic Coromandel Range. Additional prizes will be awarded to the crowd’s favorite skier, encouraging audience interaction.
Although the Flip-Off is not part of the official University World Championship program, it aims to entertain and engage the audience. Footage from the event may be included in the live stream or used for sponsor promotion. This fun, adrenaline-pumping event will be part of an evening that also features live music and food trucks at the venue.
This marks the first University World Water Ski Championships since 2016, and the first time the event is being organized by the IWWF.
The University of Louisiana-Lafayette won the Division 1 national title at the Syndicate Waterskis 45th Collegiate Water Ski National Championships, Oct. 10-12, at the San Marcos River Ranch in Martindale, Texas. The Ragin’ Cajuns tallied 12,850.0 points in winning their fifth consecutive and 11th overall national title since the inception of the event in 1979.
The University of Louisiana-Monroe finished second with 11,705.0 points. The University of Alabama, which tallied 11,220.0 points, placed third. Florida Southern College finished fourth with 10,050.0 points and Arizona State University was fifth with 9,350.0 points.
The Nationals included 12 teams in Division 1 and 12 teams in Division 2. National team champions were declared in both divisions. Individual medals for slalom, tricks and jumping were awarded based on athletes’ placements within their division. Overall titles were awarded in each division to athletes competing in all three events. Athletes finishing in the top five in each event of slalom, tricks, jump and overall in Division 1 earned All-American honors.
The IWWF Executive Board has approved a bid from New Zealand Waterski Association to host the 2025 IWWF World University Waterski Championships at the Auckland Water Ski Club (AWSC). The Championships, which will include the three traditional events of slalom, tricks and jump, will be held February 26 through March 2, 2025 at the Orakei Basin in Auckland. The dates have been selected to align with New Zealand’s peak summer period and pre- Moomba Masters.
“The site is unique and located inside a dormant volcanic crater on the side of the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland Harbour. It is within sight of the SkyTower in the centre of Auckland. While the site is saltwater based, it has hosted several great skiers and events over the years including the New Zealand Nationals every 5 years. It skis well with historical slalom scores into 10.25 metres and jumps over 65 metres.”
This will be the first IWWF World Titled traditional waterski event hosted by New Zealand and the first since our separation from the FISU World University Championships program. It will be towed exclusively by the World Record-Setting Ski Nautique.
The IWWF World University Waterski Championships is a team event comprised of skiers between the ages of 17 and 28 who are full time students in good standing at an accredited university.
The event itself has a very rich tradition with many of the world’s top skiers competing over the years. Beginning in 1996 with the first IWSF World University Trophy Tournament, in Milledgeville, Georgia, USA and a second IWSF World University Trophy Tournament in 1998 in Cleveland, Tennessee, the IWSF went on to sanction the 1st World University Waterski Championships in Tianjin, China, in 2002. The Tianjin event, probably the largest amateur waterski event in history with tens of thousands in attendance, was broadcast live on China’s National TV Network, which at the time had a total viewership of 600,000,000.
In 2002, The IWSF (Now IWWF) partnered with the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and FISU sanctioned events in Balakovo, Russia (2004), Tianjin, China (2008), Santiago, Chile (2012) and Akita, Japan (2016). Events were also scheduled for Dnipro, Ukraine in 2020 and Minsk, Belarus in 2022. Both were canceled, the first by COVID-19 pandemic, the second due to the war. Ukraine was rescheduled to 2024 but had to be canceled once again due to the war.
2025 marks the beginning of a new era as the World University Championships returns to the IWWF. The next event, hopefully, will take place in 2026 and will include two or more sport disciplines, conducted under the umbrella of the “IWWF University Worlds.”
The Water Ski event that brings the hype to our sport year after year! The energy is high, the skiing is intense and the friendships that are made are legendary! Enjoy Rob’s Recap of this very special event!
Thank you Tri-Lakes for hosting such a spectacular event and shoutout to all the teams, skiers, coaches, drivers, officials, volunteers and everyone else who makes the NCWSA Nationals and collegiate season what it is year after year.
Also thank you to Chris Wharton for the Drone Shots!
Qualified Teams
Southern Atlantic Coastal Region
University of Alabama
Rollins College
Florida Southern College
Clemson University
Auburn University
South Central Region
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
University of Louisiana Monroe
Texas A&M University
University of Arkansas
Texas State University
West Coast Region
Arizona State University
San Diego State University
California Polytechnical University – San Luis Obispo
Each year, the NCWSA community nominates and votes on the prestigious titles of Team of the Year, Outstanding Leader of the Year, and Athlete of the Year. Through these organization-wide awards, we honor those that have put their best efforts towards supporting the sport, on the water and behind the scenes.
We celebrate their successes at the USA Water Ski and Wake Sports banquet in January. Please join us in applause for this year’s winners!
ZACHARY, La. (KLFY) — UL Lafayette’s Ragin’ Cajuns water ski team has claimed its fourth consecutive Division I national title, bringing its overall total to 10 championships.
The team holds the most national championships in school history; it competes as a club sport rather than an NCAA-sanctioned sport.
The team also earned Division I national championships in 2022, 2021, 2019, 2015, 2010, 2005, 2003, 1997 and 1995. COVID-19 considerations prevented the championship from being held in 2020.
This year’s national championship came at the Syndicate Waterskis 2023 Collegiate Nationals that were held Oct. 26-28 in Zachary, La. The win capped an undefeated season for the team, an unbeaten streak that stretches back to 2019.
