Junior

Kennedy Hansen U21 World Overall Record

Hansen and Jacobsen’s Junior World Records Ratified by IWWF

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Hansen and Jacobsen’s junior world records ratified by IWWF

Kennedy Hansen U21 World Overall Record

Image: @kennahansen

By Jack Burden

Kennedy Hansen from the United States and Maise Jacobsen from Denmark have made history by setting new IWWF World Records in their respective age groups. Both records have now been officially ratified by the International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF), solidifying their places as two of the sport’s brightest rising stars.

Kennedy Hansen Sets New Under-21 Women’s Overall World Record

Kennedy Hansen, the reigning Under-21 World Overall Champion, has set a new Under-21 Women’s Overall World Record. Her record-breaking performance occurred during the first round of the We Wave Independence Day Invitational at Bullneck Lake, Scott, Arkansas, on July 5-6, 2024.

Hansen’s incredible overall score was achieved through stellar performances across all three disciplines:

  • Slalom: 1 buoy at 10.75 meters (39.5′ off)
  • Tricks: 9,430 points
  • Jump: 44.4 meters (146 feet)

These impressive results helped Hansen surpass the previous Under-21 overall record, a milestone previously held by her compatriot Brooke Baldwin.

Expressing her gratitude after her achievement, Hansen said, “Thanks to my family, coaches, Team Pickos, Alex Gschiel, and my sponsors for all the support along the way. This wouldn’t have been possible without you all!”

In addition to this record, Hansen has two more Under-21 Overall Records pending approval from the IWWF.

Maise Jacobsen Breaks Under-17 Girl’s Jump Record

Denmark’s Maise Jacobsen has also etched her name in the waterskiing history books by setting a new Under-17 Girls Jump World Record with an incredible leap of 46.9 meters (154 feet). This remarkable feat was accomplished during the finals of the 2024 IWWF E&A Youth Championships in Recetto, Italy, on August 25, 2024.

Jacobsen’s latest success adds to her growing list of accolades. Earlier this year, she was crowned Junior World Jump Champion at the IWWF World Under-17 Waterski Championships held at Predator Bay, Calgary, Canada.

After breaking the world record, Jacobsen expressed her excitement and appreciation on social media, saying, “Thank you to everyone who has been part of my journey to make one of my biggest dreams come true. I am forever grateful. I had a lot of fun with old and new friends as always, and I’m already looking forward to next year!”

Not only is Jacobsen’s new record officially approved, but it also ties the longest jump by an Under-17 girl in the past 15 years, matching Lauren Morgan’s best performance from 2010. Even more impressive is that Jacobsen still has another full year of eligibility in the Under-17 category.

A New Era of Junior Waterski Records

Both Hansen’s and Jacobsen’s achievements represent a new era for junior waterskiing records. The IWWF has been officially tracking age-group world records since 2019, expanding the recognition of outstanding performances beyond just junior world championships (Under-17 and Under-21). This system allows remarkable accomplishments like Hansen’s and Jacobsen’s to be cemented in the sport’s history, shining a spotlight on the future stars of waterskiing.

Iris Cambray won the Masters Waterski tournament as a teenager

Quiz: Youngest Skiers to Win a Pro Tournament this Century

Quizzes

Quiz: Youngest skiers to win a professional tournament this century

Iris Cambray won the Masters Waterski tournament as a teenager

Image: Facebook

By RTB

3 minute play

In this quiz, you need to name the youngest skiers to win a professional tournament since 2000.

The list has 22 skiers, all of whom have won their first professional event before their 20th birthday. While the list is dominated by female trickers, there is at least one winner from each discipline. We have given you the skier’s country, event, and age at the time of their first victory.

Data updated as of October 6, 2024

Jake Abelson jumps during the finals @predatorbay during the U17 world waterski championships in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Family Affair: Second Generation Talent Dominates Under-17 World Championships

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Family Affair: Second Generation Talent Dominates Under-17 World Championships

Jake Abelson jumps during the finals @predatorbay during the U17 world waterski championships in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Image: @johnnyhayward_photo

By Jack Burden

Turn back the clock three decades: Kyle Eade and Steffen Wild are regulars on the professional jump circuit. Russel and Jane Gay are among the best trickers in the world. Mariana Ramirez and Richard Abelson are promising juniors rising through the ranks. Now, fast forward to today, all of these world-class skiers traveled to Canada for the Under-17 World Championships, but now in very different roles.

11 of the 24 individual medals at the recently completed World Titles were taken home by these four families. Additionally, they set three world championship tournament records and, arguably, secured the team title as well, with four out of the six spots on the victorious U.S. Team filled by just two families.

Other second-generation talents included Fletcher and Daisy Green, both advancing to the trick finals; Marie-Lou Duverger, who finished fourth in girls’ overall; Samson Clunie, who narrowly missed the jump finals; and Cameron Davis, who placed fifth in girls’ overall and was part of the gold medal-winning Team USA.

The on-water action was incredible. The finals started with the Eade brothers, Jaeden and Damien, tying for the gold before having to settle things in a runoff. Training partners since day one, has there ever been a more fitting resolution to a sibling rivalry? Meanwhile, girls’ slalom was a tense battle between two South American contenders, with Peru’s Christiana De Osma narrowly edging out Chile’s Trinidad Espinal in the final.

The girls’ jump final was an incredible battle between Australia’s Kristy Appleton and Denmark’s Maise Jacobsen. Appleton threw everything she had at the ramp in one of the bravest performances of the event, willing herself further on her final attempt, which resulted in a spectacular crash upon landing. It took Jacobsen until her third and final jump and a new personal best, but ultimately, the Dane pulled ahead. Give these two fierce competitors some time to adjust to the faster boat speed and higher ramp height, and they could be the next big thing in professional jumping.

The boys’ jump final was relatively sedate after the crash reel that was the preliminary round, but it was Jake Abelson who stole the show second off the dock with a 53.3-meter (175-foot) jump to cement his overall title and set the mark for the rest of the field to chase. Tim Wild, the top seed and favorite after the withdrawal of the injured Tristan Duplan-Fribourg, tried valiantly but ultimately came up half a meter (two feet) short of Abelson’s mark.

While girls’ trick was somewhat of a foregone conclusion, with young Alexia Abelson head and shoulders above the rest of the field, boys’ tricks was a titanic struggle between the two highest-scoring trick skiers of all time, Matias Gonzalez and Jake Abelson. Both had set Under-17 World Championship records in the preliminary round and knew it would take even more in the final. The defending champion, Gonzalez, showcased his ruthless efficiency to set a score of 12,410 for Abelson to chase. A third gold medal was not to be for the American, who, despite two stand-up passes, narrowly lost his last hand trick to time and finished just behind Gonzalez.

While jump is historically the headline event to close out a World Championships, boys’ tricks was a fitting finish, coming right down to the wire. If the current crop of junior world champions is anything to go by, the future of the sport is very bright indeed.

Ahumada Esqui Nautico

Argentina to Host 2026 Under-17 World Championships | IWWF

Repost

Argentina to Host 2026 IWWF World Under 17 Waterski Championships

Ahumada Esqui Nautico

Image: @ahumada_esqui_nautico

IWWF

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

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

Read the full press release from IWWF

2024 IWWF World Under 17 Waterski Championships

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

Archived

2024 IWWF World Under 17 Waterski Championships Kick Off Today

2024 IWWF World Under 17 Waterski Championships

Image: IWWF

IWWF

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Junior World Waterski Championships

Meet the Rising Stars To Watch at the Under-17 World’s This Week

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Meet the rising stars to watch at the Under-17 World Championships this week

Junior World Waterski Championships

Image: @tiaremirandaphotography

By Jack Burden

The Under-17 World Championships kick off this week in Calgary, Canada, highlighting the top junior water skiers in the world. This biennial event, established in 1986, has frequently been a launchpad for the sport’s future stars.

Predator Bay Water Ski Club in Calgary is set to host the first of three World Championships as part of an exclusive agreement with the IWWF. With its world-class ski lakes, previously hosting the 2009 World Championships and various professional events, the venue is poised to foster outstanding performances from all competitors.

Here are nine skiers to keep an eye on this week:

Jake Abelson at the 2023 Under-21 World Championships

Image: @fotografacamilabernal

Jake Abelson (USA)

While most fans may know world record holder Jake Abelson as a trick skier, thanks to his string of professional and elite podium placements starting in 2021, it might surprise some to learn that the American prodigy enters this World Championships as the favorite in boys’ overall. Combining his world-class trick skiing with scores deep into the 11.25m (38′ off) pass and jump scores exceeding 50 meters (164 feet), it’s evident why he is tipped to dominate the event.

The son of two elite-level skiers, this tri-citizen (U.S., Mexico, and Canada) divides his time between Arizona and New Hampshire. A multi-talented athlete, Abelson is also a level 10 gymnast. Expect him to vie for his first world title in both the overall and trick events.

Under-17 World Rankings:

  • Slalom: 7th (4.25@11.25m)
  • Tricks: 1st (12,845 points)
  • Jump: 3rd (53.1 meters)
  • Overall: 1st
Kristy Appleton competes at the 2023 Moomba Masters

Image: @kristy.appleton

Kristy Appleton (AUS)

The Queenslander enters the World Championships as the favorite in the girl’s jump and overall categories, capable of posting highly competitive scores in slalom and trick alongside her biggest strength: jump. Incredibly consistent, Appleton has recorded more scores exceeding 40 meters (131 feet) than any other under-17 girl in the world over the past couple of seasons.

Following podium finishes in both jump and overall at the last Under-17 World Championships 18 months ago, Appleton aims to leverage that experience to claim the top spot this week.

Under-17 World Rankings:

  • Slalom: 9th (3.25@12m)
  • Tricks: 4th (5,560 points)
  • Jump: 1st (45.3 meters)
  • Overall: 1st
Matias Gonzalez competes at the 2023 Pan American Games

Image: @mati.waterski

Matias Gonzalez (CHI)

The sole champion from the 2022 Under-17 World Championships (held in January 2023) who is young enough to return in 2024 to defend their title, Gonzalez enters these championships as one of the favorites in boy’s tricks. The Chilean formerly held the under-17 world record and ranks as the 2nd highest scoring tricker of all time.

Despite his youth, Gonzalez boasts years of experience on the professional circuit, making him a formidable competitor for the rest of the field to chase.

Under-17 World Rankings:

  • Slalom: 8th (3.75@11.25m)
  • Tricks: 2nd (12,650 points)
Jaeden Eade at the 2022 Under 17 World Championships

Image: @tiaremiranda 

Jaeden Eade (USA)

Raised at Ski Fluid, one of the world’s leading ski schools, it’s perhaps no wonder that Jaeden Eade, the son of former professional jumper and world-class coach Kyle Eade, was destined for greatness. Eade has made his mark in the slalom event, becoming the second youngest skier to run the 10.75m (39.5′ off) pass last year (although he has since been surpassed on that list by his younger brother Damien).

In addition to his success in slalom, Eade has recently made strides in the jump event. As a result, he will challenge for a podium finish in jump as well, entering the World Championships as the favorite in the boys’ slalom event.

Under-17 World Rankings:

  • Slalom: 1st (1.5@10.25m)
  • Jump: 4th (51.0 meters)
  • 6th Overall
Lexi Abelson competes at the 2022 Under-17 World Championships

Image: @tiaremiranda 

Alexia Abelson (USA)

The younger of the two Abelson siblings, Lexi, is an up-and-coming superstar in her own right. The American achieved podium finishes at both the Under-17 and Under-21 World Championships in 2023. She enters these championships as the favorite in girl’s tricks.

Although still only attempting single wake cuts in the jump event, the 14-year-old is a strong contender in overall by virtue of her incredible slalom and trick performances.

Under-17 World Rankings:

  • Slalom: 3rd (2.75@11.25m)
  • Tricks: 1st (8,670 points)
  • Overall: 2nd
Tim Wild competes in jump at the 2023 German National Championships

Image: @tim.wild07

Tim Wild (GER)

The German three-eventer, now the country’s highest-scoring men’s tricker, is another second-generation talent. Tim’s father, Steffen, holds the distinction of being the first-ever junior world overall champion, securing gold at the inaugural event in Milan, Italy, in 1986.

Wild excels in slalom and jumping, with a strong chance of winning titles in either of these events. He is also a strong contender for the overall podium.

Under-17 World Rankings:

  • Slalom: 3rd (2.5@10.75m)
  • Tricks: 6th (9,190 points)
  • Jump: 2nd (53.6 meters)
  • 3rd Overall
Christhiana De Osma competes at the 2023 Under-21 World Championships

Image: @fotografacamilabernal

Christiana De Osma (PER)

The Peruvian finished on the podium at the last Under-17 World Championships and aims to clinch the title in 2024. De Osma is capable of running 11.25 meters (38′ off), and if she can replicate her best scores into 10.75 (39.5′ off), she will have a strong chance of winning the event.

Competing in tricks as well, De Osma could challenge for an podium spot with strong performances in the weaker of her two events.

Under-17 World Rankings:

  • Slalom: 1st (1@10.75m)
  • Tricks: 5th (5,515 points)
Denmark's Maise Jacobsen competes in jump at the 2023 European Youth Championships

Image: @tulliopicture

Maise Jacobsen (DEN)

Denmark has consistently excelled in women’s jump, with June Fladborg and Maj Jepsen being regulars on the professional circuit during the 2000s. The latest Danish up-and-comer is Maise Jacobsen, who has dominated the junior ranks in Europe for several years. She enters these World Championships as one of the favorites in girl’s jump.

Under-17 World Rankings:

  • Jump: 2nd (42.5 meters)
  • Overall: 7th
Trinidad Espinal at the 2023 South American Beach Games

Image: @triniespinal

Trinidad Espinal (CHI)

The Chilean has emerged as one of the strongest slalom skiers in South America in recent seasons, clinching victory at the South American Beach Games last season and securing a podium finish at the Under-21 World Championships. Trinidad has run 12 meters (35′ off) more times than any other under-17-year-old girl over the past two seasons and has consistently posted scores deep down at 11.25m (38′ off).

Under-17 World Rankings:

  • Slalom: 2nd (0@10.75m)

American waterskier Taylor Garcia soars through the air

Quiz: Male Skiers with Multiple Junior World Titles

Quizzes

Quiz: Male skiers with multiple Junior World titles

American waterskier Taylor Garcia soars through the air

Image: Will Oliver

By RTB

4 minute play

In this quiz, you have to name the male skiers who have won more than one Under-17 World Championships title.

The list contains 17 skiers, all of whom have won at least two junior world titles since the first event in 1986. Many of these names will be familiar as current professional skiers. We have mentioned their country, along with the year of their last Junior Worlds, and number of titles.

Rhoni Barton Slalom Skiing

Quiz: Female Skiers with Multiple Junior World Titles

Quizzes

Quiz: Female skiers with multiple Junior World titles

Rhoni Barton was a multiple time junior world champion

Image: The Friday Flyer

By RTB

4 minute play

In this quiz, you have to name the female skiers who have won more than one Junior World title.

The list contains 20 skiers, all of whom have won at least two junior world titles since the first event in 1986. Many of these names will be familiar as current professional skiers. We have mentioned their country, along with the year of their last Junior Worlds, and number of titles.

Peru's Christiana De Osma competes at the San Gervasio Junior Challenge

San Gervasio to Feature “Girls Only” Cash Prize Junior Challenge

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San Gervasio to feature “girls only” cash prize Junior Challenge

Peru's Christiana De Osma competes at the San Gervasio Junior Challenge

Peru’s Christiana De Osma, current world number one, will compete at the 2024 San Gervasio Junior Challenge (image: @andrea_gilardi_fotografo)

By Jack Burden

The 10th edition of the San Gervasio ProAm, the longest-running professional event in Europe, will host the best slalom skiers in the world from July 5-7. In an exciting development, the 2024 event will feature some of the best up-and-coming female athletes in a head-to-head junior challenge.

Four of the top six ranked under-17 women in the world will travel to the event to battle it out for cash prizes sponsored by Radar Skis. Matteo Luzzeri, who organizes the event, shared the inspiration behind including the Junior Challenge, now in its 5th edition, alongside the pros: “The idea has always been to mix the future of the sport with professional skiers while skiing in a format that is rarely implemented outside professional events.”

While previous editions have featured both junior girls and boys, schedule conflicts have prevented the same high-level participation on the male side as in previous years. This prompted the organizers to prioritize showcasing some of the rising stars of the sport on the women’s side.

“We are extremely excited to host some of the very best junior girls in the world for this Junior Challenge,” shared Luzzeri. “Although we’ll miss seeing the top boys, the girls’ tournament has all the premises to be the best one yet!”

Luzzeri noted that the girls-only edition of the Junior Challenge will allow the cash prize to be doubled for these competitors. Representing four different countries, Christiana De Osma (Peru), Vittoria Saracco (Italy), Ines Sole (Belgium), and Alexia Abelson (USA) will go head-to-head in what may serve as a preview of the upcoming Under-17 World Championships in Canada early next month.

This will be the strongest field assembled in under-17 girls’ slalom so far in 2024, with the Junior Masters’ Florida-centric qualification criteria effectively excluding European juniors (four of the current top 10 live and train in Europe, compared to just two from the US).

Alongside these promising juniors, the best professional slalom skiers will chase valuable Waterski Pro Tour points as we pass the halfway point of the season. Jaimee Bull, Will Asher, and Team Syndicate are off to strong, but not yet unassailable, leads on the Tour. It will be crunch time for the other contenders to try and knock them off their perch.

The picturesque venue, Jolly Ski, located in northern Italy, is a favorite among pros and amateurs alike. The ski school is a popular training ground for some of Europe’s most promising juniors and is home to the internationally sought-out Jolly Clinics.

Tristan Duplan-Fribourg Water Ski Jump Crash

Clementine Lucine Raises Alarm Over Safety at Junior Masters Jump Event

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Clementine Lucine raises alarm over safety at Junior Masters jump event

Tristan Duplan-Fribourg Water Ski Jump Crash

Image: @johnnyhayward_photo

By Jack Burden

The 2024 Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard Tournament was marked by a series of alarming crashes during the Junior Men’s jump event, prompting former world record holder and world champion Clementine Lucine to voice serious concerns about the competition’s safety.

“Every year, incidents occur that seem to disturb no one, leaving me perplexed and, frankly, terrified at the thought of getting my own children on jumpers and maybe sending them to jump there one day,” shared the 18-time Masters competitor.

The event started on a troubling note when Japan’s Jo Nakamura, the first competitor, flirted with the right corner before imploding on the ramp. A few skiers later, German Tim Wild also clipped the corner and ended up sailing upside down through the air. Despite these dramatic crashes, both Nakamura and Wild managed to recover and post competitive scores.

The tumultuous round continued with French favorite Tristan Duplan-Fribourg, who was in a tight battle with Jake Abelson for the overall crown. Duplan-Fribourg found himself under pressure after a pass on jump number one. On his second attempt, the young Frenchman failed to get his right ski onto the ramp, flying straight out the back, with his dislodged ski landing not far behind him.

Back against the wall, Duplan-Fribourg had little choice but to take his third and final attempt to salvage his tournament with a spot in the jump final. Significantly backing off from his first two approaches, the young Frenchman looked out of position as he hit the ramp, collapsing into yet another backward somersault off the ramp.

Lucine argues that such incidents have become all too common at the US Masters. “Particularly at the junior level, it’s rare to find young athletes who haven’t experienced a crash.”

Searching for reasons, Lucine speculates, “Could it be the speed, load, and pressure at the bottom of the ramp at the Masters that is overwhelming, more than at other places? The ramp? The driver? Are the boats used at the Masters more powerful than those at other events? Is it the prestige of the event that weighs heavily on the minds of young jumpers? Or is there no specific reason?”

Lucine questions whether “adequate measures are being taken to ensure the safety of our youth,” suggesting that athletes could be “examined much more thoroughly after a first crash to prevent a potentially fatal second one.”

Like many sports, water skiing faces the challenge of safeguarding athletes who are often eager to return to action after a collision or suspected concussion. The IWWF introduced concussion protocols several years ago, but these are not always consistently followed or adhered to.

Ultimately, Lucine argues that “Yes, the Masters is THE most prestigious event we have.” But “prestige and safety must go hand in hand for success.”

“This year, we narrowly avoided a tragedy, and it seems to be a recurring issue for the past 25 years,” she concluded.