We could have seen it coming. Last year’s Travers Grand Prix saw absurdly high scores across the board – including a few first evers – so it was no surprise perhaps that this year’s was no different.
Here are the headlines the weekend as we see them: the highest ever scoring round of slalom waterskiing in history (men’s qualifying round 2), highest ever cut to make an 8 skier final (men’s), the highest ever scoring podium (men’s), tied most 10.75m passes run in a single round (women’s final, tied with Malibu Open 2021).
It is extremely rare to see the best ever competitive performance in a sport. It is infinitely rarer to see two go down in consecutive days and at the same venue. And yet that is what we saw at the Malibu Open as these records fell in women’s slalom and men’s overall. Indeed, the event served up some of the biggest scores of the season across the board, with another milestone in women’s jump.
Firstly, women’s slalom. There might have been a fear that the unusually small field would result in lackluster competition but the women present all skied to a very high standard through qualifying.
In a groundbreaking performance at the Malibu Open in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Regina Jaquess solidified her status as one of the greatest women’s slalomers of all time by setting a new pending world slalom record of 5 at 10.25 meters (41‘ off). The professional tournament, boasting over two decades of history, returned to LymanLand in Alabama, the home site of the University of Alabama Water Ski Team, for the second consecutive year.
In an interview following her record-breaking performance, Jaquess shared her elation and gratitude, saying, “Oh my gosh, I don’t even know what to say, I’m shaking. I think getting out of two this morning unlocked a little bit of mental pressure because it was my best score, I haven’t gotten a three since my ACL [surgery] so thank you Andrews Sports [Medicine] for getting me back together … This is unbelievable and to do it at the Malibu Open behind Malibu Boats … I got mental, I should have run it … it felt so amazing.”
Jaquess, who played a significant role in organizing this year’s Malibu Open, spoke about the challenges of both competing and running the event. Despite the demanding nature of organizing such a major event, she emphasized her love for it and how it allows Malibu Boats to stay connected with the sport of water skiing. She also acknowledged the mental preparation required to achieve peak performance while juggling event management responsibilities.
Throughout the qualifying rounds on Friday, exceptional performances were witnessed across all events. Notably, all six women ran the 11.25-meter line (38′ off) in at least one round, while eight men conquered the 10.75-meter line (39.5′ off). The jump event also witnessed a display of remarkable talent, with seven athletes achieving jump scores exceeding 220 feet (67 meters).
However, amidst the achievements, concern emerged regarding the participation of female athletes. Despite an impressive prize purse of $15,200 for women’s slalom, one of the largest in the sport, only six women participated in the tournament. The situation was even more concerning in women’s jump, where only four athletes entered, and one among them had a personal best below 40 meters. Water skiing has taken significant steps in recent years towards narrowing the gender pay gap and providing equal prize money for both men and women. Nevertheless, given the limited support from female participants, it may become challenging for organizers to maintain the current prize money structure or even include women’s events in the future.
Jaquess’ record was officially approved by the IWWF on October 27th, 2023.
In this quiz, you need to name the waterski sites with the most 10.25 meters run since 2010.
The list has 24 sites from all around the world. We have set the cut off at five slalom scores through 10.25 meters (41′ off) in world ranking tournaments since 2010. The list is dominated by the USA, where over 80% of 41s have been run. We have mentioned the country/state/province, as well as the number of scores through 10.25m/41′ in the mentioned time period.
In the world of water skiing, history has been written by remarkable women who defied limits and left indelible marks on the sport. Crafting an objective ‘Top 10’ list from such a rich tapestry of talent is a daunting task, as each athlete’s journey is a testament to their unique strengths and contributions. Nevertheless, we embark on a quest to honor these athletes who have carved their names into the annals of women’s slalom skiing. Join us as we celebrate their achievements, relive their triumphs, and remember their enduring impact on the sport.
‘Greatest Of’ lists in any sport are inherently subjective and water skiing is no exception. There’s no definitive checklist to crown someone as the absolute best. Every fan out there has their own opinion. But decisions had to be made. We proudly present our picks for the 10 best women’s slalomers in the history of competitive water skiing. So sit back, enjoy, and maybe even debate a little over our choices—after all, that’s the fun of it!
The “First Lady of Water Skiing”, though most celebrated for her jump prowess, the California native notched an impressive record in slalom across her 25-year career. She broke or tied the world slalom record five times, holding or co-holding the record throughout most of the 1980s. She secured a place on five World Championships slalom podiums, including runner-up honors in 1983 and 1989. A three-time U.S. Masters slalom champion, she won in 1979, 1983, and at the inaugural professional Masters in 1985, she also clinched the Moomba Masters slalom title in 1990. A steadfast presence on the pro tour in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Deena emerged as the tour champion of the breakaway PAWS Budget Rent-a-Car Waterski Tour in 1990.
The determined Australian burst onto the scene as one of the best jumpers in the world during the 1990s, yet it was in the slalom event that she truly ascended in her later career. Emma dominated women’s slalom in the early 2000’s, securing back-to-back World Championships in 2001 and 2003. She won the Moomba slalom title three times (in 2003, 2005, and 2008) and achieved consecutive U.S. Masters slalom victories in 2003 and 2004. Her consistency earned her the distinction of the top ranked elite slalom skier in 2003 and 2004.
An outstanding overall skier who almost drifted away from the sport during her teenage years, Cindy (then Hutcherson) swept both the Junior Girls’ and Girls’ Divisions at U.S. Nationals as a teenager. Her return to the competitive arena was spurred by her husband, the now renowned boat driver Les Todd. In her comeback season in 1975 she broke the world slalom record on her way to clinching her first Open Women’s title at the U.S. Nationals. Over her career, she would break the record four more times, contributing to increasing the record a full pass from 2@12m (35’ off) to 2@11.25m (38’ off). With three world slalom championships (in 1977, 1981, and 1983) and three U.S. Masters titles (in 1976, 1981, and 1982), Cindy cemented her legacy as one of the greatest in the sport.
Susi Graham at the 1999 Pan Am Games. (image: IWSF)
7. Susi Graham McCormick
Part of the first husband-wife duo to enter the international water ski Hall of Fame, Susi and Ricky McCormick both etched their names in water ski history. Susi, a Canadian, set the bar by becoming the first woman to run 11.25m (38’ off). She either held or co-held the world record for six consecutive years during the early and mid-1990s. While never quite securing top honors, she featured on the World Championships podium four times between 1989 and 1999 and contributed significantly to Canada’s team victories in 1991, 1993, and 1999. She won five U.S. Masters titles, five U.S. Open titles, and took out the season title on the 1989 Coors Light Water Ski Tour, 1993 Budweiser Water Ski Tour, and twice on the Café de Columbia World Cup in 1997 & 1998.
Despite competing in the pre-professional era, Liz accumulated an unparalleled competitive record, possibly unrivaled by any skier, male or female. Over her 13-year career, she clinched 42 U.S. National titles, consistently securing a minimum of two titles each year. In a stunning feat, she emerged victorious in all three events at the U.S. Nationals, World Championships, and U.S. Masters in 1969. She thrived in the slalom event, achieving three world championships (in 1967, 1969, and 1975), two runner-up finishes (in 1965 and 1973), and five U.S. Masters slalom titles, including a run of three consecutive titles (from 1973 to 1975). Given the opportunity to compete in more tournaments she could easily be much higher up this list.
The “Golden Girl” from Canada, Whitney introduced herself to the elite stage by clinching three gold medals (in slalom, trick, and overall) at the 2009 World Championships in Calgary. From 2009 to 2017, she featured on every World Championships slalom podium, earning back-to-back world titles in 2009 and 2011. Her tie with the world record in 2012 and subsequent score of 2.25@10.25m (41’ off) remains a remarkable feat surpassed by only one other skier to this day. She is a former U.S. Masters and U.S. Open slalom champion, but her domination at the Moomba Masters stands out, boasting an impressive streak of eight consecutive victories from 2011 to 2019. Her slalom prowess earned her four seasons as the top ranked elite slalom skier in 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2017.
Sweden’s four-time world slalom champion, Helena Kjellander. (image: Tumblr)
4. Helena Kjellander
While her brother Mike might be more memorable for his unique slalom style, Helena achieved something her brother could not – dominating the top of the World Championships podium throughout the 1990s. She won an incredible four consecutive World Championships from 1991 to 1997, a feat that remains unparalleled in women’s slalom. Thriving under pressure, two of her victories came in run offs, one against Toni Neville in 1993 and another after a three-way tie with Kristi Overton-Johnson and Susi Graham in 1995.
On the professional circuit, Helena triumphed as a two-time U.S. Masters champion (in 1989 and 1993), back-to-back Moomba Masters titleholder (in 1994 and 1995), and claimed the 1990 Michelob Dry Waterski Tour season championship after a fierce yearlong rivalry with Overton-Johnson and Brush Mapple.
Camille Duvall-Hero was a strong advocate for women’s skiing. (image: Tom King)
3. Camille Duvall
Recognized as “the best-known female water skier in history” upon her retirement by USA Today and featured among Sports Illustrated’s “100 Greatest Female Athletes of the Century,” Camille was the poster girl of the pro tour during its inaugural decade. Arguably, the inclusion of women’s skiing in the 1980s’ pro tour owes much to Camille’s marketability and star power.
Demonstrating a dominance that has only ever been matched by Andy Mapple, Camille claimed the tour champion title for an impressive five consecutive seasons (Mapple’s best was also five), winning the Coors Light Water Ski Tour every year from its inception in 1984 to 1988. Remarkably, this streak encompassed over 20 individual tour stop victories throughout the 1980s. In addition to her pro tour achievements, she clinched the 1985 World Championships title and secured a runner-up position in 1987. Notably, 1987 marked her retirement from amateur events, coinciding with her accomplishment as the first woman to earn a six-figure sum in a single year through prize money and endorsements. Camille was also a three-time U.S. Masters champion, with back-to-back wins in 1986 and 1987.
Her contributions to the sport transcend her on-water triumphs. In 1990, she initiated and managed the breakaway PAWS Budget Rent-a-Car Waterski Tour, an endeavor aimed at improving skiing conditions and prize money for athletes. Even after retiring, Camille continued her involvement by assuming roles as a reporter and producer for ESPN, Fox Sports, and other platforms, consistently promoting professional water skiing.
Elite Skier Kristi Overton Johnson USA (image: IWSF)
2. Kristi Overton-Johnson
Kristi Overton-Johnson, talented from a young age, initially found success in trick skiing, claiming back-to-back victories at the 1985 and 1986 U.S. Masters. However, her career really took off after she decided to specialize in slalom from 1989 onwards. A trailblazer, Kristi was the first woman to run 10.75m (39.5’ off), setting a world record of 1@10.25m (41’ off) in 1996 that remained unbroken until Regina Jaquess managed an extra quarter buoy 14 years later.
She was a six-time U.S. Masters champion, four-time U.S. Open champion, and secured multiple Moomba Masters titles, including back-to-back victories in 1996 and 1997. Kristi’s dominance earned her the season titles of the 1992, 1994, and 1995 Budweiser Water Ski Tour, the 1999 Café de Columbia World Cup, back-to-back season titles on the U.S. Pro Water Ski and Wakeboard Tour in 2000 and 2001, and an unbeaten season during the 2000 World Cup series (wining eight out of eight events). Her pro tour achievements are even more impressive when you consider that women’s events were excluded from the U.S. Pro Tour from 1996 to 1999, during the peak of her career.
Perhaps the unluckiest skier in the history of World Championships, Kristi scored enough to win the gold in both 1995 and 1997, only to lose due to bad boat times. She won her sole World Championships in 1999, ending Helena Kjellander’s reign on top of the podium.
Perhaps the greatest water skier, male of female, of all time. Regina emerged as an extraordinary talent from a tender age, securing a world trick championship shortly after her 17th birthday. Just two years later, she clinched her first of five world overall titles. However, it’s the slalom event that has been the cornerstone of her success.
Throughout her illustrious career, Regina has either broken or equaled the slalom world record on nine occasions, holding the record continuously since 2009. Incredibly, she has run 10.75m (39.5′ off) more than all other women combined. Her achievements include a maiden slalom World Championships victory in 2005, followed by consistent appearances on the slalom podium from 2011 to 2021, including trio of consecutive wins from 2013 to 2017. On the professional circuit, she has seized over 50 slalom titles, winning in more than 60% of the events she’s ever participated in. Notably, she has secured nine U.S. Masters slalom titles spanning from 2008 to 2022, achieving five consecutive victories from 2012 to 2016. While she has claimed victory in the trick event on the Yarra, the only discernible gap in Jaquess’ remarkable legacy appears to be the absence of a Moomba Masters slalom title.
Her achievements are even more impressive when you consider that since 2010 she has owned and operated a compounding pharmacy in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Remarkably, she has managed to find a balance between training, competing, and running a business, underscoring her unparalleled dedication and prowess in the world of professional water skiing.
Honorable Mentions:
Sue Fieldhouse
Featured on back-to-back World Championships podiums in 1979 and 1981, including a memorable tournament in 1981 where she broke the world record and became the first woman to ever run 12m (35’ off) in the final but finished in third under the two-rounds added together format. She won an incredible six consecutive Moomba Masters slalom titles from 1977 to 1982. Sue was tragically killed in a car accident in 1983.
Jennifer Leachman LaPoint
A three-time world record holder, Jennifer helped advance the record from 4@11.25m (38’ off) to 3@10.75m (39.5’ off) between 1985 and 1996. She won the 1998 Moomba Masters and was the season champion of the 1991 Michelob Dry Waterski Tour.
Perhaps her greatest legacy, when women’s skiing was dropped from the pro tour in the late 90s, Jennifer spearheaded the Women in Water Skiing (WOW) Tour that gave a platform to female athletes across all three events and wakeboarding on Fox Sports.
Karina Nowlan
The second woman to run 10.75m (39.5’ off), the Australian co-held the world record with Kristi Overton Johnson before Regina took it off them in 2010. She finished up as the number one elite slalomer in 2008 and picked up bronze medals at the 2007 and 2009 World Championships.
Karen Truelove
Picked up two World Championships medals, including a runner-up finish in 2007. She is a two-time U.S. Masters champion, three-time U.S. Open champion, and a four-time Moomba Masters champion. Karen was also the number one ranked elite slalomer in 2002 and 2007.
Jaime Bull
Had a breakthrough season in 2021, winning the U.S. Masters and World Championships. Jaimee has finished at the top of the standings during the first two seasons of the Waterski Pro Tour. Still in her early 20s, we expect Jaime will finish her career high on this list if she can maintain her current trajectory.
Last month we ranked the 10 greatest left-foot-forward slalom skiers of all time. Now we turn to the ‘righties.’ This list features the most dominant athletes in the sport, making it a contentious and challenging task to determine the top 10.
From pioneers who shaped the sport to modern-day maestros, these skiers have consistently showcased their proficiency and expertise on the water. In this article, we take a closer look at the ten greatest male right-foot-forward slalom skiers of all time. Their remarkable achievements and valuable contributions to the sport have earned them a rightful place in the annals of slalom skiing history.
‘Greatest Of’ lists in any sport are inherently subjective and water skiing is no exception. There’s no definitive checklist to crown someone as the absolute best. Every fan out there has their own opinion. But decisions had to be made. We proudly present our picks for the 10 best male right-foot-forward slalomers in the history of competitive water skiing. So sit back, enjoy, and maybe even debate a little over our choices—after all, that’s the fun of it!
Like many Brits before and after him, Jodi Fisher was a resilient competitor who excelled in all conditions. Although he may not have achieved the high scores of some of his contemporaries, Fisher’s ability to secure titles at challenging sites solidified his position as one of the top-performing slalom skiers of the 2000s. Among his major achievements are two Moomba Masters titles (2003 & 2007) and four IWWF World Cup stop victories in Doha, Qatar; Enniskillen, Ireland; and Dubna, Russia (twice).
Primarily remembered for his late-career dominance in the jump event (he famously remained undefeated throughout the entire 1996 Café de Columbia Water Ski Tour), Roberge was a formidable contender in the slalom event for most of his career. He claimed victory in the slalom competition at both the 1981 U.S. Masters and Moomba Masters. Additionally, he reached the podium in slalom at the world championships twice, earning a bronze in 1985 and a silver in 1989. Roberge’s most significant achievement in slalom was winning the 1986 Coors Light Water Ski Tour championship, showcasing his consistency in a highly competitive field where no skier won more than two events throughout the season. Notably, he is the only skier to be crowned tour champion in both the slalom and jump events.
Freddie Winter of Great Britain is seen during the final of the BotaSki water ski ProAm (Image: Johnny Hayward)
8. Freddie Winter
A fiery Brit who wears his heart on his sleeve and isn’t afraid to speak his mind, even if it gets him into trouble with officials and the sport’s governing bodies. Winter is a fan favorite, known for his tenacity in fighting for every extra buoy and spectacular falls. His remarkable career includes winning over 20 professional titles, including finishing as the no.1 ranked elite slalomer in 2019. He continued his success in the Waterski Pro Tour, securing 2nd place in the first two seasons (2021 & 2022). From 2013 to 2019, he featured on every World Championships slalom podium, capturing the victory in challenging conditions at the 2017 tournament in Paris, France. Winter also won back-to-back U.S. Masters titles in 2019 and 2021. Despite his many triumphs, one challenge still stands – conquering the Yarra River.
One of the youngest skiers on this list, we expect Winter could move up the ranks in future years.
the suave Italian, Degasperi is a master of the slalom course. He has become one of the most recognizable figures in the sport, starring on the Italian version of Dancing with the Stars and featuring in a series of U.S. TV commercials for 5 Hour Energy. Degasperi’s many achievements include being a two-time world champion, claiming the top spot in 2007 and 2011, and earning two silver medals in 2009 and 2015. Nobody has won more European slalom titles than Degasperi, whose record clocks in at a staggering 10 wins between 2002 and 2023. Throughout two decades of professional skiing, he has been a consistent force on the podium, securing notable victories at the U.S. Masters in 2014 and the Moomba Masters in 2014, 2017, and 2019.
Kris LaPoint at the 1975 World Championships (Image: Bell Acqua)
6. Kris LaPoint
Comparing skiers across eras is fraught with difficulty and we believe that if LaPoint had more opportunities to participate in professional tournaments during his prime, he would have ranked even higher on this list. As the elder of the LaPoint brothers, Kris displayed incredible skill from a young age. At just 13 years old, he set his first world slalom record and went on to break it six more times throughout his career. In 1972, while still a teenager he won the first-ever cash prize tournament in the U.S., the California International Cup.
LaPoint’s achievements include being a seven-time U.S. Masters slalom champion, with an impressive streak of four consecutive titles from 1970 to 1973. In the 1979 world championships, he secured a 2nd place finish, just behind his brother Bob. Despite the U.S. pro tour beginning when he was already 31 years old, Kris remained a frequent contender, securing victories at tour stops in 1984, 1987, and, finally, in 1992, at the site of his first world record in San Diego, CA. This accomplishment made him the oldest man (39 years old) to win an event on the pro tour and capped off a magnificent career that spanned four decades.
Cox’s achievements become even more impressive when considering he was up against a peak-performing Andy Mapple. While he enjoyed a long and successful career, Cox’s professional pinnacle occurred in 1995 and 1996. He secured the tour championship on the 1995 Budweiser Water Ski Tour (winning 7 out of 11 stops) and the 1996 Café de Columbia Water Ski Tour (winning 5 out of 7 stops), breaking Mapple’s four-year winning streak. Additionally, he claimed consecutive U.S. Masters titles in 1995 and 1996. The only thing that eluded him during this period was the 1995 World Championships, where he finished 3rd, earning his sole world medal. Overall, Cox amassed over 30 professional victories, a truly remarkable feat.
Will Asher crushing an offside turn on his Syndicate PRO waterski (Image: Mommer)
4. Will Asher
A dominant force on the professional circuit, Asher has had an impressive 20-year career. In 2003, he made history by winning the inaugural Under 21 World Championships and setting a still unbeaten World Championship record of 3 @ 10.25m (41’ off), making it one of the longest-standing records in the sport (20 years), second only to women’s Ski Fly. He held the prestigious title of no. 1 ranked elite slalom skier in 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2012, and recently earned the title of Waterski Pro Tour champion in 2022. With two world championships (2005 and 2009) under his belt, Asher’s career boasts over 30 professional victories, including five U.S. Masters titles, with three consecutive titles from 2008 to 2010, and a Moomba Masters title in 2016.
Born and raised in California, Bob LaPoint had the perfect training partner in his older brother Kris. During the first decade of professional water ski tournaments in the U.S., no other skier managed to win a slalom tournament if at least one of the LaPoints was competing. The two brothers took turns winning titles throughout the 1970s, but as the decade came to a close, Bob emerged as the world’s top slalomer. He clinched five world championships (1977, 1979, 1983, 1985, and 1987) and consistently featured on every world championship’s slalom podium from 1975 to 1987.
LaPoint’s prowess extended to the professional circuit. He secured the season tour championship on the inaugural 1984 Coors Light Water Ski Tour. LaPoint was also a five-time U.S. Masters champion (1975, 1976, 1980, 1982, and 1983).
Throughout his career, LaPoint set the world slalom record five times, holding it for a total of seven years during the late seventies and early eighties. His contributions helped advance the record from 4 @ 11.25m (38’ off) to 5 @ 10.75m (39.5’ off). Fondly known as the “Chairman of the Board,” Bob LaPoint’s impact on the sport goes well beyond his on-water achievements. He is celebrated as both a pioneer and a legend of water skiing.
Nate Smith breaks slalom world record behind the record-setting Ski Nautique 200 (Image: Aaron Katen)
2. Nate Smith
The softly-spoken Indiana native is a controversial figure in world water skiing. Regardless of one’s feelings about the allegations of sexual misconduct, there is no denying that Smith is one of the most dominant athletes our sport has ever seen. Smith’s slalom skills exhibit a metronomic precision and efficiency, allowing him to run 10.75m (39.5’ off) with unparalleled consistency. Impressively, he has run 10.25m (41’ off) more than all other skiers combined.
Holding the world slalom record for over a decade, Smith has been the undisputed force on the professional circuit for the last ten years, securing victory in over 60 professional events, including a recently concluded streak of 27 wins in a row. With three world championship titles (2013, 2015, and 2021), six U.S. Masters championships (including four consecutive titles from 2015 to 2018), and six Moomba Masters championships (including three consecutive titles from 2020 to 2023), his record is nothing short of remarkable. Perhaps the most frightening aspect is that he shows no signs of slowing down.
Mapple competing in Surrey in 1999 (Image: The Times)
1. Andy Mapple
The indisputable GOAT. A lanky Brit who revolutionized our sport, amassing a legendary career spanning over 20 years. It is estimated that he secured a staggering total of 168 professional event victories. With nine world slalom record-setting or tying performances, he dominated the record books for an astounding sixteen and a half years. His contributions propelled the record from 5 @ 10.75m (39.5’ off) to 1 @ 9.75m (43’ off). Notably, he clinched six world championship titles (1981, 1989, and four consecutive titles from 1995 to 2001) and missed the podium only once between 1981 and 2001.
In the late 80s and throughout the 90s, Mapple’s dominance was unrivaled on the U.S. Pro tour, claiming the season tour champion title in 1987, 1989, four consecutive years from 1991 to 1994, and an impressive five consecutive years from 1997 to 2001. Additionally, he reigned as the U.S. Masters champion 14 times, enjoying five-year (1997-2001) and four-year (1984-1988) winning streaks. He was also a 12-time champion at his self-proclaimed favorite event – the Moomba Masters. Mapple has left an indelible mark on the sport that will stand the test of time.
Honorable Mentions:
Mike Suyderhoud
While his greatest achievements came in the jump event (he was the first man to jump 50m), Suyderhoud was also an excellent slalomer. Competing in the pre-professional era, he claimed the title of world slalom champion in 1971 and earned bronze medals in 1967 and 1975. Additionally, Suyderhoud secured back-to-back Moomba Masters slalom titles in the late 60s.
George Athans
Hailing from Canada, the two-time world overall champion, excelled particularly in slalom. His overall victories were propelled by a slalom silver in 1971 and a slalom gold in 1973.
In this quiz, you need to name all the female skiers who have run 10.75 meters (39.5 off).
The list has twelve skiers, all of whom belong to the exclusive club of women who have run 10.75 meters at least once in a world ranking tournament. The skier at the top of the list has run the pass an incredible 361 times. We have mentioned the number of 10.75 meters run, as well as the country and top score.
CALGARY, AB – Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping weekend of waterskiing action as the WWS Calgary Cup, presented by Tourism Calgary, takes center stage at the Lakes at Kastyn Stone/Predator Bay Ski Club on August 5th and 6th. This highly anticipated event is the 3rd Stop on the WWS Overall Tour and will feature a star-studded lineup of athletes from six nations, including France, Italy, USA, Germany, Great Britain, and Canada.
Following the immense success of last year’s WWS World Overall Tour, Calgary emerged as the ultimate highlight with the largest crowd turnout. This year, we are thrilled to announce that the excitement is bound to be even greater, as the world’s best Overall skiers return to Calgary, accompanied by the renowned Pro Slalom Shootout format.
When it comes to slalom skiing, ‘righties’ dominate. Whether it’s because they have an inherent advantage or simply a larger pool of skiers to pull from, that remains an open question. Nevertheless, the world of slalom skiing has seen its fair share of exceptional ‘lefties’ over the years.
From late starters who defied the odds to consistent big-match players, these skiers have consistently displayed their skill and precision on the water. In this article, we take a closer look at the ten greatest male left-foot-forward slalom skiers of all time. Their impressive achievements and contributions to the sport have earned them a well-deserved place in the annals of water skiing history.
‘Greatest Of’ lists in any sport are inherently subjective and water skiing is no exception. There’s no definitive checklist to crown someone as the absolute best. Every fan out there has their own opinion. But decisions had to be made. We proudly present our picks for the 10 best male left-foot-forward slalomers in the history of competitive water skiing. So sit back, enjoy, and maybe even debate a little over our choices—after all, that’s the fun of it!
From the legendary McClintock family, which has an impressive tally of eight open world titles to their name, “JMAC” was no exception. The Canadian’s talent shone brightly early on, securing the junior world slalom championship in 2004. Throughout the following decade, from 2008 to 2018, he was a regular on the professional circuit. Not only did his talent in slalom and trick contribute to Canada’s triumphs in team titles in 2009 and 2015, but he also earned himself a silver medal in slalom at the 2017 world championships held in Paris, France.
Raised under the tutelage of his father, the world renowned coach Jack Travers, at their Central Florida ski school, Jon Travers was always destined to be a star. Establishing himself as a prominent figure on the professional circuit since his teenage years, he achieved victory at the Under-21 World Championships in 2009 and claimed the U.S. Masters title in 2011. Notably, Travers is a member of the exclusive club of skiers who have successfully run the 10.25m (41’ off) during a tournament.
The eccentric Australian was a late starter in the sport, not competing in his first tournament until the age of 18. Despite this, his unconventional training methods proved to be effective. Howley won the 2019 world championships in Malaysia, beating Will Asher and Freddie Winter in an exciting three-way runoff. Skiing in challenging conditions, Howley threw himself (unsuccessfully) outside of two for the quarter buoy on his 10.25m (41’ off) pass. The resulting fall broke his ankle, but with Asher still to come he kept the injury a secret to ensure his competitor remained unaware of his inability to participate in any subsequent runoff. Howley was a regular on the professional circuit pre-Covid, frequently finishing in the top 5 at major events but has kept a relatively low profile in recent years. We hope to see him back on the tour in the future!
Initially known for his prowess in jumping, Lowe achieved remarkable success with jump wins at the U.S. Masters, multiple pro tour stops, and a silver medal at the 1985 World Championships. However, it was in the slalom event where he blossomed later in his career. Striving to make the U.S. Elite Water Ski Team, Lowe honed his slalom and tricks skills, contributing significantly to the team’s four consecutive titles from 1979 to 1985. Notably, at the 1991 World Championships in Austria, he participated in a three-way run off for the gold medal against Andy Mapple and Mike Kjellander, resulting in one of the most exhilarating slalom battles in history. Lowe emerged victorious in 1991 and followed it up with a bronze medal in 1993.
Brett Thurley, the plucky Australian red-head, thrived in adverse conditions. Hailing from Tasmania, Thurley’s tenacity and competitive spirit set him apart as a scrappy competitor. Remembered primarily for his victory at the 1993 world championships held in Singapore, Thurley became the first Australian to win a world slalom title. During the late eighties and early nineties, he became a familiar face on the U.S. Pro Tour, leaving his mark with a tour stop victory in Madison, WI in 1988. Additionally, he earned the Moomba Masters champion title twice, in 1986 and 1995.
The loud and boisterous kiwi was a formidable competitor, renowned for his ability to perform under pressure. Despite well-known struggles with turning his off-side at 10.25m (41′ off), his remarkable consistency in reaching two-ball, regardless of the conditions, always kept him in the running. Particularly dominant on the Yarra, he secured top-three finishes at the Moomba Masters six times between 2007 and 2014, achieving back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011. Larkin’s exceptional performance throughout 2011, which included a second-place finish at the World Championships, earned him the prestigious top spot on the elite ranking list for that year.
Larkin has since run the 10.25m (41′ off)pass at 55kph (34mph) after his retirement from professional skiing.
The ‘Cinderella Story’ of water skiing, Jeff Rodgers, a working-class well-driller from South Carolina will forever be etched in the record books as the first man to run 10.25m (41’ off). Rodgers prioritized his career and family over water skiing, rarely traveling outside of the U.S. in an era where professional water skiing expanded into a global circuit of events. He achieved modest success in the early nineties on the Budwesier Water Ski Tour, securing two tour stop titles. However, it was in 1997 that Rodgers truly made waves, snatching the world record from Andy Mapple’s grasp for the first time since 1988 with an impressive score of 5 @ 10.25m (41’ off) in his home state of South Carolina. The very next round he followed up with his historic 1 @ 9.75m (43’ off). Then, when the world championships came to Florida in 2003, he clinched the gold. A true master when the conditions aligned, Rodgers’ potential dominance will always remain an intriguing “what if” in the sport’s history.
Image: Todd Ristorcelli (via Waterski Journal)
3. Jamie Beauchesne
The elusive American who soared to the pinnacle of the sport only to step away, remains a figure of intrigue. Renowned for his exceptional talent, he showcased ability both on powder and water, often taking extended breaks from water skiing to hit the slopes during winter, sometimes up to 6 months. Bursting onto the scene in the mid-nineties, he claimed the title of junior world slalom champion in 1994 and followed it up the next year with a victory in his debut professional tournament. A meticulous technician, Beauchesne was a trailblazer in numerous technical innovations during the early 2000’s. In 2003, he further cemented his legacy, tying the world record and becoming the third skier ever to run 10.25m (41’ off). His impressive track record includes two U.S. Masters championships in 2004 and 2007, and a remarkable winning percentage of nearly 25% in the final decade of his career. Yet, right at the peak of his dominance, midway through the 2012 season, he made the abrupt decision to bid farewell to water skiing—for good.
The big strapping Swede was known for his distinctive slalom style. A mainstay on the U.S. pro tour, he entertained audiences with his characteristic slam dunk on-side turns. Kjellander’s dominance was evident as he clinched the season championships three times on the U.S Pro Tour in 1985, 1988, and 1990, securing a remarkable 15 tour stop victories amidst fierce competition from renowned skiers like Andy Mapple, Bob, and Kris LaPoint. He was two-time U.S. Masters champion (in 1989 and 1993) and Moomba Masters champion (in 1988 and 1992). Kjellander was the first skier to run the 10.75m (39.5’ off) pass, holding the world record outright for less than 24 hours until Andy Mapple tied him in the 2nd round. Despite his stellar achievements, world championship gold eluded him, with Kjellander finishing agonizingly close as a runner-up in 1991 and 1995.
Chris Parrish USA makes it look easy (Image: IWWF)
1. Chris Parrish
Nicknamed ‘The Tower’ for his imposing six-foot-five stature and extraordinary wingspan, Parrish could have been built in a laboratory for slalom skiing. He burst onto the scene in 1996, claiming victory at the junior world championships, setting the stage for a remarkable career. Over two decades of professional skiing, Parrish’s prowess earned him numerous accolades, including four Moomba Masters titles (in 2000, 2008, 2009, and 2013) and two U.S. Masters championships (in 2002 and 2005). For an impressive eight years, he held the world record, surpassing it three times between 2005 and 2010. In 2002, he unseated the legendary Andy Mapple to become the top elite skier in the world, a distinction he held for three seasons, notably dominating in 2005 with six out of nine pro event wins. Despite occasional battles with consistency, Parrish remained a formidable force, securing a spot in the top 10 elite rankings for over a decade. Perhaps the one blemish on his otherwise illustrious record, Parrish never won a world championships, losing to Mapple by just one buoy in 2001.
Quiz: Every man under 20 to run 10.75 meters (39.5 off)
Image: @_minq_kim
By RTB
6 minute play
In this quiz, you need to name all the male skiers under 20 years old who have run 10.75 meters (39.5 off).
The list has 31 skiers, all of whom belong to the exclusive club of men who have run 10.75 meters at least once in a world ranking tournament while under twenty years old. For the purposes of this quiz, age is measured in ski years, which means the skiers age on January 1st of the year the score was achieved. You have six minutes to guess as many as you can. We have mentioned their country, as well as their year of birth and top score.
Data updated as of July 16, 2023
Independent perspectives on tournament water skiing
