Men's Jump podium at the 2023 Malibu Open

2023 Malibu Open Recap | Waterski Pro Tour

Repost

Malibu Open Recap

Men's Jump podium at the 2023 Malibu Open

Men’s Jump podium at the 2023 Malibu Open (image: @waterskiprotour)

Waterski Pro Tour


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.

Full article at Waterski Pro Tour.

Joel Overall Record Malibu Open

Records Tumble at the 2023 Malibu Open: Poland Sets Another Overall Record

News

Records Tumble at the 2023 Malibu Open: Poland Sets Another Overall Record

Joel Overall Record Malibu Open

Joel Poland has a New Pending World Overall Record at the Malibu Open (image: @malibuopen2023)

By Jack Burden


If Regina Jaquess’ outstanding slalom performance on Friday left spectators in awe, the Malibu Open at LymanLand in Alabama continued to deliver record-breaking excitement on Saturday. Hanna Straltsova impressed early, becoming the third woman ever to jump over 190 feet during the finals of the Malibu Open. Her incredible feat equaled Natallia Berdnikava’s European record of 58.6 meters. Straltsova not only claimed victory in the tournament but also secured the season title of the Waterski Pro Tour. It was Joel Poland, however, who stole the spotlight.

In a thrilling display of skill, Poland, who had put in solid scores in slalom (2@10.25m) and trick skiing (11,720), set the pace early with a jump of 69.3 meters (227 feet). This jump marked his second world overall record in as many weeks. Poland’s incredible distance held firm through six skiers and seemed poised to force a jump-off for the title. However, Freddy Krueger clinched the championship with an extraordinary 71.0 meter (233 feet) jump on his third and final attempt. It’s worth noting that Poland, arguably one of the most marketable athletes in the sport, lacks a boat sponsor, giving him the freedom to pursue records at any event without fear of losing sponsorship.

Poland, reflecting on his incredible world record-setting performance, shed light on the unique challenges of pursuing overall records. He explained, “In terms of overall records, the hardest part is finding a lake that’s good enough for jump. Trick, it doesn’t really matter, slalom you need a good site, but for jump, you’ve got to have a boat that’s good, a ramp that’s good, and a good driver. They have got all of that right here this weekend. So that makes my job a whole lot easier.” Poland’s words underline the significance of having the perfect conditions for record-breaking performances.

Looking ahead, Poland expressed his hope that there’s still more to achieve, stating, “Hopefully there’s a little more left in the tank. I’ve got one more big tournament left this year, so I’ll try to save a little bit for that.” When asked about his aspirations of breaking the world record and winning the World Championships, he affirmed, “That’s the aim, to finish strong. It’s been a good season, and if I can finish strong at the worlds, that will be the job complete.”

Two world records haven’t been broken in the same weekend since Jaquess and Adam Sedlmajer set the women’s slalom and men’s overall records, respectively, at a tournament at the Isles of Lake Hancock in April 2018. Furthermore, there have not been multiple world records broken in a professional tournament since the 2002 Malibu Open held at Bell Acqua in California, where Emma Sheers, Elena Milakova, and Freddy Krueger famously set world jump records.

In the year 2023, a total of six pending world records have been set so far. If all these records are approved, it would mark the most records set in a single year since 2012, when Natallia Berdnikava set four records and Whitney McClintock set one, in addition to Jaquess’ record.

While world records should not be the sole focus of the sport, as the hyper-focus on records has sometimes hindered its progress, they undeniably serve as a barometer of advancement in terms of technique, training, and technology. Theoretically, the rate of new records should decrease as we approach the limits of human performance. Combining the record-breaking spree of 2023 with the highest professional prize purse in 15 years paints a picture of a thriving elite water skiing scene. What’s especially exciting is that half of these records were set in professional competition and broadcast live, allowing fans to share in the excitement in real-time.

Moreover, despite initial concerns expressed by many skiers about adjusting to Malibu Boats during the broadcast, the title sponsor can proudly walk away from this event with phenomenal publicity. Actions, as demonstrated over this weekend, speak louder than words, confirming that the Malibu pull is indeed world-class.

Poland’s record was officially approved by the IWWF on December 18th, 2023 with a revised trick score of 11,680.

Pending world record at the Malibu Open behind the @malibuboats 5 @ 41!!!!

Jaquess Sets World Slalom Record at Malibu Open

News

Jaquess sets pending world slalom record at Malibu Open

Pending world record at the Malibu Open behind the @malibuboats 5 @ 41!!!!

Pending world record at the Malibu Open behind the @malibuboats 5 @ 41!!!! (image: @regina_jaquess)

By Jack Burden


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.

Emma Sheers Waterski Jumping

Quiz: Every Woman to Jump More Than 55 Meters (180 feet)

Quizzes

Quiz: Every woman to jump more than 55 meters (180 feet)

Women’s Jump during the Moomba Water Skiing event held at The Yarra River, March 6, 1999 (image: Getty Images)

By RTB


3 minute play

In this quiz, you need to name all the female skiers who have jumped more than 55 meters (180 feet).

The list has 13 skiers, all of whom belong to the exclusive club of women who have jumped 55 meters at least once in a world ranking tournament. five out of the 13 skiers held the world record at some point in their careers. We have mentioned the number of jumps over 55 meters, as well as the country and top score.

Data updated as of October 31, 2023

Joel Poland tricking at Ski Fluid

Joel Poland Sets Pending Overall World Record | BWSW

Repost

Joel Poland Sets Pending Overall World Record

Joel Poland tricking at Ski Fluid

Joel Poland at Ski Fluid (image: Johnny Hayward)

The 24-year-old Overall World Champion set the new world record in impressive style at a competition in Florida on Saturday 2nd September.  The record is subject to official ratification.

The new record came in the final competition of the four-stop Overall World Tour – the Florida Cup held at Ski Fluid in Polk City near Orlando. Joel won the competition, as he did all three of the previous stops, taking the Tour title for the second successive year.

The scores that set the record were: 

  • 1@10.25m
  • 11,680pts
  • 69.8m

Full article at British Water Ski & Wakeboard.

Karina Nowlan Slalom Skiing

Quiz: Every Woman to Run 10.75 Meters (39.5 off)

Quizzes

Quiz: Every woman to run 10.75 meters (39.5 off)

Image: Mommer

By RTB


3 minute play

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.

Data updated as of October 31, 2023

Is 13,000 points on the horizon?

Is 13k on the Horizon? Font Sets Yet Another Pending World Trick Record

Articles

13k on the Horizon as Font Sets Yet Another Pending World Record

Is 13,000 points on the horizon?

Is 13,000 points on the horizon? (Image: Nautique)

By Jack Burden


This Saturday, during the Ski Nautique Ski Pickos record tournament in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, Patricio Font achieved an astounding score of 12,770, surpassing his own world record of 12,690. This is potentially Font’s third world record in less than twelve months after breaking Aliaksei Zharnasek’s mark, which had stood unbroken for over eleven years. The speed at which Font is increasing the record, following years of stagnation, leaves us pondering the potential ceiling on trick performances in the sport. As we examine the current field of trick skiers, it becomes evident that the answer could be over 13,000 points.

Font’s record hand run.

Font’s success in trick skiing is founded on his incredible speed and efficiency in hand tricking. His ability to incorporate eleven big-ticket tricks into his hand run sets him apart from most top-level trickers, who typically base their runs around ten tricks. While other skiers have showcased comparable speed in the past, they did not perform the caliber of tricks that Font does. In his latest record-breaking run, Font executed six flips, each worth 750 points or more, along with five ski lines, including the 750-point ski-line-seven-back.

However, when it comes to toe tricking, Font is relatively weaker compared to some of his contemporaries. His top scoring toe run is valued at 5,130 points, which is undeniably world-class. Yet, there are at least six current trickers who can outscore Font in this particular discipline. For instance, Matias Gonzalez recently scored 12,440 points, contained a toe run worth 5,500, potentially setting the highest ever score on toes. The standard of toe tricking underwent a decline in the early 2000s as focus shifted towards fast-evolving flip sequences. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, toe runs were generally worth more than hand runs. For example, in the finals of the 1994 U.S. Masters, both Cory Pickos and Tori Baggiano executed toe runs worth 5,450 points, with only one less scoring trick than Gonzalez’s recent run.

A skier who can combine Font’s exceptional hand tricking with Gonzalez’s (or Pickos’) outstanding toe run would score in excess of 13,000 points. Whether this feat will be achieved by Font himself or any of the other young skiers who have broken into the exclusive 12,000 point club in recent years remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear—the future of trick skiing is undoubtedly bright and promises to showcase even more incredible performances.

Update: Font’s score of 12,770 was reduced to 12,510 upon review by the IWWF TC.

Font’s Pending World Record

Pato Font Trick Sheet 12,770
Aliaksei Zharnasek Trick Skiing

Quiz: Longest Held Men’s World Records of All Time

Quizzes

Quiz: Longest held men’s world records of all time

Image: World Water Skiers

By RTB


5 minute play

In this quiz, you need to name the men to have held an open world record for the longest time.

The list has twenty-two record streaks, we have set the cut off at three consecutive years of holding the world record, with most of the skiers breaking the record multiple times during their streaks. Five skiers have held the world record for longer than ten years. We have mentioned the event, consecutive years the record was held, as well as the highest score during the streak.

Data updated as of July 1, 2023

Kristi Overton Johnson Slalom Skiing

Quiz: Longest Held Women’s World Records of All Time

Quizzes

Quiz: Longest held women’s world records of all time

Image: In His Wakes

By RTB


5 minute play

In this quiz, you need to name the women to have held an open world record for the longest time.

The list has nineteen record streaks, we have set the cut off at three consecutive years of holding the world record, with most of the skiers breaking the record multiple times during their streaks. The skier at the top of the list held the women’s trick record for an incredible 17 years and 11 months. We have mentioned the event, consecutive years the record was held, as well as the highest score during the streak.

Data updated as of July 1, 2023

World Record Approved! 11,360 points

Lang Breaks World Trick Record as Masters Invitations are Finalized

News

Erika Lang sets a pending world record as Master’s invitations are finalized

World Record Approved! 11,360 points

Image: Nautique

By Jack Burden


Erika Lang has surpassed her own world trick record during the Masters Qualifying Series Event hosted at Sunset Lakes in Groveland, Florida. Lang achieved a score of 11,360 points, surpassing her previous record of 11,260 points set in October 2019.

This marks the sixth time the Arizona native has broken the world trick record since her initial record in 2013 at 17 years old. She has now broken the world trick record more times than any other female, surpassing both Natalia Rumjantseva and Anna Maria Carrasco, who each achieved it five times. As the second woman to trick 10,000 points and the first and only to exceed 11,000 points, she has elevated women’s tricking to new heights over the last decade.

The final Masters Qualifying Series Events, featuring several top water skiers looking to qualify for the 2023 Masters, provided a low-pressure environment for Lang. Already qualified as the defending Masters champion, she seized the opportunity to chase a record.

In the Women’s Trick event over the weekend, Paige Rini, Kennedy Hansen, Aliaksandra Danisheuskaya, and Regina Jaquess secured their spots for the Masters. In Men’s Trick, Pablo Font, Edoardo Marenzi, and Tanguy Dailland secured their places. Font, the cousin of world record holder Pato, achieved a score of 11,060 points to qualify, marking his second time over 11,000.

Agustina Varas, Regina Jaquess, Kennedy Hansen, and Paige Rini qualified in the Women’s Jump event. Meanwhile, Jack Critchley, Louis Duplan-Fribourg, and Rodrigo Miranda qualified in the Men’s Jump event with distances of 67.5 meters (221 feet), 67.4 meters (221 feet), and 64 meters (210 feet) respectively.

The Women’s Slalom event saw Jaimee Bull, Neilly Ross, and Brie Carter qualify, each running 11.25 meters (38’ off) to punch their tickets. In Men’s Slalom, there was a five-way tie with 3 buoys at 10.25 meters (41’ off), requiring a runoff for the last four spots. Ultimately, Thomas Degasperi, Adam Sedlmajer, Sacha Descuns, and Jonathan Travers secured their qualification.

These athletes will join the previously qualified participants who earned their spots at the first two Masters Qualifying Events or through winning either the 2022 Masters, 2022 Botaski Pro Am, 2022 California ProAm, or 2023 Moomba Masters.

All eyes now turn to the 63rd Masters Waterski and Wakeboard Tournament, taking place Memorial Day Weekend from Friday, May 26, to Sunday, May 28.

Update: Lang’s world record was officially ratified by the IWWF on June 23, 2023.