A brief history…
The Wisconsin Rapids Aqua Skiers Waterski Show Team was formed in 1959 as an offshoot of the Central Wisconsin Boater’s Club. In 1967, Jack Lukes had the foresight to start the Wisconsin State Waterski Show Tournament, which the Aqua Skiers have hosted ever since on the Red Sands beach of sunny Lake Wazeecha.
Our Homes
Our practice site on the Biron Flowage is located approximately three miles above the Biron Dam on North Biron Drive in Wisconsin Rapids. Several improvements have been made to the Lake Biron practice site over the past several years. We hope that these changes will make the show site a comfortable location for both the audience and skiers. There are rumors about even more improvements coming in the near future, so stay tuned for updates!
The Aqua Skiers host the WI State Show Ski Tourney each year in the middle of July at the Red Sands beach on Lake Wazeecha. We get the honor of practicing there two weeks prior to upcoming tournaments. It is well known in the show skiing world how wonderful a show skiing site Lake Wazeecha is, and we are very proud to have this grace our community. Thanks to many sponsors, we have been able to add a permanent, concrete stage to the beach and a large, semi permanent floating starting dock. The Aqua Skiers rely on our ever supportive community to assist us in future endeavors. On the horizon is a new shelter for concessions and judging at the WI State Tournament.
Mission Statement
The Aqua Skiers are organized exclusively for the charitable and educational purpose of educating youth (up to age 21) of the appropriate techniques, rules, regulations and safety involved in the sport of water-skiing and boating.
The business end of things…
The Aqua Skiers have one of the lowest membership dues in the state. Paid membership is required for any person to take part in any aspect of the club; such as skiing, riding in boats, dock crew, sound manager, announcer, backstage coordinator, safety director, holding a board member position, and more! The dues cover membership and insurance through the USA Waterski Association, the Wisconsin Water Ski Federation (WWSF), as well as costuming the skiers and all show personnel, putting gas in the boats, and keeping equipment safe and up to date. Because the Aqua Skiers have been awarded to host the WI State Tournamentevery year, we are extremely fortunate to be able to concentrate on our skiing and running the team, and don’t require much extra-curricular fundraising on the side.
Membership roles
One of the most common questions asked about Aqua Skier membership is whether or not a person has to know how to ski to be a member. The answer to that is a resounding, “No!” We have special nights set aside each week for those who are just learning to ski. There are also nights dedicated to developing your existing skills, as well as evenings for practicing our Show Acts. Show acts are the stunt routines that are performed in either the Development Team Show or the Themed Show (which is performed at the State and National Competitions).
We also have a huge need for non-skiing members in the club. Contrary to what someone may think- we need just as many (if not more!) non-skiers as those skiing! The team has tow boat drivers, riders, safety boat and land safety crews, back stage coordinators, show land coordinators, people to run the sound system, dock and rope managers, costume designers, business-end of things people, and more.
Keeping the ski area working smoothly during a practice or show can be a full-time job.
As you can see, this is an all-inclusive sport. Nobody has to sit on the sidelines and watch their children (or parents) do the sport. It is so rewarding to know that your help on the sidelines makes the water activity possible. Show skiing is truly a sport that can be enjoyed by the entire family.
Huge Thank You’s!
An enormous thank you needs to be dedicated to our sponsors.
Most of our sponsors are local area businesses, who love supporting our community and we rely on them to keep us on the water. Please patronize them by visiting their websites.
We also thank our parents, families, friends, and volunteers who help us all year round to put together the best tournament and shows possible.
The Aqua Skiers would not be show skiers without our audiences. We truly appreciate your continued support. We strive to entertain you fully every time we ski.
We could NOT do this without you all.
Thanks again!!!!
