What is Waterskiing?

Waterskiing is a recreational family sport that takes place behind any sort of boat. A skier usually starts learning with 2 skies, one on each foot. The skier is handed a handle that is connected to the boat with a rope. The boat them pulls forwards to give the skier space and lets the rope gain tension. The boat idles forwards to keep the tension in the rope and slowly pulls the skier through the water. When the skier decides they are ready they signal the boat driver to go. The boat driver will then accelerate until the skier is pulled up and out onto the top of the water, then the driver slows down to a comfortable speed for the skier. Once a skier gets comfortable with 2 skies that is when they can try getting up or dropping the other ski. This is then called slalom. 

What is Wakeboarding?

Wakeboarding is a water sport where a rider is towed behind a motorboat while riding on a small, specially designed board. The rider typically wears bindings similar to those on a snowboard, allowing them to stand securely on the board while being pulled across the water. The rider uses a tow rope attached to the boat to maintain balance and control while performing various tricks and maneuvers, such as jumps, flips, spins, and grabs. It's an exhilarating and challenging sport that combines elements of water skiing, snowboarding, and surfing. 

What is 3-event skiing?

3-event skiing is the term used to describe what takes place in competitive skiing. There are 3 events. Those being Slalom, Trick, and Jump. 

Slalom skiing: In this event, skiers maneuver a single ski throughout a course marked by a series of buoys, aiming to round as many as possible while increasing boat speed. Skiers are awarded points based on their successful completion of passes, with the highest going to those navigating the course at the highest speed with shortest rope.

Trick: Trick skiing is on either a single or double trick ski, or a wakeboard. This event has competitors perform a series of tricks within a specified time frame, without repeats, to accumulate points.

Jump: Skiers use a specialized ramp to launch themselves into the air, aiming to cover as much distance as possible before landing. The distance of the jump, combined with the landing technique, contributes to their overall score.

How do I join/how much does it cost?

Join Now! To join our club you can fill out the interest form... or reach out to one of our E-board members. All members have to join us on Involvement Link as well. We strongly encourage you do this at the same time as this is how we send out mass communication for important updates and information through the season. 

No prior skill level is needed to join. We are excited and able to safely teach anyone. 

When does the club meet? 

During the Fall semester our club meets on a weekly basis usually on Tuesdays or Thursdays going over our schedule and plans. During the Spring semester we meet on a monthly basis and host monthly socials for members. 

Do I have to compete?

No, no one is required to compete if they are a member of the club. Our club is open to all skill levels and students schedules. If you wish to learn to ski and decide you want to come to a competition you are more then welcome to. Many other school have their club members join them on the road at comps just to have fun and support their team members all while meeting students from other schools across the country. 

What is the NCWSA and how many schools are apart of it?

The NCWSA stands for the National Collegiate Waterski Association. Their are over 60 schools in the entire country that are apart of the NCWSA and compete in 3 different regions. We are located in the Midwest region which is so large that it is split into 2 different smaller regions. The great planes and the great lakes regions both of which have over 30 teams. 

When/Where are the competitions?

Competitions take place every weekend in September and run into October. Most of the competitions are hosted in lower Michigan near Grand Rapids and can get as far south as Ohio. Nationals are always held in the southern region like Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and California.