Rocketman: The Flight of Scot Ellis
In the history of water skiing, there are legends — and then there’s Scot “Rocketman” Ellis.
For over three decades, Scot Ellis has soared beyond expectations, redefining the art of water ski jumping and leaving a lasting imprint on the sport’s DNA. Known for his fearless launch, laser focus, and deep technical knowledge, Ellis didn’t just push boundaries — he exploded past them, one leap at a time.
From his early days on the dock to setting records and inspiring generations, Scot became synonymous with flight. Over three decades at the elite level, Ellis was a 10-time World Cup champion, 10-time Pro Tour champion, 3-time Moomba Masters champion, 3-time Australian Open champion, and 2-time Moomba Masters Night Jump champion. He also won professional jump titles at the U.S. Masters, U.S. Open, and Italian Open. Throughout his career, he set 14 U.S. national jumping records.He’s a skier who, even into his 50s, continued to jump farther than most ever will. His nickname, Rocketman, wasn’t just branding — it was a reflection of his signature style: fast, aggressive, and (almost) always in control.
But beyond the spray and spectacle, Scot’s story is grounded in something more powerful — longevity, humility, and a relentless dedication to the craft. He’s mentored countless athletes, helped drive innovation in ski design, and maintained a presence on the Pro Tour longer than almost any other athlete in modern history. He wasn’t just part of the sport — he was the engine of it.
And now, in 2025, that story takes on new depth.
This year marks two major milestones:
- Scot Ellis’ induction into the Water Ski Hall of Fame (May 3rd)
- The 60th Anniversary of Connelly Skis, the iconic brand that’s been alongside him through much of his career
To honor both, we’re proud to announce the release of “Rocketman” — a special short film dropping May 6th, created to capture Scot’s journey, his influence, and his legacy. It’s a story about water ski Jumping — but also about grit, longevity, and what it takes to stay airborne when the rest of the world expects you to land.
On May 6th, we celebrate a man who hasn’t figured out how to stop jumping — and a brand that never stopped pushing forward.