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Scot Ellis Waterski Hall of Fame

Scot Ellis to be Inducted into Hall of Fame | USA-WSWS Foundation

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Scot Ellis selected as 2025 inductee into the USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation Hall of Fame

Scot Ellis Waterski Hall of Fame

Image: USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation

USA Water Ski & Wake Sports

The USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee is pleased to announce the 2025 inductee to the USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation Hall of Fame Scot Ellis will be formally enshrined at the USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Scot Ellis’ love for water skiing began as a kid in Central Florida when he happened to catch a show by the Lakeland Water Ski Club. At age 7, he was a member of that Lakeland show team, and at 8, he was skiing three events, too.

Used to playing team sports where you might get one trophy at the end of a long season, Ellis won his first three-event water ski trophy and never looked back. “I could walk away with four trophies every weekend,” he says, “and I was hooked.”

Most of those trophies eventually came in jumping, but Ellis was more than capable in slalom and was an overall skier into the 1990s. His breakout came at the 1988 Junior Water Ski World Championships. Without a major victory to his name yet, Ellis went to Australia and won gold in slalom and overall, silver in jumping and bronze in tricks.

They soon knew his name when he broke into the pro ranks in 1990, winning four events and the tour title right off the bat as a 19-year-old. During an era when pro ski tournaments were shown on ESPN and extreme sports were booming in popularity, Ellis was like a literal rock star.

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.

At the 2021 IWWF World Waterski Championships, Ellis, at age 50, made the finals and finished in a tie for 10th place. It was his final major tournament before retiring a few weeks later.

Huge Congratulations to Scott… we can’t wait to celebrate with him on May 3, 2025, at the Nora Mayo Hall in Winter Haven, Florida! Tickets go on sale on January 1, and sponsorship details will be released soon… we hope to see you there!

www.usa-wwf.org/2025-hall-of-fame

Champion teen waterskier Kristy Appleton from Brisbane might have been 'dead within an hour'

Kristy Appleton Survives Health Scare After Under-17 World’s Win

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Young water ski champion Kristy Appleton survives meningitis scare after Under-17 World Championship win

Champion teen waterskier Kristy Appleton from Brisbane might have been 'dead within an hour'

Image: @kristy.appleton

By Jack Burden

Kristy Appleton, the newly crowned girl’s overall champion at the Under-17 World Water Ski Championships in Calgary, Canada, had a harrowing experience following her victory after contracting a misdiagnosed case of meningitis on her journey back to Australia.

In a detailed Instagram post, Appleton recounted the terrifying ordeal that began shortly after she returned home on August 8th. She was initially told by hospital staff that she had COVID-19 and was sent home to rest. However, her condition worsened, and she was later rushed to a second hospital via ambulance after experiencing excruciating pain and near paralysis.

“I couldn’t move, the pain was so bad,” Appleton shared in her post, detailing how she felt “paralyzed” as pain coursed through her body. A doctor at the second hospital quickly administered antibiotics, a decision that Appleton credits with saving her life. “Less than an hour they said I had,” she explained, after doctors confirmed she had contracted meningococcal disease, a severe bacterial infection.

Appleton spent eight days in the hospital fighting the infection. Reflecting on the experience, she expressed gratitude for her recovery and emphasized the importance of vaccinations. She revealed that she had unknowingly not been vaccinated against the B-strain of meningococcal, the one she contracted, and urged others to ensure they are vaccinated.

Despite her brush with death, Appleton is hopeful for a full recovery, supported by her family, friends, and a strong network of well-wishers.

“I have a long journey ahead of me, but I am so, so grateful and lucky to have had so much support behind me,” she concluded.

Her resilience in the face of such a serious illness adds to her growing reputation as a rising star in water skiing. We look forward to seeing what Appleton can achieve over the coming seasons.

JD Wiswall - Junior World Water Ski Champion

Remembering Jump Prodigy JD Wiswall (1971-2024)

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Remembering jump prodigy JD Wiswall (1971-2024)

JD Wiswall - Junior World Water Ski Champion

Image: JD Wiswall Ellis

By Jack Burden

JD Wiswall, a former junior world champion and professional jumper, has passed away at the age of 52 after a long battle with cancer. The Alabama native displayed incredible talent from a young age, breaking numerous records as he advanced through the junior ranks, and collecting a number of national, collegiate, and world titles along the way.

A U.S. national record holder in both junior slalom and jump, Wiswall was selected to represent Team USA at the inaugural Under-17 World Championships, where he became the first-ever junior world jump champion. Two years later, he would replicate that feat by defending his title at the second edition on the Yarra River, making him one of only four skiers to this day to win multiple junior world jump titles. In total, he won five medals across the two World Championships, finishing as the runner-up in overall at both tournaments.

Wiswall attended Northern Louisiana University (NLU), now the University of Louisiana Monroe, where he helped the NLU Indians reclaim the national title after they had experienced their first loss in a decade, securing individual jump and overall titles in 1990.

A brash and confident competitor, Wiswall’s performance at the 1991 NCWSA Nationals became legendary. Jumping with heavily bruised ribs from a slalom crash the previous day, “Turbo,” as his teammates called him, took to the water as the second-to-last skier of the tournament, needing an outright win to secure the team’s title. After posting the leading score on jump one, he stared down the final skier, University of Central Florida’s (UCF) John Swanson, and yelled, “I’m your worst nightmare!”

Swanson, however, was up for the challenge, winning the jump title and guiding UCF to their first ever team title. The Wiswall-Swanson rivalry would go down as one of the most epic in collegiate water ski history.

Wiswall’s best performances came at the slower speed and ramp height of junior and collegiate competitions, where his aggressive style was used to maximum advantage. However, he also had success in the elite ranks, winning the 1989 World Games, Open Men’s jump at the 1994 U.S. National Championships, and regularly competing on the Bud Water Ski Tour through the mid-1990s.

He remained engaged in the sport until the end, attending the last two World Championships as a spectator. During the 2021 World Championships, he expressed his excitement and anticipation in an interview with FlowPoint TV, hoping to see the first woman jump 200 feet.

A fierce and intense competitor on the water, but a gentle and kind soul off it, Wiswall will be greatly missed.

Giannina and Dane Mechler Welcome Their First Child

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Giannina and Dane Mechler Welcome Their First Child

Image: @littlegermany

By Jack Burden

One of the world’s best water skiers, Giannina Bonnemann Mechler, who went undefeated on the WWS Overall Tour in 2023 and picked up a silver medal at the World Championships, has embraced a new chapter in her life. Giannina and her husband, Dane Mechler, one of the world’s best slalom skiers, celebrated the arrival of their baby boy, Luca Milo Mechler, born on July 31st.

The pregnancy has kept Giannina from competing throughout 2024, where she has been a regular feature on professional podiums across tricks, jump, and her strongest event – overall. The German athlete is one of only six women to trick over 10,000 points and last season began posting scores across all three events that could challenge Natallia Berdnikava’s longstanding world overall record.

Hopefully, we will see Bonnemann Mechler back on the professional circuit next season, where she could join a growing group of female athletes who have shown that motherhood need not signal the end of a high-level waterski career. The women’s slalom field is full of mothers who are top-level contenders, such as Whitney McClintock Rini, Chelsea Mills, and Venessa Leopold Vieke.

Giannina’s return will be eagerly anticipated by fans and fellow competitors alike.

Ian Faulkner IWWF Hall of Fame 1999

Remembering Australian Water Skiing ‘Doyen’ Ian Faulkner (1942-2024)

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Remembering Australian water skiing ‘doyen’ Ian Faulkner (1942-2024)

Ian Faulkner IWWF Hall of Fame 1999

Image: USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation

By Jack Burden

Ian Faulkner, a beloved figure in the water skiing community, has passed away at the age of 82. One of water skiing’s greatest historians, the Melburnian dedicated his life to the sport and helped shape both Australian and world water skiing.

Inducted into the International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) Hall of Fame in 1999, Faulkner was a lifelong devotee of water skiing. He attended every World Championship from 1969 to 1981 as either the Australian team manager or coach, served as Australian Tournament Director from 1973 to 1982, and laid the foundation for the development of tournament water skiing in Australia with the creation of the Australian Water Ski Association Master Plan in 1979.

A name synonymous with the Moomba Masters, Faulkner was a regular competitor starting at the second edition in 1962 and quickly transitioned into progressive leadership roles. He served on the Moomba Masters organizing committee for over three decades, including as Chairman from 1972 to 1995—arguably the period of the event’s greatest success and popularity.

A visionary who was never afraid to share his opinions, Faulkner made a splash in 1971 when a letter outlining his idea for an international series of cash prize tournaments was published in The Water Skier magazine. Incredibly prescient, the first major cash prize tournament would be hosted in the US the following year, and the framework he pioneered, alongside Jaap Suyderhoud, would be adopted by the U.S. Pro Tour, IWWF World Cup, Elite Ranking List, and most recently the Waterski Pro Tour.

Internationally, Faulkner also served on the World Water Ski Union (now IWWF) Technical Committee for 15 years during a period of significant development in the sport’s technology and rules.

In his later years, Faulkner dedicated his efforts to preserving the history of the sport, publishing two volumes on the History of the Moomba Masters and another book on the History of Waterski Jumping. Faulkner was prolific on Facebook, sharing photos and stories from past Moomba Masters and World Championships.

A walking encyclopedia on water skiing, I had the pleasure to work with Faulkner earlier this year to help preserve some of his extensive research on the Moomba Masters. Together we added four decades of results to a Wikipedia page on the history of the event.

A warm, witty, and incredibly generous man, he shared some incredible stories from the early days of the longest-running professional water ski tournament. His first role on the Moomba organizing committee was to invite international skiers, including arranging airline tickets, accommodation, and training—all done through handwritten letters. Eventually, he secured a phone budget to make long-distance calls.

Although he retired from the organizing committee in the 1990s after, in his own words, “my use-by date was up,” a series of emergencies led the Victorian Water Ski Association to convince Faulkner to come out of retirement one last time to take charge of the 2002 Moomba Masters.

Ian Faulkner’s passing is a profound loss to the water skiing community. His contributions and legacy will continue to inspire us all. Our deepest condolences go out to Ian’s family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Ian. Your spirit and dedication will forever be remembered in the world of water skiing.

Peru's Christiana De Osma competes at the San Gervasio Junior Challenge

San Gervasio to Feature “Girls Only” Cash Prize Junior Challenge

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San Gervasio to feature “girls only” cash prize Junior Challenge

Peru's Christiana De Osma competes at the San Gervasio Junior Challenge

Peru’s Christiana De Osma, current world number one, will compete at the 2024 San Gervasio Junior Challenge (image: @andrea_gilardi_fotografo)

By Jack Burden

The 10th edition of the San Gervasio ProAm, the longest-running professional event in Europe, will host the best slalom skiers in the world from July 5-7. In an exciting development, the 2024 event will feature some of the best up-and-coming female athletes in a head-to-head junior challenge.

Four of the top six ranked under-17 women in the world will travel to the event to battle it out for cash prizes sponsored by Radar Skis. Matteo Luzzeri, who organizes the event, shared the inspiration behind including the Junior Challenge, now in its 5th edition, alongside the pros: “The idea has always been to mix the future of the sport with professional skiers while skiing in a format that is rarely implemented outside professional events.”

While previous editions have featured both junior girls and boys, schedule conflicts have prevented the same high-level participation on the male side as in previous years. This prompted the organizers to prioritize showcasing some of the rising stars of the sport on the women’s side.

“We are extremely excited to host some of the very best junior girls in the world for this Junior Challenge,” shared Luzzeri. “Although we’ll miss seeing the top boys, the girls’ tournament has all the premises to be the best one yet!”

Luzzeri noted that the girls-only edition of the Junior Challenge will allow the cash prize to be doubled for these competitors. Representing four different countries, Christiana De Osma (Peru), Vittoria Saracco (Italy), Ines Sole (Belgium), and Alexia Abelson (USA) will go head-to-head in what may serve as a preview of the upcoming Under-17 World Championships in Canada early next month.

This will be the strongest field assembled in under-17 girls’ slalom so far in 2024, with the Junior Masters’ Florida-centric qualification criteria effectively excluding European juniors (four of the current top 10 live and train in Europe, compared to just two from the US).

Alongside these promising juniors, the best professional slalom skiers will chase valuable Waterski Pro Tour points as we pass the halfway point of the season. Jaimee Bull, Will Asher, and Team Syndicate are off to strong, but not yet unassailable, leads on the Tour. It will be crunch time for the other contenders to try and knock them off their perch.

The picturesque venue, Jolly Ski, located in northern Italy, is a favorite among pros and amateurs alike. The ski school is a popular training ground for some of Europe’s most promising juniors and is home to the internationally sought-out Jolly Clinics.

GoFundMe for Danylo Filchenko

Help Ukrainian Water Skier Danylo Filchenko Stay Competitive in 2024

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Help Ukrainian water skier Danylo Filchenko stay competitive in 2024

GoFundMe for Danylo Filchenko

Can you help? (image: SkyBama)

RTB

Due to the ongoing war in his country, Ukrainian three-event star Danylo Filchenko needs support to stay competitive throughout the 2024 season.

“A difficult financial situation has developed in my sport and therefore I want to turn to you, caring people, for help. I have put my work into this sport for many years and I don’t want to end it, because I love it like you all,” shared Flichenko.

Flichenko shared his plan for the season:

  1. San Gervasio 3 event record tournament 21.06-23.06.2024 – Brescia, Italy;
  2. Monaco Trick Cup 1 event pro tournament 25.06-26.06.2024 – Roquebrune, France;
  3. WWS Salmsee Cup 3 event pro tournament 27.07-28.07.2024 – Linz, Austria;
  4. WWS Fluid Cup 3 event pro tournament 18.10-19.10.2024 – Florida, USA.

All money will go towards travel expenses (gas/tolls/flight tickets/hotels), entry fees, and practice.

Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard Tournament

Masters 2024: Here’s Everyone in the Final Field at Callaway Gardens

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Masters 2024: Here’s everyone in the final field at Callaway Gardens

Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard Tournament

Image: masterswaterski.com

By Jack Burden

The 2024 Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard Tournament is finally here! Official invitations were finalized this weekend at the second Masters Qualifying event held at Sunset Lakes in Groveland, Florida.

The qualified skiers include defending Masters champions from 2023, current world champions, and winners of three other Nautique-sponsored tournaments from the past 12 months. Most of the field was selected based on performances in two qualifying events held in Central Florida over the past two weekends.

A total of 40 athletes qualified to ski in the open ranks, including a number of young first-time competitors such as Charlie Ross, Luca Rauchenwald, Florian Parth, Aaliyah Yoong Hannifah, and Lili Steiner. Other notable qualifiers include Joel Poland, who will be the first man to compete in three events since overall was last contested 24 years ago, and Brittany Greenwood Wharton and Lauren Morgan, both making comebacks from injury to contest the women’s jump title.

Here are all those who have qualified, with the qualifying criteria listed below.

Masters Athletes

Men’s Slalom

  • Frederick Winter (World Champion, Botaski ProAm, & Moomba Masters)
  • Nate Smith (Defending Masters Champion & CA ProAm)
  • Charlie Ross (Qualifier #1)
  • Joel Poland (Qualifier #1)
  • William Asher (Qualifier #1)
  • Cole McCormick (Qualifier #2)
  • Stephen Neveu (Qualifier #2)
  • Adam Sedlmajer (Qualifier #2)

Women’s Slalom

  • Regina Jaquess (Defending Masters Champion, CA ProAm, & Moomba Masters)
  • Jaimee Bull (World Champion & Botaski ProAm)
  • Whitney McClinctock Rini (Qualifier #1)
  • Allie Nicholson (Qualifier #1)
  • Neilly Ross (Qualifier #1)
  • Venessa Leopold Vieke (Qualifier #2)
  • Paige Rini (Qualifier #2)
  • Luisa Jaramillo (Qualifier #2)

Men’s Trick*

  • Patricio Font (Defending Masters Champion, World Champion, Botaski ProAm, & Moomba Masters)
  • Martin Labra (Qualifier #1)
  • Joel Poland (Qualifier #1)
  • Louis Duplan-Fribourg (Qualifier #1)
  • Matias Gonzalez (Qualifier #2)
  • Adam Pickos (Qualifier #2)
  • Dorien Llewellyn (Qualifier #2)
  • Pablo Font (Qualifier #2)

* Jake Abelson achieved the highest score at the first qualifier, but has opted to ski in the Junior Masters instead.

Women’s Trick

  • Erika Lang (Defending Masters Champion, World Champion, & Moomba Masters)
  • Anna Gay Hunter (Botaski ProAm)
  • Neilly Ross (Qualifier #1)
  • Natalia Cuglievan (Qualifier #1)
  • Paige Rini (Qualifier #1)
  • Kennedy Hansen (Qualifier #2)
  • Hanna Straltsova (Qualifier #2)
  • Aliaksandra Danisheuskaya (Qualifier #2)

Men’s Jump

  • Ryan Dodd (Defending Masters Champion, World Champion, CA ProAm, & Moomba Masters)
  • Joel Poland (Qualifier #1)
  • Tobias Giorgis (Qualifier #1)
  • Louis Duplan-Fribourg (Qualifier #1)
  • Freddy Krueger (Qualifier #2)
  • Taylor Garcia (Qualifier #2)
  • Luca Rauchenwald (Qualifier #2)
  • Florian Parth (Qualifier #2)

Women’s Jump*

  • Hanna Straltsova (Defending Masters Champion, World Champion, & CA ProAm)
  • Aliaksandra Danisheuskaya (Qualifier #1)
  • Regina Jaquess (Qualifier #1)
  • Brittany Greenwood Wharton (Qualifier #1)
  • Lauren Morgan (Qualifier #2)
  • Valentina Gonzalez (Qualifier #2)
  • Lili Steiner (Qualifier #2)
  • Aaliyah Yoong Hannifah (Qualifier #2)

* Jacinta Carroll Weeks also qualified for winning the 2024 Moomba Masters, but has retired from professional competition.

Junior Masters Athletes

Boy’s Slalom

  • Tim Wild (Botaski ProAm)
  • Damien Eade (Qualifier #1)
  • Jaeden Eade (Qualifier #1)
  • Bautista Ahumada (Qualifier #2)
  • Andrea Pigozzi (Qualifier #2)
  • Tristan Duplan-Fribourg (Overall – Defending Jr. Masters Champion)
  • Jake Abelson (Overall – Qualifier #1)
  • George Malinovski (Overall – Qualifier #2)

Girl’s Slalom

  • Trinidad Espinal (Defending Jr. Masters Champion)
  • Christiana De Osma (Botaski ProAm & Jr. Moomba Masters)
  • Daniela Kretschmer (Qualifier #1)
  • Solie Stenger (Qualifier #2)
  • Megan Pelkey (Overall – Defending Jr. Masters Champion)
  • Kristy Appleton (Overall – Qualifier #1)
  • Leona Berner (Overall – Qualifier #2)
  • Alexia Abelson (Qualifier #2)

Boy’s Trick*

  • Jake Abelson (Defending Jr. Masters Champion & Botaski ProAm)
  • Tristan Duplan-Fribourg (Overall – Defending Jr. Masters Champion)
  • Bautista Ahumada (Qualifier #1)
  • Tim Wild (Qualifier #1)
  • Francisco Giorgis (Qualifier #2)
  • Adrian Elias (Qualifier #2)
  • George Malinovski (Overall – Qualifier #2)
  • BG Bickley (Qualifier #2)

* Matias Gonzalez and Martin Labra both qualified, but have opted to ski in the senior Masters instead.

Girl’s Trick

  • Hannah Stopnicki (Defending Jr. Masters Champion)
  • Alexia Abelson (Botaski ProAm & Jr. Moomba Masters)
  • Megan Pelkey (Overall – Defending Jr. Masters Champion)
  • Marie Lou Duverger (Qualifier #1)
  • Kristy Appleton (Overall – Qualifier #1)
  • Christiana De Osma (Qualifier #2)
  • Ella Gay (Qualifier #2)
  • Leona Berner (Overall – Qualifier #2)

Boy’s Jump

  • Tristan Duplan-Fribourg (Defending Jr. Masters Champion)
  • Tim Wild (Botaski ProAm)
  • Chase Sparks (Qualifier #1)
  • Jake Abelson (Overall – Qualifier #1)
  • George Malinovski (Overall – Qualifier #2)
  • Jo Nakamura (Qualifier #2)
  • Siarhei Danisheuski (Qualifier #2)
  • Francisco Giorgis (Qualifier #2)

Girl’s Jump

  • Kristy Appleton (Defending Jr. Masters Champion & Jr. Moomba Masters)
  • Leona Berner (Botaski ProAm)
  • Camryn Waters (Qualifier #1)
  • Kate Pinsonneault (Qualifier #1)
  • Megan Pelkey (Overall – Defending Jr. Masters Champion)
  • Marie Lou Duverger (Qualifier #2)
  • Cameron Davis (Qualifier #2)
  • Alexia Abelson (Qualifier #2)
Obituary of Carl "Bill" Wenner Jr

Remembering Lifelong Volunteer Bill Wenner (1931-2024)

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Remembering lifelong volunteer Carl “Bill” Wenner (1931-2024)

Obituary of Carl "Bill" Wenner Jr

Image: USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation

By Jack Burden

Carl “Bill” Wenner, Jr., a beloved figure in the water skiing community, has passed away at the age of 92. Originally from Upstate New York and later residing in Auburndale, FL, Wenner’s legacy in the sport spans decades and leaves an indelible mark.

Inducted into the Florida Waterski Federation Hall of Fame in 2011, Wenner was a lifelong supporter of water skiing. Wenner was born into a family of avid snow skiers. His father saw water skiing for the first time in a newsreel at the movies, then built his own skis using sneakers for bindings. And so began Wenner’s lifelong passion for the sport.

Wenner dedicated over 75 years to the water skiing world, serving as a senior judge for nearly four decades and participating in various capacities. His contributions extended beyond his own achievements, as he served as President of the American Water Ski Association from 1974 to 1976 and the American Water Ski Educational Foundation for many years, retiring from the Board of Trustees in 2011.

His infectious passion for water skiing was evident in his active involvement as an athlete, official, board member, and volunteer throughout his life. He established the Bill Wenner Scholarship, awarded to deserving youth competitors at the Florida State Championships, showcasing his commitment to nurturing the next generation of water skiers.

Wenner’s remarkable career garnered numerous accolades, including the Tommy Dorwin Outstanding Judge Award (1983), American Water Ski Hall of Fame Award of Distinction (2007), and induction into the Florida Water Ski Hall of Fame (2011). Beyond his achievements, Wenner was cherished for his positive spirit, lively personality, and encyclopedic knowledge of the sport.

He often joked that he had met so many friends over the years that he would never have to stay in a hotel if he were to drive across the country.

As we mourn the loss of Bill Wenner, we celebrate his remarkable life and enduring contributions to water skiing. His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Donations may be made in his name to The Scholarship Fund at http://www.usa-wwf.org

Tate denies threatening the fishermen

Kyle Tate Arrested After Allegedly Pulling a Gun on Three Young Fishermen

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Kyle Tate arrested after allegedly pulling a gun on young fishermen

Tate denies threatening the fishermen

Image: Kyle Tate

By Jack Burden

Kyle Tate, the former over-45 world slalom champion, made headlines last month after allegedly pulling a gun on three young fishermen, aged 7, 10, and 15, whom he found fishing at Stillwater Lakes, where he serves as the president of the Homeowners Association (HOA).

Tate was arrested on suspicion of criminal mischief and grand theft following the incident. He is accused of approaching the young fishermen while brandishing a shotgun and confiscating one of their cell phones, which has not been recovered. Additionally, he is alleged to have “maliciously” damaged their fishing equipment. Tate, a practicing lawyer himself, was released on bail and now awaits a decision from the State prosecutor on whether he will be formally charged.

The 56-year-old Floridian has consistently found himself at the center of controversy in recent years. He has been one of the most vocal critics of Nate Smith, particularly in the lead up to Smith’s SafeSport suspension for alleged sexual misconduct. In 2018, Tate filed a stalking petition against both Nate and Kevin Smith, Nate’s father (both denied before hearing), and in 2021, he and his wife Brenda Nichols Tate filed a lawsuit against USA Water Ski and Wake Sports for alleged retaliatory actions taken by the organization.

Despite these controversies, Tate remains on the Board of Trustees of the USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation (USA-WWF), where his wife was recently appointed President. The Kyle P. Tate scholarship, established in 2022, awards $5,000 annually to a male college student who demonstrates excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, and volunteerism. The Tate Law Firm proudly sponsors the recently launched collegiate grant program.

It is difficult to reconcile the image of a man who is, on the one hand, accused of threatening a 7-year-old with a shotgun while, on the other hand, is championing the cause of youth water skiing. Tate is a lifelong devotee of the sport, who showed promise in his youth, winning a collegiate national slalom title and competing in several professional tournaments before attending law school. In his later years, he became one of the mainstays on the Nautique Big Dawg World Tour, finding a second wind as a senior competitor and culminating in an over-45 world title at the 2018 Senior Worlds.

However, Tate has been a polarizing figure in the sport for many years. His efforts to bring down Smith appeared deeply personal, as he shared on an episode of the Ski With Wade podcast, stemming from a traumatic childhood experience of being sexually victimized by a coach. This latest incident appears to be the actions of a man at his wit’s end. Those who remain sympathetic to Tate and his many crusades will struggle to reconcile this, and questions must be raised about the prudence of having this man associated with the charitable arm of American water skiing.

Update (5/5/2024): In a public statement, Nichols Tate has claimed that the incident involved an adult trespasser and that this, and other reports in the media, are missing key details that will be revealed at a later date.