Writer | Jack Burden
A collection of article’s by RTB’s editor-in-chief.
What Does It Take to Beat Erika Lang? Ask Neilly Ross July 1, 2025 Neilly Ross tied her own world record to edge Erika Lang in the BOTASKI ProAm final — delivering one of the most dramatic trick showdowns of all time.
YouTube Series Captures the Highs and Lows of Pro Water Skiing June 27, 2025 Carter Eaton’s It’s Just Skiing documents the raw, unfiltered reality of life on the pro tour — one blown opener, missed cut, and milestone at a time.
IWWF Rejects 2026 Ski Nautique for Worlds, Citing Fairness and Timing June 20, 2025 “The new boat is completely different,” said one athlete's representative, backing the council’s unanimous call to preserve fairness.
Straltsova Edges Past Longest-Standing Record in Water Skiing June 16, 2025 Hanna Straltsova may have just ended the longest reign in water skiing—beating a 13-year-old world overall record by a mere 0.3 points.
Trick Skiing’s 13,000-Point Barrier Just Got Smashed June 16, 2025 Jake Abelson just became the first to trick over 13,000 points—twice in one weekend. The 17-year-old American may have just redefined what’s possible.
Why the LA Night Jam Left Us in the Dark — Literally and Digitally June 15, 2025 I hate when pro tournaments aren’t streamed—but not everything is for fans like me. Sometimes it’s about reaching new fans.
Lang Chased a Record. Ross Chased the Boys. The Rivalry Is Just Getting Started June 12, 2025 While Lang quietly etched another pending world record, Ross made a scene in Monaco. And that might be the bigger story.
Can Anyone Stop This U.S. Team at Worlds? June 10, 2025 Experienced, decorated, and packed with world records. The question isn’t whether Team USA can defend their title. It’s who, if anyone, can stop them.
New Tournament-Approved Handle Offers Fresh Take on Water Ski Safety June 2, 2025 The water ski handle hasn’t changed much in decades—but a new option from Spray Research is quietly challenging that status quo.
The Relentless Reinvention of Will Asher June 1, 2025 In a sport where most of his contemporaries have long since moved on, he’s still here. Still evolving. Still building.
IWWF Urges Water Ski Community to Weigh In on Brisbane 2032 Olympic Vision May 31, 2025 Rumors are circulating of quiet support within the IOC for the inclusion of water skiing at the 2032 Games.
Gone Too Soon: Water Ski Community Mourns Stephanie Stange May 30, 2025 Stange, 55, was fatally struck by a pickup truck while bicycling outside Denison, Texas, on Thursday evening,