By Jack Burden

The California ProAm returns for its 23rd edition next weekend at Shortline Lake in Elk Grove—now the longest-running professional waterski event in the world outside of Moomba and the Masters. But this year brings a notable first: the competitive debut of the all-new 2026 Ski Nautique.

Billed as the largest professional slalom tournament in the country, the three-day event also features pro jumping and amateur competition. On-site displays will showcase Nautique’s new flagship model, giving West Coast fans their first look at the next generation of tournament towboats.

On paper, this should be one of the biggest events of the year: head-to-head slalom, a rare pro jump field (one of just five in 2025), and a $60,000 prize purse—second only to the Masters in the U.S. It’s also the final professional stop before August’s World Championships, a last chance to preview key matchups on the sport’s biggest stage.

And yet, the slalom field is surprisingly thin.

As of publication, only one woman from the Waterski Pro Tour’s top five is entered, with just three from the top ten. The men’s side is slightly stronger, but still missing most of its stars: just four of the top ten, and only one from the top three, are confirmed.

Whether that’s down to fatigue after a long European stint, the looming Worlds in Italy, or the ProAm’s absence from this year’s Pro Tour calendar is unclear. There’s still time for late entries—but the message feels unmistakable: something is missing.

Still, fans will be treated to a rare jump showdown, a significant boat debut, and one last look at the world’s best before the biggest event of the season.