It is extremely rare to see the best ever competitive performance in a sport. It is infinitely rarer to see two go down in consecutive days and at the same venue. And yet that is what we saw at the Malibu Open as these records fell in women’s slalom and men’s overall. Indeed, the event served up some of the biggest scores of the season across the board, with another milestone in women’s jump.
Firstly, women’s slalom. There might have been a fear that the unusually small field would result in lackluster competition but the women present all skied to a very high standard through qualifying.
In the realm of waterski jumping, a select group of exceptional athletes have left a significant mark on the sport. From record-breaking jumps to dominant displays on the professional circuit, these jumpers have showcased their raw talent, determination, and passion for the sport, earning their places among the greatest of all time. In this article, we count down the ten greatest jump skiers in history, celebrating their remarkable achievements and the legacy they’ve built on the water.
‘Greatest Of’ lists in any sport are inherently subjective and water skiing is no exception. There’s no definitive checklist to crown someone as the absolute best. Every fan out there has their own opinion. But decisions had to be made. We proudly present our picks for the greatest male jumpers in the history of competitive water skiing. So sit back, enjoy, and maybe even debate a little over our choices—after all, that’s the fun of it!
Scot Ellis performs a jump on Lake Grew in October 2011 (image: The Ledger)
10. Scot Ellis
No list would be complete without Scot “The Rocketman” Ellis, whose career spanned an impressive five decades. His extraordinary talent was evident from a young age when he clinched overall and slalom victories at the 1988 U17 World Championships on the Yarra River. Stepping onto the professional circuit in 1990, Ellis swiftly made his mark, securing the season championship of the 1990 Michelob Dry Waterski Tour. Throughout the 1990s, he was a mainstay on the pro tour, winning over 10 individual tour stops and the 1994 U.S. Open. Ellis thrived in the electrifying atmosphere and challenging conditions of the Yarra River, claiming multiple Moomba Masters jump titles on his return visits as a professional.
Alongside Bruce Neville, he pioneered the Ski Fly discipline in the late nineties, leading to its inclusion at the U.S. Masters and on the U.S. Pro Water Ski and Wakeboard Tour. From 1990 until his retirement in 2021, Ellis remained a prominent fixture on the professional circuit, consistently reaching the finals and leaving a lasting legacy on the sport.
Fondly remembered as the iconic voice of professional waterskiing, Grimditch was the frontman of TV coverage on ESPN and USA Network throughout the 1980s and 1990s. A household name in America in the 1970s, he solidified his fame by clinching victory in the 1978 Superstars, a televised competition featuring top athletes competing in sports outside their own (other winners include O.J. Simpson and Herschel Walker). Grimditch featured on ever World Championships jump podium from 1969 to 1975, capturing world titles in 1969 and 1975 alongside two bronze medals. At the U.S. Masters he was a 4-time champion, including an impressive three consecutive victories from 1974 to 1976. He also secured the U.S. national championship in 1975 and the Moomba Masters title in 1973. Pushing the boundaries of the sport, Grimditch broke the world record twice, holding the record for an impressive seven-year stretch during the 1970s. Beyond his athletic achievements, Grimditch had a significant impact on the world of waterskiing as an ambassador for the sport.
The burly Californian was an incredible competitor, excelling across all three events, but it was in the jump event where his talents truly shone. Suyderhoud was the first man to reach the 50 meter mark, breaking the world record twice and maintaining it for a three-year span. A 2-time world jump champion, he claimed victory in 1971 and 1977, while also securing a silver medal in 1967 and a bronze in 1975. Domestically, Suyderhoud won five national championships and four U.S. Masters titles in jump, including an impressive streak of three consecutive titles from 1967 to 1969. Furthermore, His visits to Melbourne yielded back-to-back Moomba Masters titles in 1968 and 1969. During an era with limited major tournaments, Suyderhoud won everything there was to win. After his illustrious competitive career, he transitioned into one of the most sought-after coaches in the world, continuing his legacy in the sport he helped shape.
Carl Roberge USA at the Weltcup Wasserski in Luebeck, Germany (Image: Lutz Bongarts)
7. Carl Roberge
Originally from Canada, the Roberges emigrated to California when Carl was only two years old. He became a six-time US team member, contributing significantly to his adopted country’s success in securing five consecutive world championships from 1981 to 1989. Throughout the late eighties and nineties, Roberge was a prominent figure on the professional circuit, amassing an impressive record of over 30 pro tour stop victories. His peak performance occurred in the mid-nineties, where he achieved back-to-back pro tour season championships in 1995 and 1996. Notably, he had an unbeaten season with eight tour stop victories in 1996, secured four consecutive U.S. Masters titles from 1994 to 1997, and earned the runner-up position at the 1995 World Championships.
Image: IWWF Hall of Fame
6. Bruce Neville
The Australian master, who was at the forefront of men’s jumping during the fastest period of change in the sport’s history. His career began with 72-inch skis towed by hand-driven outboard boats and finished with skis over 90 inches, PerfectPass speed control, and the extraordinary power of Ski Fly boats. During this period, he broke the world jump record on three separate occasions. His achievements include two world championships, with victories in 1991 in Austria and 1995 in France, as well as a bronze medal in 1989. Adding to his accolades, he claimed the U.S. Masters championship in both 1990 and 1993. A consistent force on the pro tour, he amassed an impressive record of over 30 individual tour stop victories. Neville clinched the season champion title on the breakaway PAWS Budget Rent a Car Waterski Tour in 1990, the Budweiser Water Ski Tour in 1993, and the Café de Columbia Water Ski World Cup in 1997. The perennial crowd favorite at the Moomba Masters, Neville’s jumping propelled him to five consecutive overall titles from 1991 to 1995.
Michael Hazelwood jumping at the 1981 Iron Man Water Ski Classic (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
5. Mike Hazelwood
The lone European on this list, Hazelwood’s place among the greatest jumpers of all time was never in question. A trailblazer in the sport, he made history by becoming the first man to jump 60 meters and the second man to jump 200 feet, breaking the world record three times and holding it for a total of five years during the 1980s. Representing Great Britain with distinction, Hazelwood competed at eight consecutive world championships, securing back-to-back world jump titles in 1979 and 1981, in addition to claiming a bronze in 1983 and a silver in 1987. A true force in European skiing, he was a 7-time European jump champion.
Hazelwood was one of the biggest names on the Coors Light Water Ski Tour throughout the 1980s. In 1984, he claimed the inaugural season championship with five consecutive tour stop victories to close out the season. After narrowly finishing as runner up in 1985, he clinched back-to-back season championships in 1986 and 1987. Hazelwood’s dominance was exemplified by his six U.S. Masters jump champion titles, including an impressive streak of four consecutive titles from 1984 to 1987. Additionally, he was a frequent jump champion at the Moomba Masters, with his jumping prowess serving as the foundation for an extraordinary five consecutive overall titles from 1977 to 1981. A household name in England, Hazelwood was honored by Queen Elizabeth II at the end of his career with the title of MBE, “Member of the British Empire.”
Hailing from rural Alberta, Ryan Dodd’s journey from a farm boy to an elite athlete in the world of jump skiing has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past decade, Dodd has proven to be virtually unbeatable in the jump event. Following podium finishes at the World Championships in 2009 and 2013, he elevated his game to unprecedented heights, securing four consecutive world titles from 2015 to 2021. In 2017, Dodd etched his name in the history books by setting the world jump record, a record that has remained unbroken for an impressive six-year period. He has dominated the professional circuit, winning over 60% of tournaments he has entered since 2015. This dominance earned him five consecutive years as the number 1 ranked elite jumper from 2015 to 2019, and in 2022, he topped the leaderboard in the Waterski Pro Tour. Among his list of professional victories, Dodd boasts five U.S. Masters titles and four Moomba Masters titles, showcasing his skill in all conditions
Based solely on winning percentage, Dodd has a claim to sit atop these rankings. However, a combination of a smaller pool of jump tournaments and absence due to injury in recent seasons has put an asterisk next to his dominance. The youngest skier on this list, it remains to be seen where he will finish up at the end of his career.
The diminutive Canadian undoubtedly ranks among the greatest overall skiers of all time, but his incredible jumping ability was the cornerstone of his success. As the first man to surpass 70 meters (230 feet), he broke the jump world record three times throughout his illustrious career. A regular on the professional circuit since the early-1990s, Llewellyn was the season champion of the 1998 and 1999 Café de Columbia World Cup. Even in the twilight of his career from 2005 to 2009, he remarkably finished in the top 3 at two-thirds of the events he entered. Llewellyn boasts four world jump championships (1997, 1999, 2001, and 2005) and achieved two runner-up finishes (2007 & 2009). He is also a three-time U.S. Open champion, and a frequent Moomba Masters champion, with three consecutive victories from 2000 to 2002, along with back-to-back victories in 2008 and 2009.
Jaret dominated during the Ski Fly era in the early 2000s, winning four out of the six years that Ski Fly was held at the U.S. Masters and the season championship of the 2001 U.S. Pro Water Ski and Wakeboard Tour (the only year that all jump events were Ski Fly). His world record of 299 feet appeared as if it would never be touched after the discipline faded into oblivion, but was eventually broken 15 years later.
Sammy Duvall jumping at the 1987 World Championships.
2. Sammy Duvall
Hailing from Greenville, South Carolina, Duvall held No. 1 world ranking in either jump or overall for eleven consecutive seasons from 1983 to 1993. Alongside his sister Camille, the Duvall siblings became iconic figures in the world of professional water skiing during its golden era. Duvall’s domination in jumping on the U.S. pro tour remains unparalleled, securing the season champion title an impressive six times between 1985 and 1994, and accumulating over 40 individual tour stop victories. Additionally, from 1979 to 1993, he secured six U.S. Masters titles and three U.S. Open titles. At the Moomba Masters, he picked up three overall titles on the back of his strong jumping performances.
As a two-time world jump champion, Duvall showcased his talent on the global stage, winning the inaugural World Games in 1981 and achieving World Championships gold in Sweden in 1983 and in England in 1987. The latter victory is particularly memorable, as it marked a crucial moment in one of the sport’s tightest-ever Overall competitions, where he needed to win the jump event to surpass Australia’s Mick Neville. Remarkably, Duvall’s retirement from amateur events after the 1987 worlds meant he never competed at a World Championships during his peak as a jumper.
While Glenn Thurlow and Hazelwood may have preceded him in breaking the 200-foot barrier, Duvall’s achievements were no less extraordinary. He broke the world jump record six times throughout his career, holding the record for an impressive seven years during the 1990s, adding 6 meters (nearly 20 feet) to the existing record. His contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark, solidifying his status as one of the greatest waterski jumpers in history.
Image: Orlando Sentinel
1. Freddy Krueger
Born in Decatur, Illinois, nine years before his name would forever become associated with A Nightmare on Elm Street, Frederick August Krueger IV, better known as “the Nightmare”, stands as the only man to win professional titles in four different decades. Hailing from Illinois, Krueger honed his skills under the guidance of Jay Bennett in Louisiana, eventually establishing himself as the unquestionable greatest water ski jumper of all time.
Over an illustrious career, Krueger has won a remarkable five World Championships, including four consecutive titles from 2007 to 2013. Impressively, he featured on every World Championships jump podium from 1999 to 2013 until an injury kept him from the 2015 event. He has broken the world jump record eight times, reigning as the record-holder for an impressive twelve and a half years. In addition, Krueger holds the world ski fly record as the first (and only) man to jump over 300 feet.
Announcing his arrival onto the professional scene in 1995 on the Budweiser Water Ski Tour, Krueger won two tour stops in his debut season. While he remained a contender through the late 1990s, it was the new millennium that witnessed Krueger’s true ascent. In 2002, he claimed the top spot on the elite rankings, a distinction he held for an unparalleled 11 consecutive seasons from 2004 to 2014. In a memorable achievement, Krueger matched Mapple’s record of 14 U.S. Masters titles in 2021. Proving his versatility, he has attained victories all around the world, conquering both perfect man-made lakes and challenging, spectator-friendly venues like Robin Lake and the Yarra River. A battle-hardened professional, Krueger holds the night jumping record and is known for his one-and-done victories as a frequent top seed.
When it comes to challenging Andy Mapple’s status as the GOAT, few skiers possess a resume as impressive as the Nightmare, Freddy Krueger.
Honorable Mentions:
Glenn Thurlow
Thurlow holds the distinction of being the first man to jump 200 feet. In addition, he achieved four podium finishes at the World Championships from 1977 to 1985, multiple Moomba Masters titles, and a sole tour stop victory on the Coors Light Water Ski Tour, on which he was a mainstay.
Geoff Carrington
A two-time world jump champion in 1985 and 1989, and a Moomba Masters champion, Carrington was a regular on the pro tour until his tragic accident in 1990. Had his career continued throughout the 1990s he may well have ended up on this list.
Jimmy Siemers
His greatest achievements came in the overall event, but Siemers was also a two-time world record holder in jump and overtook Freddy Krueger and Jaret Llewellyn as the no.1 ranked elite jumper in 2003.
Ricky McCormick
Claiming water skiing’s sole Olympic gold medal in the jump event at the 1972 Munich Olympics, he was also the 1973 world jump champion. McCormick may be the most viewed jumper of all time, as he was the stunt double for Henry Winkler when the Fonz jumped the shark on Happy Days.
If Regina Jaquess’ outstanding slalom performance on Friday left spectators in awe, the Malibu Open at LymanLand in Alabama continued to deliver record-breaking excitement on Saturday. Hanna Straltsova impressed early, becoming the third woman ever to jump over 190 feet during the finals of the Malibu Open. Her incredible feat equaled Natallia Berdnikava’s European record of 58.6 meters. Straltsova not only claimed victory in the tournament but also secured the season title of the Waterski Pro Tour. It was Joel Poland, however, who stole the spotlight.
In a thrilling display of skill, Poland, who had put in solid scores in slalom (2@10.25m) and trick skiing (11,720), set the pace early with a jump of 69.3 meters (227 feet). This jump marked his second world overall record in as many weeks. Poland’s incredible distance held firm through six skiers and seemed poised to force a jump-off for the title. However, Freddy Krueger clinched the championship with an extraordinary 71.0 meter (233 feet) jump on his third and final attempt. It’s worth noting that Poland, arguably one of the most marketable athletes in the sport, lacks a boat sponsor, giving him the freedom to pursue records at any event without fear of losing sponsorship.
Poland, reflecting on his incredible world record-setting performance, shed light on the unique challenges of pursuing overall records. He explained, “In terms of overall records, the hardest part is finding a lake that’s good enough for jump. Trick, it doesn’t really matter, slalom you need a good site, but for jump, you’ve got to have a boat that’s good, a ramp that’s good, and a good driver. They have got all of that right here this weekend. So that makes my job a whole lot easier.” Poland’s words underline the significance of having the perfect conditions for record-breaking performances.
Looking ahead, Poland expressed his hope that there’s still more to achieve, stating, “Hopefully there’s a little more left in the tank. I’ve got one more big tournament left this year, so I’ll try to save a little bit for that.” When asked about his aspirations of breaking the world record and winning the World Championships, he affirmed, “That’s the aim, to finish strong. It’s been a good season, and if I can finish strong at the worlds, that will be the job complete.”
Two world records haven’t been broken in the same weekend since Jaquess and Adam Sedlmajer set the women’s slalom and men’s overall records, respectively, at a tournament at the Isles of Lake Hancock in April 2018. Furthermore, there have not been multiple world records broken in a professional tournament since the 2002 Malibu Open held at Bell Acqua in California, where Emma Sheers, Elena Milakova, and Freddy Krueger famously set world jump records.
In the year 2023, a total of six pending world records have been set so far. If all these records are approved, it would mark the most records set in a single year since 2012, when Natallia Berdnikava set four records and Whitney McClintock set one, in addition to Jaquess’ record.
While world records should not be the sole focus of the sport, as the hyper-focus on records has sometimes hindered its progress, they undeniably serve as a barometer of advancement in terms of technique, training, and technology. Theoretically, the rate of new records should decrease as we approach the limits of human performance. Combining the record-breaking spree of 2023 with the highest professional prize purse in 15 years paints a picture of a thriving elite water skiing scene. What’s especially exciting is that half of these records were set in professional competition and broadcast live, allowing fans to share in the excitement in real-time.
Moreover, despite initial concerns expressed by many skiers about adjusting to Malibu Boats during the broadcast, the title sponsor can proudly walk away from this event with phenomenal publicity. Actions, as demonstrated over this weekend, speak louder than words, confirming that the Malibu pull is indeed world-class.
Poland’s record was officially approved by the IWWF on December 18th, 2023 with a revised trick score of 11,680.
In how many professional sports is it possible to point at a 48 year old that is still competitive? Or even competing.
If there is such a list it would be a very short one. But at the top of it would be jump waterskiing. Why at the top? Well, because Freddy Krueger, our 48 year old, isn’t simply competing, is not only competitive but always, always at the very pointy end. This weekend, like so very many weekends before, he won. And his win at the MasterCraft Pro was not just another win. It was his crowning moment as the 2023 Waterski Pro Tour Jump Champion.
For the first 19 years of its existence the California Pro-Am, the longest running stop on the Tour, was a slalom tournament.
Over the years the event showcased slalom skiing in all its forms: pro men’s, pro women’s, senior men’s (under the banner of the now defunct “Big Dawg” series) and even, for a year or two, a ‘Legends’ division at the interim speed of 35mph. Happily however, for last years 20th edition of the California Pro-Am the door was opened to a new discipline of waterskiing: jump. And thank goodness: this year the jumping had a strong argument for eclipsing the long-standing slalom event.
In the world of water skiing, history has been written by remarkable women who defied limits and left indelible marks on the sport. Crafting an objective ‘Top 10’ list from such a rich tapestry of talent is a daunting task, as each athlete’s journey is a testament to their unique strengths and contributions. Nevertheless, we embark on a quest to honor these athletes who have carved their names into the annals of women’s slalom skiing. Join us as we celebrate their achievements, relive their triumphs, and remember their enduring impact on the sport.
‘Greatest Of’ lists in any sport are inherently subjective and water skiing is no exception. There’s no definitive checklist to crown someone as the absolute best. Every fan out there has their own opinion. But decisions had to be made. We proudly present our picks for the 10 best women’s slalomers in the history of competitive water skiing. So sit back, enjoy, and maybe even debate a little over our choices—after all, that’s the fun of it!
The “First Lady of Water Skiing”, though most celebrated for her jump prowess, the California native notched an impressive record in slalom across her 25-year career. She broke or tied the world slalom record five times, holding or co-holding the record throughout most of the 1980s. She secured a place on five World Championships slalom podiums, including runner-up honors in 1983 and 1989. A three-time U.S. Masters slalom champion, she won in 1979, 1983, and at the inaugural professional Masters in 1985, she also clinched the Moomba Masters slalom title in 1990. A steadfast presence on the pro tour in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Deena emerged as the tour champion of the breakaway PAWS Budget Rent-a-Car Waterski Tour in 1990.
The determined Australian burst onto the scene as one of the best jumpers in the world during the 1990s, yet it was in the slalom event that she truly ascended in her later career. Emma dominated women’s slalom in the early 2000’s, securing back-to-back World Championships in 2001 and 2003. She won the Moomba slalom title three times (in 2003, 2005, and 2008) and achieved consecutive U.S. Masters slalom victories in 2003 and 2004. Her consistency earned her the distinction of the top ranked elite slalom skier in 2003 and 2004.
An outstanding overall skier who almost drifted away from the sport during her teenage years, Cindy (then Hutcherson) swept both the Junior Girls’ and Girls’ Divisions at U.S. Nationals as a teenager. Her return to the competitive arena was spurred by her husband, the now renowned boat driver Les Todd. In her comeback season in 1975 she broke the world slalom record on her way to clinching her first Open Women’s title at the U.S. Nationals. Over her career, she would break the record four more times, contributing to increasing the record a full pass from 2@12m (35’ off) to 2@11.25m (38’ off). With three world slalom championships (in 1977, 1981, and 1983) and three U.S. Masters titles (in 1976, 1981, and 1982), Cindy cemented her legacy as one of the greatest in the sport.
Susi Graham at the 1999 Pan Am Games. (image: IWSF)
7. Susi Graham McCormick
Part of the first husband-wife duo to enter the international water ski Hall of Fame, Susi and Ricky McCormick both etched their names in water ski history. Susi, a Canadian, set the bar by becoming the first woman to run 11.25m (38’ off). She either held or co-held the world record for six consecutive years during the early and mid-1990s. While never quite securing top honors, she featured on the World Championships podium four times between 1989 and 1999 and contributed significantly to Canada’s team victories in 1991, 1993, and 1999. She won five U.S. Masters titles, five U.S. Open titles, and took out the season title on the 1989 Coors Light Water Ski Tour, 1993 Budweiser Water Ski Tour, and twice on the Café de Columbia World Cup in 1997 & 1998.
Despite competing in the pre-professional era, Liz accumulated an unparalleled competitive record, possibly unrivaled by any skier, male or female. Over her 13-year career, she clinched 42 U.S. National titles, consistently securing a minimum of two titles each year. In a stunning feat, she emerged victorious in all three events at the U.S. Nationals, World Championships, and U.S. Masters in 1969. She thrived in the slalom event, achieving three world championships (in 1967, 1969, and 1975), two runner-up finishes (in 1965 and 1973), and five U.S. Masters slalom titles, including a run of three consecutive titles (from 1973 to 1975). Given the opportunity to compete in more tournaments she could easily be much higher up this list.
The “Golden Girl” from Canada, Whitney introduced herself to the elite stage by clinching three gold medals (in slalom, trick, and overall) at the 2009 World Championships in Calgary. From 2009 to 2017, she featured on every World Championships slalom podium, earning back-to-back world titles in 2009 and 2011. Her tie with the world record in 2012 and subsequent score of 2.25@10.25m (41’ off) remains a remarkable feat surpassed by only one other skier to this day. She is a former U.S. Masters and U.S. Open slalom champion, but her domination at the Moomba Masters stands out, boasting an impressive streak of eight consecutive victories from 2011 to 2019. Her slalom prowess earned her four seasons as the top ranked elite slalom skier in 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2017.
Sweden’s four-time world slalom champion, Helena Kjellander. (image: Tumblr)
4. Helena Kjellander
While her brother Mike might be more memorable for his unique slalom style, Helena achieved something her brother could not – dominating the top of the World Championships podium throughout the 1990s. She won an incredible four consecutive World Championships from 1991 to 1997, a feat that remains unparalleled in women’s slalom. Thriving under pressure, two of her victories came in run offs, one against Toni Neville in 1993 and another after a three-way tie with Kristi Overton-Johnson and Susi Graham in 1995.
On the professional circuit, Helena triumphed as a two-time U.S. Masters champion (in 1989 and 1993), back-to-back Moomba Masters titleholder (in 1994 and 1995), and claimed the 1990 Michelob Dry Waterski Tour season championship after a fierce yearlong rivalry with Overton-Johnson and Brush Mapple.
Camille Duvall-Hero was a strong advocate for women’s skiing. (image: Tom King)
3. Camille Duvall
Recognized as “the best-known female water skier in history” upon her retirement by USA Today and featured among Sports Illustrated’s “100 Greatest Female Athletes of the Century,” Camille was the poster girl of the pro tour during its inaugural decade. Arguably, the inclusion of women’s skiing in the 1980s’ pro tour owes much to Camille’s marketability and star power.
Demonstrating a dominance that has only ever been matched by Andy Mapple, Camille claimed the tour champion title for an impressive five consecutive seasons (Mapple’s best was also five), winning the Coors Light Water Ski Tour every year from its inception in 1984 to 1988. Remarkably, this streak encompassed over 20 individual tour stop victories throughout the 1980s. In addition to her pro tour achievements, she clinched the 1985 World Championships title and secured a runner-up position in 1987. Notably, 1987 marked her retirement from amateur events, coinciding with her accomplishment as the first woman to earn a six-figure sum in a single year through prize money and endorsements. Camille was also a three-time U.S. Masters champion, with back-to-back wins in 1986 and 1987.
Her contributions to the sport transcend her on-water triumphs. In 1990, she initiated and managed the breakaway PAWS Budget Rent-a-Car Waterski Tour, an endeavor aimed at improving skiing conditions and prize money for athletes. Even after retiring, Camille continued her involvement by assuming roles as a reporter and producer for ESPN, Fox Sports, and other platforms, consistently promoting professional water skiing.
Elite Skier Kristi Overton Johnson USA (image: IWSF)
2. Kristi Overton-Johnson
Kristi Overton-Johnson, talented from a young age, initially found success in trick skiing, claiming back-to-back victories at the 1985 and 1986 U.S. Masters. However, her career really took off after she decided to specialize in slalom from 1989 onwards. A trailblazer, Kristi was the first woman to run 10.75m (39.5’ off), setting a world record of 1@10.25m (41’ off) in 1996 that remained unbroken until Regina Jaquess managed an extra quarter buoy 14 years later.
She was a six-time U.S. Masters champion, four-time U.S. Open champion, and secured multiple Moomba Masters titles, including back-to-back victories in 1996 and 1997. Kristi’s dominance earned her the season titles of the 1992, 1994, and 1995 Budweiser Water Ski Tour, the 1999 Café de Columbia World Cup, back-to-back season titles on the U.S. Pro Water Ski and Wakeboard Tour in 2000 and 2001, and an unbeaten season during the 2000 World Cup series (wining eight out of eight events). Her pro tour achievements are even more impressive when you consider that women’s events were excluded from the U.S. Pro Tour from 1996 to 1999, during the peak of her career.
Perhaps the unluckiest skier in the history of World Championships, Kristi scored enough to win the gold in both 1995 and 1997, only to lose due to bad boat times. She won her sole World Championships in 1999, ending Helena Kjellander’s reign on top of the podium.
Perhaps the greatest water skier, male of female, of all time. Regina emerged as an extraordinary talent from a tender age, securing a world trick championship shortly after her 17th birthday. Just two years later, she clinched her first of five world overall titles. However, it’s the slalom event that has been the cornerstone of her success.
Throughout her illustrious career, Regina has either broken or equaled the slalom world record on nine occasions, holding the record continuously since 2009. Incredibly, she has run 10.75m (39.5′ off) more than all other women combined. Her achievements include a maiden slalom World Championships victory in 2005, followed by consistent appearances on the slalom podium from 2011 to 2021, including trio of consecutive wins from 2013 to 2017. On the professional circuit, she has seized over 50 slalom titles, winning in more than 60% of the events she’s ever participated in. Notably, she has secured nine U.S. Masters slalom titles spanning from 2008 to 2022, achieving five consecutive victories from 2012 to 2016. While she has claimed victory in the trick event on the Yarra, the only discernible gap in Jaquess’ remarkable legacy appears to be the absence of a Moomba Masters slalom title.
Her achievements are even more impressive when you consider that since 2010 she has owned and operated a compounding pharmacy in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Remarkably, she has managed to find a balance between training, competing, and running a business, underscoring her unparalleled dedication and prowess in the world of professional water skiing.
Honorable Mentions:
Sue Fieldhouse
Featured on back-to-back World Championships podiums in 1979 and 1981, including a memorable tournament in 1981 where she broke the world record and became the first woman to ever run 12m (35’ off) in the final but finished in third under the two-rounds added together format. She won an incredible six consecutive Moomba Masters slalom titles from 1977 to 1982. Sue was tragically killed in a car accident in 1983.
Jennifer Leachman LaPoint
A three-time world record holder, Jennifer helped advance the record from 4@11.25m (38’ off) to 3@10.75m (39.5’ off) between 1985 and 1996. She won the 1998 Moomba Masters and was the season champion of the 1991 Michelob Dry Waterski Tour.
Perhaps her greatest legacy, when women’s skiing was dropped from the pro tour in the late 90s, Jennifer spearheaded the Women in Water Skiing (WOW) Tour that gave a platform to female athletes across all three events and wakeboarding on Fox Sports.
Karina Nowlan
The second woman to run 10.75m (39.5’ off), the Australian co-held the world record with Kristi Overton Johnson before Regina took it off them in 2010. She finished up as the number one elite slalomer in 2008 and picked up bronze medals at the 2007 and 2009 World Championships.
Karen Truelove
Picked up two World Championships medals, including a runner-up finish in 2007. She is a two-time U.S. Masters champion, three-time U.S. Open champion, and a four-time Moomba Masters champion. Karen was also the number one ranked elite slalomer in 2002 and 2007.
Jaime Bull
Had a breakthrough season in 2021, winning the U.S. Masters and World Championships. Jaimee has finished at the top of the standings during the first two seasons of the Waterski Pro Tour. Still in her early 20s, we expect Jaime will finish her career high on this list if she can maintain her current trajectory.
Ski Fluid, Florida: The excitement is building as water skiing enthusiasts from around the world gear up for the grand finale of the WWS Florida Cup Tour, set to take place at the iconic Ski Fluid from September 1st to 2nd. This thrilling event promises to be an electrifying spectacle of athleticism, skill, and camaraderie, as the best water skiers from across the globe converge to compete for glory and honor.
Owned by the legendary skier Kyle Eade, Ski Fluid provides the perfect backdrop for what’s expected to be a record-breaking event. The WWS Florida Cup Tour Final will be a Pro-Am-style competition, bringing rising stars together with elite Overall skiers, resulting in a breathtaking showcase of talent.
Show Me The Money! Exploring the Resurgence in Professional Water Skiing
King of Darkness, along with other new events like Kaiafas Battle ProAm and WWS Calgary Cup, attracted large crowds this year (Image: Waterski Pro Tour)
In recent years, professional water skiing has appeared to be undergoing a resurgence. Record prize purses, a thriving European tour, and a jam-packed schedule are all positive signs. However, the question arises: is the situation genuinely improving or are we simply more attuned to all the events in this digital age? In this article, we delve into the cold hard facts of professional water skiing’s prize money.
Both 2022 and 2023 marked record-breaking years for professional water skiing, boasting higher prize money than seen in the past 15 years. Also notable is the change in distribution between men’s and women’s prize money. For years, women received around 60 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts in skiing events, yet this gap has remarkably reduced to just 10 cents over the last three years.
Total advertised prize money for IWWF sanctioned professional tournaments. (Source: IWSF, Waterski Pro Tour, etc.)
This is an incredible success story for our small, fledgling sport. The ability to sustain a proliferation of professional events while the base of tournament skiers has diminished reflects the remarkable efforts of tournament organizers in securing sponsorships.
Thanks to the convenience of webcasting in the present digital era and the exceptional efforts of TWBC, now might indeed be the best time ever to be a fan of the sport. Water ski enthusiasts can enjoy streamed events nearly every weekend throughout the summer.
Nonetheless, even the most dominant athletes struggle to sustain themselves solely from professional victories. Many competitors supplement their income through coaching, regular employment, or the benevolence of affluent parents – indeed, this is a sport largely for the elite. Even Nate Smith, who has outperformed all others in tournament wins over the past decade, has found himself needing a traditional job in recent times.
The surge in prize money hasn’t been distributed evenly either. While it’s undoubtedly a golden era for slalom skiers, especially women, other disciplines haven’t fared as well. Jumping, arguably the most thrilling and marketable aspect of water skiing, has witnessed a substantial decline over the past decade, with total prize money now less than half of what it was a decade ago. Additionally, trick skiing, while showing some progress, still falls significantly short of the prize money available during the discipline’s heyday in the 2000s, during the era of IWWF World Cup stops.
Total advertised prize money for IWWF sanctioned professional tournaments. (Source: IWSF, Waterski Pro Tour, etc.)
Certainly, we must also factor in inflation. While there have been large increases in recent years, adjusting for inflation reveals that the total prize pool for 2023 is essentially comparable to 2015 levels, and notably lower than the offerings during the peak years of the pro tour in the eighties and nineties.
Although we might still be quite distant from the bygone glory days, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the sport has embarked on an impressive upward trajectory in recent years. Broadly speaking, now is the best time in the last decade to be a professional water skier, and probably ever for fans of the sport. This progress is something to be celebrated, and to all the diligent individuals toiling behind the scenes, we say thank you!
Last month we ranked the 10 greatest left-foot-forward slalom skiers of all time. Now we turn to the ‘righties.’ This list features the most dominant athletes in the sport, making it a contentious and challenging task to determine the top 10.
From pioneers who shaped the sport to modern-day maestros, these skiers have consistently showcased their proficiency and expertise on the water. In this article, we take a closer look at the ten greatest male right-foot-forward slalom skiers of all time. Their remarkable achievements and valuable contributions to the sport have earned them a rightful place in the annals of slalom skiing history.
‘Greatest Of’ lists in any sport are inherently subjective and water skiing is no exception. There’s no definitive checklist to crown someone as the absolute best. Every fan out there has their own opinion. But decisions had to be made. We proudly present our picks for the 10 best male right-foot-forward slalomers in the history of competitive water skiing. So sit back, enjoy, and maybe even debate a little over our choices—after all, that’s the fun of it!
Like many Brits before and after him, Jodi Fisher was a resilient competitor who excelled in all conditions. Although he may not have achieved the high scores of some of his contemporaries, Fisher’s ability to secure titles at challenging sites solidified his position as one of the top-performing slalom skiers of the 2000s. Among his major achievements are two Moomba Masters titles (2003 & 2007) and four IWWF World Cup stop victories in Doha, Qatar; Enniskillen, Ireland; and Dubna, Russia (twice).
Primarily remembered for his late-career dominance in the jump event (he famously remained undefeated throughout the entire 1996 Café de Columbia Water Ski Tour), Roberge was a formidable contender in the slalom event for most of his career. He claimed victory in the slalom competition at both the 1981 U.S. Masters and Moomba Masters. Additionally, he reached the podium in slalom at the world championships twice, earning a bronze in 1985 and a silver in 1989. Roberge’s most significant achievement in slalom was winning the 1986 Coors Light Water Ski Tour championship, showcasing his consistency in a highly competitive field where no skier won more than two events throughout the season. Notably, he is the only skier to be crowned tour champion in both the slalom and jump events.
Freddie Winter of Great Britain is seen during the final of the BotaSki water ski ProAm (Image: Johnny Hayward)
8. Freddie Winter
A fiery Brit who wears his heart on his sleeve and isn’t afraid to speak his mind, even if it gets him into trouble with officials and the sport’s governing bodies. Winter is a fan favorite, known for his tenacity in fighting for every extra buoy and spectacular falls. His remarkable career includes winning over 20 professional titles, including finishing as the no.1 ranked elite slalomer in 2019. He continued his success in the Waterski Pro Tour, securing 2nd place in the first two seasons (2021 & 2022). From 2013 to 2019, he featured on every World Championships slalom podium, capturing the victory in challenging conditions at the 2017 tournament in Paris, France. Winter also won back-to-back U.S. Masters titles in 2019 and 2021. Despite his many triumphs, one challenge still stands – conquering the Yarra River.
One of the youngest skiers on this list, we expect Winter could move up the ranks in future years.
the suave Italian, Degasperi is a master of the slalom course. He has become one of the most recognizable figures in the sport, starring on the Italian version of Dancing with the Stars and featuring in a series of U.S. TV commercials for 5 Hour Energy. Degasperi’s many achievements include being a two-time world champion, claiming the top spot in 2007 and 2011, and earning two silver medals in 2009 and 2015. Nobody has won more European slalom titles than Degasperi, whose record clocks in at a staggering 10 wins between 2002 and 2023. Throughout two decades of professional skiing, he has been a consistent force on the podium, securing notable victories at the U.S. Masters in 2014 and the Moomba Masters in 2014, 2017, and 2019.
Kris LaPoint at the 1975 World Championships (Image: Bell Acqua)
6. Kris LaPoint
Comparing skiers across eras is fraught with difficulty and we believe that if LaPoint had more opportunities to participate in professional tournaments during his prime, he would have ranked even higher on this list. As the elder of the LaPoint brothers, Kris displayed incredible skill from a young age. At just 13 years old, he set his first world slalom record and went on to break it six more times throughout his career. In 1972, while still a teenager he won the first-ever cash prize tournament in the U.S., the California International Cup.
LaPoint’s achievements include being a seven-time U.S. Masters slalom champion, with an impressive streak of four consecutive titles from 1970 to 1973. In the 1979 world championships, he secured a 2nd place finish, just behind his brother Bob. Despite the U.S. pro tour beginning when he was already 31 years old, Kris remained a frequent contender, securing victories at tour stops in 1984, 1987, and, finally, in 1992, at the site of his first world record in San Diego, CA. This accomplishment made him the oldest man (39 years old) to win an event on the pro tour and capped off a magnificent career that spanned four decades.
Cox’s achievements become even more impressive when considering he was up against a peak-performing Andy Mapple. While he enjoyed a long and successful career, Cox’s professional pinnacle occurred in 1995 and 1996. He secured the tour championship on the 1995 Budweiser Water Ski Tour (winning 7 out of 11 stops) and the 1996 Café de Columbia Water Ski Tour (winning 5 out of 7 stops), breaking Mapple’s four-year winning streak. Additionally, he claimed consecutive U.S. Masters titles in 1995 and 1996. The only thing that eluded him during this period was the 1995 World Championships, where he finished 3rd, earning his sole world medal. Overall, Cox amassed over 30 professional victories, a truly remarkable feat.
Will Asher crushing an offside turn on his Syndicate PRO waterski (Image: Mommer)
4. Will Asher
A dominant force on the professional circuit, Asher has had an impressive 20-year career. In 2003, he made history by winning the inaugural Under 21 World Championships and setting a still unbeaten World Championship record of 3 @ 10.25m (41’ off), making it one of the longest-standing records in the sport (20 years), second only to women’s Ski Fly. He held the prestigious title of no. 1 ranked elite slalom skier in 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2012, and recently earned the title of Waterski Pro Tour champion in 2022. With two world championships (2005 and 2009) under his belt, Asher’s career boasts over 30 professional victories, including five U.S. Masters titles, with three consecutive titles from 2008 to 2010, and a Moomba Masters title in 2016.
Born and raised in California, Bob LaPoint had the perfect training partner in his older brother Kris. During the first decade of professional water ski tournaments in the U.S., no other skier managed to win a slalom tournament if at least one of the LaPoints was competing. The two brothers took turns winning titles throughout the 1970s, but as the decade came to a close, Bob emerged as the world’s top slalomer. He clinched five world championships (1977, 1979, 1983, 1985, and 1987) and consistently featured on every world championship’s slalom podium from 1975 to 1987.
LaPoint’s prowess extended to the professional circuit. He secured the season tour championship on the inaugural 1984 Coors Light Water Ski Tour. LaPoint was also a five-time U.S. Masters champion (1975, 1976, 1980, 1982, and 1983).
Throughout his career, LaPoint set the world slalom record five times, holding it for a total of seven years during the late seventies and early eighties. His contributions helped advance the record from 4 @ 11.25m (38’ off) to 5 @ 10.75m (39.5’ off). Fondly known as the “Chairman of the Board,” Bob LaPoint’s impact on the sport goes well beyond his on-water achievements. He is celebrated as both a pioneer and a legend of water skiing.
Nate Smith breaks slalom world record behind the record-setting Ski Nautique 200 (Image: Aaron Katen)
2. Nate Smith
The softly-spoken Indiana native is a controversial figure in world water skiing. Regardless of one’s feelings about the allegations of sexual misconduct, there is no denying that Smith is one of the most dominant athletes our sport has ever seen. Smith’s slalom skills exhibit a metronomic precision and efficiency, allowing him to run 10.75m (39.5’ off) with unparalleled consistency. Impressively, he has run 10.25m (41’ off) more than all other skiers combined.
Holding the world slalom record for over a decade, Smith has been the undisputed force on the professional circuit for the last ten years, securing victory in over 60 professional events, including a recently concluded streak of 27 wins in a row. With three world championship titles (2013, 2015, and 2021), six U.S. Masters championships (including four consecutive titles from 2015 to 2018), and six Moomba Masters championships (including three consecutive titles from 2020 to 2023), his record is nothing short of remarkable. Perhaps the most frightening aspect is that he shows no signs of slowing down.
Mapple competing in Surrey in 1999 (Image: The Times)
1. Andy Mapple
The indisputable GOAT. A lanky Brit who revolutionized our sport, amassing a legendary career spanning over 20 years. It is estimated that he secured a staggering total of 168 professional event victories. With nine world slalom record-setting or tying performances, he dominated the record books for an astounding sixteen and a half years. His contributions propelled the record from 5 @ 10.75m (39.5’ off) to 1 @ 9.75m (43’ off). Notably, he clinched six world championship titles (1981, 1989, and four consecutive titles from 1995 to 2001) and missed the podium only once between 1981 and 2001.
In the late 80s and throughout the 90s, Mapple’s dominance was unrivaled on the U.S. Pro tour, claiming the season tour champion title in 1987, 1989, four consecutive years from 1991 to 1994, and an impressive five consecutive years from 1997 to 2001. Additionally, he reigned as the U.S. Masters champion 14 times, enjoying five-year (1997-2001) and four-year (1984-1988) winning streaks. He was also a 12-time champion at his self-proclaimed favorite event – the Moomba Masters. Mapple has left an indelible mark on the sport that will stand the test of time.
Honorable Mentions:
Mike Suyderhoud
While his greatest achievements came in the jump event (he was the first man to jump 50m), Suyderhoud was also an excellent slalomer. Competing in the pre-professional era, he claimed the title of world slalom champion in 1971 and earned bronze medals in 1967 and 1975. Additionally, Suyderhoud secured back-to-back Moomba Masters slalom titles in the late 60s.
George Athans
Hailing from Canada, the two-time world overall champion, excelled particularly in slalom. His overall victories were propelled by a slalom silver in 1971 and a slalom gold in 1973.
Professional slalom skiing returned to Canada for the first time in 6 years and to the city of Calgary in nearly a decade as the Calgary Cup joined Waterski Pro Tour this past weekend.
A three week break brought the Tour back to North America after a lightning trip around Europe across June and July. The slalom event, held alongside a World Water Skiers overall tournament, brought few surprises at the top of the podium but perhaps some when examining the build up.
