By RTB

Top 10 Rankings

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!

Image: John Goldie (via IWSF)

10. Jodi Fisher

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).

Image: Carl Roberge (via about.me)

9. Carl Roberge

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.

Malibu team Skier, Thomas Degasperi (Image: Memphis Boat Center)

7. Thomas Degasperi

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.

Image: Ski With Wade

5. Wade Cox

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.

Image: Bob LaPoint (via Facebook)

3. Bob LaPoint

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.

Sacha Descuns, Corey Vaughan, and Brian Detrick

These three men are all members of the exclusive 10.25m (41-off) club.

By RTB

Top 10 Rankings

When it comes to slalom skiing, ‘righties’ dominate. Whether it’s because they have an inherent advantage or simply a larger pool of skiers to pull from, that remains an open question. Nevertheless, the world of slalom skiing has seen its fair share of exceptional ‘lefties’ over the years.

From late starters who defied the odds to consistent big-match players, these skiers have consistently displayed their skill and precision on the water. In this article, we take a closer look at the ten greatest male left-foot-forward slalom skiers of all time. Their impressive achievements and contributions to the sport have earned them a well-deserved place in the annals of water 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 left-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!

Image: McClintock’s Ski School

10. Jason McClintock

From the legendary McClintock family, which has an impressive tally of eight open world titles to their name, “JMAC” was no exception. The Canadian’s talent shone brightly early on, securing the junior world slalom championship in 2004. Throughout the following decade, from 2008 to 2018, he was a regular on the professional circuit. Not only did his talent in slalom and trick contribute to Canada’s triumphs in team titles in 2009 and 2015, but he also earned himself a silver medal in slalom at the 2017 world championships held in Paris, France.

Image: HO Sports

9. Jonathan Travers

Raised under the tutelage of his father, the world renowned coach Jack Travers, at their Central Florida ski school, Jon Travers was always destined to be a star. Establishing himself as a prominent figure on the professional circuit since his teenage years, he achieved victory at the Under-21 World Championships in 2009 and claimed the U.S. Masters title in 2011. Notably, Travers is a member of the exclusive club of skiers who have successfully run the 10.25m (41’ off) during a tournament.

Image: Joel Howley (via Youtube)

8. Joel Howley

The eccentric Australian was a late starter in the sport, not competing in his first tournament until the age of 18. Despite this, his unconventional training methods proved to be effective. Howley won the 2019 world championships in Malaysia, beating Will Asher and Freddie Winter in an exciting three-way runoff. Skiing in challenging conditions, Howley threw himself (unsuccessfully) outside of two for the quarter buoy on his 10.25m (41’ off) pass. The resulting fall broke his ankle, but with Asher still to come he kept the injury a secret to ensure his competitor remained unaware of his inability to participate in any subsequent runoff. Howley was a regular on the professional circuit pre-Covid, frequently finishing in the top 5 at major events but has kept a relatively low profile in recent years. We hope to see him back on the tour in the future!

Image: Edward Wadsworth

7. Lucky Lowe

Initially known for his prowess in jumping, Lowe achieved remarkable success with jump wins at the U.S. Masters, multiple pro tour stops, and a silver medal at the 1985 World Championships. However, it was in the slalom event where he blossomed later in his career. Striving to make the U.S. Elite Water Ski Team, Lowe honed his slalom and tricks skills, contributing significantly to the team’s four consecutive titles from 1979 to 1985. Notably, at the 1991 World Championships in Austria, he participated in a three-way run off for the gold medal against Andy Mapple and Mike Kjellander, resulting in one of the most exhilarating slalom battles in history. Lowe emerged victorious in 1991 and followed it up with a bronze medal in 1993.

Image: AWWF

6. Brett Thurley

Brett Thurley, the plucky Australian red-head, thrived in adverse conditions. Hailing from Tasmania, Thurley’s tenacity and competitive spirit set him apart as a scrappy competitor. Remembered primarily for his victory at the 1993 world championships held in Singapore, Thurley became the first Australian to win a world slalom title. During the late eighties and early nineties, he became a familiar face on the U.S. Pro Tour, leaving his mark with a tour stop victory in Madison, WI in 1988. Additionally, he earned the Moomba Masters champion title twice, in 1986 and 1995.

Image: Radar Skis

5. Aaron Larkin

The loud and boisterous kiwi was a formidable competitor, renowned for his ability to perform under pressure. Despite well-known struggles with turning his off-side at 10.25m (41′ off), his remarkable consistency in reaching two-ball, regardless of the conditions, always kept him in the running. Particularly dominant on the Yarra, he secured top-three finishes at the Moomba Masters six times between 2007 and 2014, achieving back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011. Larkin’s exceptional performance throughout 2011, which included a second-place finish at the World Championships, earned him the prestigious top spot on the elite ranking list for that year.

Larkin has since run the 10.25m (41′ off) pass at 55kph (34mph) after his retirement from professional skiing.

Image: USA-WWF Hall of Fame (via Youtube)

4. Jeff Rodgers

The ‘Cinderella Story’ of water skiing, Jeff Rodgers, a working-class well-driller from South Carolina will forever be etched in the record books as the first man to run 10.25m (41’ off). Rodgers prioritized his career and family over water skiing, rarely traveling outside of the U.S. in an era where professional water skiing expanded into a global circuit of events. He achieved modest success in the early nineties on the Budwesier Water Ski Tour, securing two tour stop titles. However, it was in 1997 that Rodgers truly made waves, snatching the world record from Andy Mapple’s grasp for the first time since 1988 with an impressive score of 5 @ 10.25m (41’ off) in his home state of South Carolina. The very next round he followed up with his historic 1 @ 9.75m (43’ off). Then, when the world championships came to Florida in 2003, he clinched the gold. A true master when the conditions aligned, Rodgers’ potential dominance will always remain an intriguing “what if” in the sport’s history.

Image: Todd Ristorcelli (via Waterski Journal)

3. Jamie Beauchesne

The elusive American who soared to the pinnacle of the sport only to step away, remains a figure of intrigue. Renowned for his exceptional talent, he showcased ability both on powder and water, often taking extended breaks from water skiing to hit the slopes during winter, sometimes up to 6 months. Bursting onto the scene in the mid-nineties, he claimed the title of junior world slalom champion in 1994 and followed it up the next year with a victory in his debut professional tournament. A meticulous technician, Beauchesne was a trailblazer in numerous technical innovations during the early 2000’s. In 2003, he further cemented his legacy, tying the world record and becoming the third skier ever to run 10.25m (41’ off). His impressive track record includes two U.S. Masters championships in 2004 and 2007, and a remarkable winning percentage of nearly 25% in the final decade of his career. Yet, right at the peak of his dominance, midway through the 2012 season, he made the abrupt decision to bid farewell to water skiing—for good.

Helena & Mike Kjellander (Image: NT)

2. Mike Kjellander

The big strapping Swede was known for his distinctive slalom style. A mainstay on the U.S. pro tour, he entertained audiences with his characteristic slam dunk on-side turns. Kjellander’s dominance was evident as he clinched the season championships three times on the U.S Pro Tour in 1985, 1988, and 1990, securing a remarkable 15 tour stop victories amidst fierce competition from renowned skiers like Andy Mapple, Bob, and Kris LaPoint. He was two-time U.S. Masters champion (in 1989 and 1993) and Moomba Masters champion (in 1988 and 1992). Kjellander was the first skier to run the 10.75m (39.5’ off) pass, holding the world record outright for less than 24 hours until Andy Mapple tied him in the 2nd round. Despite his stellar achievements, world championship gold eluded him, with Kjellander finishing agonizingly close as a runner-up in 1991 and 1995.

Chris Parrish USA makes it look easy (Image: IWWF)

1. Chris Parrish

Nicknamed ‘The Tower’ for his imposing six-foot-five stature and extraordinary wingspan, Parrish could have been built in a laboratory for slalom skiing. He burst onto the scene in 1996, claiming victory at the junior world championships, setting the stage for a remarkable career. Over two decades of professional skiing, Parrish’s prowess earned him numerous accolades, including four Moomba Masters titles (in 2000, 2008, 2009, and 2013) and two U.S. Masters championships (in 2002 and 2005). For an impressive eight years, he held the world record, surpassing it three times between 2005 and 2010. In 2002, he unseated the legendary Andy Mapple to become the top elite skier in the world, a distinction he held for three seasons, notably dominating in 2005 with six out of nine pro event wins. Despite occasional battles with consistency, Parrish remained a formidable force, securing a spot in the top 10 elite rankings for over a decade. Perhaps the one blemish on his otherwise illustrious record, Parrish never won a world championships, losing to Mapple by just one buoy in 2001.

Honorable Mentions:

Dane Mechler and Robert Pigozzi

Two young, up-and-coming skiers who are members of the exclusive 10.25m (41-off) club.

John McElyea

Former world record holder and a regular finalist on the Coors Light Water Ski Tour during its inaugural season.

Patrice Martin, Mike Hazelwood, and Kreg Llewellyn

Though primarily overall skiers, these athletes earned world championship medals in slalom.

Robby Zucchi, Chuck Stearns, and Joe Cash

Measuring success in the pre-professional era is challenging, but all three of these men deserve credit as world champions and pioneers of the sport.