The moments that defined the 2024 water ski season – and the stories behind them.

Year in Review: We Countdown the Most Memorable Moments of 2024

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Year in review: We countdown the most memorable moments of the 2024 water ski season

The moments that defined the 2024 water ski season – and the stories behind them.

The moments that defined the 2024 water ski season – and the stories behind them.

By Jack Burden


Water skiing in 2024 was a symphony of breakthroughs, rivalries, and legends. It was a year where the boundaries of the sport were not just nudged but obliterated. From historic records tumbling to teenagers staking their claim among seasoned veterans, the season delivered a relentless procession of stories that reminded us why we love this sport. Whether it was iconic figures bowing out, future stars rising to the occasion, or tense moments that left fans speechless, the year had it all.

Throughout 2024, skiers showcased their talents across two professional tours, the Waterski Pro Tour and WWS Overall Tour, legacy events like the Moomba and U.S. Masters, and the Under-17 World Championships. At its heart, 2024 was about evolution—on the water and in the stories surrounding it. As we count down the top ten moments, we reflect on a year that redefined what’s possible in water skiing and set the stage for an even brighter future.

Neilly Ross sets a pending world trick record at 11,430

Image: @neillyross

10. Fall of Records

The women’s trick world record turned into a game of musical chairs this fall as Neilly Ross and Erika Lang traded the title in a jaw-dropping display of skill and rivalry. It all began on October 26, when Ross posted an 11,380-point run at the Okeeheelee 3-Event Record Tournament in West Palm Beach, Florida, surpassing Lang’s standing record. But just a week later, Lang fired back with an 11,450-point run at the Timber Cove Record Tournament in Texas—the highest score ever tricked by a woman.

Then, on November 9, Ross delivered a double counterpunch at the Autumn Record on Lake Ledbetter, tricking 11,430 points in both rounds and submitting two pending world records. The back-and-forth battle captivated the water ski world as the scores awaited review by the IWWF. Ultimately, Lang’s record was denied, and Ross officially claimed the world record for the first time. As of now, her latest scores remain under review.

Regardless of official ratification, the razor-thin margins and high stakes of this duel solidified Ross and Lang as two of the sport’s fiercest competitors, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in elite trick skiing.

Perhaps most intriguing was Lang’s response. After competing at the October Okeeheelee tournament, she appears to have replicated Ross’s record-breaking sequence in a matter of days, perfecting it before her Timber Cove run.

Jaimee Bull cross trains through winter on snow

Image: @abbydells

9. Water is Just Melted Snow, Right?

The 10th anniversary of the Swiss Pro Slalom delivered a fitting start to the 2024 Waterski Pro Tour, and amidst the action, Jaimee Bull delivered one of the most astonishing performances in recent memory. Hosted at Florida’s iconic Swiss Waterski Resort, the event featured a stacked lineup of veterans and rising stars battling through two preliminary rounds and a high-stakes final—all packed into a single day. By sunset, the water had witnessed more than just skiing; it had seen history.

Heading into the women’s event, Regina Jaquess—the nine-time champion and reigning Queen of Swiss—seemed an unstoppable force. She’d never lost here, and few would bet against her claiming a 10th crown. But Jaquess fell short of McClintock-Rini’s lead of 5@10.75m (39.5′ off). Then came Bull, who had spent the winter on snow and only returned to water skiing weeks earlier. Defying expectations she ran 1@10.25m (41′ off) to claim victory, snapping Jaquess’ undefeated streak at the Swiss Pro and leaving the water ski world in awe.

Reigning men’s world champion Freddie Winter summed it up best: “It takes me a month and a half to feel like I can even stand on a slalom ski. Jaimee’s gone out and run 39 maybe in her second or third week of training. It’s exceptional. She looks outrageously good.” Bull’s understated response reflected her shock as much as her grit: “I haven’t been on the water that long, and skiing three sets in one day is a lot. [But] the rhythm was really good, and everything felt smooth.”

By year’s end, Bull’s early-season magic proved prophetic, as she claimed her fourth consecutive Waterski Pro Tour season championship. It all began with a Swiss Pro Slalom victory that was as unlikely as it was unforgettable.

The Eade brothers at the U17 world waterski championships in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Image: @johnnyhayward_photo

8. Sibling Rivalry Hits New Heights

Sibling rivalry often adds an emotional edge to sports, but few moments have captured it quite like 2024’s Under-17 World Championships in Canada. The final showdown between Jaeden and Damien Eade, two second-generation water skiing prodigies, delivered an unforgettable spectacle of skill, resilience, and brotherly competition. The Eade brothers, top seeds heading into the event, tied for the gold medal in the slalom event, forcing a dramatic runoff.

Jaeden, the elder, had broken an almost decade-old championship record in the preliminary round with 4 buoys at 10.75 meters (39.5’ off). Damien, nursing an arm injury, was a pass back but fought his way to tie with his brother in the final at 2 buoys on the same line length. In the runoff, Jaeden showcased his composure, running a clean 11.25 meters and repeating his earlier record-setting score from the preliminary round. Damien, chasing the highest score in the history of the tournament for victory, managed 3 buoys at 10.75m – falling just short. The embrace that followed between the brothers was a picture perfect moment, a reflection of years of shared training and mutual support.

For Jaeden, the win was about strategy as much as skill. “I just had to play it safe,” he explained, describing his decision to lay up in the finals and force the runoff. Damien, meanwhile, emphasized gratitude: “Just being at Junior Worlds was an awesome experience.” Their father, Kyle Eade, a former professional jumper, summed it up: “It’s a storybook ending for us.”

HO Skis wins the Waterski Pro Tour brand leaderboard

Image: @hoskis

7. Syndicate Sweeps Skiing’s Busiest Week

Four countries, four tournaments, 10 days, and $150,000 in prize money—this was no ordinary week in waterskiing. It was a whirlwind European tour that tested the endurance, skill, and grit of the world’s best slalom and trick skiers. Starting under the Moroccan sun in Marrakech and winding through the Alps, the French Riviera, and central Spain, the schedule was as relentless as the competition.

In men’s slalom one name stood tallest by the end: Will Asher. The 42-year-old veteran rolled back the years with three consecutive wins in Marrakech, Fungliss, and Monaco, cementing his place atop the 2024 Waterski Pro Tour standings. Asher not only won but did so in style, conquering the daunting 10.25m (41’ off) line length twice in the process.

Team Syndicate dominated the conversation throughout the week, claiming over 50% of slalom podiums and all seven slalom titles. Jaimee Bull continued her reign, pulling ahead on the Pro Tour leaderboard with another masterful performance. Rob Hazelwood and Allie Nicholson added individual wins to the team’s haul, while Frenchmen Sacha Descuns showcased brilliance on home waters.

Strong all season, Team Syndicate would go on to pick up their second consecutive Brand Leaderboard title on the Waterski Pro Tour. Their response was a mix of pride and gratitude: “What a year it’s been. We couldn’t be more proud of our team—on the water, in the factory, and in the back offices in Seattle. This trophy wouldn’t be possible without everyone working together and driving the team to be better every day.”

Joel Poland wins the 2024 WWS Travers Cup

Image: @johnnyhayward_photo

6. Three Perfect Rounds

Joel Poland isn’t just rewriting the record books—he’s tearing them apart and starting anew. The 25-year-old Englishman delivered a fortnight of water skiing that bordered on perfection, beating the world overall record in three consecutive rounds. The latter two done in professional competition at the WWS Travers Cup, cementing a third consecutive season championship on the WWS Overall Tour.

This isn’t an isolated hot streak. Poland has been on a relentless tear since last year, when he ended a two-year drought to break the world overall record at the final stop of the 2023 WWS Overall Tour. That moment seemed to unlock a new level of dominance. Since then, he smashed the record again at the Malibu Open, again in the spring at Fluid, and—astoundingly—exceeded it in three consecutive rounds this September. Records aren’t supposed to fall this easily, let alone in bunches. It’s a staggering level of consistency in a sport where perfection is fleeting.

Spare a thought for his competitors, who find themselves skiing in the shadow of history. Louis Duplan-Fribourg, Dorien Llewellyn, and Martin Kolman all delivered exceptional performances at the Travers Cup—indeed, the entire podium surpassed Jaret Llewellyn’s legendary “unbreakable” record that held from 2002 to 2017. The competition was breathtaking, with highlights like a pending under-17 world record from Jake Abelson and a new French national jump record from Duplan-Fribourg. But none of it could hold a candle to Poland, who put up elite-level scores in slalom, tricks, and jump across all rounds.

“I’m pretty happy—three [overall records] in a row now,” Poland said, in his typical understated way. Look away at your peril—he’s not done yet.

Swiss Pro Tricks finalists 2024

Image: @tiaremirandaphotography

5. The Teen Revolution in Trick Skiing

The rise of youth in men’s trick skiing was nothing short of astonishing. Heading into the season, names like Patricio Font and Joel Poland were expected to dominate. Yet, the story quickly shifted to teenagers Matias Gonzalez, Martin Labra, and the prodigious Jake Abelson.

After Font’s early-season triumph at the Moomba Masters, skiers 18 and under claimed every remaining professional trick title. Most remarkable was Abelson, who, in just two weeks, went from never breaking 12,000 points to smashing the world record—twice. This wasn’t just incremental progress; it was seismic, with his combined improvements eclipsing nearly two decades of prior growth in the sport.

The year also marked the highest level of tricking depth ever recorded, with over half of all 12,500+ scores coming in 2024. Abelson’s inspiration came from a variety of sources: the speed and efficiency of Font’s hand pass, the boundary-pushing tricks of Joel Poland, and the blistering pace of Gonzalez and Labra’s toe tricking, to name a few. Far from occurring overnight, the sudden rise in trick scores is the product of “the collective knowledge” of generations of skiers and coaches who have laid the blueprint.

“To consistently trick over 12k, the most important thing for me was to focus on speed,” shared Gonzalez. Labra echoed the sentiment, attributing their collective success to their shared childhood rivalry. “I think we helped each other to be better… we started pushing ourselves to a better level,” he said. The next generation has arrived, and the path to 13,000 points is now firmly in sight.

Regina Jaquess slaloms at the King of Darkness

Image: @waterskiprotour

4. Queen of Darkness

The final weeks of the 2024 professional water skiing season were a relentless showcase of high-stakes tournaments across Florida, but none captured the imagination quite like the MasterCraft King of Darkness (KoD). A festival-like night event, bringing together incredible skiing and an enthusiastic crowd that harkened back to the sport’s glory days. But it wasn’t just the atmosphere that made KoD special—it was the level of competition, particularly in women’s slalom, where the bar was raised to unprecedented heights.

In a dazzling display of skill and composure, all four semifinalists—Regina Jaquess, Whitney McClintock Rini, Jaimee Bull, and Allie Nicholson—successfully navigated the notoriously demanding 10.75-meter (39.5’ off) pass in the head-to-head matchups. It wasn’t just a one-off either; the feat repeated in the finals, making KoD the first event in history to see such consistency at this level under head-to-head pressure.

The semifinals were thrillers. McClintock Rini ran 10.75 meters, likely thinking she had sealed her finals spot, only to watch Nicholson match her, forcing a 10.25m (41’ off) showdown. McClintock Rini held her nerve to edge Nicholson in a tense finish. In the other semi, it was déjà vu for Jaquess and Bull, whose rivalry delivered again. Bull pushed Jaquess to the limit, but the veteran pulled out her signature magic at 10.25 meters to secure her finals berth.

The final was a fitting climax to a night of exceptional skiing. Both Jaquess and McClintock Rini ran 10.75 meters again under the fading lights, setting up another dramatic battle at 10.25. McClintock Rini threw down a challenging score of 2 buoys, but Jaquess, in vintage form, responded with an audacious attempt at 3-buoy, complete with a spectacular cartwheel crash as she exited her ski. The crowd erupted as Jaquess claimed the title and delivered an electrifying reminder of why fan engagement matters so much.

“That was awesome,” Jaquess said, beaming as the crowd roared its approval. “it’s great to have all the fans and spectators on shore, it’s a special treat.”

Cole McCormick wins the US Masters

Image: @johnnyhayward_photo

3. McCormick Breaks the Glass Ceiling

If there was a theme for the 2024 men’s slalom season, it was unpredictability. For years, the pro circuit was dominated by a quartet of skiers. But this season, the door was flung open, and fresh faces stormed through. Among them, Cole McCormick’s initial breakthrough at the Masters stood tallest.

Robin Lake, a venue dripping in history and difficulty, played host to McCormick’s maiden professional victory. The tournament was a battle of attrition, with former champions like Smith and Winter faltering at the 10.75 line to miss the final. It came down to McCormick, the 28-year-old Canadian American in his first Masters final, needing to surpass Asher’s five buoys to claim the title.

What followed was raw grit. McCormick scratched his way to five and a half buoys, his ski ejecting him spectacularly into the water but sealing the win. His victory not only ended a four-year drought of new slalom champions but also set off a cascade of first-time winners, with Hazelwood, Vaughn, Mechler, Cornale, and Caruso all adding their names to the annals of the sport before the season’s end.

Reflecting on his triumph, McCormick said, “Words just can’t even describe what this means to me. To accomplish something that you dream about as a kid, to finally deliver a win… just feels unbelievable.” It was a win years in the making, but the timing felt perfect.

Joel Poland wins jump at the 2024 WWS Canada Cup

Image: @johnnyhayward_photo

2. The Jump-Off that Defined a Season

When Freddy Krueger, the GOAT of water ski jumping, and Joel Poland, the sport’s newest star, meet in a tournament final, magic happens. Saskatoon’s marquee event delivered in spades as these two titans brought the house down.

Poland, second-to-last off the dock, needed a monster jump to surpass Martin Kolman and seize the overall victory. His third and final attempt was pure adrenaline, and when the crowd’s gasp subsided, he had done just enough to edge ahead of Kolman and take the lead in the jump event in one fell swoop. Enter Krueger, who thrives on moments like these. His last jump tied Poland’s leading mark, forcing a rare jump-off.

Krueger opted to go out first after winning the toss and opened with the longest leap of the day, adding an extra foot to his regular competition best. “It’s getting challenging, we’ve got shadows on the ramp now, playing with the visuals a little bit, but this kids got talent coming out his ears,” Krueger remarked as Poland prepared for his turn.

Poland’s response was dramatic. After slipping out on his first attempt, he delivered an all-or-nothing second jump, punctuated by a mid-air fist pump. The crowd held its breath, and when the measurements were revealed, Poland had edged Krueger by 30 centimeters (tying once again in feet).

“I was maybe too confident throwing the fist,” Poland admitted afterward, “but man, that felt good.” Their neck-and-neck battle defined the season, featuring several nail-biting finishes as they traded titles, with Poland ultimately clinching his first Waterski Pro Tour championship.

Jacinta Carroll Retires from Professional Water Skiing After 10th Consecutive Moomba Masters Victory

Image: @jacintacarroll

1. Rabbit Bows Out

Jacinta Carroll capped her storied career with one final, breathtaking triumph—a tenth consecutive Moomba Masters jump title, achieved just 100 days after giving birth to her daughter Amelia. It was the ultimate swan song, a farewell fitting for a legend who has redefined what’s possible in women’s jumping.

The path to her final victory was anything but smooth. With just two weeks of on-water training over the past year, Carroll returned to the ramp powered by sheer determination and a rigorously managed recovery. Her third jump sealed the title, and as she stepped back onshore, the emotions poured out. “I started my professional career here in 2011 when I won my first Moomba Masters, so it was only fitting that I come back this year for my last professional jump event,” she said, her voice quivering.

For over a decade, Carroll was an unstoppable force. She rewrote the record books with 42 consecutive elite wins, seven consecutive U.S. Masters titles, five world championships, and the magic 200 foot milestone ticked off.

As Rabbit waved goodbye to the roaring Moomba crowd, there was a collective sense of loss and gratitude. Her retirement marks the end of an era, but her contributions have undoubtedly elevated women’s water skiing to new heights, inspiring future generations of athletes.

Honorable Mentions

  • The unbreakable tie between Degasperi and Caruso at the European Championships, marking T-Gas’ 11th consecutive victory.
  • Winter’s season-ending dock collision at the Monaco Pro Slalom.
  • Vaughn’s maiden professional victory, achieved after nearly two decades on the circuit.
  • The Abelson siblings’ dominance at the Under-17 World Championships, leading Team USA to a decisive victory.
  • TWBC’s rollout of the “helmet cam” at the MasterCraft Pro.

Neilly Ross Breaks Women Tricks Record Again!

Ross’ Second World Trick Record Officially Ratified | IWWF

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Neilly Ross Breaks Women Tricks Record Again!

Neilly Ross Breaks Women Tricks Record Again!

Image: IWWF

IWWF


Canada’s Neilly Ross has done it again, breaking her IWWF World Open Women Tricks Record with a score of 11,430 points. 

Her new world record was set on 8th November 2024 on Lake Ledbetter in Winter Garden Florida during the 2nd round of the Autumn Record tournament, behind the world-record setting Ski Nautique.  Neilly’s previous world record, 11,380 points, was set less than a month before. Congratulations Neilly!

World Record Video

Neilly Ross of Canada world trick record

Watch: Ross’s World Trick Record is Approved | IWWF

Video

Ross Breaks World Women’s Tricks Record

IWWF


Check out Neilly Ross’ World Open Women’s Tricks Record run of 11,380 points.

Canada’s Neilly Ross has broken the World Open Women’s Tricks Record with a score of 11,380 points. This was performance was achieved behind the World Record-Setting Ski Nautique at Okeeheelee Park at West Palm Beach on 26th October 2024. Congratulations Neilly.

Erika Lang sets a pending world trick record

Lang Strikes Back in Texas, Setting New Pending Record After Ross’ Feat

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Lang strikes back in Texas, setting new pending world trick record after Ross’ feat

Erika Lang sets a pending world trick record

Image: @erikalang36

By Jack Burden


GRANBURY, Texas — Just one week after Canadian water skier Neilly Ross set a pending world record, Erika Lang has reclaimed her status as the world’s highest-scoring women’s tricks skier, achieving an impressive 11,450 points at the Timber Cove Record Tournament in Granbury, Texas.

Lang’s score surpasses the current record of 11,360 and edges past Ross’ pending 11,380-point run, potentially restoring the American’s position at the top of the sport. This comeback follows a remarkable week of intense competition and record-breaking, with Lang adapting her strategy after observing Ross’ innovative hand sequence.

Erika Lang's pending world record trick run

Lang’s world record run

“11,450 points!! So excited to have set a pending World Record at the Timber Cove Record Tournament,” Lang shared after her performance. Her response highlights the fierce, fast-paced competition in women’s tricks skiing, where top athletes continually push the boundaries at each tournament.

Ross, 22, had made headlines just days earlier by setting the pending record in West Palm Beach, Florida. Her 11,380-point score was celebrated for its technical precision, featuring an innovative hand run that split her six flips into a series of wake spins and ski line tricks.

Lang, who also competed at the Okeeheelee tournament in pursuit of a world record, seems to have replicated Ross’ record-breaking run, learning and perfecting the sequence in the few days between the two events.

If ratified, Ross’ record would end Lang’s eight-year streak as record-holder, marking a potential passing of the torch in women’s tricks. However, Lang’s recent achievement could keep her at the forefront of the sport.

The escalating rivalry between Lang and Ross brings renewed excitement to the sport, with each record-setting performance intensifying the competition. Both scores are currently pending review from the International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation.

Neilly Ross sets a pending world trick record

Neilly Ross Sets Pending World Record at Okeeheelee Tournament

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Neilly Ross sets pending world record at Okeeheelee tournament

Image: @neillyross

By Jack Burden


WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Canadian water skier Neilly Ross set a pending world record in women’s tricks with a score of 11,380 points at the Okeeheelee 3-Event Record Tournament this weekend, surpassing the current record by 20 points. If approved, Ross’s score would end U.S. skier Erika Lang’s eight-year streak as the record-holder, potentially marking a shift in the competitive landscape of women’s tricks skiing.

“11,380!! Well, I can’t believe I’m saying this right now, but today I set a pending world record!” Ross exclaimed on social media following the event. “For 16 years, I have put every ounce of effort into the dream of one day achieving this.”

Neilly Ross pending world record trick run

Ross’ world record run

The record-setting run features an innovative hand sequence, in which Ross splits her six flips down the middle to perform a series of wake spins and ski line tricks. However, it’s her toe run that truly sets her apart, breaking 5,000 points—a rare feat for a female trick skier.

Ross, the youngest of the elite trio of Lang, Anna Gay, and herself, has long been considered one of the sport’s top talents. While Lang and Gay have traded off the women’s tricks record since 2013, Ross’s record-breaking performance may signal a changing of the guard, with the young Canadian now pushing the boundaries in an event where she set numerous records through the junior ranks.

If approved by the International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation, Ross’s score would exceed Erika Lang’s current record of 11,360 set at the Travers LCQ in 2023.

Freddy Krueger Waterski Jumping

Quiz: Every Man to Jump More Than 70 Meters (230 feet)

Quizzes

Quiz: Every man to jump more than 70 meters (230 feet)

Image: Orlando Sentinel

By RTB


4 minute play

In this quiz, you need to name all the male skiers who have jumped more than 70 meters (230 feet).

The list has 18 skiers, all of whom belong to the exclusive club of skiers who have jumped 70 meters at least once in a world ranking tournament. The skier at top of the list has achieved the feat more than every other jumper combined. We have mentioned the number of jumps over 70 meters, as well as the country and top score.

Data updated as of October 25, 2024

2024 Nautique Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard Tournament

Joel Poland’s Sixth Overall World Record Approved | BWSW

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Joel Poland’s 6th World Record Approved

2024 Nautique Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard Tournament

Image: Johnny Hayward

Great Britain’s waterski superstar, Joel Poland, has done it again. His 6th Open Overall World Record has just been approved.

Joel Poland has now broken the Overall World Record more times than any other skier – male or female. Before his latest record was officially ratified, he had done it 5 times – more than any man and the same number as Natalia Berdnikava. Now he has surpassed them all with record number 6.

It’s his second record of 2024, both of them coming at Ski Fluid near Orlando in Florida, which is also where he set his very first record back in April 2021.

The latest official record was broken at the appropriately-named Fluid Fall Record tournament on 8 September. In round 2, Joel scored 6 at 10.75 metres in slalom, 12,160 points in tricks and jumped 69.8 metres. That amounts to 2686.34 points.

Joel went on to break the world record again just a couple of weeks later at the Travers Cup but that is still being reviewed by the IWWF, so watch this space.

Few would bet against Joel breaking the record again – and again. He has higher slalom and jump scores than those achieved for his 6th record and he has put in consistently strong performances across all three events throughout the season. At the weekend he was crowned Champion of the 2024 World Water Skiers (WWS) Overall Tour, having won all four stops.

And Joel is still only 25 years old!

Congratulations Joel. We can’t wait to see what you can do in 2025, which just happens to be a World Championships year.

Kennedy Hansen U21 World Overall Record

Hansen and Jacobsen’s Junior World Records Ratified by IWWF

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Hansen and Jacobsen’s junior world records ratified by IWWF

Kennedy Hansen U21 World Overall Record

Image: @kennahansen

By Jack Burden


Kennedy Hansen from the United States and Maise Jacobsen from Denmark have made history by setting new IWWF World Records in their respective age groups. Both records have now been officially ratified by the International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF), solidifying their places as two of the sport’s brightest rising stars.

Kennedy Hansen Sets New Under-21 Women’s Overall World Record

Kennedy Hansen, the reigning Under-21 World Overall Champion, has set a new Under-21 Women’s Overall World Record. Her record-breaking performance occurred during the first round of the We Wave Independence Day Invitational at Bullneck Lake, Scott, Arkansas, on July 5-6, 2024.

Hansen’s incredible overall score was achieved through stellar performances across all three disciplines:

  • Slalom: 1 buoy at 10.75 meters (39.5′ off)
  • Tricks: 9,430 points
  • Jump: 44.4 meters (146 feet)

These impressive results helped Hansen surpass the previous Under-21 overall record, a milestone previously held by her compatriot Brooke Baldwin.

Expressing her gratitude after her achievement, Hansen said, “Thanks to my family, coaches, Team Pickos, Alex Gschiel, and my sponsors for all the support along the way. This wouldn’t have been possible without you all!”

In addition to this record, Hansen has two more Under-21 Overall Records pending approval from the IWWF.

Maise Jacobsen Breaks Under-17 Girl’s Jump Record

Denmark’s Maise Jacobsen has also etched her name in the waterskiing history books by setting a new Under-17 Girls Jump World Record with an incredible leap of 46.9 meters (154 feet). This remarkable feat was accomplished during the finals of the 2024 IWWF E&A Youth Championships in Recetto, Italy, on August 25, 2024.

Jacobsen’s latest success adds to her growing list of accolades. Earlier this year, she was crowned Junior World Jump Champion at the IWWF World Under-17 Waterski Championships held at Predator Bay, Calgary, Canada.

After breaking the world record, Jacobsen expressed her excitement and appreciation on social media, saying, “Thank you to everyone who has been part of my journey to make one of my biggest dreams come true. I am forever grateful. I had a lot of fun with old and new friends as always, and I’m already looking forward to next year!”

Not only is Jacobsen’s new record officially approved, but it also ties the longest jump by an Under-17 girl in the past 15 years, matching Lauren Morgan’s best performance from 2010. Even more impressive is that Jacobsen still has another full year of eligibility in the Under-17 category.

A New Era of Junior Waterski Records

Both Hansen’s and Jacobsen’s achievements represent a new era for junior waterskiing records. The IWWF has been officially tracking age-group world records since 2019, expanding the recognition of outstanding performances beyond just junior world championships (Under-17 and Under-21). This system allows remarkable accomplishments like Hansen’s and Jacobsen’s to be cemented in the sport’s history, shining a spotlight on the future stars of waterskiing.

Joel Poland slaloms at the 2024 WWS Travers Cup

Poland Sets Back-to-Back World Records at WWS Travers Cup

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Poland sets back-to-back world records at WWS Travers Cup

Joel Poland slaloms at the 2024 WWS Travers Cup

Image: @johnnyhayward_photo

By Jack Burden


Joel Poland isn’t just having a good run of form; he’s redefining what is possible in the sport of water skiing. The 25-year-old Englishman had as close to a flawless weekend of water skiing as perhaps anyone in the sport has ever had, breaking the overall world record in both the preliminary and final rounds, taking home yet another professional victory and the season championship on the WWS Overall Tour to cap things off.

Last year, during the final stop of the WWS Overall Tour, Poland broke the world overall record, his first in two years, and the first time a world record had been broken in a professional tournament since 2005. Since that fateful day, it’s been as if a floodgate has opened. He broke the record again two weeks later at the Malibu Open, again in the spring at Fluid, and then, in one of the most remarkable runs ever in the sport, he exceeded the current record over three consecutive rounds—including in both the preliminary and final rounds of the WWS Travers Cup last weekend.

To be clear, not all of these performances will be recorded as official records. Poland’s scores from the Fluid Fall Record are marginally higher than his two pending records from Sunset Lakes, which will only be considered if the first performance is denied upon review. But all three exceed the current world record, set by Poland back in April.

Spare a thought for his competitors. While Louis Duplan-Fribourg, Dorien Llewellyn, and Martin Kolman have all been in incredible form this season, they are tasked with competing against a guy who is breaking world records at a consistency and pace unheard of in the history of the sport.

To put it in context, the entire podium from the finals of the WWS Travers Cup—Joel, Louis, and Dorien—recorded scores higher than Jaret Llewellyn’s “unbreakable” overall record, which stood from 2002 to 2017. Even Martin Kolman, who finished in fourth place, wasn’t far off the pace. The former World Champion recorded a personal best in jump and one of his best-ever overall scores, yet still couldn’t make the podium.

The level of skiing was off the charts all weekend. Highlights included a pending under-17 world record from Jake Abelson, a new French national jump record from Duplan-Fribourg, and countless personal and season bests.

But none of it was enough to threaten Poland, who managed scores midway through 10.25m (41 off), over 12,000 points in tricks, and jumps in the high 60s (220s) across both rounds of the tournament—truly world-class performances in all three events.

We are witnessing something very special indeed. Don’t look away for a minute.

Fluid Fall Record, Joel Poland sets another world overall record

Fluid Fall Record Sees World-Class Performances and Multiple Record-Breaking Feats

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Fluid Fall Record sees world-class performances and multiple record-breaking feats

Fluid Fall Record, Joel Poland sets another world overall record

Image: @joelpoland

By Jack Burden


The recently concluded Fluid Fall Record tournament in Central Florida lived up to its reputation, with several impressive performances and records broken. Although the event is an amateur competition, the shores of the lake were lined with professional water skiers, all vying for big scores at one of the world’s premier ski sites.

Among the standout performances was Joel Poland, who potentially set his sixth world overall record. The British skier delivered a remarkable round that included 1.5 buoys at 10.25 meters (41’ off) in slalom, a trick score of 12,160 points, and a jump distance of 69.8 meters (229 feet). This marks Poland’s fourth world record in the past 12 months. Leading the Waterski Pro Tour in jump and remaining undefeated in the WWS Overall Tour, Poland appears unstoppable.

Poland shared on Instagram that he almost didn’t compete in the tournament, saying “This was a real last minute event, I signed up on Thursday, i just had a feeling this weekend could be the one. 3 days later, another pending world record and legs that feel like stone. No regrets 🤘 I’ll take every opportunity I can get!”

In the tricks category, Nelly Ross of Canada set a pending national trick record with a score of 11,230 points, just 130 points shy of the current world record held by Erika Lang. While there are no major trick events remaining for the 2024 season, Ross’s performance signals that the level of competition in women’s tricks is continually rising.

Meanwhile, Hanna Straltsova set a new personal best with a leap of 58.7 meters (193 feet), further solidifying her status as the best jumper in the world right now. Straltsova, who already leads the Waterski Pro Tour, is now outright the second-farthest female jumper of all time, behind Jacinta Carroll. Previously, Straltsova shared the second position with Natallia Berdnikava, but her latest achievement sets her apart in a class of her own.

Another rising star, Martin Labra, the 2024 Masters trick champion, demonstrated his growing potential with a pending Chilean overall record. Labra posted scores of 5 buoys at 11.25 meters (38’ off) in slalom, 12,190 points in tricks, and a jump of 63.1 meters (207 feet). The performance marks a significant milestone for Labra, as he overtakes his uncle, two-time world overall champion Felipe Miranda. Labra is shaping up to be a strong contender in men’s overall in the coming seasons.

Though not breaking any records, Regina Jaquess delivered another remarkable performance, setting only the second score in 2024 past two buoys at 10.25 meters (41’ off)—both scores belonging to Jaquess. The American skier is still in pursuit of becoming the first woman to run the full pass, with her current best standing at 5 buoys.

With six professional events remaining in 2024, including slalom, jump, and overall, the competition is heating up for what promises to be an exciting finish to the season.

Note: the original version of this article incorrectly listed Straltsova’s jump as a pending European record.