Writer | Jack Burden
A collection of article’s by RTB’s editor-in-chief.
IWWF Reopens Door to Russian, Belarusian Juniors January 30, 2026 After four years of shifting policy, Russian and Belarusian juniors will return to international competition, reopening doors once closed by geopolitics.
Jason Seels Named Florida Southern Head Waterski Coach, Succeeds Curtis Rabe January 28, 2026 Jason Seels takes over at Florida Southern, bringing world-class pedigree as the Mocs begin a new chapter.
Rob Wing, Beloved Ambassador of Water Skiing, Passes Away at 68 January 25, 2026 Wing’s warmth, generosity, and lifelong dedication left an enduring mark on the sport worldwide.
Poland and Straltsova Named IWWF Athletes of the Year January 11, 2026 Poland and Straltsova capped dominant 2025 seasons with IWWF honors, finishing unbeaten, breaking records, and redefining elite water skiing.
Year in Review: We Countdown the Most Memorable Moments of 2025 December 31, 2025 Water skiing in 2025 was a season of liftoff—records fell, comebacks soared, and new rivalries emerged as the sport recalibrated its ceiling.
Team USA Sweeps Overall Titles at Record-Setting Disabled Worlds December 12, 2025 The three days of competition delivered standout performances, tight battles, and an impressive nine pending world records.
SplashEye Fly Approved: Jump Measurement Takes to the Sky December 7, 2025 Jump measurement has evolved from meter stations, to fixed-camera grid systems, to today—a drone hovering 210 feet above the landing zone.
Nautique Flips Decades of Tradition at Flagship Junior Events November 30, 2025 Buried in the fine print of Nautique’s World Series launch was a tectonic shift—sunsetting the under-17 Jr. Masters and redrawing the map for the sport’s next generation.
Inside the Water Ski Multiverse: Nautique’s Power Play Begins November 16, 2025 Nautique’s breakaway tour has redrawn the map of pro skiing overnight—pulling the sport into a fractured multiverse of competing tours.
2025’s Unofficial Professional Water Ski Rankings November 2, 2025 What if every major tournament counted? RTB's unofficial rankings reveal an arguably more complete picture of who really ruled pro skiing in 2025.
Ragin’ Cajuns Capture Sixth Straight National Title, Extend Historic Streak October 21, 2025 UL Lafayette claimed its sixth consecutive NCWSA national title extending a dominant streak that now ranks as the second-longest in collegiate water ski history.
The Joel Poland Effect: When World Records Become Routine October 14, 2025 Joel Poland’s reign has sparked a new kind of arms race. As rivals close the gap, he keeps raising the bar—driving a cycle of collective greatness in water skiing.