History and Description #
Water ski athletes who feel the need for speed participate in water ski racing competitions. The roots of ski racing are planted firmly in California and Arizona. Although most participants compete at speeds between 35 and 70 miles per hour, elite athletes compete at extreme speeds of up to 100 miles per hour!
Ski racing athletes compete in two types of races. Marathon races are timed events with multiple laps on a short course. Sprint races are lap or timed events typically held on an oval course. Protective headgear and flotation devices are worn by athletes, drivers and observers. Some competitors also wear neck braces and other restraints to help avoid injury in case of an unfortunate fall.
The National Water Ski Racing Association (NWSRA) was formed in Southern California when a handful of water skiing daredevils got together and began water ski racing events. The organization joined USA Water Ski & Wake Sports as a sport discipline in 1991 and now has more than 600 members.
The International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (world governing body) sanctioned the first Water Ski Racing World Championships in 1979. The Worlds is tentatively held every two years.