GRAND RAPIDS − Hundreds of water skiers will soon compete for state titles in Grand Rapids.
The 59th Wisconsin State Water Ski Show Championships will run July 17-20 at Lake Wazeecha’s Red Sands Beach, just outside of Wisconsin Rapids.
Here’s everything you need to know about the four-day tournament, according to news releases from the Wisconsin State Water Ski Show Championships.
Free shows
Admission to the tournament is free, although parking will be $5 per day. Ski shows start at 7 a.m. each day and continue into the evenings.
Dozens of teams compete
Throughout the weekend, 23 water ski show teams and 72 individual skiers compete for state titles and to move on to the National Water Ski Show Championships.
Displays, tricks and routines
Performances throughout the weekend are each five minutes or less and include swivel, swivel pairs, freestyle jumping, team jumping and doubles acts.
The first day of competition highlights individual performances, and the following three days feature team competitions with themed performances. Displays include human pyramids, barefoot skiing, jumping, swivel skiing and other lively tricks in vibrant costumes.
More than ski shows
The tournament offers more attractions, as well. Families and individuals can enjoy concessions, a variety of vendors, a beer garden, tournament apparel for sale and more.
According to the Wisconsin State Water Ski Show Championships Facebook page, Milltown Coffee, King Cone, Cottage Grove Kettle Corn, Fresh Lemonade Stand and Kona Ice will be part of the tournament serving drinks and treats.
Howdy Hat Bar will be at the tournament for the first time this year, offering guests the opportunity to create their own custom hat with patches. Luxury Links will join Howdy Hat Bar to provide permanent jewelry options.
The lake will be closed
Lake Wazeecha will be closed east from the 64th Street South boat landing to the north shore of the lake from 6 a.m. July 17 through 9 p.m. July 20, including the entire lake east to the bridge along Wood County U.
Long-standing history
In the tournament’s 59th year, the Wisconsin State Water Ski Show Championships is the longest running water ski show tournament in the world. This event, sponsored by First Bank, is sanctioned by USA Water Ski and the Wisconsin Water Ski Federation.
A boost for the Wisconsin Rapids area
This Wisconsin championship has always been held in the Wisconsin Rapids area and has been hosted by the Wisconsin Rapids Aqua Skiers since its first year.
Jordan Moon, a co-director of the tournament, said the entire event is about community, and she’s heartened to see so many guests travel to and support the area.
The tournament brings in more than $3.7 million from guests staying in hotels in Wisconsin Rapids and Plover, Moon said.
For more information, find Wisconsin State Water Ski Show Championships on Facebook.
Contact Caitlin at cshuda@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @CaitlinShuda.
This article originally appeared on Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune: Your guide to the 2025 Wisconsin State Water Ski Show Championships at Lake Wazeecha
Reporting by Caitlin Shuda, Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune / Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
