About

Ski Show Acts

Show skiing combines components of all water ski disciplines. Water ski shows are an aquatic Broadway musical featuring multiple water ski acts choreographed to music and built around a theme.

Unique to show skiing are ballet/swivel skiing, adagio or strap doubles, freestyle jumping and human pyramids. Ski show exhibitions and shows involve amateur clubs usually having 30 or more members, with some clubs having more than 200 members. Age is not a factor as ski club performers can range from children to grandparents.

Show skiing is a rich part of the sport's history. Water skiers have been performing amateur and professional ski shows since the 1940s. In fact, in the 1950s, the most talented traditional competitors also were ski show professionals. (from USA Water Ski)

Barefooting

Barefooting has really evolved since Dick Pope kicked off the drop ski in 1947 to become the world’s first barefoot skier. Since that time, advances in equipment and techniques have paved the way for new and more exciting ways to “foot.” A barefoot boom allows easier training for novice and advanced footers alike, while padded wet suits provide protection and floatation. Even the ski rope is special with Kevlar material to prevent stretching at boat speeds ranging from 35 to nearly 50 mph.

Typical ways to start barefooting are: to drop a single ski; to “deep-up” (start from deep water with no skis at all); a “double jump-out” (dropping 2 skis simultaneously at high speed); or even a “flyer” (jumping from an elevated starting point).

Once they’ve mastered the basics, barefooters can advance to perform one-foot maneuvers, tumble turns, and even backwards barefoot and barefoot pyramids. Then there’s the “barefoot line” where 10 or more footers fly by the crowd creating a massive wall of water. The team also performs a unique “barefoot thread” where two footn’ skiers cut under two high-speed ski jumpers. Wow!

Swivel Skiing

Swivel skiing combines the grace and beauty of ballet-like movements with the thrill of executing difficult maneuvers. If you think this looks easy, try it…you’ll soon discover that mastering the swivel ski takes years. Patience, determination, persistence, and athletic ability are needed to perform with the grace and skill demanded of a swivel skier.

Using a wide, flat ski with a binding mounted on ball bearings enables the swivel skier to pivot 360 degrees. Their tow line uses a handle with a “bear trap” toehold allowing them to be towed by one foot.

The most important piece of equipment for a swivel skier is the safety release which disconnects the skier from the boat should they fall while in the toehold. Swivelers perform turns and tricks while incorporating the grace and beauty of ballet in their routine; like a ballerina on water. The swivel act adds beauty and grace to make a ski show complete.

Strap/Adagio Doubles

Strap doubles combines the strength of a male skier with the beautiful movements of his female partner, who he lifts and turns during their routine. Because the male skier is towed by a rope attached to a harness, he has both arms free allowing routines filled with intricate movements and lifts. As with swivel skiing, a safety release is used at all times.

Typically performed by multiple skiers behind as many as 4 boats simultaneously, 10 or more couples can be on the water at one time. One group of strap doubles should be directly in front of the crowd or “in the pattern” at all times.

Strap couples entertain the audience by combining strength and endurance with beauty and grace.

Ski Jumping

Certainly one of the most exciting elements the show, jumping is consistently a crowd favorite. Performed on a surface that’s 14 ft. wide, 24 ft. long, and 5 ½ ft. high, the jump team amazes the audience as they fly through the air.

Hitting the ramp at speeds from 30 to over 60 mph, these daring athletes perform aerial feats like 360 degree (or helicopter) spins, distance jumps, front flips, and back gainers. Usually skiing in groups of from four to seven or more during a given routine, “jump teams” often add to the excitement by having skiers cutting and weaving under the acrobatics taking place overhead. Talk about teamwork!

Ballet

The ballet line consists of 10 or more girls skiing in unison, each skier on a single ski. Several tricks can be performed during the ballet like chorus line kicks, ankle holds, and toe holds. Synchronization is key to a beautiful ballet line. This along with bright smiles and flashy costumes make this act a winner.

Handle doubles

Handle doubles, like strap doubles, involves a male skier basing a female skier on his shoulders. Unlike strap doubles, the male skier must hold the handle of a ski rope at all times while his female partner performs graceful moves.

Normally performed by multiple couples behind three or four boats simultaneously, handle doubles stresses beauty, grace, and fluid movements. Some examples are a layback, an angel, or a scale. With their graceful movements and colorful costumes, handle doubles adds a sense of grandness to any show.

Announcing/Sound/Stage Actors

Considered by many to be the most difficult and critical part of a show, they’re the face of the team to the audience. These folks can make spectators laugh or jump, be excited or be awed…all on queue.

Pyramid

Typically used to open and close water ski shows, pyramids are considered the highlight. With ornate costumes and amazing teamwork, you can count on pyramids to bring the crowd to their feet.

To perform a pyramid, skiers must first start from a dock or in the water. After the tow boat reaches the correct speed, the pyramid starts taking shape as the second tier climbs across the bases and gets into position. Finally the top tier(s) climb into position and the pyramid is compete.

Another variation is the pre-built or “hot” pyramid. Adding a whole new level of difficulty, the “hot” pyramid is pre-built on the dock and goes from zero to skiing speed in the completed pyramid configuration. Successful execution requires but one thing from all participants, perfection. But when it works it’s just like the name implies, “hot.”

Planning for a large pyramid performed during the summer months actually starts during winter when the team begins practice at local gyms and pools. The skills and coordination needed to build a pyramid take months of preparation. In addition to the abilities of the skiers, pyramids require a host of other elements like a skilled boat driver and crew, dedicated and competent coaching, and a talented support crew to craft the specialized ropes and provide safety services.

The pyramid symbolizes everything show skiing is about; teamwork, trust, and athletic ability.