2023 News & Events
Hall of Famers
One of the highlights at the recent Indiana Water Ski Awards banquet and awards ceremony was the "gathering" of all the previous "Hall of Famers" present at the event. It was all smiles as the "Famers" got together for a picture.
From left to right.....Mike Patterson, Patty Patterson, Prissy Edwards, Don Bucher, Jack Henricks, Randy Sharkey, Brandon Bucher, Kim Contos, and John Kniesly.
From left to right.....Mike Patterson, Patty Patterson, Prissy Edwards, Don Bucher, Jack Henricks, Randy Sharkey, Brandon Bucher, Kim Contos, and John Kniesly.
2023 IWSA Awards Banquet Review
Complete List of 2023 IWSA Awards Nominees
Congratulations to all of our 2023 IWSA skiers that were nominated this year for their outstanding performance on and off the water. The state of Indiana is proud to celebrate each individual and all they have accomplished.
See you all at the Banquet on November 4th!
See you all at the Banquet on November 4th!
2023 Annual IWSA Awards Banquet/Dinner Info
Please RSVP to crossjeff38@gmail.com
Cody Sharkey Lands a Beautiful 3rd Place Podium
Congratulations to Cody Sharkey as he competed at the 35+ Pan Am Senior Water Ski Championships, held September 21-24, 2023 at Skyview Water Ski Club in Harmony, NC. and placed third. Also pictured is other Team members from the AWSA Midwest Region.
USA Water Ski Search For New Executive Director
Executive Director Nate Boudreaux To Step Down Effective Nov. 3
Boudreaux served as executive director of USA Water Ski & Wake Sports since 2018
AUBURNDALE, Fla. – USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Executive Director Nate Boudreaux has resigned his position to pursue other interests, the organization has announced. His last day will be Nov. 3.
Boudreaux joined USA Water Ski & Wake Sports in August 2018 and has led the organization over the last five years. During his tenure, which included guiding the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, USA-WSWS has seen unprecedented financial stability. Additionally, he grew the organization’s social media platforms by 107% and created several new marketing and programming initiatives, including Get on the Water and #WeAreWaterSki to drive new members to the sport. In 2022, USA-WSWS was awarded the USOPC Choice Award for the Girls, Inc. Learn to Ski Program for excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“ I have truly enjoyed my time at USA Water Ski & Wake Sports and hope that I am leaving the organization in a better place,” Boudreaux said. “I want to thank the board of directors for giving me this opportunity. I have met some amazing people in the water ski community.”
The organization will immediately begin a national search for a new executive director. Those interested may apply online. https://www.teamworkonline.com/olympic-jobs/usngbjobs/usa-water-ski/executive-director-2053845
Boudreaux served as executive director of USA Water Ski & Wake Sports since 2018
AUBURNDALE, Fla. – USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Executive Director Nate Boudreaux has resigned his position to pursue other interests, the organization has announced. His last day will be Nov. 3.
Boudreaux joined USA Water Ski & Wake Sports in August 2018 and has led the organization over the last five years. During his tenure, which included guiding the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, USA-WSWS has seen unprecedented financial stability. Additionally, he grew the organization’s social media platforms by 107% and created several new marketing and programming initiatives, including Get on the Water and #WeAreWaterSki to drive new members to the sport. In 2022, USA-WSWS was awarded the USOPC Choice Award for the Girls, Inc. Learn to Ski Program for excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“ I have truly enjoyed my time at USA Water Ski & Wake Sports and hope that I am leaving the organization in a better place,” Boudreaux said. “I want to thank the board of directors for giving me this opportunity. I have met some amazing people in the water ski community.”
The organization will immediately begin a national search for a new executive director. Those interested may apply online. https://www.teamworkonline.com/olympic-jobs/usngbjobs/usa-water-ski/executive-director-2053845
2023 Water Skier Awards Nomination Form
We need your nominations by October 12th
Silent Shores Wrap Up
Silent Shores hosted the final tournament of the 2023 season. The day started out cold, dismal, and not very promising but the actual water conditions were excellent all day! At times the sun came out and the sweatshirts came off. Three rounds of slalom and trick made for good times for all who came. The famous "pork burgers" off the grill were enjoyed by all. The younger skiers even were awarded medals for the efforts in both slalom and tricks.
Pay attention to IWSA announcements coming for the annual awards banquet to be held later this fall.
Pay attention to IWSA announcements coming for the annual awards banquet to be held later this fall.
Team Sharkey's New Mastercraft Prostar
Team Sharkey arrived at Saturday's Silent Shores Tournament with their early 2000 Mastercraft Prostar in tow. And they left with their new 2023 Mastercraft Prostar in tow! The Sharkey families pre-ordered their new Prostar from The Liquid Edge in Illinois who then placed the boat with Neal Clark for "promo boat use" during the summer of 2023. A sweet arrangement for all involved! The Liquid Edge supplies several promo boats each year to several Indiana customers. Happy Skiing to the Team Sharkey!
Cody Sharkey at 35+ Pan Ams
Big shout out to Cody Sharkey as he has qualified for the 35+ Pan Am Senior Water Ski Championships as an independent to be held September 21-24, 2023 at Skyview Water Ski Club in Harmony, NC.
Qualification is based on being in Top 5 rankings for the Pan Am.
Do what you do best, Cody, we will all be cheering you on!!
(Photo courtesy of Shane Cleminson Photography)
Qualification is based on being in Top 5 rankings for the Pan Am.
Do what you do best, Cody, we will all be cheering you on!!
(Photo courtesy of Shane Cleminson Photography)
Sawmill & Champion Lake Tournaments
Now that the "Nationals" are finished, a new scoring year begins for tournament water skiers. Sawmill Lake near Columbus and Champion Lake near McCordsville teamed up to host 2 record tournaments this past weekend, August 26th and 27th. Breezy conditions dominated both lakes in the morning but conditions improved into the afternoons. Skiers from Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan enjoyed the " Hoosier Hospitality." Since the USA Water Ski Web Site has issues, the actual scores will have to be posted at a later date. We do know that several "PB's" were enjoyed by several skiers....Neal 2@ 39' off......Peyton 1@38' off....how about the Kim Contos 5.5 @ 38' off after recently spending a week in the hospital for a serious leg infection! I'm sure there were other noteworthy scores! Future tournaments include Cindonway Shores on September 3rd and Silent Shores on September 9th. Check the IWSA website for "sign-up instructions."
Support USA-AWSWS and Win More than $1,850 in the Summer 50/50 Raffle!
You can support USA Adaptive Water Ski & Wake Sports, Inc. (USA-AWSWS) and also have a chance to win a 50/50 cash raffle! The winner's portion of the jackpot is up to more than $1,850 and growing.
By purchasing tickets to the Summer 50/50 Raffle, you are helping to fund all aspects of adaptive water skiing from developing educational resources and supporting local, regional and national events to our U.S. Team athletes competing in the 15th IWWF Disabled Water Ski World Championships from Sept. 11-17, 2023 at Shortline Lake in Elk Grove, Calif.
Here's how it works:
1. Visit our dedicated raffle website to purchase your tickets securely.
2. Choose the number of tickets you wish to purchase. Remember, the more tickets you buy, the higher your chances of winning!
3. The lucky winner will be drawn on Tuesday, Aug. 29 and will win half of all funds raised.
Remember, every ticket purchased brings us one step closer to our fundraising goal and enables our athletes and programs to achieve greatness. It's a win-win situation!
Purchase Raffle Tickets
By purchasing tickets to the Summer 50/50 Raffle, you are helping to fund all aspects of adaptive water skiing from developing educational resources and supporting local, regional and national events to our U.S. Team athletes competing in the 15th IWWF Disabled Water Ski World Championships from Sept. 11-17, 2023 at Shortline Lake in Elk Grove, Calif.
Here's how it works:
1. Visit our dedicated raffle website to purchase your tickets securely.
2. Choose the number of tickets you wish to purchase. Remember, the more tickets you buy, the higher your chances of winning!
3. The lucky winner will be drawn on Tuesday, Aug. 29 and will win half of all funds raised.
Remember, every ticket purchased brings us one step closer to our fundraising goal and enables our athletes and programs to achieve greatness. It's a win-win situation!
Purchase Raffle Tickets
Indiana Skiers At 2023 Nationals
Along with our own skiers from Indiana, we have also included three other names that we welcome as important to our state.
The Burdicks, Cale, Laura and Brooke, were included for their Indiana connections and they frequent Indiana tournaments.
The Meeker family were included for their contributions and participation in Indiana tournaments. (They also supply
promo and club boats to Indiana)
Joy Kelley was included for her Indiana connections ....a .former Fairland Club member.
The Burdicks, Cale, Laura and Brooke, were included for their Indiana connections and they frequent Indiana tournaments.
The Meeker family were included for their contributions and participation in Indiana tournaments. (They also supply
promo and club boats to Indiana)
Joy Kelley was included for her Indiana connections ....a .former Fairland Club member.
2023 Show Ski Nationals
Although Indiana Water Ski Association is primarily focused on three event skiing, we all should be proud of the Warsaw, Indiana "Lake City Skiers" for hosting the Division 1 Nationals this past weekend at Hidden Lake in Warsaw. Fourteen show ski clubs from all over the United States vied for the awards. The acts surpassed anything you have ever seen at Cypress Gardens!!! What an undertaking for the host club....in addition to vendors, and various food options, there had to be 40 porta potties!!!! ;)
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LAKE CITY SKIERS!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LAKE CITY SKIERS!
Additional Photos from 2023 Indiana Waterski State Championships
Here is a link to more photos taken at the 2023 Indiana State Waterski Championships by Shane Cleminson Photography.
Please click here to visit: Shane Cleminson Photography
Please click here to visit: Shane Cleminson Photography
Nationals at West Palm Beach Needs Volunteers!
Nationals at West Palm Beach is just around the corner and we need your help as dock starters, trick camera operators, and SD card runners!!
In case you hadn’t heard, the dates for Nationals this year was originally scheduled for 1 week earlier (August 1st) . Moving the Nationals ahead 1 week would have drastically changed our already short schedule and the move would have pushed some state tournaments to the beginning of July. The proposed dates would have cancelled many of the Midwest (and other region) tournaments. The reason for the early schedule was because the West Palm Beach Club utilizes local students to fill the volunteer positions of dock starters and trick SD card runners and the kids would already be in school during the normal week of Nationals. The Palm Beach Club doesn’t have enough volunteers without the help of the students.
Here’s where we come in! The Midwest Region proposed to supply the volunteers needed if the Nationals could be moved back to the normal dates and they accepted the offer. So now we have some work to do! Fortunately the work is fun!
As a region, we need your help (skiers, parents, friends, and all) as a volunteer to fill roughly 80 2 hour slots as dock starters and SD card runners throughout the National’s event. Christy Kingsmill has graciously stepped up to coordinate volunteers for the event and has put together an easy way to sign up through “SignUpGenious”.
2023 Nationals Dock Starters Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C48AFA92EA0F8CE9-2023
Volunteers will receive a free t-shirt from the Palm Beach club.
As a special bonus, those that sign up for 2 or more slots will be eligible for a drawing of free Masterline stuff that includes a vest, ropes, handle, hoodies, etc. Your chances of winning are pretty good!
Volunteering is a great way to give back to the sport and meet new people! It really is a lot of fun! Juniors and adults are all encouraged to participate.
Please help if you can!
In case you hadn’t heard, the dates for Nationals this year was originally scheduled for 1 week earlier (August 1st) . Moving the Nationals ahead 1 week would have drastically changed our already short schedule and the move would have pushed some state tournaments to the beginning of July. The proposed dates would have cancelled many of the Midwest (and other region) tournaments. The reason for the early schedule was because the West Palm Beach Club utilizes local students to fill the volunteer positions of dock starters and trick SD card runners and the kids would already be in school during the normal week of Nationals. The Palm Beach Club doesn’t have enough volunteers without the help of the students.
Here’s where we come in! The Midwest Region proposed to supply the volunteers needed if the Nationals could be moved back to the normal dates and they accepted the offer. So now we have some work to do! Fortunately the work is fun!
As a region, we need your help (skiers, parents, friends, and all) as a volunteer to fill roughly 80 2 hour slots as dock starters and SD card runners throughout the National’s event. Christy Kingsmill has graciously stepped up to coordinate volunteers for the event and has put together an easy way to sign up through “SignUpGenious”.
2023 Nationals Dock Starters Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C48AFA92EA0F8CE9-2023
Volunteers will receive a free t-shirt from the Palm Beach club.
As a special bonus, those that sign up for 2 or more slots will be eligible for a drawing of free Masterline stuff that includes a vest, ropes, handle, hoodies, etc. Your chances of winning are pretty good!
Volunteering is a great way to give back to the sport and meet new people! It really is a lot of fun! Juniors and adults are all encouraged to participate.
Please help if you can!
2023 Indiana State Records
2023 Indiana State Waterski Championships Wrap Up
The 2023 Indiana State Water Ski Championships are in the record book!
Saturday morning started off with light rain which allowed the "tricks" to be run in the rain. The rain stopped just about the time that the "slalom" event began. The water conditions were smooth with no wind the entire day! A "standing room only" crowd viewed the fun from their perch high up on Bucher Hill. There was no reason to be hungry as the concessions operated out of the Bucher garage most of the day.
The final active show of the day was "jumping" on the newly renovated jump. Colton Hoops took home the Mark Wiggs Memorial trophy for the longest jump and Joe Cramer took home the silver helmet for "Best Crash of the Day." The day was capped in the evening with the awards banquet emceed by Don Bucher. The most coveted award was the Rollie Williams Award given to Jean Schmitt of Mt. Vernon (Timberlake) Indiana. This award is given annually at the State Banquet to an individual who has given to the sport over the years and is voted by previous Rollie Williams award winners. Congratulations Jean!
Many thanks to the Bucher Families who hosted and participated in this fun filled event.
48 Total skiers
43 Slalom pulls
28 Trick pulls
11 Jumpers
13 new State records
State Team Trophy scoring
WSI Cindonway Skiers 203
Kokomo Ski Club 134
Kodiak 92
TEAM SHARKEY 70
Silent Shores 38
Emerald Lake 38
Camelot Lake 18
Timberlake 16
Hawthorne 10
Saturday morning started off with light rain which allowed the "tricks" to be run in the rain. The rain stopped just about the time that the "slalom" event began. The water conditions were smooth with no wind the entire day! A "standing room only" crowd viewed the fun from their perch high up on Bucher Hill. There was no reason to be hungry as the concessions operated out of the Bucher garage most of the day.
The final active show of the day was "jumping" on the newly renovated jump. Colton Hoops took home the Mark Wiggs Memorial trophy for the longest jump and Joe Cramer took home the silver helmet for "Best Crash of the Day." The day was capped in the evening with the awards banquet emceed by Don Bucher. The most coveted award was the Rollie Williams Award given to Jean Schmitt of Mt. Vernon (Timberlake) Indiana. This award is given annually at the State Banquet to an individual who has given to the sport over the years and is voted by previous Rollie Williams award winners. Congratulations Jean!
Many thanks to the Bucher Families who hosted and participated in this fun filled event.
48 Total skiers
43 Slalom pulls
28 Trick pulls
11 Jumpers
13 new State records
State Team Trophy scoring
WSI Cindonway Skiers 203
Kokomo Ski Club 134
Kodiak 92
TEAM SHARKEY 70
Silent Shores 38
Emerald Lake 38
Camelot Lake 18
Timberlake 16
Hawthorne 10
Silent Shores Tournament
The weather man forecasted "doom and gloom" for Saturday, June 8th all day! He was right, until about 9:00 am and then.......the rain and stormy weather ended and provided good weather for the rest of the day. Silent Shores hosted their annual "firecracker" tournament without a hitch! The conditions varied all day with headwind/tailwind in one direction and then later it was tailwind/headwind! In between was dead calm! A significant crowd enjoyed the event along with numerous youngsters swimming, fishing, and playing. Many skiers invoked the "turn and burn" rule in the second round of skiing. Two top skiers, Neal Clark and Zane Nicholson got into 39' off. The next tournament is next weekend at Cindonway Shores. (The Indiana State Water Ski Championships)
*All skiers at that event must be Indiana Water Ski Members.
*All skiers at that event must be Indiana Water Ski Members.
Kodiak Lake Tournament
Lightning, thunder, and rain ushered in the morning of July 1st at Kodiak Lake. Avid skiers and officials started arriving anyway and the weather finally cleared up providing a picture perfect afternoon at Kodiak Lake and Amusement Park! The roster was filled with both youngsters and adults and the beach was filled with kids enjoying the amenities of the site. A "headwind/tailwind" challenged the skiers but all left with a smile on their face. Next Indiana tournament is at Silent Shores on July 8th and the Indiana State Championships are July 15th and 16th at Cindonway Shores.
L.D. Smith Plumbing Hosts Barefoot Clinic
June 30th, 2023 ended a week of "barefoot clinic" fun sponsored by Lance Smith of LD Smith Plumbing.
Each day, participants gathered early in the morning at the Smith home on White River in Indianapolis for pointers on barefoot water skiing. Numerous abilities from beginner to national champions took advantage of the chance to enjoy the smooth waters of White River. And don't forget the just plain fun like one barefooter hanging on to the ankles of the next barefooter hanging on the boom for the "doubles" experiment! Hats off to Lance Smith for putting on this event. Lance and his company, LD Smith Plumbing are the Platinum Sponsors of the Indiana Water Ski Association.
Each day, participants gathered early in the morning at the Smith home on White River in Indianapolis for pointers on barefoot water skiing. Numerous abilities from beginner to national champions took advantage of the chance to enjoy the smooth waters of White River. And don't forget the just plain fun like one barefooter hanging on to the ankles of the next barefooter hanging on the boom for the "doubles" experiment! Hats off to Lance Smith for putting on this event. Lance and his company, LD Smith Plumbing are the Platinum Sponsors of the Indiana Water Ski Association.
Water Ski Broadcasting Documentary
First Tournaments at Sawmill & Timberlake
The Indiana Tournament Season has officially begun!
Both Sawmill Lake and Timberlake hosted tournaments on Saturday, June 24th. Cale Burdick took top honors at Sawmill skiing into 41' off and Andrew Schmitt won top place at Timberlake with a score of 98 points. The weather man blessed both events with sunny summer weather and great conditions.
Look up the scores on the newly launched USA WATER SKI web site for all the scores and participants.
Both Sawmill Lake and Timberlake hosted tournaments on Saturday, June 24th. Cale Burdick took top honors at Sawmill skiing into 41' off and Andrew Schmitt won top place at Timberlake with a score of 98 points. The weather man blessed both events with sunny summer weather and great conditions.
Look up the scores on the newly launched USA WATER SKI web site for all the scores and participants.
RHI Sports Adaptive Waterski Clinic
The name of the event is the same, the volunteers are different (and younger), the boats are newer, the equipment is upgraded, but it all boils down to a fun day at the lake! The annual RHI Sports Adaptive Waterski Day at Morse Reservoir and Red Bridge Park was greeted with lots of sunshine and warm, but windy weather on the first day of Summer. The 2-day event calls for lots of planning and hard work and the rewards are all realized by the smiles on the faces of participants. Those of us who have frequent access to water activities take it for granted.
"What was your most fun day of the summer?" asked the teacher. "It was the day at the lake!" replied the student.
"What was your most fun day of the summer?" asked the teacher. "It was the day at the lake!" replied the student.
Important 2023 State Championship Details
Ski with Wade at Kokomo Ski Club
The Kokomo Water Ski Associates sponsored lessons by Wade Cox on Thursday, June 8th. Wade has been on a circular tour the past two weeks covering Ohio, Michigan, Northern Indiana, and Kokomo today. He is now headed home to California. Perfect weather and glass like water made the event a success!
2023 IWSA Tournament Schedule (Revised)
2023 State Championships Info
2023 State Championships Info
Sanctioning is complete for the state tournament and skiers should now be able to go online and register.
Please CLICK HERE to go to USA Waterski Website for 2023 Indiana State Championships Tournament Info
Sanctioning is complete for the state tournament and skiers should now be able to go online and register.
Please CLICK HERE to go to USA Waterski Website for 2023 Indiana State Championships Tournament Info
2023 Midwest Regionals Banquet Information
2023 IWSA State Championships at Cindonway Shores
Junior Development Clinic
Barefoot Clinic with World Champion Ben Groen!
Barefoot Clinic with World Trick Champion Ben Groen running June 26th-30th on the White River in Broadripple. Participants can sign up for a half or full day. The clinic is almost full, so please let me know ASAP. There is no cost for the clinic as I am doing this to try to get exposure to the sport that I love so dearly......all I ask is you throw in some gas money and throw Ben a tip for the world class instruction."
Contact Lance Smith via Facebook, phone: 317-796-3004, or my email at lance@ldsmithplumbing.com.
Lance D. Smith
LD Smith Plumbing, Inc.
Contact Lance Smith via Facebook, phone: 317-796-3004, or my email at lance@ldsmithplumbing.com.
Lance D. Smith
LD Smith Plumbing, Inc.
2023 Virtual AWSA Clinics
2023 Indiana Boat, Sport & Travel Show
The 2023 Boat, Sport & Travel Show is coming to Indy February 17-19 & 22-26, 2023 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds! .
$14 Advance sale ONLINE through Thursday, Feb. 16
$15 General / Adult ONLINE – Begins Day of Show
$10 – Children (6-12) Online & at Box Office
FREE – Children (5 & under)
2-Day Tickets: $26.00 – the 2-day ticket is available online & at the box office
(good for multiple days, but limited to one entrant scan per day)
https://www.tix123.com/tickets/?code=IBSTS2023&brand=IBSTS23
$14 Advance sale ONLINE through Thursday, Feb. 16
$15 General / Adult ONLINE – Begins Day of Show
$10 – Children (6-12) Online & at Box Office
FREE – Children (5 & under)
2-Day Tickets: $26.00 – the 2-day ticket is available online & at the box office
(good for multiple days, but limited to one entrant scan per day)
https://www.tix123.com/tickets/?code=IBSTS2023&brand=IBSTS23
