The Wisconsin Rapids Aqua Skiers was formed in 1959 as an offshoot of the Central Wisconsin Boater's Club. In 1967, Jack Lukes had the foresight to start the Wisconsin State Water Ski Show Tournament, which the Aqua Skiers have hosted ever since. The club has approximately 60 members, about 40 of which are skiing members.
Our practice site on the Biron Flowage is located approximately three miles above the Biron Dam on North Biron Drive in Wisconsin Rapids. Several improvements have been made to the Lake Biron practice site over the past several years. We hope that these changes will make the show site a comfortable show site for the audience as well as the skiers.
The Aqua Skiers have one of the lowest membership dues in the State. Paid membership is required for any person to take part in any aspect of the club such as skiing, riding in boats, dock crew, etc. Membership dues include membership and insurance with the USA Water Ski Association, and the Wisconsin Water Ski Federation (WWSF).
One of the most common questions asked about an Aqua Skier membership is whether or not a person has to know how to ski to be a member. The answer to that is "no". We have special nights set aside for those who are just learning to ski. There are also nights used for improving on your existing skills, and there are nights used to practice "show acts". These are acts that are performed in either the Development Team Show or the Themed Show. We also have many non-skiing members of the club. Contrary to what someone might think, we have just about as many non-skiing members as we have skiing. We have boat drivers, riders, safety crew, sound equipment crew, dock and rope handlers, costume designers, and many, many things for someone to do. Keeping the skiers area straight during a show can be a full-time job.
As you can see, there is something for everyone. The Aqua Skiers provide a sport where the parents don't have to just sit on the bleachers and "watch" their children do the sport. The parents can be just as, or even more active, than their children can. Show skiing is truly a sport that can be enjoyed by the entire family.