Waterskiing - Ten Facts

Waterskiing is another one of our waterfront activities that will allow you to truly explore Lake George. You will tour from Blair’s Bay to Rogers Rock, as you skim across the pristine surface.

1. Water skiing has been enjoyed at an Olympic level since 1974.

2. Up to 145 people have water skied off the back of a towboat – making that an amazing world record back in 2010.

3. Water skiing was invented in 1922 when Ralph Samuelson used a pair of boards as skis and a clothesline as a towrope on Lake Pepin in Lake City, Minnesota.

4. It’s entirely possible to ski on water without the boards. This is called barefooting, and it’s only really advisable for experts at the sport!

5. Waterskiing requires a minimum of three people, a driver, spotter, and skier.

6. Water skiing can take place on any type of water – such as a river, lake, or ocean – but calmer waters are ideal for recreational skiing.

7. Water skiers can use two skis, known as combo skiing or one ski which is called slalom.

8. Towboats must be able to maintain the proper speed, which ranges from 13 miles per hour, for a child or inexperianced skier, and upwards of 36 mile per hour for slalom skiing.

9. The first patented design of a water ski which included carbon fiber was that of Hani Audah at SPORT labs in 2001.

10. Water Skiing Tournaments Consists of 3 Main Events: slalom, jumping, and trick riding.