More About Us
Purdue Waterski was founded in 1980, and since then has won Regional titles, made many appearances at Collegiate Nationals, and set (still-standing) Regional records. The team is dedicated to growing the sport of waterskiing and encourages all members to try something new and make friends along the way.
What is 3-event?
There are 3 events that we compete in: slalom, trick, and jump. In slalom, there's a course of six buoys and two sets of gates, get through the gates and around the buoys at each speed to keep skiing! Trick is the next event. Each skier is scored based on the tricks they can do in 20 seconds (spins, flips, etc.) Each trick has a set point value, the more tricks, the more points. Jump is a fan favorite. Skiers will ski over a 5-foot tall ramp 3 times (don’t worry, we wear helmets and padded suits,) and each landing is measured. The furthest jump wins!
Team Practices
Our team skis on a private 3-event lake about 30 minutes southeast of campus. All equipment needed is provided by the team, and you can bring your own gear as well.
Since our lake is a drive away, we set up carpools to and from the lake in between classes. Sign-ups for practice open at the beginning of the week, so you can pick the time that fits best into your schedule and get ready for a fun time on the lake!
There is a course to practice slalom and trick. We are currently repairing our jump ramp and plan to have it ready this season!
Tournaments
We travel all over the Midwest, skiing with not only friends on our own team but friends from schools all over. Carpools are set up leaving Friday after classes (we are excused from class for Regionals and Nationals.) Once at the tournament site, we set up camp and a fun weekend begins! Then, after a great weekend of shredding, camping, sun burning, and a good time with friends, we’ll pack up and count down the days until we do it again.
Our team consists of an A and B team. A team is considered to be our competitive skiers, the top scorers of our group. The B team is more relaxed, while still going out and totally shredding, they are learning the ropes, improving, and eventually compete on our A team. Both A and B teams compete for Purdue in tournaments.