About Us

The MSU Water Ski Club has been on campus since October 17th, 1981 and been to more National Competitions than any other Midwest team! We are a competitive, nationally ranked team who represents a wide range of skiing abilities in slalom, trick and jump. The skill level of the men and women on our team varies from beginner to returning tournament skier.

Our main tournament season is in the fall and we also compete in several spring and summer tournaments. The tournament season during the fall includes weekends away throughout the Midwest where MSU actively competes in slalom, trick, and jump.

We practice on the Grand River in Lansing, MI, which is about a ten minute drive away from campus. Our site includes a slalom course which allows us to practice throughout the season.

During the off-season, we occasionally visit ski schools in the southern USA, snowboard and ski in the winter, host a formal banquet and socialize with other MSU clubs. The MSU Water Ski Club is a great way to get to know other students at MSU and throughout the Midwest by doing what we love and spending time on the water. So come check us out!

What is 3 event collegiate skiing?

Slalom

This is scored based on three factors: number of balls skied around, speed of the boat, and length of the rope. If you run a full pass (all six buoys and both gates) you will be able to increase your speed and attempt to run the course again. Your set ends when you either miss a buoy or fall. Max speed for men: 36mph and for women: 34mph. When you achieve maximum speed you start shortening the rope by preset increments.

Trick

You can compete on either a wake board or a trick ski. Points are pre-determined based on the level of difficulty; wakeboard tricks only receive half points. Boat speed and rope length varies on skiers preference. You have 20 seconds to complete your run and only get one pass for the judges to document your tricks. Your set ends when you use up your time or fall.

Jump

Known to be the most exciting event in collegiate 3-event. Using longer skis with modified fins, a helmet and padded jump suit, skiers compete for distance using the 5 foot jump to launch themselves. Boat speed varies from 26-32mph based on skiers skill and preference. In most cases you allowed 3 jumps or 2 falls.