100th Anniversary of Water Ski in Polk County
There is so much to do on the water in Central Florida.
- Learn about why Winter Haven is considered the Water Ski Capital of the World.
- Check out why we are considered the water ski epicenter and all of the history at the USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Hall of Fame.
- Enjoy many waterfront dining options.
- See the new upgrades to the Winter Haven water tower.
- Watch former Cypress Gardens water skiers perform each month on Lake Silver in Winter Haven.
- Learn about the splashiest theme park in Florida: Cypress Gardens.
- Check out the many Things to Do on the Water in Central Florida.
IWWF World Water Ski Show Tournament
Serving as the capstone event for the 100th Anniversary of Water Ski, the 2022 IWWF World Water Ski Show Tournament will be the largest tournament to date. Teams and individuals from around the world will travel to Winter Haven, FL. the “Water Ski Capital of the World,” to compete for the internationally recognized discipline of show ski.
Friday, October 21
This is the first official day of competition starting with Individual Swivel Ski event followed by Adagio Doubles.
Saturday, October 22
Day two of competition where all competitive teams compete.
Sunday, October 23
Day 3 of competition will start with teams placed by their scores from Saturday. The Individual Freestyle jump competition will follow in the late afternoon. Medal Ceremony will conclude the day.
The International Food & Drink Street Festival
Be sure to also attend the International Food & Drink Street Festival the evening of October 20th in Downtown Winter Haven! Mingle with the participants and attendees at this event hosted by Main Street Winter Haven. Admission is Free!
Waterski History
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One of the first newsreel-men ever seen in Winter Haven, shot a film of a 17 year old stunt man cutting fancy capers on an aquaplane. (Dick Pope Sr.)
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Dick and Julie Pope open Florida’s first theme park Cypress Gardens that launched Florida’s Tourism Industry.
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Water ski shows are established on a daily schedule at Cypress Gardens and became the longest continued daily entertainment production in the world.
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Practicing trick skiing for the World Championships, Willa and Red McGuire design a special binding that swivels. Willa then adapts Swivel to ballet and soon creates graceful routines for girls.
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Charlene Zint Welborn became the first women to barefoot water ski.
Water Skiing World Championships were held at Cypress Gardens. (Dick Pope Jr. and Willa McGuire Overall Champions)
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“This is Cinerama” program featured performers of Cypress Gardens and jump boats, one which was piloted by the first women jump boat driver in the world Betty Skelton Erde.
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Water Skiing World Championships at Cypress Gardens. Joe Cash and M. Doria are Overall Champions.
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1957 The first World Kite Championships were held at Cypress Gardens. Ken Tibado, a Cypress Gardens Skier, won the event.
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The American Water Ski Association expands their operation headquarters and moves to a new location in Winter Haven. Also included is a preview of the Water Ski Hall of Fame Museum.
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The Water Ski Hall of Fame and USA Water Ski moves to I-4 in Polk City, Fl.
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New home of the USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Foundation Hall of Fame at Central Florida’s Vistor Information Center.