Gary Heinbuch started water ski racing in 1958 in Stockton, Calif., in the Pee Wee Boys Beginner Division. Over the course of the next 30 years, he received a trophy in every single class available for him to ski. He eventually moved from skiing to driving and observing.

In 2007, Gary made U.S. Open history and set a new record to amass the largest cumulative number of observing points. Gary is a seven-time U.S. Team member and has participated in a record 50 consecutive years of Catalina Ski Races. He has been a National Water Ski Racing Association board member for 25 years and continues to be a great ambassador of the sport.