Norine Bardill-Labitzke of Tallahassee, Florida, learned to water ski at the age of 14 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Seven month later she entered the 1957 Dixie Tournament and placed third in Girls slalom. She went on to gain many honors while still in the Girls division. In 1960, her first year in the Women's division, she established an impressive record by winning seven tournaments.