We are fast approaching the 100-year anniversary of waterskiing!
On July 2, 1922, Ralph Samuelson waterskied on Lake Pepin, Minnesota behind a clamming boat driven by his brother, Ben. Thanks to Ralph, 100 years later we are still enjoying towed watersports.
To celebrate the anniversary and to commemorate Ralph, the USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Foundation is hosting a free “Get on the Water” event this Friday, June 24th on Lake Pepin. This week is also “Waterski Days” at Lake Pepin. Both of these events encourage new water skiers to learn the sport that Ralph developed on the same lake in 1922.
Check out the events below to read more about Ralph, his impact on waterskiing, and how we are honoring his legacy!
Ralph was inducted into the USA-WWF Hall of Fame in 1982.
Beginning June 18, 2022, a USA-WWF mini museum in Lake Pepin, Minnesota is open to the public.
On June 21, 2022, a documentary about Ralph’s life and impact on waterskiing was released.
On July 2, 2022, a bronze statue of Ralph will be dedicated at the exact moment Ralph first took to the water.
Ralph said, “I decided that if you could ski on snow, you could ski on water.”
We are thankful he invented waterskiing 100 years ago and will continue to celebrate his legacy.
Celebrate with us this week by tagging @usawwf on Instagram with your favorite watersports pictures.
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