World record-holding water skiers will be making their way to Kansas for the first time this summer for the nation’s largest water ski celebration. Aug. 7-11, the 2018 GOODE Water Ski National Championships will take place at Mystic Lakes Ski Club, just northwest of Wichita, bringing more than 600 athletes to Wichita to compete.
Visit Wichita is looking forward to showcasing Wichita’s facilities, hospitality, attractions and energy to skiers from across the United States, many of which who will be first-time visitors to the city.
“Wichita is a Midwest sports destination, and we are excited to provide a fantastic and energetic welcome to competitors and water sports fans from across the country,” said Susie Santo, Visit Wichita President and CEO. “Visitors will not only enjoy thrilling competitions at Mystic Lakes Ski Club while they are here, but also the city’s energetic vibe, world-class attractions and entertainment and ever-evolving dining scene.”
The Mystic Lakes Ski Club, which includes world-record capability water ski lakes, has previously hosted the Midwest Regional Water Ski Championships, Junior U.S. Open Water Ski Championships and Barefoot Water Ski National Championships.
On-site crowd areas, including live music, a beer tent, food trucks and more, will be set up for spectators.
“In addition to the thrills and exhilaration that will be generated by this extreme sport, the GOODE USA National Water Ski Championships will bring significant economic benefits to the local community,” said Santo. “We’re looking forward to watching the best skiers in the world compete in Wichita at such a great venue.”
The event is expected to generate more than an estimated $500,000 in local economic impact. Skiers are expected to compete for national titles in slalom, tricks, jumping and overall in respective age divisions and women’s and men’s Open divisions at the world’s largest three-event water ski tournament. Advancement to Nationals is primarily earned through placement on the national rankings lists. Athletes also can qualify for Nationals by placing in the top-five at Regionals or by placing in the top-five at the previous year's Nationals.
The event will culminate on Friday night under stadium lights to showcase water ski jumping in a new light. World-renowned water ski jumper Freddy Kruger and other competitors will reach distances beyond 200 feet.
About Visit Wichita: Visit Wichita markets the Greater Wichita area and advocates for the city as a destination, increasing travel and tourism as a key economic driver for the city, county, region and state. Visit Wichita is led by president and CEO Susie Santo, and in 2017 travel and tourism contributed more than $1.1 billion in economic impact to the greater Wichita area.
About USA Water Ski & Wake Sports: USA Water Ski & Wake Sports is affiliated with the International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (world governing body) and is recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and Pan-American Sports Organization as the national governing body of organized water skiing and wakeboarding in the United States. The 2018 media guide can be found at this link
View the complete schedule of events here.
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