The American Barefoot Club’s Southern Region is honoring the memory of the man we knew as a Father, a Firefighter, a Footer, and a Friend. He died in June of 2018 racing boats with his son Zane. Read more on Mike HERE!
The 2019 Mike Salber Worlds Qualifier will be held on December 7-8, 2019 at Lake Grew in Polk City, Florida! Everyone is invited to celebrate Mike’s Life and Barefoot until you can’t hold on to the handle anymore.
This event is designed to help independent athletes qualify for the 2020 World Championships in Australia or just enjoy the opportunity to visit Florida in December and set a personal best. Team athletes are expected to take the water to warm up for worlds as well.
“Mike was a leader on the U.S. Barefoot Team for many years and we think it’s a great way to honor his legacy by holding a qualifying tournament for worlds 2020,” says Tournament Director Ben Groen.
The Southern Region is planning on making the Mike Salber Tournament an annual event!
Where, When, How…
Lake Grew has been the site of numerous national and world barefoot water ski records and offers perfect ski conditions! It’s also near Disney World, the World Barefoot Center, Legoland and Universal Orlando and of course… the beach! YOU may make you want to stay longer than just the weekend.
You can register for the tournament online. We will be offering several rounds of tricks, slalom and jump in this rankings list tournament. Sign up HERE!
Remember your USA Water Ski & Wake Sports membership must be active. Renew your membership HERE.
Schedule of Events:
Saturday Dec 7th
7:00AM – 7:45AM check in & skier meeting
8:00am – Mike Salber Memorial Tribute
Round 1: Tricks, Slalom, Jump
Lunch: Free for skiers and officials! (fans just throw some money in the pot)
Round 2: Tricks, Slalom until 4pm(ish)
6-8pm – Post event social Winter Haven TBD (Deanna Dean will have dets)
Sunday Dec 8th
7:30am: Skier Meeting & Officials meeting
8am: Jump
10am: Tricks, Slalom for as long as we can!
Location, Location, Location
LAKE GREW, 1251 Holy Cow Rd, Polk City, Florida 33868
Located just off of I -4… Less than 1 hour from Orlando International airport (MCO) and Tampa (TPA)
Where to Stay in Winter Haven
Holiday Inn Winter Haven RESERVATIONS
Address: 200 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33880
Phone: (863) 292-2100
Hampton Inn RESERVATIONS
Address: 202 Cypress Gardens Boulevard, Winter Haven, FL 33880
Phone: (863) 299-9251
*IHG & Hilton Rewards program –World Barefoot Center discount available – breakfast at both properties!!!
Train Like a Champion… before and after!
World Barefoot Center Book now
Ask for Ash! (863) 877-0039
Hope to see you there to barefoot and honor Mike!!!!!
American Barefoot Club 