The U.S. Barefoot Water Ski Nationals are returning to Florida in 2025! The American Barefoot Club’s Southern Region and Visit Central Florida are joining forces to bring this national event to the Championship Lake in Auburndale, Florida, from July 30 through August 2, 2025.
Quick Links:
- Livestream
- Tournament Running Order & Results
- Officials Boat Crew Assignments
- Tournament Schedule Overview
All Tournament Info: https://www.usbarefootnationals.com/
The Championship Lake has hosted numerous Southern Regional events and the 2024 IWWF Open, U23 and Junior World Barefoot Water Ski Championships in October. Several world and national records have been set on this glass-calm water.
“We’re super excited to have nationals back at a time of year inside summer break and back in the Sunshine State.” says Tournament Director Ben Groen, the 2024 Open Mens Overall World Champion and ABC Southern Regional Director.
“Our goal for this Nationals is to really make it one to remember, both for the skiers and also fans of the sport. We plan on really shining a spotlight on all competitors across the board and making their achievements significant. You’re not going to want to miss out on the experience this year,” says Ben.
The tournament will take place the same weekend as the D2 Show Ski Nationals in nearby Winter Haven, and a big celebration is planned throughout Polk County. Barefoot and Show Ski will also hold several joint social events to bridge the two sporting disciplines a little more, with plans to include a freestyle/barefoot night jump event with something for all disciplines!
You will not want to miss the coolest weekend in water sports!
Nationals Event Schedule
Online Registration and Payment is easy and fun!
To register and pay the entry fee, please sign into your IWWF EMS Athlete Account at https://ems.iwwf.sport/ You will receive a $50 Discount if you sign up before June 1, 2025. It takes less than 30 seconds! If you don’t know your account number or how to login into your IWWF EMS Account, please contact Tina McCauley.
Host Hotel: Best Western Inn & Suites – Auburndale
The Best Western Auburndale is offering a discount on rooms. The hotel is new and less than a mile from the tournament site! ONLINE BOOKING LINK Make your reservations before July 1, 2025 to get the low nationals rate!!!!
Tournament Officials
Chief Judge: Lauren Ehlers
Assistant Chief Judge: Ash (Stebbeings) Groen
Chief Driver: Landen Ehlers
Chief Scorer: Megan Adams
Assistant Chief Scorer: Sandy Boerman
Chief Videographer: Max Adams
Chief Safety: H. Frye
Homologator: VonL Adams
Tourney Director: Ben Groen
Questions?
We can’t wait to welcome the nation back to the Sunshine State! For questions, want to volunteer or bring a boat please email the Southern Region at BarefootSouthernRegion@gmail.com
Stay tuned for regular tournament updates on social media, online and in your email!
An amazing barefoot nationals website is live!!!!! This is the place for all of the latest news: https://www.usbarefootnationals.com/
Massive thanks to Visit Central Florida and Polk County Sports Marketing for supporting this event and so many others!
American Barefoot Club 