Wisconsin Life

playful energetic surf rock

motorboat engine accelerating

The Plum Ski-ters Water Ski Show Team has been a staple of the Plum Lake community for a number of years. So, I met with one of the original members, who now is on the team's board, to learn more about how the organization got its start. A bunch of kids trying to figure out something constructive to do with their time, many, many years ago-- 1960. So, I was 12 at the time. There was a group of maybe 15 of us around the lake here and some of the surrounding lakes that decided to do something a little more organized than just getting together every day and skiing. And so, we started fooling around with acts like a three-person pyramid... Whoa!

both laugh

Maybe three of us doing ballet. Just kind of fooling around. And then, some of the older people we were skiing with decided to take it to the parents and see if there might be some financial support there for putting boats together and actually doing a show. And that was back in 1960, so it's been a long time. Wow, it's been going on ever since. It has, it has.

Cheryl

Frequently, they have a Learn to Ski day where anybody can come down and learn to ski. So, really trying to get the community involved. Maybe some of the kids that don't have an opportunity to ski behind their own family boat. So, we're seeing a lot of that where families that wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity now do. So, it's creating access literally to this water sport. It is, absolutely, yeah. - That's amazing. From Learn to Ski events to weekly shows, it takes a lot to put on engaging performances each night. No one knows that better than Carolyn, who's been on the team for a number of years. So, what can people who come to your shows expect to see? You can expect to see pyramids, barefooting, jumping, ballet line, swivel girls. We put 13 acts on the water every night. How did you get started as a water skier? I learned how to ski when I was five. I used to come up here when I was little. Coming, watching the shows, I always dreamed of one day being a skier. I always wanted to be like the big girls.

Angela laughs

Cheryl

And so, one day we decided to join, and it's been fun ride since then. You've been doing it for a while now? Yes, I've been on the team since 2012. So, what do you need to do to prepare for those sorts of stunts or whatever you call them?

both laugh

Cheryl

There's lots of practice, actually, on land. We practice on the off days. We have four practices a week, and we just get it all organized. That's a pretty serious commitment then. Yes, it is. It's-- I'm always here, so... The boat just pulls you right up. After learning about what it takes to be a member, it was time to give water skiing a try. Ready? Hold on! - Hang on tight! Resist the water.

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Cheryl

Okay, ready?

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Cheryl

Several tries actually...

Angela squeals 'Whaah'

Angela squeals 'Whaaah!'

underwater gurgling "Bbbbbbb"

sploosh

Cheryl

With a few failed attempts to get up on the skis, I realize it's better to leave skiing up to the professionals. Whoo! - Yeah!

applause

playful energetic surf rock

Cheryl