Malibu Open Water Ski Event Returns to Veteran’s Park Lagoon & Adds Junior Event
World’s best professional & junior water skiers to compete for over $70,000
in prize money during the water ski competition August 3rd & 4th


Milwaukee – July 11, 2012 – The Malibu Open is returning to Milwaukee’s lakefront Veteran’s Park Lagoon for the third consecutive year on August 3rd and 4th with the addition of the first ever Junior Malibu Open. The world’s top professional water ski athletes will compete in traditional slalom and long-distance jumping for more than $70,000 in prize money. Free-style jumping, barefoot skiing, show ski and trick flip demonstrations round out the exciting two day event, which is open and free to the public.


The Milwaukee Parks and Recreation is estimating 20,000 to 25,000 spectators will come to observe the extreme water sports competition and interact with the athletes during the Friday and Saturday event.


“The Malibu Open is another example of our park system continuing to bring quality events to the lakefront for the benefit of Milwaukee County residents," County Executive Chris Abele said. "For the third year in a row, the Malibu Open is attracting athletes and spectators from across the globe, helping shine the light on our beautiful lakefront and award-winning parks."


“Athletes from 33 countries around the world will be in Milwaukee competing and we are happy to have the junior skiers and future of our sport join us this year” event organizer, Dana Reed said. “Fans will have an opportunity to interact, take photos, ask questions and get autographs with the skiers. Returning Malibu Open Slalom Champion Will Asher of England, World Jump Record holder Freddy “The Nightmare” Krueger of the United States and World Slalom Record co-holder Regina Jaquess, will be just a few of the top athletes making a splash in Veteran’s Park Lagoon.”


In slalom skiing, athletes navigate through a six-buoy course while the boat travels at a constant speed of 36 mph with an initial 43-foot line. After completion of each pass, the rope is shortened by a pre-determined length to increase difficulty. Whichever athlete rounds the most buoys at the shortest line length, wins. In the breathtaking long-distance jumping event, skiers race toward a 6-foot high ramp reaching speeds of 70 mph and fly distances over 200 feet. The athletes get three approaches at the ramp. Whoever goes the furthest, wins.


“Professional waterskiing events are usually held on private lakes, so we are very excited to be returning yet again to the perfect venue that Milwaukee offers the Malibu Open,” Reed said. “The finals will be held Saturday night starting at 5 p.m. and ending with the men’s jump finals at 8 p.m.”


The Malibu Open is a free event for family, friends and all to enjoy. The event is produced by Pro Slalom Events and sponsored by Malibu Boats. Concessions and parking will be organized by the Milwaukee County Parks Department.