Grassroots
USA Water Ski Grassroots' Programs: Background
USA Water Ski’s grassroots programs
comprise of the National Ski League (NSL), the National Wakeboard League
(NWL) and the National Barefoot League (NBL). Created in 1997, these
programs were designed to provide water sports enthusiasts a fun,
non-competitive approach to tournament participation. These events
offer participants plenty of time on the water and personalized
instruction. And unlike traditional water ski tournaments, the NSL,
NWL and NBL offer participants the opportunity to learn and compete
with skiers and riders of similar abilities.
In USA Water Ski’s grassroots
programs, having fun is just as important as the competition itself.
From free T-shirts to trophies, every participant takes away
something. Music, games, contests, announcements, prizes and awards
all contribute to the festive atmosphere of these tournaments, which
draw recreational and experienced water-lovers alike.
National Ski
League
The National Ski League is comprised
of fun, ability-based tournaments with the purpose of growing the
sport. These tournaments encompass many different aspects of water
skiing, including slalom and tricks.
A focus on fun makes the NSL
attractive to skiers of all types - both recreational and competitive.
The broad range of participants fosters a great learning environment,
in which skiers of all ages and abilities can advance.
NSL events can be held as stand-alone
tournaments, but they are also frequently tagged on to higher-level
events to boost overall participation. Some feature skier clinics,
while others provide opportunities to demo the latest water ski
equipment.
Free T-shirts, hats, decals or
similar items are given to all NSL competitors. Special awards, such
as trophies, are given to the top-three finishers in each division.
Meanwhile, on-site announcers, music, contests, raffles and banners
from local and national sponsors help create a festive and fun venue
for all competitors alike.
There are currently no restrictions
on how to conduct NSL events, allowing coordinators the freedom to run
their series as they wish. However, guidelines and scoring suggestions
are available upon request from USA Water Ski headquarters.
National Wakeboard
League
So you've learned how to ride a
wakeboard and are now wondering what a half cab, indy, slob, roll to
revert, tootsie roll and slurpee all have in common. No, it's not a
trip to 7-Eleven to load up on junk food. It's a start to learning the
wakeboard lingo for some of the most common tricks!
USA Water Ski and USA Wakeboard are proud to introduce the National Wakeboard
League, a group of local wakeboard clubs and riders across the United
States hosting fun tournaments for the novice and intermediate
rider. These tournaments are attractive because they offer a more
relaxed tournament structure. Divisions are based strictly on ability
levels, which gives everyone a chance to win. Tournament coordinators
have the option to customize the judging format to fit the event, and
any competition format (including wake skate, freestyle or expression
session) may be used.
NWL tournaments offer riders a
comfortable way to break into the competitive side of the sport. Every
participant receives a free T-shirt or cap, and trophies or other
awards are presented to the top-three finishers in each division.
Announcers, music, banners, demo equipment, and clinics taught by pros
provide opportunities for the entire family.
National Barefoot
League
The National Barefoot League provides
an ideal format in which recreational ‘footers can acquaint themselves
with barefoot competition. Because the NBL is ability-based,
participants are able to compete on an equal playing field with others
of similar skill levels. The program caters to three-event barefooting
as well as endurance barefooting, and it emphasizes instructional
assistance in addition to competition.
The debut of the NBL took place in
1999 on Lake Silver in Winter Haven, Fla. The host was none other than
the famous “Banana” George Blair at his annual Blairfoot Bananza,
which was geared toward juniors’ participation in a figure-8
competition and an endurance event. With the backing of the American
Barefoot Club, the NBL is currently experiencing unprecedented growth.
Similar to the NSL and NWL, the NBL
places a strong emphasis on fun. Announcements, music, prizes and
contests all contribute to the fun, relaxed atmosphere. Although NBL
events can be run as stand-alone tournaments, there is a strong push
to incorporate them into higher-level competitions. Running NBL events
in conjunction with instructional clinics is also a popular option.
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