Swiss Pro Slalom Recap 2025

Words: Conner Pesek

Photo: Kelvin Kelm

Building off momentum from last month's pro tricks event, Swiss Waterski Resort hosted the 11th annual Swiss Pro Slalom with a full day of amazing conditions (with a side of typical Florida rain) on May 4, 2025. Regina Jaquess claimed her 10th Swiss Pro Slalom win, giving her the title for all but one year since the tournament began in 2015. Regina’s win was far from effortless, however. She started the event a little off-balance and tweaked her speed control setting in every round. These tweaks worked in her favor and she improved her score dramatically by finals. She scored 3 at 39 (10.75m) in both of the qualifying rounds and upped that score by 4 buoys for a massive 1 at 41 (10.25m) in the finals to obliterate the rest of the field. The second place competitor scored 3 buoys less, leaving a wide gap in Regina's favor. 

Allie Nicholson posted solid scores in round 2 and finals despite having a rocky start. She took an early fall in round 1 but came back in round 2, qualifying for finals and vaulting herself into 4th seed. The final female skier was Ali Garcia who was one of the first skiers of the day to run a full 6 at 38 (11.25m). Unfortunately, she came up just short of finals after losing the handle through the exit gates in round 2 for a poetically tragic finale to her day. 

1st - Regina Jaquess (USA) with 1 at 41 (10.25m)

2nd - Whitney Rini (CAN) with 4 at 39 (10.75m)

3rd - Jaimee Bull (CAN) with 3 at 39 (10.75m)

4th - Allie Nicholson (USA) with 2 at 39 (10.75m)

5th - Vanessa Vieke (AUS) with 5 at 38 (11.25m)

6th - Paige Rini (CAN) with 5 at 38 (11.25)

—------------------ Finals Cut —------------------

7th - Aexandra Garcia (USA) with 0.5 at 39 (10.75m)

8th - Neilly Ross (CAN) with 4 at 38 (11.25m)

8th - Trinidad Espinal (CHI) with 4 at 38 (11.25m)

10th - Daniela Kretschmer (CHI) with 3 at 38 (11.25m)

In addition to the women’s success, the men put out some amazing performances. Nate Smith secured the top spot on the podium with 5 at 41 (10.25m) and claimed his 7th Swiss Pro Slalom title. He was followed closely by Corey Vaughn, who really showed us his inner “public water scrapper” in round 2 when he did everything in his power to keep the handle in his hands for an unofficial score of 4 at 41 (10.25m). This score was later adjusted to 3.5 due to a technicality in the rules that define control in regards to the skier reaching the wakes. Despite that setback, Corey threw down 3 at 41 in finals and took second place due to his higher qualifying score breaking the 4-way tie. 

Speaking of ties, the tie at 3 ball wasn’t the only one. There was also a pile up at 2 ball that contained our other two male skiers. Dane Mechler pulled out ahead of the pack with a superior backup score, leaving Jon Travers just below him. While these guys did not find their way to the podium, they won the award for best entertainment. Dane had a technical difficulty with his equipment early in the day and had to ski with one of Jon’s shoelaces holding his binding together. Even with the added challenge, Dane proved himself to be extremely competitive.

Finally, we have to recognize Jon Travers for his extreme commitment and grit. Every single round he would throw himself out with no hesitation just for the chance to score an extra piece of a buoy. Most notably, he performed his signature body slide at 41 (10.25m) in round 2 and managed to replant the ski and make it back to the wakes just to later find out his ski was previously inside of the turn buoy. There was certainly no shortage of entertainment value amongst the competitors at Swiss Pro Slalom

The final men’s scores are as following:

1st - Nate Smith (USA) with 5 at 41 (10.25m)

2nd - Corey Vaughn (USA) with 3 at 41 (10.25m)

3rd - Frederick Winter (GBR) with 3 at 41 (10.25m)

4th - Robert Hazelwood (GBR) with 3 at 41 (10.25m)

5th - Charlie Ross (CAN) with 3 at 41 (10.25m)

6th - Dane Mechler (USA) with 2 at 41 (10.25m)

7th - Jon Travers (USA) with 2 at 41 (10.25m)

7th - Thibaut Dailland (FRA) with 2 at 41 (10.25m)

9th - Cole McCormick (CAN) with 1.5 at 39 (10.75m)

—------------------ Finals Cut —------------------

10th - Sacha Descuns (FRA) with 2 at 41 (10.25m)

11th - Joel Poland (GBR) with 2 at 41 (10.25m)

12th - Thomas Degasperi (ITA) with 1 at 41 (10.25m)

13th - William Asher (GBR) with 1 at 41 (10.25m)

14th - Tim Tornquist (SWE) with 0.5 at 41 (10.25m)

15th - Jaime Palomino Blanch (MEX) with 5 at 39 (10.75m)

15th - Nikolaus Attensam (AUT) with 5 at 39 (10.75m)

17th - Kamil Belmrah (MAR) with 3.5 at 39 (10.75m)

17th - Robert Pigozzi (DOM) with 3.5 at 39 (10.75m)

19th - Benjamin Stadlbaur (SUI) with 0.5 at 39 (10.75m)

20th - Bautista Ahumada Cirrincio (ARG) with 3 at 38 (11.25m)

All in all, it was a very exciting opening slalom event for the Waterski Pro Tour and we’re already enthralled with the season to come. A giant thank you to Swiss Waterski Resort in Clermont, Florida for hosting this first-class event. Also a big thank you to all the sponsors that made this tournament possible. Last but not least, a massive thank you to The Waterski Broadcasting Company for streaming the live action which is archived for viewing on their YouTube channel.