History of the Wisconsin Water Ski Federation

The Min-Aqua Bats hosted the first annual Badger Open Water Ski Tournament.  That same evening Mike Bolger of Minocqua was named temporary chairman of a group of water skiers who formulated the bylaws for what would officially become the Wisconsin Water Ski Federation six weeks later.
(Rhinelander Daily News, July 18, 1960)

State skiers approved the bylaws and elected officers, marking the formal beginning of the Wisconsin Water Ski Federation.

The first officers were Allen Bubolz, President; John Nachazel, Vice President; Cassie Dorwin, Secretary; and Kurt Klade, Treasurer.  Directors included Dexter Defnet, Antigo; Mike Bolger, Minocqua; Tom Kuhlow, Janesville; Gayle Carlson, Chetek; and Jim Falkowski, Milwaukee.
(Rhinelander Daily News, August 29, 1960)

The WWSF logo was modified in early 1964 to take the shape of the state.  This new version adorned the cover of the Federator in the spring.  This version of the logo was used for over two decades.

The Aqua Skiers of Wisconsin Rapids hosted the first annual WWSF mid-winter convention at the YMCA Community Center in Port Edwards on February 6-7.  The convention later became Think Tank in 1977.
(The Daily Tribune, February 3, 1965)

According the the spring 1965 issue of the Federator, there were 250 members and 10 affiliated clubs.

According to an article in the April 3 edition of the Wausau Daily Herald, WWSF vice president Joe Ostrander indicated there were "over 1,000 active members and 25 member clubs."

Rock Aqua Jays host first-ever National Show Ski Championships in Janesville.

The WWSF introduced an updated logo that first appeared in the May edition of the Federator.  This version of the logo would be used into the early 2000s.

After roughly 27 years, the Federator name is retired.  The new official publication of the WWSF became the Wisconsin Water Skier, having debuted with the spring edition published in May.

Think Tank outgrew its prior location in Madison and was moved to the Olympia Resort in Oconomowoc.

The WWSF debuted an individual events competition during the Wisconsin State Water Ski Show Championships.  The events consisted of swivel, strap doubles, and freestyle jump.

Think Tank moved to Holiday Inn Holidome in Stevens Point.

Ski Camp created as an extension of Think Tank to move skills instruction from the "classroom" to the water.  Cathy (Geiger) Luiting coordinated the first annual event that was hosted by the Rock Aqua Jays in Janesville.

Tommy Bartlett, the man whose name became synonymous with Wisconsin Dells and helped shape it into a major tourist attraction, and whose Ski, Sky & Stage show entertained tens of millions worldwide for nearly 50 years, passed away Labor Day weekend at the age of 84.

Think Tank returned to Olympia Resort in Oconomowoc earlier in the year.

WWSF celebrated 25th (silver) anniversary of Think Tank.

"Tommy" Ambassador Award created, with Tom Diehl chosen as the first (and most appropriate) recipient for having "picked up right where Tommy left off."

WWSF approved new logo design.

WWSF granted exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

WWSF adopted a new logo design that is easily recognizable and usable across multiple platforms.  Even though this is the current version of the logo, the original looked like the one used in the 50th anniversary logo design in 2010.

Think Tank moved to the Hyatt on Main and KI Convention Center in Green Bay.

WWSF celebrated 50th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Water Ski Show Championships.

WWSF refreshed Hall of Fame display at Tommy Bartlett Stadium in Wisconsin Dells.  The Allen Bubolz Award was created.

Total membership reached 2,481 members, consisting of 584 individuals and 502 families.  There were 29 teams/clubs affiliated with the WWSF.