World record-holding water skiers will be making their way to Kansas again this summer for the nation’s largest water ski celebration. Aug. 7-13, the 2022 GOODE Water Ski National Championships will take place at Mystic Lakes Ski Club, just northwest of Wichita. The event is expected to bring more than 700 athletes to Wichita to compete and generate significant economic impact in the Wichita area.
Visit Wichita is looking forward to showcasing Wichita’s facilities, hospitality, attractions and energy to skiers from across the United States, many of which will be first-time visitors to the city. “In addition to the excitement that will be generated by this extreme sport, the GOODE UWSA National Water Ski Championships will also bring significant economic benefits to the local community,” said Josh Howell, vice president of sports development at Visit Wichita. “This is yet another way Wichita is proving itself as a versatile, premier Midwest sports destination.”
The Mystic Lakes Ski Club, which includes world-record capability water ski lakes, hosted the GOODE Water Ski National Championships in 2018 and has previously hosted the Midwest Regional Water Ski Championships, Junior U.S. Open Water Ski Championships and Barefoot Water Ski National Championships.
Amateur skiers are expected to compete for national titles in slalom, tricks, jumping and overall in respective age divisions and women’s and men’s Open divisions at the world’s largest seven day-event water ski tournament. Advancement to Nationals is primarily earned through placement on the national rankings lists. Athletes also can qualify for Nationals by placing in the top-five at Regionals or by placing in the top-five at the previous year's Nationals.
“It’s such a thrill to once again have some of the best skiers in the world coming to the Wichita area to compete at Mystic Lakes Ski Club. The vibe was unbeatable when the event was held here in 2018, and we’re looking forward to playing host to such a prestigious event at such a great venue,” said Dennis Downes, tournament director.
In addition to the national championships, a corporate event featuring the best professional skiers in the country – the America’s Cup Invitational – will take place from 7 to 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11, at Mystic Lakes. Under stadium lights, skiers will be competing in slalom, trick and jump categories. Corporate packages are now available and can be obtained by contacting Downes.
Admission to the America’s Cup Invitational is $10 per carload. The 2022 GOODE Water Ski National Championships is free to the public.
“We are excited to provide a fantastic and energetic welcome to amateur and professional competitors and skiing fans from across the country. They’ll have a lot to love here in the heart of the country – from the thrills on the water to experiencing everything Wichita has to offer,” said Howell.
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About Visit Wichita
Visit Wichita markets the Greater Wichita area and advocates for the city as a destination, increasing travel and tourism as a key economic driver for the city, county, region and state. Visit Wichita is led by president and CEO Susie Santo, and in 2019 travel and tourism contributed more than $1.1 billion in economic impact to the greater Wichita area.
About USA Water Ski & Wake Sports
USA Water Ski & Wake Sports is affiliated with the International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (world governing body) and is recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and Pan-American Sports Organization as the national governing body of organized water skiing and wakeboarding in the United States.
