Mission
Statement-- The American Water Ski Educational foundation was
chartered in 1968.
It is a
501(c)3 not-for-profit public
foundation dedicated to the preservation of the traditions of
one of America's most popular family recreational activities,
and to the encouragement of and education in the safe enjoyment
of the challenges of water skiing.
AWSEF OFFICERS
Paul Chapin, President
Jim Grew, Chairman of Board
Robert "Bob" Reich, Vice President
Mary Pelto, Secretary
Mark Harvat, Treasurer
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
J.D Morgan
Dick Nock
Lance Renfrow
Mike Avila
Dave Freygang
Dave Winkler
Mike Meek
Ruth Johnson
Tim Huston
Jody Johnson
Roger Olson
Roger Dilling
Kim Laskoff
Tony Baggiano
Robert Blair
Paul Boel
Jim Grew
Steve Lohr
Mary Pelto
Jack McManus
Paul Chapin
Mary Gail Holcombe
Bobby Reich
Glenn Sperry
Steve Kleemann
Robert Hicks
Jeff Clark
AWSEF Director - Carole Lowe
Museum
The Hall of Fame/Museum maintains
permanent exhibits depicting the past and present of the sport.
Special displays include the first pair of water skis, dating
back to 1922, worn by the "Father of Water Skiing", Ralph
Samuelson whose significance is highlighted in the Hall of Fame
with a bronze bust, outboard motors from the 1920's and rare
photos of skiers from the past.
History
The vast collection includes memorabilia
from the 1920's to the present; water skis, ropes, handles,
wetsuits, boat and motors, trophies, books, vintage and modern
day photographs and negatives, perpetual trophies, film and
video that numbers over 12,000 pieces. In addition to
fascinating displays, the Foundation has the most complete audio
visual library and resource center devoted exclusively to water
skiing.
Scholarships
The Foundation offers educational and
informational resources, including extensive historical
archives, that can be utilized by the public, private agencies,
schools, libraries, social organizations and many others. In
addition to extensive print, still film and video files on the
sport of water skiing, AWSEF itself, and through its affiliation
with USA Water Ski, can provide instructional and safety
materials for virtually all persons involved in water skiing and
related water sports. The Foundation also administers several
key educational scholarship funds, making financial assistance
available to young persons within the water ski community who
qualify.
Awards
AWSEF awards are created to recognize
the many individuals who have made extraordinary contributions
to our sport. They may include tournament skiers, innovators,
industry leaders, officials and others responsible for landmark
achievements in the development of water skiing as well as those
whose long periods of dedicated and generous service deserve
special recognition
Promotion
Preserves the history and legacy of water ski sports with it’s collection, preservation, and displaying of examples of ski equipment, art, and awards. AWSEF promotes all water sports and disciplines. Make a Donation
Legacy
A Water Ski Legacy may be established in
the name of an individual, a club, a ski site, an organization,
discipline, company or an event that has had a meaningful
impact, whether locally or nationally, on water skiing sport
disciplines.
Memorials
Tributes honor people for any reason:
birthday, a wedding or anniversary, holiday or just to let
someone know how special they are! Your tribute (although not
the amount) will be announced to the honoree on a special card
FROM THE BEGINNING…
The American Water Ski Educational
Foundation was organized by men and women, both amateur and
professional, who have dedicated their lives to supporting the
growth of water skiing.
The first water skier on record was
Ralph Samuelson of Lake Pepin, Minnesota in 1922.
The first Water Ski National Championship was held in
1939 at Jones Beach State Park, Long Island, New York.
The American Water Ski Association (now USA Water Ski)
was founded in that same year by a handful of New York area
water ski enthusiasts.
The personalities associated with water
skiing history come to life in the museum with photos, industry
displays, and artifacts depicting the early publicity seeking
water skier, books, magazines, film, video and other literature
from America and around the world.
Today, water skiing is a serious
competitive sport, as well as a healthy family recreation.
Many resorts now include water skiing as a guest
activity. Scores of
summer camps offer the sport as part of the curriculum.
During the past 75 years, water skiing
has grown into a highly perfected sport attracting millions of
participants in the United States.
The foundation depends on donations of
water ski artifacts and financial support to provide
scholarships and maintain the Hall of Fame & Museum.
Such gifts are publicly acknowledged and are
tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Additionally, your gift assures the survival of these
objects for future generations to enjoy and learn from, through
the professional care and interpretation the museum can provide.
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