The first international Hall of Fame ceremony was held in 1989
in conjunction with the 21st Water Ski World
Championships in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The inductions were conducted by the International Water
Ski Federation (IWSF) which governs international water ski
competitions and is composed of three groups:
the Americas; Europe, Africa and the Near East; Asia and
Australia.
A Mexican and a Floridian were among the first inductees and the
third member from Switzerland who was honored posthumously.
Skiers Alfredo Mendoza and Willa McGuire Cook, and the late
Andre Coutau were installed.
For future inductions, it is proposed that persons in three
catagories – competitive water skiers, water ski pioneers and
water ski officials be considered for the Hall of fame every two
years, to coincide with the World Championships tournament.
In June, 2002 the International Water Ski Federation Executive
Board made the commitment
to include the International Hall of Fame in exhibit
space provided by the American Water Ski Educational Foundation
Hall of Fame & Museum. The dedication ceremonies for the
International Water Ski Hall of Fame gallery was held in 2003 in
conjunction with the 28th World Championships held in
Groveland, Florida.
In 2010 International Water Ski Federation (IWSF) name was
change to:
International Water Ski and Wakeboard (IWWF)
