About the Mad-City Ski Team

The Mad-City Ski Team is a family-friendly nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the sport of water skiing. Our mission is to develop individual skills, foster teamwork, and create lasting friendships through engaging water ski show performances and tournaments. With members ranging from two to seventy-plus years old, we are committed to enhancing skills, having fun, and actively engaging with the greater Madison community. We aim to stimulate interest in water skiing, improve boating safety, and provide facilities that support our mission and benefit both our members and the community.

Team performing water skiing pyramid in formation on lake.

Who is the Mad-City Ski Team?

  • A group of dedicated volunteers who perform and compete in regional and national tournaments

  • Known for innovative, exciting shows

  • National Championships won in 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2019

  • Wisconsin State Show Ski Tournament champions in 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2024

Water skier performing a trick, airborne after jumping off a ramp over water, surrounded by splash, with trees in the background.
Water skier performing one-legged stunt on a swivel ski
Group of performers in matching yellow and black costumes clapping near a river.

What is Show Skiing?

  • A high-energy water sport featuring coordinated acts like human pyramids, barefoot skiing, and jumping

  • Performances blend athleticism, dazzling costumes, and entertainment with music and choreography

  • Teams compete in tournaments, showcasing creativity and skill across all ages, often with families participating together

Outdoor fitness class skit by lake with women in colorful outfits
DJ wearing headphones and lightning bolt earrings performing at outdoor event with crowd in background.

A Family Sport

Group of people in purple shirts cheering, standing outdoors.

  • Skiers range from ages 6 to 60, with many families participating together

  • Parents, grandparents, and children all compete, some skiing, others helping on shore, docks, or in boats

  • The team offers clinics for new skiers and adaptive skiers

Two women in pink dresses water skiing on a lake.
Two smiling girls in red mesh tops holding a water ski.
Group of people practicing outdoors in a synchronized line at sunset

Year- Round Practice

  • Indoor practices during the winter months to perfect moves and climb high pyramids

  • Members hand-sew costumes, tune boats, make ropes, and write the show

Group acrobatic formation with multiple people performing a human pyramid inside a gym.
Group practicing acrobatic formation, featuring individuals balancing on each other, surrounded by spotters holding safety ropes, in an indoor gym setting with a high ceiling.

Interested in Joining the team?