BallOfSpray

Milwaukee – July 15, 2010 – Milwaukee’s lakefront Veteran’s Park Lagoon will host its first ever waterskiing event when the Malibu Open makes its debut on August 6-7. The world’s top professional water ski athletes will compete in traditional slalom and long-distance jumping events for $50,000 in prize money. Free-style jumping and barefoot skiing demonstrations round out the exciting 2-day program, which is open to the public with free admission.

The Malibu Open is enjoying a whole new popularity with the range of athletes from Will Asher, World Slalom Champion, to Freddy (“Nightmare”) Krueger, currently World Jump Champion and World Record Holder. Similar events have been held in California, Michigan and Alabama.

In slalom skiing, athletes navigate through a six-buoy course at constant speeds of 36 mph at a initial 13-meter line. After completion of each pass, the rope is shortened to increase difficulty. In the breathtaking long-distance jumping, skiers race toward a 6-foot high ramp reaching speeds of 70 mph. World Champion Freddy Krueger, known as the “Michael Jordan of Long Distance Ski Jumping,” recently jumped a phenomenal 236 feet at the Global Invitational night finals held in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

According to event organizer Dana Reed, “Professional waterskiing events are usually held on private lakes, so we are very excited about the perfect venue that Milwaukee offers the Malibu Open. People might be surprised to learn that the lagoon meets the minimum width and length requirements. Finals will be held Saturday night at 7:30 p.m., with 18 light towers lighting up the lagoon so it resembles an airport runway.”

The Malibu Open is a free event for family, friends and all to enjoy. The event is produced by Pro Slalom Events and sponsored by Malibu Boats. Concessions and parking will be organized by the Milwaukee County Parks Department.

VISIT Milwaukee markets Greater Milwaukee to tourists, convention and meeting planners nationally and internationally and is dedicated to ensuring our guests are
warmly welcomed and enjoy an enriching experience in this jewel of the Great Lakes. VISIT Milwaukee has more than 750 members, including hotels/motels, restaurants, attractions, services and area businesses. Tourism generated $2.3 billion in spending in Greater Milwaukee in 2009 and supported about 58,000 local jobs. The City of Wauwatosa, Frontier Airlines, Potawatomi Bingo Casino and the Wisconsin Center District are strategic partners with VISIT Milwaukee, providing funding support for conventions and tourism programs.  For more information call 1-800-554-1448 or visit www.visitmilwaukee.org.

Malibu Open Schedule

Friday, 8/6
  8:00 a.m.   Open Women Slalom Round 1 qualifying
  10:00 a.m. Open Men Slalom Round 1 qualifying
  2:00 p.m. Open Women Slalon Round 2
  3:30 p.m. Open Men Jump Round 1 qualifying
  5:30 p.m. Free-Style Jump

Saturday, 8/7
  10:00 a.m. Open Men Slalom Round 2 qualifying
    1:30 p.m. Free Style Jump Competition
    2:30 p.m. Open Men Jump Round 2
    4:20 p.m. Open Women
    5:25 p.m. Open Men Slalom
    6:30 p.m. Barefoot Demo
    7:00 p.m. Free Style Jump Finals
    7:45 p.m. Open Women Final
    8:15 p.m. Open Men Final
    8:30 p.m. Barefoot Demo