Categories for DisAbled waterSkiing

Sit Skiers - Divided into 3 classes (MP1, MP2, MP3) this category includes quadriplegics (MP1) paraplegics (MP2 or MP3 depending on level of injury), double leg amputees and others who are unable to ski standing upright.  The classes are further divided by gender.  The women's class are the same.

Leg Amputees - Divided into 2 classes, those who ski with a prosthesis, and those who ski without a prosthesis.  It is also divided by gender.

Arm Disability - This category includes not only amputees, but those with other arm disabilities who are unable to ski with two hands.  Classes are divided by gender.

Vision impaired - Divided into 2 classes (V1, V2/3), totally blind skiers (V1) and skiers with partial vision (V2/3).  Classes divided by gender.

Slalom - Sit skiers may use either the inner course (a narrow slalom course) or the outer course (standard slalom course).  World records in the MP3 event are now on the outer course.  Vision impaired skiers previously performed a wake slalom (# of wake crossings in 16 seconds), now they're using an audio slalom to signal the correct angle of each turn.  All other divisions use the standard slalom course.

Tricks -   Skiers have 2 twenty second ski runs to perform as many tricks as possible.

Jump - Skiers are judged on distance after going over the jump ramp.  The ramp height is adjustable from 3' to 5.5', depending on the skier's disability and ability (not to mention the whatever it takes to go over that thing, particularly being blind.) Blind jumping is called the LEAP of FAITH for obvious reasons.  A visually impaired/blind skier has a guide( someone who can see) ski along side them as they approach the ramp.  The guide holds the skier's elbow and calls out the distances to the ramp, ultimately shouting "FREEZE" then skiing to the side of the ramp, allowing the skier to go up and over alone.  The guide meets the skier on the other side. Now you understand why it's called the LEAP OF FAITH!

1987        The 1st World Trophy, a non-record event, took place in England. 

                    Forty participants from 7 countries.

1989        The 2nd World Trophy, a national record capable event took place in Australia.

                    Fifty-five participants from 9 countries.

1991       The 3rd and final World Trophy, a world record capable event, held in the USA.

                    Sixty-five participants from 12 countries.

1993        The 1st World Championships, a world record capable event, held in France.

                    Eighty-four participants from 15 countries.

1995       The 2nd World Championships, held in Australia. 19 world records were set.

                    Fifty-six participants from 12 countries. (Decline in #s due to event being held in March, summer in the Southern Hemisphere.)

1997       The 3rd World Championships, held in Okahumpka, Florida (USA).  Multiple records set.

                    Over sixty participants from 18 countries.

1999        The 4th World Championships, held in England.  Eleven records set at this event by seven countries; four of which were by the USofA

Reigning World Champion Team - United States of America                            

Canada                              Australia                                                          Great Britain                     The Netherlands                                                 Italy                                   New Zealand                                               Switzerland                       Belgium                                                       Singapore                          Mexico                                                           France                               Norway                                                         Ireland                               Brazil                                                           Argentina                          Sweden                                                        Denmark

Special Thanks and Appreciation to World Champion/World Record Holder Aric Fine of the US TEAM for providing all the information on this page:)

  LastUpdated08/09/01