Social

 The Lakeland Water Ski Club was formed in 1949 in Lakeland, Fla., by Bill Clifford, Glen Kirkpatrick and Matt Obinger. The three intercollegiate and national water ski competitors had recently graduated from Florida Southern College when they formed the club on Lake Hollingsworth. Clifford later became the first executive director of the American Water Ski Association when it was formed in 1952.   Since its inception, the Lakeland Water Ski Club has been supportive of every facet of water skiing.     

Many of our members have served on the national committees and board of directors for the American Water Ski Association, National Show Ski Association, American Kneeboard Association, National Collegiate Water Ski Association, American Barefoot Club, Water Skiers with Disabilities Association, American Water Ski Educational Foundation and USA Water Ski.   The club also has been a leader in water ski shows, performing during the winter for Lakeland residents and out of town visitors. The club has received many awards in show ski tournaments, and it continues to compete on a regional level. Many skiers have learned their routines in the club’s shows and have gone on to perform around the world.