Graceful Wakes and Hodag Water Shows team up for adaptive water ski clinic, benefit show

Hodag Water Shows is once again teaming up with the nonprofit organization Graceful Wakes for an adaptive water ski clinic and benefit ski show.

The adaptive water ski clinic will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, July 28 at Boom Lake in Rhinelander. It is open to adults and children with disabilities ages 6 and up. At the event, participants use a specially designed adaptive water ski and have two trained side skiers next to them, so they can experience the thrill of water skiing, organizers said in a press release.

The clinic will be followed by a benefit water ski show at 6 p.m.

“Graceful Wakes and members of various ski teams who have skied at national and world events will be teaming up with members of the Hodag Water Shows to put on a spectacular one-hour show that will be open to the public,” the release states. “You will see ballet on the water, jumpers doing tricks, a kite soaring through the sky, human pyramids, and couples working together to perform amazing stunts. The show will also feature former and current national water ski champions. While the show is free to the public, a free will offering will be taken with all proceeds from this event benefiting Graceful Wakes. Concessions will be available for purchase.”

“After putting on a successful event in Rhinelander for the past four years, we’re thrilled to return,” said Grace Petzold, president and founder of Graceful Wakes, Inc. “I’ll be joined by several of my fellow teammates from the Rock Aqua Jays Water Ski Show Team in Janesville. It’s going to be a great day and night. Starting out with our adaptive clinic in the morning and then putting on a spectacular water ski show in the evening.” 

“We are looking forward to providing the opportunity for 30 local residents to get on the water and experience the pleasure of waterskiing,” Petzold added. “Skiers will use a specially designed sit ski to water ski. Additionally, participants will be able to tube and go for pontoon boat rides.”