At Lake Wazeecha in Wisconsin Rapids, where the hum of boats mingles with cheers from sandy shores, the Aqua Skiers team trains in synchronized harmony. But within the precision and polish of the show team lies a dynamic contrast — a veteran with nearly five decades on the water and a novice just learning to stand.
Meet Dan Dix, 58, who’s been water skiing since he was about 9. And then there’s Ellie Weinfurter, 15, who only strapped on skis for the first time about a month ago. Both are Aqua Skiers, but they represent the two extremes of the experience spectrum — and their stories capture the spirit of a team and a sport that thrives on both mentorship and fresh passion.
Dan’s love for water skiing began behind his parents’ boat.
“I didn’t join the team until I was 15, and I knew how to barefoot ski before I joined,” he said. “I thought you had to be really good first. Turns out, you don’t.”
That early assumption led him to become an elite skier before he ever performed with the team — and eventually, he skied professionally for four years in shows across the U.S., including at the famed Tommy Bartlett Show, and even in Japan.
For Dan, water skiing is as much about community as it is about competition.
“There’s worse places to be than at the beach in the summer,” he said. “It’s the camaraderie, seeing the same people every year, telling the same stories. The State Championships? That’s like a reunion.”
Despite his impressive résumé, Dan remains grounded and focused on the joy of the sport, especially when performing with his own children or mentoring younger skiers.
“I get nervous only on the acts I do with the kids,” he said. “Otherwise, if you’re out there having fun, the crowd is too.”
Then there’s Ellie, one of the newest faces on the team. She joined the Aqua Skiers after a friend encouraged her to try something new this summer.
“I’d never skied before; zero experience,” she said. “It was tough at first. Getting up on the skis took a few tries.”
But the moment she did, she was hooked.
“It’s just super nice being out here,” Ellie said. “And the team is so welcoming. They’re all super good teachers.”
Her awe of the sport’s complexity and her eagerness to improve are evident, even as she prepares to perform in her first major event — the 59th Annual Wisconsin State Water Ski Show Championships, held right on her team’s home turf at Red Sands Beach.
Still, the nerves are real.
“I’m really excited but also very, very nervous,” she said. “There’s going to be a lot of people and judges. ... I just don’t know what to expect.”
The differences between Dan and Ellie aren’t just about age or skill level: They reflect two perspectives on the same tradition. Dan, who owns a metal fabrication shop and stays in shape by keeping up with his kids, represents a legacy of dedication. Ellie, in contrast, is a symbol of the future – uncertain but enthusiastic, drawn into a world that offers mentorship and magic in equal measure.
And that’s exactly what makes the Aqua Skiers special. As Dan points out, you don’t need to come in knowing everything.
“People think you have to know how to ski already. You really don’t. You can learn from world champions right here. Our show director is a two-time barefoot world champion who teaches all winter in Florida.”
For Ellie, that opportunity is invaluable. “There’s always something new to learn,” she said. “Even if you get up on the skis, you’re not done.”
As the team gears up for the Wisconsin State Show Ski Championships – the largest of its kind in the world – Ellie is preparing for her debut, while Dan is looking forward to reconnecting with old friends. Whether they’re performing pyramids or practicing basics, both are essential to the energy and success of the Aqua Skiers.
It’s a team where legacy meets learning, where 50-year veterans glide beside first-time performers. And on the sparkling waters of Lake Wazeecha, they make one thing clear: No matter how long you’ve been skiing, there’s always room for one more story on the rope.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here