It all began in 1957 with one man's dream to construct a water
ski jump. His passion for water skiing, coupled with the high cost of building
and maintaining a water ski jump, was the driving force which led to the
formation of the Prior Lake Water Ski Association, now the Shockwaves
(Shakopee-Prior Lake Water Ski Association). The following year the dream became
reality as founder Jim Peterson and a handful of talented skiers built their
jump and used it to entertain a crowd with the club's first water ski show.
What began with a handful of local skiers and a single show to support a jump
has grown into a 100-plus member organization. The club's show team has traveled
throughout the Upper Midwest entertaining hundreds of thousands of spectators
over the years. The show team has skied for many special events throughout the
region including the Minneapolis Aquatennial, St. Paul Riverfest, and large
corporate events as well as numerous city festivals.
In addition to performing water ski shows, club members have also been active in
competitive skiing at the State, Regional, and National levels. The club's
instruction and assistance have helped several skiers to become regional and
national champions.
Membership in the Shakopee-Prior Lake Water Ski Association (SPLWSA) is divided
into several categories. Active members (those with USA Waterski insurance) can
participate in any or all club activities.
The show team is the largest and most visible branch of the club. During the
course of a season the show team performs and travels to communities throughout
Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.
The club has a large body of tournament skiers who compete in the 3 traditional
disciplines of slalom, jump, and trick skiing. Although not as formally
structured as the show team, SPLWSA skiers compete regularly at both regional
and national levels.
Our newest addition is Quarry Lake. A private lake near Shakopee, MN, that is
for the exclusive use of club members. See the link to the left for more
information.
We also offer the general public ski and wakeboard lessons. This has been a huge
success and if you are interested in using this service, be sure to sign up
early in the year- they fill up fast!
Not everyone in the group is involved with shows and tournaments. The club also
has many activities for beginners and recreational skiers. Ski clinics taught by
some of our more talented skiers, and open ski nights provide skiers of all
abilities the opportunity to improve their skills as they share a common passion
for water skiing. We also now give ski and wakeboard lessons to the general
public. Watch for that section in the future.
Despite the name, the Shakopee-Prior Lake Water Ski Association is much more
than just a water ski club. There are many club sponsored social activities
throughout the year. Wild game dinners, down hill ski trips, bicycle brunches,
cross country ski progressive dinner parties, and hayrides are just a few of the
activities that give club members a chance to get together off the water.
There are monthly club meetings on every second Tues. of the month in Prior
Lake, MN. The meetings start at 7p.m. Sept thru May, 8p.m. June thru August.
Please contact us for directions to these meetings if you are interested.