Backwater Gamblers Water Ski Show Team

The Backwater Gamblers are a non-profit water ski show team that performs free water ski shows every Wednesday and Sunday at 6:30 pm on the Rock River in Rock Island, Illinois. The shows begin Memorial Day weekend and continue through the summer until Labor Day weekend. The shows last approximately one hour with a 15-20 minute intermission in which donations are accepted.

The team consists of approximately 140 members ranging in age from several months to 60.  Skiing members perform acts such as jumping, barefooting, pyramids, swivel, strap doubles, and others. Other members drive the boats, ride in the boats, assist with ropes on the docks, play the music in the show, or simply learn to ski and practice to get into the show!