Become a Member


Becoming a member of the Backwater Gamblers Water Ski Show Club requires a great deal of commitment, but the rewards are unlimited.

Benefits
  • family activity
  • "open" ski time, in addition to scheduled practices, where at least 1 boat will be pulling skiers
  • expertise from members to learn new skills
  • new friends across the US
  • use of club equipment including:
    • boats to ski behind
    • gas for those boats
    • costumes to be worn during shows only
    • ropes
    • skis (except swivel & jump)
    • ski belts & flotation vests (for females)
    • harnesses for doubles and trios
    • jump ramp
    • helmets
    • park area with 3 starting docks, a sand beach and a 75’ carpeted stage

Cost per season
Under 25  -  $115 ($75 for our dues, $40 for USAWS insurance)
25 & Older  -  $145 ($75 for our dues, $70 for USAWS insurance)
Family Memberships  -  $335+ depending on number of family members. ($200 for our dues, $135 for USAWS family insurance of up to five family members including spouses and children 17 and under)

Members age 11 to 16 must also secure $100 worth of revenue each season after their first season.
Members 16 & over must secure $200 worth of revenue each season after their first season.


Expectations
  • attend shows (2-3 a week)
  • attend practices (1-2 a week)
  • attend tournaments (3-4 a year)
  • help set up equipment for shows & practices
  • help put away equipment after shows & practices
  • learn new things (even how to ski) during "open" ski time
  • positive attitude
  • help in fundraising for our yearly budget
  • "earn" a skiing position in the show (no one is guaranteed a place in the show)
  • help at all shows, even if you are not yet skiing in the show

A typical week for a BWG member:
Monday  -  show act practice
Tuesday  -  show act practice
Wednesday  -  home show
Thursday  -  show act practice
Sunday  -  home show

Skiing listed above starts at approximately 5:30 PM. The Show Director determines time of arrival. Skiing begins in May and ends in September. Off-season practices are also held, usually once a week, in Davenport.

Many of our members have water skied professionally within the US and across the world.

There is no age limit to become a member. Those members under the age of 16 must have a parent or guardian present for all club activities.

If you have questions, need more information, or are ready to join, please contact us.