The first tour stop of the Ski Nautique Big Dawg Water Ski Tour will be held at Okeeheelee Park, hosted by the Ski Club of the Palm Beaches on Friday, May 4 through Sunday, May 6.
The tour features four qualifying stops around the world and concludes with the series finale championship in Gaines, Mich., in September.
The series is open to slalom skiers 35 years of age and older who have not placed in the top 10 in a professional water ski tournament in the past three years. It is an international event with skiers coming from around the world.
Each stop will include two rounds of 34 mph slalom action, followed by a bracketed 16 skier head-to-head finale.
Local skiers expected to ski in the event include Harald Hintringer, David Jones, Jeff Kepchia, Robert Marking, Chet Raley and John Shealy. Up to 40 of the best slalom skiers are expected to vie for a win.
Preliminary rounds will be held on Saturday, May 5 with the Sweet 16, Elite 8, Final 4 and Final 2 on Sunday, May 6. Admission and parking are free.
After West Palm Beach, the stops include Canton, Miss.; Sesena, Spain; and Windsor, Colo.
For more information contact tournament chairman Charlotte Melchers at (561) 373-2684 or Pat Keeler at (561) 633-7667. Learn more about the Ski Club of the Palm Beaches at www.okeeski.com.
