Get Inspired: The Waterskiing Wonders We Won’t Forget

What do a squirrel, six-month-old baby and “The Fonz” all have in common?

A passion for waterskiing! Their on-the-water displays have wowed audiences around the globe—and maybe even inspired a fan or two to take up the sport.

Looking for some of that inspiration for your own waterskiing adventures—whether you’re just starting out, or want to master that next big trick? Read on as we share the surprising waterskiing feats of these famous figures and more.

Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel

You’ve seen the videos—or maybe even a real-time demo! The phenomenon known as “Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel” came to be in 1979 after a squirrel—displaced by a recent hurricane—was taken in by Chuck and Lou Ann Best of Florida. The two adopted Twiggy as their pet and taught the water-loving squirrel how to stand on makeshift skis and ride behind a remote-control boat. What started as a family quirk became a beloved act, and Twiggy (or, more accurately, Twiggy and her descendants) has achieved global acclaim for her talent. Though she officially retired earlier this year, her skills on the water will no doubt continue to inspire waterskiiers everywhere… including, perhaps, those who want to train their furry friends to take up the sport, too.

A waterskiing wunderkind

Another stellar waterskiing feat was accomplished by Florida baby Zyla who, at the age of just six months and 27 days young, became the world’s youngest waterskiier! Back in 2016, she (and a few of her biggest fans) went to Winter Haven, Florida to complete the impressive 686-feet run on a baby-friendly ski set and rail. Zyla’s stunt proves you’re never too young to make your mark on the water!

Fonzie’s famous ride

If you know Fonzie of “Happy Days” fame, you might be familiar with this classic display. As it turns out, Henry Winkler himself was a waterski instructor and loved the sport—so much so that, at the suggestion of his father, his real-world talent was translated to a famous on-screen moment. Fonzie and co had traveled to California, where he was challenged to ski his way over a shark in the water below (all while sporting his famous leather jacket, no less!). The moment was a famous one for the show… and we’re sure it inspired at least a viewer or two to take up the sport in pursuit of imitating the classically cool Fonz.

A high-flying feat

Back to the real world: in 2015, Freddy Krueger (the world champ waterskiier, not the horror movie icon) made history on the water by landing a 312-feet jump on his skis, the greatest jump ever recorded! While the distance might be mind-boggling, it can certainly serve as inspiration for waterskiiers of every skill level. If Krueger can leave it all out on the water, maybe you can, too.

Ready to hit the water? Grab a few friends (and some trusty skis) and hit the water on your Vortex. Maybe you’ll be the one making history next.