[playful energetic surf rock]
[motorboat engine accelerating]
The Plum Ski-ters Water Ski Show Team
has been a staple of the Plum Lake community
for a number of years.
So, I met with one of the original members,
who now is on the team's board,
to learn more about how the organization got its start.
- A bunch of kids trying to figure out
something constructive to do with their time,
many, many years ago-- 1960.
So, I was 12 at the time.
There was a group of maybe 15 of us
around the lake here
and some of the surrounding lakes
that decided to do something a little more organized
than just getting together
every day and skiing.
And so, we started fooling around
with acts like
a three-person pyramid... Whoa!
[both laugh]
Maybe three of us doing ballet.
Just kind of fooling around.
And then, some of the older people we were skiing with
decided to take it to the parents
and see if there might be some financial support there
for putting boats together
and actually doing a show.
And that was back in 1960,
so it's been a long time.
- Wow, it's been going on ever since.
- It has, it has.
- Cheryl: Frequently, they have a Learn to Ski day
where anybody can come down and learn to ski.
So, really trying to get the community involved.
Maybe some of the kids that don't have an opportunity
to ski behind their own family boat.
So, we're seeing a lot of that
where families that wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity
now do.
- So, it's creating access literally to this water sport.
- It is, absolutely, yeah. - That's amazing.
From Learn to Ski events
to weekly shows, it takes a lot
to put on engaging performances each night.
No one knows that better than Carolyn,
who's been on the team for a number of years.
- So, what can people who come to your shows expect to see?
- You can expect to see
pyramids, barefooting, jumping,
ballet line, swivel girls.
We put 13 acts on the water every night.
- How did you get started as a water skier?
- I learned how to ski when I was five.
I used to come up here when I was little.
Coming, watching the shows,
I always dreamed of one day being a skier.
I always wanted to be like the big girls. [Angela laughs]
And so, one day we decided to join,
and it's been fun ride since then.
- You've been doing it for a while now?
- Yes, I've been on the team since 2012.
- So, what do you need to do to prepare
for those sorts of stunts
or whatever you call them? [both laugh]
- There's lots of practice, actually, on land.
We practice on the off days.
We have four practices a week,
and we just get it all organized.
- That's a pretty serious commitment then.
- Yes, it is.
It's-- I'm always here, so...
- The boat just pulls you right up.
- After learning about what it takes to be a member,
it was time to give water skiing a try.
- Ready?
- Hold on! - Hang on tight!
Resist the water.
[bubbles burbling underwater]
[tough stealthy surf rock] - Okay, ready?
[detective drama surf rock]
[motorboat engine "barroom"]
- Several tries actually...
[Angela squeals 'Whaah']
[Angela squeals 'Whaaah!']
[underwater gurgling "Bbbbbbb"]
[sploosh]
With a few failed attempts to get up on the skis,
I realize it's better to leave skiing up to the professionals.
- Whoo! - Yeah!
[applause]
[playful energetic surf rock]
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