Ralph Samuelson Rides the World’s First Water Skis (1922)

On July 31, 1922, in Lake City, Minnesota, 18-year-old Ralph Samuelson made history by becoming the first person to ride water skis. Samuelson’s achievement marked the birth of a new sport and a significant moment in recreational history. Using a pair of boards and a rope attached to a boat, Samuelson demonstrated the feasibility and excitement of water skiing, paving the way for its development as a popular activity. Samuelson’s innovation came at a time when water sports were gaining popularity in America.

He attracted a lot of attention locally in the following days and weeks. On July 8, 1925, Samuelson went on to perform the first ski jump on water. He fell flat in his first attempt but soon greased the launch platform with lard and succeeded on the second attempt. Also, that year, on August 27, 1925, he became the first speed skier as he found himself racing across the water at 80 mph (130 km/h), pulled by a Curtiss flying boat that flew just above the waves!

His successful demonstration attracted attention and inspired others to try water skiing, leading to its rapid growth as a recreational pastime. Over the years, water skiing evolved into a competitive sport with various disciplines, including slalom, tricks, and jumping. Samuelson’s pioneering spirit and ingenuity have left a lasting legacy, making him a key figure in the history of water sports.

In his later years, Samuelson moved to Pine Island, Minnesota where he was a turkey farmer. He was a guest of honor at a water skiing 50th anniversary in 1972 and was inducted into the Water Ski Hall of Fame on January 22, 1977. When he returned to Minnesota, he began to suffer the effects of cancer and died in Pine Island on August 28, 1977.

Read more here: www.usa-wwf.org/Hall-of-Fame/ralph-samuelson