Skiers set barefoot record

SHAWANO — Wet suits and dry suits were the rule on Sunday morning off of Smalley Park in Shawano as a line of water skiers bested a world record with 34 foot barefoot skiers, then beat their own record with a 38-skier line.

The previous record in the Guinness Book of World Records was 32 skiers.

The team from Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota — and even one participant from Florida — completed the required 300-meter route down the Wolf River, pulled behind one boat. The previous record was set in 2017.

The accomplishment, which was videotaped from the bridge west of Shawano and by a drone camera, must be verified by Guinness before the record is confirmed.

Cloudy skies and cool weather didn’t dampen the mood as the newly-formed team broke the record on their second attempt. They then made several additional passes until they reached their current record of 38. The cheers started on the line even before the skiers hit the water.

A portion of the river was closed to boating Sunday morning to allow the skiers and safety boats the space they needed to perform safely.

On Saturday, members of ski shows from around the state combined their talents in the Scott Coley Memorial Tournament. In this mini ski show, the ski clubs mixed their rosters to create three teams. Each team had to create its own mini-show on the day of the tournament.