The Shawano Ski Sharks will dive into their 37th season this week with the first of their weekly water ski shows Wednesday and a Learn to Ski Day on Friday.
“It’s free family entertainment every Wednesday night with full concessions,” said Ski Sharks president Dave Passehl, who joined the club when he was 12 and has been a member for 25 years.
The theme of the season is “Alice in Ski Land.” Brad Keuschel, a member of the Ski Sharks for 17 years, will co-direct the show with Addie Erdmann.
The show will feature Alice, who is stuck in a rabbit hole, being rescued by two men. The season will chronicle the efforts of the men as they compete for Alice’s attention.
“The scene will be more robust, and acting will get better as the season progresses,” Passehl said.
The shows will involve at least 45 club members, but more skiers are needed.
“We are in need of 20 new skiers, and tryouts will be held throughout the season,” Passehl said.
Organizers say the club teaches more than water skiing skills.
“We work with kids and adults to establish leadership skills and team working skills,” Passehl said. “(The skiing aspect) instills team building.”
The weekly shows also help the Ski Sharks prepare for competition at the Wisconsin Water Ski Federation state championships, which this year will be held July 17-20 at Red Sand Beach near Wisconsin Rapids. Keuschel and Passehl were members of the Sharks’ 2010 Division 2 championship team.
The club has found its annual Learn to Ski Days help recruit future members.
The Sharks have trained more than 250 people since they started offering lessons in 2008, Passehl said.
“About a handful of them join each year once they realized how much fun it can be,” said Passehl, who indicated new members receive a free one-year membership.
Friday’s class is full, but there are spots remaining for the June 20 lesson. Registration is required; call the Park and Recreation Department at 715-526-6171.
The club also will sponsor a raffle throughout the season for a new $5,000 SeaDoo Spark, donated by Prime Powersports. Proceeds from the raffle will go toward the club’s adaptive water ski program for the disabled, including equipment and insurance. The winner will be announced Aug. 13.
The nonprofit club also accepts donations at its weekly shows and generates additional funds through membership fees, concession stand revenue, fundraisers, grants and community support.
Passehl said the club will have special nights this season to raise money for the Shawano County Humane Society, Safe Haven and Shawano Area Waterways.
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