Malibu Open waterski championship stops in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Professional water skiers from more than 30 countries made their way to Milwaukee on Saturday, June 22nd, to take part in the Malibu Open waterski championship.

Pro Ski Tour Coordinator Nicole Baird says this year's field is the largest they've had in Milwaukee.

"We've got skiers actually from Europe, Africa, the far East, Australia - great group of folks coming from all over the place," said Baird. "We have a number of the world record holders with us and they're at the top of their game as well here."

Fans were on the edge of their seats as they watched athletes compete in traditional, slalom and barefoot skiing as well as long distance jumping and fly boarding. $64,000 in prizes were up for grabs.

This is the fourth time the Malibu Open has stopped in Milwaukee and organizers say they plan on returning.

"We love Milwaukee," said Baird. "We can't wait to come back in 2014."