Welcome to Central Florida!
Bienvenue. Welkom. Bienvenidos. Herzlich willkommen. Bem-vinda
No matter how you say it, we welcome the world to our waters.
Welcome to the Water Ski Capital of the World!
Visit Central Florida is proud that the iconic waters of Central Florida – where Dick Pope Jr. elevated barefoot water skiing into a worldwide phenomenon – will host the 2026 IWWF Open, U23 and Junior Barefoot Water Skiing Championships, featuring the best athletes our sport can gather. We hope each and every one of you enjoys your time in our community, your time on the water and your days in the sun.
2026 IWWF Open, U23 and Junior
World Barefoot Water Ski Championships
Auburndale – Florida – USA
October 17th – 24th
Hosted by The Southern Region “Where Barefoot Water Skiing Began“
The International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) is pleased to announce that the American Barefoot Club’s Southern Region, Visit Central Florida, and the City of Auburndale have been awarded the bid to host the 2026 IWWF Open, U23 & Junior World Barefoot Water Ski Championships. This competition will take place at Championship Lake in Auburndale, Florida, from October 17 – 24, 2026.
The City of Auburndale is located in Polk County, Florida, which is known as the Water Ski Capital of the World. It was in nearby Winter Haven where Dick Pope transformed water skiing into a global sport and entertainment phenomenon when he opened Cypress Gardens in 1936.
The 2024 IWWF Barefoot Championships were held at Championship Lake. Hurricane Milton made landfall during the championships, shortening the event and dampening the experience for everyone.
“USA Water Ski & Wake Sports, The ABC Southern Region and our Local Organising Committee are excited to bring the championships back to Polk County. We look forward to hosting the full championship after the hurricane in 2024 and showcasing one of the premier water ski sites in the U.S.,” says Ben Groen, President of American Barefoot Southern Region.
The City of Auburndale has plans to improve the site prior to the Championships, enhancing the experience for skiers, officials, and spectators. This event will serve as a stage for the world’s best athletes to display their skills and compete for the prestigious title of world champion.
The American Barefoot Club is one of the largest federations of barefoot water skiers in the world. It is committed to growing the sport of barefoot water skiing and is one of nine towed water sports governed by USA Water Ski & Wake Sports.
The International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) is the world governing body for all towed water sports and has 90+ affiliated member Federations worldwide. It was founded in Geneva, Switzerland in 1946 and is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the sole authority governing all towed water sports.
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
Our Mission
To put on the best World Barefoot Championships and introduce new and returning visitors to Central Florida’s Polk County “Water Ski Capital of the World”. Additionally, highlighting the importance of this sport/industry to our community.
