Seasoned water ski competitors from around the globe will show their mettle at the five-day World Masters Championship slated for next week at Lakeside’s Boca Laguna ski club.
Skiers representing 28 nations have signed up for the contest that kicks off with preliminary rounds running Wednesday, October 24 through Friday, October 26, continuing with finals on Saturday and Sunday, October 27 and 28.
Headline waterskiers booked for the championship include multiple world title holders such as Florida’s Cory Pickos and British-born Andy Maple; nine-time U.S. slalom champion Kris La Point; and Jalisco native Francisco Angel, currently ranked as overall world champion in his category. Legendary Mexico skiers Sergio Font and Carlos Lamadrid are also on the bill.The program encompasses tricks, slalom and jump events, with blocks for men and women divided into age categories 35-44, 45-54 and 55 and up. Qualification rounds on the first three days will start at 8:30 a.m., wrapping up around 7 p.m. The weekend finals begin at 9 a.m., finishing around 5 p.m.
Spectators attending on the first three days may choose preferred seating on the south side of the course for an admission fee of 50 pesos per person or enter free of charge to watch from the general viewing zone on the opposite side of the water. Admission to the finals costs 150 pesos a head for preferred seating and 50 pesos for the general zone.
Seating in both area will include chairs set up under tents as well as open stands. Persons who wish may bring in blankets and umbrellas to settle down elsewhere on the sprawling Club Laguna grounds.
For those of high brow taste, a 50-ticket package deal, set at 8,000 pesos for all five days, includes deluxe box seating designed for groups of 10. For reservations call Elsa Rebollozo at 333-577-2504 (cel.).
Spectators are not allowed to carry in their own snacks or drinks. Food and beverage service will be offered at the site.
Boca Laguna is located approximately four and half kilometers east of Chapala proper, adjacent to the road to Mezcala in the vicinity of Santa Cruz de la Soledad.