Portland Water Spectacular was formed in 1986 and incorporated in 1987 as a nonprofit organization. The team includes over members with ages ranging from under 10 years to over 50. They may be students or full-time working people. The home practice site is on the Willamette River in West Linn, OR, just above the waterfalls at Oregon City. Practices are held every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. from April through October. In March, dry land practices are held at a local school gym or pool. In April, the team moves to the water and skis through the month of October. The first show of the year might be on New Year's Day (1992's show required shoveling snow to make a path to put the boats in the water) or usually in Mid May. Most shows are done in conjunction with city festivals, boat races or other special events. PWS has performed all over the northwest, from Seattle, WA, to Grants Pass, OR, Coeur d'Alene, ID and as far away as Janesville, WI and Kelonwa, British Columbia.
A few highlights of the team's history are:
1986 |
Set up practice site in the Willamette River, just south of down town Portland, OR |
1989 |
Performed 18 person, 3 high pyramid |
1990 |
The team's practice site was moved up river to the city of West Linn, OR. |
1992 |
Largest pyramid for PWS: 20 person, 3 high pyramid |
First 12 person, 4 high pyramid at practice |
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1993 |
Performed 4 high pyramid in a show |
Hosted the 1st Western Region Show Ski Camp |
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1994 |
Won 1st place, at first ever, Western Region Show Ski Tournament |
1995 |
PWS purchased its first team owned boat, a 1992 Hydrodyne Twin Rig. |
| 1997 | The team acquired the IRS's 501c(3) designation as a charitable organization. |
| Competed at the 1997 Water Show Ski Nationals in Janesville, Wisconsin. Where PWS put up our largest pyramid ever, 22 person, (a four high escorted by two 3 highs) | |
| While in Janesville, purchased our second twin rig hull. | |
2002 |
Began working with other Portland team, Rose City Water Skiers, with both teams skiing at each others shows. |
2004 |
Traveled to Kelowna, British Columbia to perform in the 99th annual Kelowna Regatta |
Formally merged Portland Water Spectacular and Rose City Water Skiers into one team using the PWS practice site. |