One of the biggest complaints about tournaments today is that they can be a bit stuffy and boring.  If you're looking for a different atmosphere to the typical AWSA water ski tournament, you may consider checking out these tournaments around the state that are offering a different format from the standard "ski against yourself" style tournament.

June 28th - Extreme Hootenanny - Cincinnati, OH - This tournament features a TEAM format.  Skiers are placed on a team based on their "seeding", so each team of five will have a mix of skiers from deep shortline all the way through beginners.  All scores will be handicapped based on your average and count towards your team score.  Trick and Jump scores count towards team points also, so every event counts!

July 19th - Top Cat Challenge - Hamilton, OH - After great praise in it's inaugural event, the Top Cat is back for a 2nd year.  This alternative slalom tournament has skiers seeded based on average buoy count and then placed into 3 groups.  Each skier skis against their average over 2 rounds in an attempt to qualify for the Sweet 16 under the lights on Saturday night.  Trick and Jump will take place on Sunday.

July 26th/27th - Ohio State Championships - Van Wert, OH - The State Championship is going back to it's roots with a Club Challenge in 2008.  Clubs across the state will be pitted against each other in a 3-event, knock down, bloody fight to the finish!  Bring as many people as you can muster up from your club, because you're going to need them!  Plus, the State Championship includes our annual banquet and is the one event of the year where all skiers from across the state get together for a great weekend of skiing.  Look for the INT skiers to be involved on Friday also!

August 30th - Extreme Head-to-Head - Cincinnati, OH - Ohio hasn't seen a head-to-head tournament like this one since the Big Dawg got started at Bellalago only this head-to-head tournament is handicapped for ALL levels of skiers.  Skiers will be matched up head-to-head in an "NCAA style" bracket of 50 skiers.  Skiers will compete pass for pass against their opponent for that round using two boats one after the other, the person skiing the most buoys above their average will advance.  The other person gets kicked to the losers bracket for one more chance at redemption.  Trick and Jump to be held on Sunday after.

All of these tournaments will be scored simultaneously with standard USA Water Ski scoring, so the first 3 rounds of each event will be recorded and apply to your AWSA rankings.  All of these events also have online registration, just click on the link above.