Michigan Edges Michigan State by 40 points at Ripfest 2018!

For the first time in many years, it was absolutely BEAUTIFUL weather from Friday till Sunday of the 2018 Ripfest tournament hosted in Gaines, Michigan by the Michigan State Water Ski Team.

Teams rolled up Friday night to a newly found campsite about 3 minutes away from the legendary Tivoli Gardens site. There also were 25 skiers who were able to take advantage of the beautiful night and beautiful site with practice sets running until the sun was completely ducked behind the clouds and the patriotic night shenanigans began.

Saturday morning, bright and early the skiers were blasting music and getting their B team pumped and ready to slay some serious buoy. There was an amazing turnout for Ripfest this year, many more skiers than normal. There were over 120 swervers from across 7 teams that were in attendance. IU got to join in on the fun for the first time as well!

For teams overall, The University of Michigan took home first place with a total of 4,430 points, The MSU Spartans took a close second with 4,390 points, followed by Grand Valley State University with 4,005 points.

Highlights from collegiate slalom include Michigan State’s captains taking the gold. Zack Willig with 1.5 buoys at 32 off, 36 mph; and Sara Condra with 1 buoy at 32 off, 34 mph both took home first place finishes.

And just because you’re not in college anymore doesn’t mean you can’t still come to Ripfest!! For the first time ever, Ripfest hosted the ASU team!! (Alzheimer’s State University). Of course ASU blew everyone out of the water with Brenton Triplett running 1.5 buoys at 41 off, 36 mph!

Results from tricks included Michigan State’s president Christopher McGinnis’s first place men’s finish with a score of 530 points and MSU’s women’s captain, Sara Condra, taking another first place finish with 1080 points. B team trick allowed many new members from all teams to try trick skis for the first time!

Saturday night, all 7 teams came together for yet another fun night with the theme capturing all the beautiful clothing ‘On sale at Salvation Army’.

Sunday the teams returned to Tivoli for jump day. Again, great execution from MSU’s president and women’s captain as Christopher McGinnis took home the gold with 69 feet. And Sara Condra was short behind with a first place jump of 65 feet.

Ripfest came to a close with B team jumpers hitting the ramp for the first time! There were some lands, lots of (safe) crashes, and so much energy! The host team and all competitors would like to give a HUGE thank you to all judges, scorers, boat drivers, and anyone who helped make this the BEST, and most smoothly run Ripfest thus far!

The full scorebook can be found on USA Water Ski & Wake Sports website!