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NCWSA Tournament Packing List

Molly Voska Marketing and Membership, Midwestern Region, News, South Central Region, Southern & Atlantic Coastal Region, Western Region

What can you expect your first tournament? Well, it’s hard to explain, but imagine spending all weekend in the sun along a beautiful ski lake with a few dozen students who love the lake as much or more than you do. The important thing it to be prepared with the equipment you need to succeed and enjoy the event.

Pack these key items and you’ll be rocking your first tournament:

  1. Friendly face: Bring the excitement and an open mind: get ready to meet new people and try new things!
  2. Essentials: Be ready for anything with a gallon of water (for hydrating, teeth brushing, or yard games), personal hygiene items (including environmentally friendly body wash for lake showers), external battery pack, snacks, and a flashlight or glowsticks!
  3. Gear up: It would be silly to forget your swim wear, skis, vests, ropes, handles, gloves, and any spray-leg or protective gear you typically use.
  4. All-weather wear: For the rest of your time at the lake, beat the rays with a hat, sun-shirt, & sunscreen, dry off in raincoat & galoshes, and keep warm in sweatshirt & long pants – tournament season tends to bring out a slew of weather conditions. Gym shoes are boots are recommended for the muddy lake mornings and long walks down the shoreline.
  5. Sleep tight: your tent, rain fly, tarp, stakes, and sleeping bag are key to a good night’s rest before the competition.
  6. Emergency gear: Anything can happen in the middle of nowhere – be ready with aloe, icy-hot, bug-spray, bandages, your extra set of car keys (trust me), a screw driver, duct tape…you never know.
  7. Homework: What’s better than studying alongside the lake? Stay in good terms with your school so you can keep skiing. Careful with bringing your laptop or textbooks – maybe keep that in the car.
  8. Hit record: Bring your camera or GoPro so you can become the next Marcus Brown, and capture every moment of your amazing collegiate skiing weekend.
  9. Spirit wear: Rock your team colors, body paint, glitter, tutus, or themed-gear for the most fun.
  10. Big energy: Pack your confidence, a gnarly amount of shred, and commitment to follow-through.

Ski you at the lake!

packed ski trailer
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Molly Voska

NCWSA Marketing Chairwoman since spring 2017 | 2022 TL Cornfest Corn Queen | Alumna & former social director of Western Michigan Waterski | #TeamMidwest