About Us

Every spring since 1954 the members of the Nipmuc Water Ski Club have hit the waters of Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg in Webster, Massachusetts eager to start a new season. Since its inception, the club has promoted recreational, competitive and show skiing in a family-friendly environment for all ages and with a deep focus on promoting youth development in the sport.

Each year the Club hosts several “Learn-to-Ski” and “Basic Skills” teaching programs which typically introduce over 100 new people to the sport. These learning resources, led by our highly experienced and certified drivers and instructors are available to persons of all ages and abilities at very little or no cost. The Club provides boats, drivers, instructors and equipment all on a volunteer basis.

Nipmuc Water Ski Club strives to promote youth development in leadership, team building skills, community outreach, etc.

1954-1955
1955-1956
1956-1957
1957-1958

1954-1955

The Nipmuc Water Ski Club was established in the Winter of 1954 on the shores of Webster Lake. The ski club was organized by seven water ski enthusiasts – they were Gerry Bernier, Ray Blair, Gerald “Tate” Dion, George Hekowycz, Andy Hoenig, Gretchen Hoenig, and Roger Lavoie. In the winter of 1954 an opening meeting was held at Jesse White’s Marina. Two ski shows were held at Birch Island Pavilion and donations from these shows, totaling $132.00, were used to build the club’s first jump. Andy Hoeing was made chairman of the Jump Building Committee.

First President: Gerry Bernier
Vice President: Hank Bernier
Secretary: Joyce Bayer
Treasurer: Ed McGeary

Total Membership: 32
Dues: $5

1955-1956

Several water ski shows were held during the season and were enthusiastically received by hundreds of spectators from all over. With the help of donations the ski club was able to purchase equipment. Members gathered twice a month on Tuesdays at Snug Harbor. The season ended with a banquet for members and guests at Snug Harbor.

President: Ray Blair
Vice President: George Hekowycz
Secretary: Priscilla Teslof
Treasurer: Gerry Bernier

Total Membership: 40
Dues: $5, $8 for new members.

1956-1957

1956-1957: With increased membership and legal responsibilities, the club was incorporated. During the past three years the club had progressed greatly and had been the greatest single factor in promoting and exhibiting the sport of water skiing in the Southern Worcester County area.
Several ski shows were held at various public and private areas and all were a huge success. Social events for members during the season and a year end banquet at Snug Harbor concluded a busy year.

President: George Hekowycz
Vice President: Roger Lavoie
Secretary: Gretchen Hoenig
Treasurer: Andy Hoenig

Total Membership: 40
Dues: $5, $8 for new members

1957-1958

Dave Lapierre and Yvette Raciot were the first Junior Directors instituted. In addition to regular ski shows, several younger members entered the Mass. Open Water Ski tournament at Lake Lashaway.

Jim Barker finished 5th in Boy’s Slalom and Howie Tryba 3rd in Boy’s Jumping.
On July 20th, 1958 the club hosted its first tournament – The Bay State Open at Memorial Beach with an estimated 5,000 spectators. Irv Piehler placed 2nd in Boy’s Jumping.
Dick Seraphin, Irv Piehler, Howie Tryba, Jim Barker, Dave Lapierre, Paul Vajcovec, Jim Kindler, and alan Roy slalom skied the 21 miles from Norwalk, Connecticut to Easton Neck, Long Island to win membership in the “Long Island and Back Club”.
At the Burch Island annual show, Alan Roy was the first member to perform the amazing stunt of water-skiing barefoot The annual banquet was held at the Colonial Club with Laval Leboeuf receiving Honorary Life Membership.

President: Roger Lavoie
Vice President: Gerry Dion
Secretary: Gretchen Hoenig
Treasurer: Andy Hoenig

Total Membership: 51
Dues: $7, $10 for new members