Most water skiers have no idea how deep the roots of Think Tank run—or how a legendary event that started with bar tabs and college chaos now celebrates 50 years of innovation and community. Cathy Luiting, a long time former Think Tank Chair, shares behind-the-scenes stories from the early days, revealing how beer tips and wild nights transformed into one of the sport’s most influential gatherings. This episode uncovers the surprising history that shaped an event that had 1500 attendees in it's hay day and helped propel show skiing into the spotlight.

You'll discover:

• How Think Tank evolved from a humble three-event gathering in Wisconsin Rapids to a national spectacle.
• The legendary indoor doubles competitions at Olympia that kept everyone talking.
• The wildest stories from the '90s—peeing on hotel doors, lunch tray sledding, and spontaneous chaos—that fueled the event's reputation.
• The strategic moves across Wisconsin sites and what makes Chula Vista the perfect home for this ongoing tradition.
• The behind-the-scenes insights into the award show’s fierce categories, close contests, and iconic winners, plus what it takes to host such a legendary celebration.

Join us as we honor five decades of Think Tank and five years of The Ski Show Awards—a testament to passion, perseverance, and perfect chaos. Hit play and get inspired by the stories behind the sport’s most legendary event.

Today's Sponsors are.....

FlymanSkis - flymanskis.com

The Board Shop - bswake.com

Follow us on Social Media:

• Instagram - @theskishowpodcast
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theskishowpodcast

Contact The Ski Show:

• Email us at theskishowpodcast@gmail.com

Leave us a rating and a review:

• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ski-show-the-ultimate-show-ski-podcast/id1510243170