9/19/2019
When we protect our athletes, we protect Water Ski & Wake Sports.
Water skiing and wakeboarding are ultimately just a matter of physics. But science alone can’t capture the thrill of flying across the water’s surface. From slalom to barefooting, from racing to kneeboarding, water skiers and wake sport athletes love spending hours trailing a boat. You might still be learning how to get up, or working to perfect tricks. Either way, get out there, stay safe, and ride the wake. When we protect water skiers and wake sport athletes, we keep this sport safe and healthy for all.
Courage First Athlete Helpline
Use this resource if you are in need of confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, informational athlete-focused resources, and guidance related to concerns about any type of abuse.
The Courage First Athlete Helpline is a no-cost call and text service for anyone in need. +1 888-279-1026
Common Water Ski & Wake Sports Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Water Ski & Wake Sports has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- Water skiing and wake sports are extreme sports and have a high risk and rate of injuries. Injured athletes may be especially vulnerable to abuse or exploitation when dependent on those in power to make treatment and return-to-sport decisions. Inadequate injury prevention and treatment protocols may be signs of neglect in the sporting environment.
- In water skiing and wake sports, there is often pressure to increase the extremity of skills, such as more difficult courses and tricks, which may place athletes at risk of injury or even death, especially if they do not understand all of the risks. Minor athletes in particular may not be able to fully understand and consent to risk and danger.
- Water ski and wake sport athletes may place a high level of trust in their coaches. This could lead to psychological dependence, blurred boundaries, and/or grooming in the coach-athlete relationship.
What’s the difference between tough coaching & abuse?
The Coach Athlete Relationship Dynamics Diagrams below can be used as a gut check; consider the conduct you experience and observe in your sporting community, and discern whether what is occurring aligns with a caring and supportive coach-athlete relationship. For athletes who have unhealthy relationship dynamics with their coaches, inappropriate behavior can be subtle and difficult to discern. Awareness and prevention of these patterns of power and control help keep everyone safe.
Current Events
Unfortunately, news articles chronicling misconduct in sport and unhealthy coach-athlete dynamics are frequent and widespread. Abuse in sport has been occurring for decades, and the public is now becoming aware of these hidden situations as more and more survivors bravely disclose and report misconduct they have experienced. #WeRideTogether is committed to increasing awareness and continually updating this compiled list of current events on the topic of sexual abuse in sport. Sexual misconduct is happening across all sports, at all levels, internationally.
10/18/2026
Youth Sports Families Allege Travel Company Threatened Their Kids' Playing Status If They Didn't Pay Lodging Fees
10/15/2026
Athletic trainer at San Jose school accused of sexual battery of student
10/14/2026
Details emerge on police raid of ex-Kempsville High School athletic director’s home
10/11/2026
As sports betting is normalized, college players have become targets of aggrieved bettors
10/6/2026
Gresham Man Accused Of Faking His Age To Participate In Youth Sports And Sexually Abusing Children, Faces More Charges
10/1/2026
Ohio State Could Owe Millions More to Prior Strauss Sex-Abuse Plaintiffs
9/30/2026
Burke County high school coach charged with felony sex act with a student
Water Ski & Wake Sports Resources
Below are resources related to Physical Safety and Safeguarding within Water Ski & Wake Sports.
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Crash Course: Concussion Education
Physical Safety
Learn about the prevention and treatment of concussions.
How to Choose a Life Jacket for Water Sports
Physical Safety
Learn why life jackets matter and how to choose the right one.
Wakeboarding Active & Safe
Physical Safety
Learn about common wakeboarding injuries and how to prevent them.
Water Sports Industry Association
Safeguarding
Access best practices, education, and safety information for water sports.
Survivor Stories
Survivors are increasingly stepping forward to bravely tell their stories. The following stories reflect the survivors’ personal experiences, as told by them, and may be triggering for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or misconduct. All information has been anonymized.
If you are a survivor interested in sharing your story and learning more about this process, please reach out to us at info@weridetogether.today.
We want to hear from you!
You are not alone.
What resources or information do you want for your sport? Contact us and let us know.
If you or someone you know has experienced misconduct or abuse, please access these resources for help. For additional information on confidential helplines, sexual assault reporting procedures, and mental health resources, click the button below.
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