Class 9, 8, 7, Dock

Class 9 and Dock Plaque: Jim Kilsdonk (480.5 Points)

Former Open Men skier who has skied in the US Open, Malibu Open, and on the Waterski Pro Tour. A 7-time Michigan State slalom champ, 6-time Midwest USA slalom champ, and 4-time US national slalom medalist.  "2025 was a fun year at Naci for me. My performances are declining as I age, and I had to fight hard to hang in there against the Naci guys, including some young skiers who are getting ready to pass me on their way up. Win or lose, it is a blast!"

Class 8: Jim Williams (455.5 Points)

Just another beautiful day at Lake Nacimiento. I have been blessed to ski all over the country and world, for that matter. Nothing compares to a good day with the Far West Water Ski Club at beautiful Lake Nacimiento. I have the privilege of getting to live across the street from my daughter’s family and am honored to share my love for the sport with my grandchildren. 

Class 7: Doug Belmont (402 Points) 

I always look forward to skiing at Naci (especially back in the cove), but it’s usually just for the tournaments, and it skis differently from the conditions at Kerman, so it always catches me by surprise. Best of all, good people and good times.

Dock Plaque: Sue Houx 

My competitive waterski story began 11 years ago when I met Jim Williams and with his and Bob Edie’s coaching, I ran the slalom course for the very first time at 23mph. A few years later, I had a major setback when I was diagnosed with Uveitis (an autoimmune eye disease), and until it stabilized, I learned to ski tournaments by whistle with Joan Alpen’s help. Jim Kilsdonk coached me in Costa Rica, improving my wake crossings dramatically following yet another major illness. I then hired Willi Ellermeier to coach me every weekend with a goal to be the best skier I could be in 2022. I ruptured my Achilles Tendon August 2024, which required two surgeries to repair. I wish to thank Nessan Leahy, the best boyfriend and boat driver in the world, Kaitlyn, Willi, and the entire Farwest Water Ski Club for helping me get back on my feet and believe I could be a competitive waterskier again.

Class 6, 5, 4

Class 6: Susan Kilsdonk (156 Points)

I was welcomed into the FWWSC over 27 years ago.  I think I am the oldest club member still skiing.  Over the years, I had progressed through the classes, but now I find that I’m not nearly as good as I used to be.  I still love teaching my grandkids to ski, skiing and hanging out with a great group of skiers.

Class 5: Austin Woods (192 Points) 

I skied for the first time a little before my 3rd birthday. I got my first very own ski around my 6th birthday. I then ran the mini course, and shortly thereafter, I ran the full course. Ran my top speed and cut line for the first time at 9, almost 10. For my 10th birthday, I got a radar vapor. I ran my 32 for the first time when I was 11. I punctured my heel at Susan’s in Kerman while walking out of the water. I was helped by a few of the club member like Sue and Troy, and I am very thankful for that.

Class 4: Madeline Bentzel (243 Points)

I first got up on a slalom ski at 12, but didn’t start trying the course until I joined the Cal Poly Waterski team my freshman year. When I began, I struggled to run 23 mph and finally ran my first pass in April of 2022 with the help of my teammates (aka coaches). Over the next few years, I worked my way up to where I’m currently skiing - attempting to run 34MPH! Waterskiing is my greatest passion in life, and I love participating in Far West Water Ski Club tournaments to feed that passion and my competitive streak!

Class 3, 2, 1, Novice

Class 3: Justin Fontecchio (267 Points) 

I grew up skiing and wakeboarding a little bit behind our family boat at about 12 years old. We didn’t get out much, so when I started slalom skiing, I was really pretty new to the whole thing. I quickly fell in love with chasing buoys and the thrill of jumping classes. I love the dynamic out on the dock and love that I get to share this experience with my mom and the family I’ve started. 

I moved to The Ranch in 2022, allowing me to catch sunset rides after work any chance I can get. 

Class 2: Dave Ringman (255 Points) 

I discovered Lake Nacimiento and the Far West Water Ski Club 15 years ago. I now refer to the club members as my "Lake family." They truly are as supportive,  motivational, and encouraging as a group can be. Thoroughly enjoy all my time with them. Oh, and the slalom skiing as well. 

Class 1: Amber Hansford (137.5 Points) 

My name is Amber Hansford, and I am from Truckee, California. I began waterskiing two years ago after joining the Cal Poly Waterski Club. This summer I dedicated significant time to training and improving my skills. I can now run passes consistently, and I am excited to continue progressing in the sport.

Novice: Lisa Chitty (55.5 Points) 

I’ve been skiing on and off since I was six years old. After a long break between my ski rides, one day Lori Craig dragged me out to the course. The atmosphere was contagious, I got the bug and stuck with it, probably mostly because it’s a great thing for our family with Justin and I skiing together. I bought my boat in 2022 from Robert and Sheri. The rest is history.