New England Water Ski Collective to Host Massachusetts State Slalom Championships at Buffumville Lake

Charlton, MA – March 1, 2026 — The New England Water Ski Collective (formerly know as the Webster Water Ski Collective) is proud to announce that it will host the Massachusetts State Slalom Championships on July 15th at Buffumville Lake, located on the Oxford/Charlton town line.  A competitors practice session will take place on  on July 14th for this event.  

This event marks the first time in many years that a Massachusetts State Slalom Championship tournament will be held in the Commonwealth. The New England Water Ski Collective is honored to bring this prestigious competition back to Central Massachusetts, where it will showcase the best water skiers from across the state and surrounding regional area.

How Slalom Works

Slalom skiing is one of the most popular and recognizable disciplines in water skiing. Performed on a single ski, it is the skill that many beginners aspire to master — and what elite skiers make look effortless.

In competition, a slalom course is comprised of six fixed buoys positioned 11.5 meters (37.73 feet) to the left and right of the boat’s centerline. The centerline itself is marked by boat guide buoys spaced 2.1 meters (6.89 feet) apart to ensure precise boat path alignment.

A successful pass requires the skier to:

• Enter through the starting gates
• Pass around the outside of all six buoys
• Exit cleanly through the end gates

Only after clearing the exit gates is the pass considered complete.

Depending on a skier’s category and ability level, rope length begins as long as 18.25 meters (60 feet) and can shorten to an incredibly challenging 9.75 meters (32 feet).  After each successful pass, the rope is shortened — increasing the difficulty — while boat speeds can increase up to a maximum of 36 mph depending on division.

As rope lengths shorten and speeds increase, the physical demands grow dramatically. Professional skiers are known to generate cross-course speeds between 60–75 mph across the wake as they accelerate from one buoy to the next.

Final scores are recorded based on boat speed, rope length, and the number of completed buoys. The skier who can complete the most buoys at the shortest rope length and highest speed earns the victory.

Competition will be conducted under the standards of the American Water Ski Association (AWSA), whose official rules govern sanctioned tournament slalom events .

Supporting Conservation and Accessibility

Tournament profits will be donated to support conservation efforts and improvements to the grounds at Buffumville Dam, maintained by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

In addition, the New England Water Ski Collective plans to install accessible beach mats at Buffumville Beach this summer to improve shoreline access for individuals with mobility challenges — ensuring more members of the community can safely enjoy the lake.

Built on Partnership and Community

The Collective’s Slalom/Competition Team has worked diligently to build partnerships with regional ski teams, individual competitors, and the Army Corps of Engineers to bring this championship event to life. The coordination of athletes, officials, volunteers, and site logistics represents months of collaboration.

Led by director Joe Zmetra, the New England Water Ski Collective’s competition team is especially excited to see many of its own members compete on home water as they pursue qualification for AWSA Eastern Regionals and Nationals.

Zmetra reflected on the athleticism required in the sport:

“Slalom is as much about strength as it is about precision. The skier has to generate incredible power across the wake, maintain perfect form in and out of their cuts, and carry maximum velocity into each turn. At the buoy, you need the ability to stop on a dime, change direction instantly, and set up your next cut with total control. It’s a balance of explosiveness and technique — and when it all comes together, it’s an amazing thing to watch.”

All Abilities – One Passion

The championship represents more than just competition — it reflects the Collective’s mission of “All Abilities – One Passion.”

“Our team is incredibly excited to bring the Massachusetts State Slalom Championships back to Central Massachusetts,” said Leonardo Topa, President of the New England Water Ski Collective. “All three divisions of our organization have worked together to make this event possible, while also supporting our other major initiatives this season — including our Learn to Ski programs and our traveling adaptive ski clinics. This tournament shows how our organization continues to grow while making sure everyone has the opportunity to get out on the water and enjoy the sport we love.”

The New England Water Ski Collective is eagerly awaiting the warmer weather as it prepares to begin a busy season that will see its members actively skiing and competing across the New England region.

About the New England Water Ski Collective

The New England Water Ski Collective is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization devoted to making water skiing and water sports accessible to all. Through its Adaptive, Competitive, and Recreational ski teams, the organization works to remove barriers to participation and grow the sport throughout the New England region.

As a nonprofit, the Collective relies on the generosity of donors, community partners, and sponsors to help expand programming, host events, and provide opportunities for athletes of all abilities.

If you are interested in donating to support our Adaptive, Competitive, or Recreational ski teams, please contact our Sponsorship Coordinator, Juliet, at Juliet@NewEnglandWaterSki.org

By supporting the New England Water Ski Collective, you are helping ensure that more individuals — regardless of age or ability — have the chance to experience the thrill and community of water skiing.

For more information about the Massachusetts State Slalom Championships or the New England Water Ski Collective, please contact:

New England Water Ski Collective
(774) 495-0165
comp@newenglandwaterski.org