History

The New Plymouth Water Ski Club formed in 1959 and had its first origins at Ngamotu Beach in New Plymouth. The harbour was more for shipping and cargo so it became increasingly difficult to ski inside the breakwater. After many attempts to utilise some of the local water bodies in New Plymouth, Lake Ratapiko, was a strong possibility to base the club their. In conjunction with the Power Boat club  for whom the water ski club had previous involvement with, the shared use of the lake proved to be very popular and successful

In 1975 the West Arm Lake Ratapiko was opened for the water ski club. Leading up to this the NPWSC stalwarts had put in twelve months of hard voluntary labour using an assorted array of bulldozers, front end loaders and farm tractors transforming a piece of swamp land into a place where the NPWSC could establish a home, a headquarters and a place to call their own.

In 1977 $7,000 was raised at a local expo to help the club finish the development of the west arm and pay for a clubhouse. The degree of the excavation work undertaken prior to the opening meant the club was able to conduct three types of competitive skiing, Slalom, Jump and Tricks.

In 1983 the local power board began a dredging program of both sides of Lake Ratapiko to increase storage and deepen the lake by up to 4 meters deep. The dredge ran a steel cable from one side of the lake to the other. This meant only weekends were available for club members on the lake. In order for members to be able to ski in a slalom course, most Friday evenings keen members hauled a portable slalom course out and installed it on the lake only to have to remove it  on Sunday evening, weekend after weekend. The 2 year planned dredging infact took 5 years

In 1989 the club held its first world ranking 3 event Gold Star competition  where skiers from all over the country came to compete. Slalom, Jump and Tricks all featured with local skiers having the opportunity to compete against the best in the country on their home site.

1996 saw the first of the novice slalom competitions being held. Divisions were separated by skiing ability only. This made for great competition and a fun atmosphere for all participants which included other club skiers from Wanganui, Palmerston North, and Wellington.

Many past and current members have achieved high standards in competitions and represented the NPWSC club at regional, national and international competitions.

The result of all this hard work and dedication of club members and others has resulted in the NPWSC having a great facility for families, recreational, social and competition skiers to enjoy.

A great balance between all members, whether recreational or competition, is a key reason why it is rated one of the best water ski clubs in the country.