Ski jumping is a sport in which you can't force anything and the harmony of movement is very important. If you're tense and forcefully trying to put the maximum into your jump, it just doesn't work.

There are three disciplines to barefoot water-skiing - tricks, slalom - when the competitor crosses the wake as many times as possible in 15 seconds - and jump, where barefooters jump over a ramp.

Strate, 23, was part of the Canadian team that won bronze in a mixed event at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, securing the country's first-ever ski jumping medal. She appears to only be rising from there.

It can be tough, and it takes a toll on your body but also skiing on the professional tour and free style jumping,” Jackson said. Most professional water skiers in Polk County are brought down ...