Ralph Samuelson invented water skiing when he was only 18 and perfected it the day before his 19th birthday. Ralph was an enthusiasts of snow skiing and wanted to do it year-round. As a result Ralph would spend his summer trying out different different styles of skies. When he began Ralph believed he could just use his snow skies but did not have much luck. He then tried barrel staves which did not work either. By the end of the summer after many failed attempts Ralph realized he needed skies that would support his body weight. Ralph bought two large pine boards and softened the tips so they would be curved and would provide lift on take off. In 1922 Ralph finally succeeded on the day before his 19th birthday, he was able to take off on hand made 8ft by 9in water skies on a lake in Minnesota and create a past-time that people would love.
Herb O'Brien
Herb O'Brien is the next biggest name in water skiing next to Ralph Samuelson. Herb would make water skies and he created the water ski company O'Brien Skis. Herb loved the sport of water skiing and he began at a young age. Herb began making skies in the 60's as the types of skiing changed in the 80's his company came up with new designs to keep up with changes in water skiing. Sadly Herb died only a short time ago on October 22, 2012. Most people will remember Herb as a designer of water skis and his love for the sport.