This year’s edition, which took place from November 8-10, added another thrilling chapter to the event’s storied history with five new records being set across various categories. From the intense competition in the support races to the dramatic breakthroughs in the main event, the weekend was packed with adrenaline-fueled action that captivated both competitors and spectators alike.
For water skiing and powerboat enthusiasts, the Bridge2Bridge is a highly anticipated occasion, offering a perfect blend of speed, skill, and strategy. And in 2024, the competitors didn’t disappoint—setting new benchmarks in the sport that will be challenged and with all hope, surpassed, over the next few years.
Record-Breaking Performances Steal the Show
One of the standout stories from this year’s Bridge2Bridge was Team Little Man, who finally shattered the long-standing Social race record after years of near misses. With driver Perry at the helm, the team crossed the finish line in an impressive 9:14, narrowly beating the previous record by just seconds. In addition to this monumental achievement, Team Little Man took home a 1st place finish in the MOC class and also set a new record in F2 with a time of 37:51. Their victory in multiple categories underscored their versatility and determination, marking a highly successful year for the team.
In the Parents and Partners race, another dramatic moment unfolded as Team Lucifer, towing Australian competitors Jaymi and Lisa Clancy, clinched the victory and broke the record with a time of 11:16—just two seconds ahead of second place. It was a thrilling finish, and their performance added another feather to the cap of the event’s outstanding achievements.
But it was Team Superman who truly dominated the weekend. Their skill was obvious and they were disciplined; two key factors that contributed to their winning and record-breaking performances across multiple disciplines. In the Masters class, they posted a record-breaking time of 20:49, showcasing their expertise in the challenging race format. However, their crowning achievement came in the Long Race time trials, where they set a blistering new record of 15:23. This was followed by an incredible performance in the Open class, where they broke the record again with a time of 30:39, securing both the Open and Overall wins in the process.
The record-breaking performances didn’t stop there. Team Relentless, with Kohdi Cartledge—the current Junior Boys World Champion—competing in the highly competitive 1-up class, set a new benchmark with a time of 38:07. Kohdi’s performance, at just 17 years old, demonstrated his immense talent and foreshadowed what’s sure to be an exciting future in the sport.
The Significance of These Records
The Bridge2Bridge is a proving ground for the sport, where competitors go head-to-head in a test of endurance, speed, and nerve. To break a record at this prestigious event is no small feat. Whether it’s the tight margins in the Social race or the dramatic time trials in the Long Race, each new record signifies a new level of achievement within the water skiing community.
