The 2025 IWWF University Worlds transformed Auckland’s Orakei Basin into a global waterskiing hotspot from February 26 to March 2, bringing together the world’s elite international competition, the best university waterskiers for an action-packed week of high-speed slalom, jaw-dropping tricks, and soaring jumps.
For the first time ever, New Zealand hosted an IWWF World Titled traditional waterski event, marking a new era since the IWWF’s separation from the FISU World University Championships program!
The excitement kicked off even before the competition began, with a spectacular pre-event night featuring the Show Ski Australia team, who wowed the crowd with their precision, synchronised formations, and daring water stunts. Adding to the adrenaline rush was the Flip Off challenge, where the #UniWorlds2025 tricksters went head-to-head in a display of extreme aerial manoeuvres, setting the tone for an unforgettable championship.
World-Class competition on display
With the backdrop of Auckland’s skyline, 79 skiers from 19 nations battled across six main divisions—Open Women Slalom, Open Men Slalom, Open Women Tricks, Open Men Tricks, Open Women Jump, and Open Men Jump—alongside two overall titles for the best all-around performers.
The Ski Nautique, the world’s premier waterski towboat, provided the ultimate competitive edge. Built with carbon-fiber and fiberglass technology and featuring patented MicroTuner® technology, it produced the softest wakes, allowing skiers to break personal bests and chase world records.
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The slalom event was a test of skill and precision, with Colombia’s Luisa E. Jaramillo taking the Open Women Slalom title, while Federico E. Jaramillo secured Open Men Slalom gold. In tricks, Malaysia’s Aaliyah Yoong Hanifa dominated, winning both Open Women Tricks and Open Women Jump, as well as the Open Women Overall title.
Mexico’s Patricio Font showcased elite technical ability to claim victory in Open Men Tricks, while Austria’s Luca Rauchenwald soared to win Open Men Jump. The all-around Open Men Overall title went to France’s Pol Duplan-Fribourg.
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The kiwi contenders
For New Zealand’s athletes, competing in front of a home crowd was an unforgettable experience. 24-year-old Lily Meade was the country’s standout female competitor, finishing third in Open Women Jump, ninth in Open Women Slalom, and 19th in Open Women Tricks, securing an impressive third place overall in Open Women Overall. Meade, who had competed in high-profile U.S. events, brought her international experience to the Orakei Basin stage.
Other strong Kiwi women performances came from 21-year-old Courtney Williams, who placed 11th in Open Women Tricks, and 19-year-old Madison Wainwright, who finished 19th in Open Women Slalom and 13th in Open Women Tricks.
Among the men, 19-year-old Jack Silver led the Kiwi charge, placing sixth in Open Men Overall, sixth in Open Men Jump, seventh in Open Men Slalom, and 13th in Open Men Tricks after a season competing in Europe and the U.S. 18-year-old Jaydon Hanna placed 18th in Open Men Slalom, while 28-year-old Christopher Lincoln finished 11th in Open Men Jump.
An unforgettable waterski spectacle
With flawless conditions, world-class performances, and the cutting-edge Ski Nautique towboats, the 2025 IWWF University Worlds delivered non-stop excitement. Spectators at Orakei Basin witnessed history in the making, with thrilling rivalries, spectacular personal bests, and record-breaking performances.
Looking ahead, organisers are already planning an expanded 2026 edition, with the potential inclusion of wakeboarding and wakesurfing disciplines, ensuring that New Zealand remains at the forefront of the global waterskiing scene. After an electrifying week of action, one thing is certain—waterskiing in New Zealand has never looked stronger.
