In June of 1972 A group of La Crosse area skiers, interested in promoting the sport of water skiing, decided to form a team that was, and still is, known as the River City Water Ski Show Team. Their main goal was to promote water safety, perform ski shows during the summer, prepare skiers for competitive skiing, and to promote the sport of water skiing as a safe, family type recreation.

Much has changed over the past 34 years. In 2015, RCWS now owns four boats, which include one Twin Rig (boat with two motors), two Mastercraft Pro Star Ski boats, and one additional boat that is used for pulling occasional ski acts and as a safety boat. Our team has grown to over seventy members including both skiers and non-skiers. During the summer, you will find us practicing our ski shows at the Airport Beach, located on French Island, near the Airport. Every Wednesday night, we perform free ski shows for local residents and tourists. In addition to our weekly shows, we perform four ski shows at the La Crosse Annual Riverfest Celebration held over the Fourth of July. We also compete in at least two show ski competitions, including the State Tournament held in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. This has become one of the largest show ski competitions in the country.