Turkey on the Wake

In association with the International Water Ski Federation, Turkey realized its first international water ski competition at Fethiye, Turkey on 23 - 26 April, 1998.

Organized at Turkey's number 1 holiday resort "Hillside Beach Club," the cup gathered 53 skiers from 10 countries, competing in the categories of slalom, trick and wakeboard.

It was a three days happening, action and fun in an exquisite atmosphere.  Celebrated personalities like; 83 years old Banana George (listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest barefooter in the world) and the fantastic Stars of Florida; Director, Don Buffa, showed their exciting jumps, saltos, flips on wakeboards, airchair, backfoot, barefoot and more.

The 1000 guests, VIP's and international journalists loved not only the sportive events, but also enjoyed the whole hearted hospitality, the delicious and abundant food and the amazing entertainment programs of the Club.

The president of the International Water Ski Federation, Kuno Ritschard, was very happy with this organization and marked it an important milestone for the development of water ski sports in Turkey.

Many thanks went to Edip Ilkbahar, Group Coordinator of Hillside Clubs, for pioneering this event and turning the cup into a multi-dimensional water sports festival.

At the farewell beach party, promises were made to meet again next year, as the 1st Hillside International Water Ski Cup '98 ended under the majestic fireworks.