About Us

For more than 60 years, The Rock Aqua Jays Water Ski Club (RAJ) has been thrilling audiences in Janesville, WI with high-flying, jaw-dropping water ski stunts on the banks of the Rock River. The 22-time national champion show ski team hosts free water ski shows at RAJ Stadium in Janesville every Wednesday and Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

A World Class Act!

The Rock Aqua Jays have repeatedly been voted one of the most popular tourist attractions and family entertainment options in Janesville. Many national and world-class athletes have skied at our show site. We’ve proudly been host to two World Water Ski Show Tournaments and continue to host some of the largest show ski tournaments in the world. The Rock Aqua Jays hold more tournament wins than any other team in the world!

But we take the most pride in entertaining our home crowds every summer. Thank you, Janesville, for your support over the years! Truly, we wouldn’t be the team we are today without the support of our beloved community.

1961

Where it All Begins!

The Rock Aqua Jays were formed and named by Tom Kuhlow, Billy Manthey, Wayne Manthey, and Roger Sterk. The club consisted of 25 skiers and focused mainly on 3-event skiing but also performed a few ski shows.

1975

Rock Aqua Jays Host the Inaugural National Show Ski Tournament at Traxler Park

Nine water ski show teams competed in the first National Show Ski Tournament. The idea originated from Duane Snow and J.R. Wilson.

1981

First 4-Tier Pyramid

The Rock Aqua Jays were the first amateur team to build a 4-tier pyramid. The team also swept the three major tournaments this year as “Triple Crown Champions”. Since, the Rock Aqua Jays have earned 12 Triple Crown Titles.

1993

First 5-Tier Pyramid

The Rock Aqua Jays became the first amateur team to successfully build a 5-tier pyramid on the water and at the National Tournament.

2021

Barefoot Pyramid Guinness World Record Achieved!

The Rock Aqua Jays, along with show skiers from other ski teams, successfully completed 8 barefoot pyramids that were held over 200 feet. The Mercury Marine Barefoot Pyramids earned a Guinness World Record.

2022

Mercury Marine 93-Person Pyramid Achieves a New Guinness World Record

On September 10, 2022, members from four different ski teams completed a 93-person pyramid on the banks of the Rock River in Janesville, WI. More than 50 Rock Aqua Jays members were involved. This is the current Guinness World Record pyramid.

The venue

About the Show Site

RAJ Stadium (Traxler Park) is located at 600 N Main St. in Janesville, WI. Plenty of bleacher seating provides great views of the show, while a shaded picnic area and park offers a break from the sun. The site itself is one of the nicest show ski sites in the nation and has been host to more than 30 national and world show ski tournaments.