Sarasota Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Show
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
103 reviews
Excellent
74
Very good
26
Average
3
Poor
0
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0
Explorer577750
1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Family
Wonderful ski show! Try to go every Sunday at 2pm. Fun and laughs with so much talent! Donations are helpful but no admission charge! It makes you want to jump in the water and ski with them they are that good! Ages 6-70 are in the group of pyramids to jumping over the jumps in the water! A must see!!!!! Covered bleachers and they ski right in front of you!
Written September 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
caz196689
Inverurie, UK229 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
What a terrific afternoon watching these talented people entertain us in Sarasota for free! Would have willingly paid to see this excellent show. Having waterskied for many years can appreciate how difficult it is to stand on ski’s never mind do the tricks and gymnastics they done.
Written October 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fred D
Pinnebog9 contributions
Apr 2013 • Friends
Friends of ours were surfing the Web, looking for things to do in the Tampa Bay area. They found the Sarasota Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Show. The website stated that the show was "Sarasota's best kept secret". We decided to check it out. We learned that the performers practice most Sundays in the winter months. Admission if free, but they ask for donations, but NO high pressure for donations. There are food and drinks available for purchase, cash only.
We went there April 14, 2013. There is free parking next to the Mote Aquarium, next to the Ski-A-Rees shoreline and spectator area. There are bleacher-type seats facing the shore. Some people in wheelchairs were able to be seated right in front. There are a few clean port-o-lets for the public's use. The group operates a snack bar with hot dogs, hamburgers, snacks, bottled water, and 1/2 liter bottles of Coke and Diet Coke.
Staff are very friendly. One of the staffers acts as the hostess and throughout the 1+ hour show, tells the history of the Ski-A-Rees and introduces the skiers and their acts. Acts include water skiing with and without a ramp, barefoot water skiing, pyramids up to 14 skiers, and more. It is a delight to watch these talented young and not-as-young adults practice and perform for a crowd.
The show begins at 2:00pm. Would advise arriving by 1:30 to be assured a seat. By 2:00pm the seats were filled, but there seemed to be enough seating for everyone.
The Mote Marine Aquarium and Laboratory is in the same area. We toured the Mote about five years ago. It was a worthwhile experience, but in my opinion a wee bit pricey.
All in all, we really enjoyed the Ski-A-Rees..
We went there April 14, 2013. There is free parking next to the Mote Aquarium, next to the Ski-A-Rees shoreline and spectator area. There are bleacher-type seats facing the shore. Some people in wheelchairs were able to be seated right in front. There are a few clean port-o-lets for the public's use. The group operates a snack bar with hot dogs, hamburgers, snacks, bottled water, and 1/2 liter bottles of Coke and Diet Coke.
Staff are very friendly. One of the staffers acts as the hostess and throughout the 1+ hour show, tells the history of the Ski-A-Rees and introduces the skiers and their acts. Acts include water skiing with and without a ramp, barefoot water skiing, pyramids up to 14 skiers, and more. It is a delight to watch these talented young and not-as-young adults practice and perform for a crowd.
The show begins at 2:00pm. Would advise arriving by 1:30 to be assured a seat. By 2:00pm the seats were filled, but there seemed to be enough seating for everyone.
The Mote Marine Aquarium and Laboratory is in the same area. We toured the Mote about five years ago. It was a worthwhile experience, but in my opinion a wee bit pricey.
All in all, we really enjoyed the Ski-A-Rees..
Written April 21, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travel0r12345
Sarasota, FL8 contributions
Feb 2013 • Family
This group put on an amazing show, as good or better than any of the professional shows I have seen at Sea World. It is free and a beautiful setting. I would recomend it.
It is a little hard to find. The show is located behind the Mote Marine, through a rickety metal fence. But do not let that deter you, it is really fun to watch.
It is a little hard to find. The show is located behind the Mote Marine, through a rickety metal fence. But do not let that deter you, it is really fun to watch.
Written February 17, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TakenByTravel777
Kalamazoo, MI187 contributions
Feb 2013 • Couples
When in Florida.....why not see the FREE water ski show, tucked in behind the Mote Marine area?!! This traditional tourism type show was a fun and relaxing activity on a SUNDAY afternoon! Be sure to look up specific dates and times!
The MC was corny, but kept the audience engaged while skiers prepared for tricks. Ages 4 years old through adult performed with basic dance, twist and jump tricks on skis. A bucket was passed to help fund the organization if you wanted to contribute. No pressure.
Just nice, folks.
The MC was corny, but kept the audience engaged while skiers prepared for tricks. Ages 4 years old through adult performed with basic dance, twist and jump tricks on skis. A bucket was passed to help fund the organization if you wanted to contribute. No pressure.
Just nice, folks.
Written February 14, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KnightH
Sarasota, FL22 contributions
If you are already at Mote Marine on a weekend, make sure to check out the show... it is free and the kids and adults are having a lot of fun.
Written April 11, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
makethebest
massachusetts2 contributions
Apr 2011
This group of water skiers are very talented. It reminded me of Cypress Gardens from years ago. These skiers range in age from about 6 - 50 and every one of them ads a great deal to the show. It is very professionaly presented. Bring a hat and some water to drink or bring a chair and sit under the bleachers. I found it unbelievable that there was no charge...that's right! Free. Go see them! You'll enjoy it!
Written January 30, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy E
Colchester, UK658 contributions
Found this next door when we visited the MOTE aquarium. This is a free event, run by an enthusiastic and skilled team of water skiers of all ages. There are staged seats available and a small shop selling drinks etc. The compare and backing music add to the spectacle of ski jumps, acrobatics and gymnastics on water. Donations are encouraged, and I felt they were well deserved. Be sure to take sun cream, hats or other cover, as it got very hot and there's no cover. Great show.
Written May 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan S
70 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
Free and fun ski show! These kids have talent! It's easy to get to, plenty of parking and free. The show we went to was a Sunday practice. It was quite crowded and seating is tight. Bring your own chairs, not much shade don't forget your sunblock!
Written June 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kendra C
Goshen, IN112 contributions
Feb 2014 • Friends
What a privilege to enjoy this show - every Sunday afternoon at 2:00pm - FREE. Take a lawn chair or get there early enough to find a seat in the stands. These skiers are skilled and SO entertaining. You will be glad you went...even if you don't have kids!
Written June 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What are the dates of your shows?
Looking for a show today as I knew they were on Sunday but guessing this is only in season!??
Written July 28, 2019
What time should I plan to arrive if I want a bleacher seat?
Written February 2, 2019
Do you have to pay aquarium admission to see the ski show?
Written February 25, 2018
No this is free event. There is no charge for parking at the aquarium.
Written March 25, 2018
What month's do you perform for the public?
Written March 24, 2015
The Ski-A-Rees perform in October and Feb - May (mother's day is the last show).
I hope you can make a show!
Written March 24, 2015
When are performances the week of March 16
Written March 9, 2015
Performances are every Sunday at 2pm.
Written March 10, 2015
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