When was the last time there was a free (no admission charge to the public) special event at Long Beach Marine Stadium? Hard to remember. But there will be on Saturday, August 22. If you want see a full day (8am to 6pm) of water ski/wakeboard/kneeboard/hydrofoil and assorted other wild on-water stunts, Marine Stadium will be the place for that. Tony Klarich, one of the world’s best free-style skiers, is celebrating his 50th birthday and will be doing what he does best, riding and skiing on 50 different things (picnic tables, beverage coolers, oars, suitcases, pallets, skateboards, bicycles, etc.) – it’s never been done before.

Although Guinness World Records has declined to certify the feat, Klarich will be skiing on their book as a tongue in cheek protest. Several other official records will be attempted that day, however, including the longest chain of skiers, most riders on different things behind one boat (representing the nine sport discipline of USA Water Ski, the governing national organization of towed watersports) and an attempt by Klarich’s uncle Mike Murphy at the world’s tallest hydrofoil (11′4″, and an official Guinness World Record attempt).

Never before has so much water skiing history been demonstrated in one day. From the early 1900s to the 2000s and beyond, Klarich and his friends will be representing almost every aspect of towed watersports through the years. The day is organized into six acts that include a History of Wakeboarding, History of Hydrofoiling, Wooden Wonders, and more. The day will be both entertaining and educational, featuring vintage rides like a 1932 Aquaplane, 1958 Double Acts from Cypress Gardens, Florida and a ride on the first wakeboard - the 1991 HO Hyperlite. Many of the rides will be costumed to their time periods.

In between acts several of the world’s best skiers and wakeboarders will be demonstrating towed watersports at its highest skill levels.
The event is free (no admission charge) and is open to the public to enjoy.

The “50 for 50” day on August 22 will be supporting and collecting donations for Boys Town California, a 501C-3 non-profit charity helping troubled children and families in Southern California.
Long Beach Marine Stadium is located at 5255 Paoli Way, Long Beach, CA 90803.
More info at: http://www.tonyklarich.com