Jim Petersen

Jim grew up on a farm in Bloomington, MN and first learned to ski in 1955. Frank Beddor, who had a ski show at the time, was an influence to him in his early days of water skiing. Jim, his wife Nancy, and their children started going to Prior Lake in 1955 to boat and water ski. In 1956 they bought a cabin on the lake and have been skiing there ever since.

Water Ski Highlights:

  • Founding member of the Prior Lake Water Skiing Association in 1956 (PLWSA)
  • Skied in the first PLWSA show in 1960 Skied in his first tournament in 1959
  • Skied in his first Midwest Regionals in 1959, at Lake Nokomis, competing in Mens Slalom and Jumping
  • Dock and Rope committee member for the 1959 Midwest Regionals
  • Dock and Rope committee member for the 1960 and 1965 Nationals at Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis
  • Deputy Sheriff on the first Scott County Water Patrol
  • PLWSA show announcer for too many years to count
  • Founding member Minnesota Water Ski Association in 1960
  • AWSA Judge since 1961
  • AWSA Regular Judge 1963
  • AWSA Senior Judge since 1976
  • AWSA Senior Driver
  • Tournament Chairman for the Prior Lake Open and the 10,000 Lake Open numerous times over the years
  • Has supplied sound equipment for local water ski tournaments and shows since the 1960’s
  • Chief Announcer at the 1979 Midwest Regionals held at Island Lake in Shoreview, MN
  • Chief Announcer of the 1983 Midwest Regionals
  • Announcer at many Nationals
  • Chief Judge Minnesota State Championships 1976 and 1977
  • Appointed Judge at numerous Midwest Regionals
  • Appointed Judge at the Nationals
  • Owner of Hydrosports of Prior Lake, MN selling Hydrodyne Boats and water ski equipment (1969-72)
  • Owner of Midwestern Water Ski Center in Bloomington, MN (1976-87)
  • Owner of Mastercraft Electronics (1989-present)
  • Mastercraft Promotional Team member since 1971 (over 31 years)

Jim and Nancy have been married for over 53 years and have five children, Kim, Karen, Wendy, Dale, and Chris and many grandchildren. All of the children have skied in the PLWSA shows and have competed in local, regional, and national tournaments. Some of the grandchildren are currently skiing in the PLWSA show as well.

Jim and Nancy now live year round on Prior Lake and he is often the first skier on the water after ice out and the last skier off in the fall. 7:00 AM is a busy time of the day for Jim during the summer as he faithfully drives and practices with a group of skiing friends.

His relationship with Mastercraft Boats is well documented. Not a tournament goes by that he is not promoting, whether towing a boat or wearing Mastercraft clothing.

In the off season Jim spent 29 years on the National Ski Patrol at Buck Hill, and is active in Prior Lake community affairs by serving on the city council.

The Minnesota water ski community couldn’t ask for a better member than Jim Petersen. He’s been active since the 1950’s and to this day lends a tremendous amount of dedication and enthusiasm to the sport.