The History
The Beginning
The Beginning
The Beginning
Karel Wolters started KW show ski equipment in 1983, with the idea that you should always be able to stay safe out on the water. Karel passed away in 2024 leaving the business to his son Joe.
Now
The Beginning
The Beginning
Joe now runs the business alongside his daughter. The release(s) that he developed alongside his dad have been used for many World Records and majority of water ski teams around the world.
Recreation
The Beginning
Recreation
We can't let everyone else have all the fun! We spend a majority of our summer on the water water skiing, discing, boating, and practicing with our home team in western Michigan.
The Family
Karel Wolters, Founder
Karel learned to ski at age 8 behind a small aluminum boat with a 10-horsepower motor. He skied behind many things over the years before developing his love of hang gliding in 1977. In 1979 he made his own safety release (now known as the KARelease) so that he could fly his hang glider behind the boat.
*He skied up until his passing at age 83 in 2024
Joe Wolters, Owner
Joe (the son of Karel) first started water skiing at age 4. Following in his dad's footsteps he began helping his dad in the KW business creating trick releases and pylons. Joe is now the owner of KW Show Ski Equipment along with the Equipment manager, twin rig boat driver & skier on Grand City Show Ski team in western Michigan.
Macy Wolters-Whipple
The granddaughter of Karel, Joe's daughter Macy begun water skiing with her dad at 5 months old. She started skiing with the Grand City Show Skiers and is now a show director. She helps in the machine shop & runs the social media and online platforms for KW.