LaRue “Joker” Osborn

American Water Ski Educational Foundation Award of Distinction 2003

Inducted into the Florida Water Ski Federation Hall of Fame 2003

LaRue “Joker” Osborn of Merritt Island starting at the age of 13 as rope boy, was a long-time show skier at Cypress Gardens and an accomplished three-event tournament skier who won overall at the 1964 Nationals and Masters. Jumping was his favorite event, and at the 1959 Nationals he set a mark of 142 feet. Four years later he surpassed the 150-foot mark with a jump of 151 feet at the Anderson (S.C.) Open. He was known for his “roll out” jumping form. He has retired from competitive water skiing.