Water skiing soars from sport to miracle on the Pearl River

So it seems perhaps and then, things change.

That is what’s happening out on the water where WGNO Good Morning New Orleans features reporter Bill Wood is hanging out.

It’s on the Pearl River.

On a canal where you can watch water skiing go from sport to miracle.

Out here is where you’ll find 17-year-old high school senior Hailey Gilmore also known as “Happy Gilmore.”

She said, “my first time I was a little bit scared and then I was like, what the heck, this is so much fun for me.”

There’s no place like it in Louisiana.

There are folks out here who can’t walk, can’t talk and now, they’re water skiing.

The name Ski Dawgs is inspired by the Louisiana Tech Bull Dawgs, for their determination, perseverance and confidence.

David Thomas is the founder and coach for Ski Dawgs.

They’re out here four times a year and it’s free for the skiers and the spectators.

“The more they love it, the more excited I get,” said Thomas. “I grew up skiing and one of the first things after my accident was wanting to get back on the water.”

Latest Posts