Since its founding in the 70’s, White Rose Water Ski Club has become a beacon for water sports enthusiasts in West Yorkshire. Our club’s storied history is a testament to our passion for water skiing and our commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive community. From hosting thrilling competitions to providing a serene getaway for families, our lake has been the backdrop for countless memorable moments. Explore our history to discover how White Rose Water Ski Club has evolved into the prestigious, members-only destination it is today, while remaining deeply rooted in tradition and community spirit.
The idea of our ski club was born when an advert was placed in a local paper, seeking like-minded individuals interested in forming a ski club. Twenty enthusiastic people responded, marking the club’s inception—though we had no water to ski on at the time.
After an extensive search across Selby, Wakefield, Halifax, and Leeds for a suitable location, we finally discovered Cromwell Marina. While it was merely a fishing lake at the time, it had great potential. We secured the site by renting it, and the club’s journey truly began.
In the winter of 1979, the lake completely froze over, creating a rare and memorable moment at the club. Members took to the ice, enjoying the unique opportunity to walk across the frozen surface. These photos capture the fun as members tested the ice, skis in hand, a true testament to the unforgettable conditions of that winter.
In 1980, major groundwork took place to shape the club’s future facilities. The land was dug out and prepared for the construction of a new car park and clubhouse. This development laid the foundation for improved access and a dedicated space for members to gather, marking a key milestone in the club’s expansion.
In 1981, the groundwork for the club’s car park was completed, laying down a tarmac surface to provide better access and parking facilities for members. This development significantly improved convenience for visitors, marking another step forward in the club’s infrastructure growth
Our lake gained a touch of fame when it was featured in Last of the Summer Wine, Season 6, Episode 7. This provides a fascinating glimpse into how much the lake has evolved since then - Watch the Episode Here
In 1983, a new slipway was installed to improve access to the water for launching boats. This reatly enhanced the club’s functionality, allowing easier and safer boat launching for all members.
We were honoured to host the European Barefoot Championships, placing our club on the map as a premier location for competitive water skiing.
The owner of Cromwell Marina presented us with a remarkable opportunity: to purchase not only the lake but also the surrounding land, two buildings, and a small wood. Recognising the incredible potential, the committee decided to raise the membership fees to fund the purchase, and we proudly secured the site as our permanent home.
Continuing our tradition of excellence, we hosted the British National Tournament, further solidifying our reputation within the water skiing community.
In 1992, a new water outlet was installed to enhance water management at the lake. The project involved significant groundwork and precision to ensure proper drainage and functionality, marking an essential upgrade for maintaining water levels and overall lake management.
In 1998, the club held a successful Open Day, welcoming families and visitors to experience the excitement of watersports. The day was filled with boat rides, water skiing, and fun activities, bringing the community together. The event was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the club’s facilities and engage with new members.
In 1999, the club’s water jump underwent significant refurbishment. The barrels, which provided buoyancy, were replaced to ensure the jump remained safe and functional for water skiing activities. This maintenance effort extended the lifespan of the jump, ensuring continued use by members.
In partnership with Mastercraft and Jaguar Land Rover, we hosted a thrilling Ride & Drive Day, bringing together the best of water and automotive sports.
In 2002, we upgraded our facilities with the installation of a new dock. The process began with clearing the shoreline, as heavy machinery was brought in to prepare the area.
After careful construction and assembly, the new dock was completed. This upgrade marked a key enhancement to our club, providing a safer and more functional space for everyone.
In 2008, dredging work was carried out to make the lake deeper and safer for watersports. Reports of a large rock near the dock led to the project, as it posed potential risks to our members. Heavy machinery was used to remove the obstruction and deepen the area, ensuring the lake remained a safe and enjoyable space for everyone.
The lake made another television appearance, this time in Emmerdale, showcasing our stunning location to a broad audience. View the clip explosion clip here - | - Watch the episode here
The Grand Tour filmed an episode at our lake, featuring Clarkson, Hammond, and May as they attempted to build a road-legal amphibious car and break a water speed record. Click Here to watch video
Major Renovation: The clubhouse undergoes a significant refurbishment, enhancing the lounge, kitchen, showers, toilets, and changing areas to provide top-tier amenities for members.
More photos available on our facilities page