Welcome to the White Bear Water Ski Company Legacy Project!

More Than Skis: A Minnesota Legacy

Founded in 1947 by Tom Weinhagen on Bald Eagle Lake, the White Bear Water Ski Company was Minnesota’s first water ski manufacturer and a trailblazer in American watersports. Operating during a golden era of recreation on White Bear Lake, the company helped fuel the region’s reputation as a hub for innovation, fun, and summer tradition. Today, the WBWSC Legacy Project honors that legacy by preserving and sharing the stories, designs, and memorabilia of a true Minnesota original.

Our Mission: Preserve, Celebrate, Share

With support from the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society and a growing community of local historians and collectors, the WBWSC Legacy Project documents the impact of the company’s handcrafted wooden skis, accessories, and contributions to lake culture. This includes artifacts featured in community exhibits, social media retrospectives, and public talks celebrating White Bear Township and White Bear Lake history. Our mission is to ensure these materials live on to educate and inspire.

Join Us in Preserving This History

We invite you to be part of the WBWSC Legacy Project. Do you have stories, vintage photographs, or equipment from the White Bear Water Ski Company? Share your connection to this pioneering brand and help us build a lasting archive. Together, with neighbors and historians, we can keep Minnesota’s water skiing story alive—starting with where it began.