Frankie Dees, a 31-time National Overall Champion, has made an indelible mark on the sport of water skiing over more than five decades as both a competitor and a coach. Dees first learned to water ski in 1964 and competed in the National Championships in the Junior Boys division that same year. By age seven, he had already won his first trophy, and at age 12, he broke the Junior Boys jump record with a 94-foot leap. By the age of 16, Dees had gained national attention, appearing in Life Magazine and being honored by Sports Illustrated for his accomplishments. 

In 1968, Dees became the youngest skier ever to win the prestigious Masters Overall Title, and the following year, he claimed the Masters Slalom Title. Competing in the Open Division from age 14 to 37, Dees captured overall national titles in every division and won jump national titles more than 40 times. In 2008, he set the Men’s 5 jump record, which still stands today. 

Over his career, Dees amassed an impressive 49 gold medals at the National Championships. He spent 15 years as a show skier at the famed Cypress Gardens and dedicated more than 40 years to coaching at the Chuck Dees Ski School. Beyond competition, Dees contributed to research and development in the water skiing industry during the 1980s and 1990s, collaborating with MB Boats, Ski Centurion, and Malibu Boats while promoting the sport through various programs. 

Dees also showcased his talent internationally, competing twice in both the Moomba Masters and the European Masters, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest water skiers in history.