The 2014 Eastern Regional Water Ski Championships are taking place July 31 to Aug. 3 on Mirror Lake in downtown Lake Placid, and Nick Leuthauser of Hannawa Falls is among the competitors.

He and Matt Richardson of Ogdensburg, with whom he frequently trains, both compete in the Mens 2 division, for those 25 to 34 years old skiers.

Matt's son Tristan Richardson, 10, competes in Boys 2 for ages 10 to 13. Jonathan Murray of Potsdam skis in Mens 3, 35 to 44 years old.

Collectively, this group has accounted for two national titles and several regional and state titles.

“Quite often we all train together and travel to tournaments together as well,” said Leuthauser.

“Jonathan skis on July 31 at regionals, while Matt, Tristan and myself ski on Friday. Just like at Nationals, Regionals is a one-shot deal where you only get one run, as over 150 skiers attend and compete in three different events, slalom, trick and jump,” he said.

The Eastern Regional championship will have the best amateur skiers on the East Coast attending. Some competitors will qualify for nationals by placing top five in their given division.

“Usually the tournament is held on a private ski lake that is designed for waterskiing,” Leuthauser said. “These lakes are great for skiing, but don't allow the sport to be showcased. Mirror Lake provides a great location to showcase the sport, but the skiing conditions will be less quality than a private lake. Mirror Lake did hold annual ski tournaments in the past but they discontinued 15 years ago. In 1974 the Eastern Regional Championship was held on Mirror Lake and 30 years later it is back!” he said.

Information about the event and a schedule can be found at waterskilakeplacid.com.