Waterskiing’s most intriguing man and his Croatian roots
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
Tony Klarich (Photo: Supplied)
Tony Klarich is a legend and pioneer in the watersports community, having invented over 100 waterskiing tricks and winning 11 national and world titles.
Renowned for his innovation and prowess, the Croatian-American’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the thrill-seeking realms of waterskiing.
The sit down hydrofoil was invented by Tony’s Uncle Mike in the 1980s. It’s one of his favorite rides (Photo: Supplied)
For his 50th birthday he accomplished the daunting task of waterskiing on 50 different objects in one day including an ice chest, and a ladder.
Tony waterskiing on a cooler (Photo: Supplied)
Tony waterskiing on a disk and ladder (Photo: Supplied)
Tony doing a mule kick (Photo: Supplied)
Born and raised in the United States, Tony has Croatian heritage. His grandparents on his father’s side were from the island of Vis.
On the All Things Croatia podcast, Tony talks about his Croatian heritage and how he has been strengthening his connection to the island in recent years.
Tony spent a couple of summers on the Vis. His Uncle Joe used his donkey to get to his field on the interior or of the island (Photo: Supplied)
The moment Tony received the keys to the family house after returning. He showed up on Vis not knowing the exact address or having any keys. Croatian hospitality at its finest (Photo: Supplied)
The scavenger hunt for family lands included discovering more than 200 old vines still producing (Photo: Supplied)
Tony was pleased and surprised to find many photo albums filled with family pictures, including of himself (Photo: Supplied)
Tony’s uncle said to open the windows when he got into the house after more than 20 years. Within minutes they had neighbors coming by to say hello (Photo: Supplied)
An open hand can give or receive. A fist can do neither. This is their approach to their journey in Croatia. Rocket base on Vis island (Photo: Supplied)
Tony also talks about a special wine and art event he’s putting on involving the works of Ivan Meštrović.
Ivana explains her grandfathers working model for his masterwork of Job. Ivan Mestrovic private gallery on Vis (Photo: Supplied)
He also talks his upcoming plans for waterskiing on 60 different objects for his 60th birthday and much, much more.
Tony skied on Vis using a piece of wood laying in a pile (Photo: Supplied)
The view from their new short term rental on the Riva. Tony says he looks forward events that will bring the community together (Photo: Supplied)
Villa Machiavelli (Photo: Supplied)
You can watch the chat with Tony on the video below.
