Mike Mckelheer is a well-known personality in the water ski industry. He was a

competitive skier in the Pacific Northwest, but he made his mark as an innovator, promoter and pioneer.

Mike was one of the earliest employees of Herb O'Brien at O'Brien Water Skis. He

was both a promotional skier and marketing manager and a leader of grassroots and professional water ski teams. Mike also brought the 1970 US Nationals to Green Lake in Seattle. In the 60s through the 90s, he was an integral support agent for professional skiers and a liaison between skiers and product developers.  Mike was an essential part of supporting water skiers for decades.

Mike was instrumental in promoting water skiing across the country and throughout

the world. Mike supported the U.S. Coast Guard and King County Public Safety, developing safety procedures for competitions, ski shows, ski races, and coordinated demonstrations and shows for nationally known events such as the Seattle Sea Fair.