Flood waters are causing a rough summer for water ski teams. Tommy Bartlett got beached in the Dells. Around the Midwest, a lot of teams are out of the water. But, in Eau Claire County, it's a little different story for the Ski Sprites. The Sprites are having no problem zipping around Lake Altoona, but the show's director says getting people to the beach is a little trickier than it used to be.

They fly around the lake, they flip through the air, and these skiers really lean on one another—on and off the water.

"It's a club, but in many ways it's a family," says Ski Sprite Show Director Renee Erickson.

The Ski Sprites have been a family since 1960, spending most their time at Half Moon Lake in Eau Claire. But, last year, they took their show to Lake Altoona so the DNR could study the water quality at Half Moon Lake.

"The center of Eau Claire was a pretty good location, now we're kind of off the beaten path. We're trying to get people here. But, a lot of people think we've been disbanded and that we don't exist. We're trying to get them here," Erickson says.

But, in the meantime, the Sprites keep on skiing. After floods left a lot of other teams struggling for water time, the team says hitting the water means more than ever.

"When I saw the pictures, I felt so horrible. I thought 'wow, we must be really lucky to be skiing today,’" says Missy Rowe, a long time Ski Sprite.

"It is tough to watch all the other teams struggle," says Mackenzie Erickson with the team.

"It does hit hard. I said we're a family here, but water-skiing in general is a family," Erickson says.

It’s a family that is ever expanding and open to all ages.

"I’m definitely never going to quit. I want my kids to be in it," says Rowe with a laugh.

"It’s hard at first and you gradually go and it gets easier and easier," say Two Year Member Erik Weber.

"You meet a lot of people and it's fun. You get to ski a whole bunch," says Ethan Scott. He’s also been with the team for two seasons.

It’s a family with one goal.

"We just hope to put on a great show and entertain the crowd," says Dustin Ludwikowski, a nine year veteran.

“We're coming up on our 50th year and want them to know that we're still here and still exist and we'd love to have people come down and see us!” Erickson says.

If you'd like to check out the Ski Sprites show, you can see them every Wednesday and Sunday at Lake Altoona. All shows start at 6:30 and they run all summer long. The team does have a couple weeks off for competitions. You can check their schedule on-line. Just click on the link below.