Dwan Jacobsen Young, World’s Oldest Female Water Skier Makes Waves at 92
Dwan Jacobsen Young, a 92-year-old woman from Bear Lake now holds the title of the world’s oldest female water skier, a passion she discovered in 1961. Despite her age, she continues to ski every summer, inspiring waterskiers with her energy and dedication to the sport.
By Beth Snider · January 11, 2024
Between Utah and Idaho, where Bear Lake’s sparkling waters beckon adventure, 92-year-old Dwan Jacobsen Young has made waves by becoming the world’s oldest female water skier. Her journey into the waterskiing world began in 1961 when she was 29 years old.
Dwan’s introduction to water skiing unfolded in a quaint summer cabin on Bear Lake. Captivated by the thrill of the sport, she decided to dive headfirst into the world of waterskiing. Little did she know that this spontaneous decision would mark the beginning of a lifelong passion, leading her to the prestigious title of the world’s oldest female water skier. Every summer, accompanied by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, she embraces the opportunity to glide gracefully across the smooth surface of the lake.
I always get butterflies before I get in the water. In the water, I feel excited.
Her waterskiing journey began with the approach of using two skis, eventually, Dwan achieved the milestone of transitioning to slalom skiing in her waterskiing repertoire. As a seasoned skier, she now opts for conserving energy by starting with two skis and swiftly dropping one, all while maintaining a keen eye for the nuances of the water’s conditions. While Dwan currently conquers the refreshing waters of Bear Lake, her past escapades include skiing in the warmer waters of Lake Powell and Lake Mead.
The revelation of her Guinness World Records title unfolded as a surprise during a family Christmas party. As her granddaughter Becca shared a video of Dwan’s summer skiing escapades, the room erupted in applause.
Dwan harbors a desire to conquer snowy slopes as well, expressing a wish to hold a record for skiing down diamond trails, she acknowledges the need for lessons to achieve this goal. For now, she remains focused on maintaining her health and eagerly anticipating another summer of waterskiing. Reflecting on her own experiences, she advises aspiring waterskiers to find patient mentors, emphasizing that age should never be a deterrent to exploring new sports.