Ducks, paddleboats and Adelaide's favourite tourist boat have been swept aside by speedboats this week as barefoot waterskiers return to the Torrens for the first time in 48 years.

More than 100 competitors from across the country are jumping into waters most Adelaideans do their best not to touch as they compete in the 56th Australian Barefoot Waterski Championships.

SA Barefoot Waterski Club president Jim Peterson said the water was tested daily and perfectly safe for swimming despite its poor reputation among locals.

A rooster tail streaks behind a barefoot skier. ( ABC Radio Adelaide: Malcolm Sutton )

"I reckon it's way better than some of the backwaters we ski on the river," he said.

With rooster tails streaking behind barefoot skiers as they travel at speeds up to 75 kilometres per hour, it would appear competitors agree.

Completing tricks from tumble turns, front toe hold, back to front, 360s and 720s, skiers of all ages and divisions have turned the Torrens into a spectacular playground the likes of which have not been seen on the river for some time.

A barefoot jump competition will be held Friday night under lights. ( Supplied: Kym Bond )

The Popeye tourist boat will not be operating until Friday due to what its operators described as Adelaide City Council water treatments, but its paddleboats and ducks are still happily mobile to the east of the competition.

Skiers start between the Morphett Street Bridge and footbridge and travel to the Torrens Weir and back in two 15-second runs.

Competitors take turns to ski backwards beneath Morphett Road Bridge. ( Supplied: Kym Bond )

Barefoot SA club foundation member Greg Brown said he last skied the Torrens in 1970 as a demonstration for the Adelaide Festival of Arts.

The following year the championships were held outside of Sydney for the first time at the Patawalonga at Glenelg, where part of this year's event is also being held due to the high number of entries.

This is the event's first year on the Torrens.

The water is tested daily and safe for swimming despite its local reputation. ( Supplied: Kym Bond )

"It took the club four days to build the backwash system and put it in," Mr Brown said.

"Because when the boat goes through and creates wash, it hits the concrete wall and rebounds back, messing the water up.

"For barefooting you need good water and this is basically to stop the backwash."

Former premier John Olsen is competing in a barefoot competition for the first time. ( ABC Radio Adelaide: Malcolm Sutton )

Among the competitors is 72-year-old former SA premier John Olsen who's skiing in the Super Super Veterans Men's division.

"Now that this Riverbank precinct right in the centre of the city has been upgraded, it's really what the area should be used for," he said.

Mr Olsen has competed in waterski competitions on the River Murray before but this was his first barefoot competition.

Skiers of all ages and divisions are taking part. ( ABC Radio Adelaide: Malcolm Sutton )

"It's more exhilarating and there's an adrenaline to it," he said.

"When you're out on the water it's just you and the hiss of the water; it's just a good sensation."

The competition runs until Sunday, while on Friday night a jumps competition will be held under lights near the footbridge to Adelaide Oval.