Hosted by the Victorian Barefoot Waterski Club in conjunction with the Mulwala Waterski Club the 57th National Barefoot Waterskiing Championships are to be held from 12-17th of March and will see around 100 competitors travel from all over Australia to compete.
Local barefooting champion and Mulwala Water Ski Club Ski Co-ordinator Peter O’Neill said the club is excited to have successfully attracted the nationals.
“The six day event will have two lakes full of the best high speed action on the water as the best in the country compete to be named national champion and show their skills to be considered for selection to represent Australia,” Mr O’Neill said.
“Kids as young as six years old and senior competitors as old as 71 will be coming to compete in the event.
“Competition will start at 8am every day except for a late start on Wednesday and Friday that finish late with twilight and night skiing taking place for the first time ever at a national event.”
Mr O’Neill said barefoot waterskiing has seen a resurgence on the water in the last few years with this event to attract over 100 competitors.
“The big competition will see Australian champion Keenan Derry as the hot favourite to take out the Open Men’s and World Champion Ash-Kate Stebbings will be looking to hold her number one ranking in the Open Women’s event” Pete said.
On the Friday night, March 15, a twilight spectacular will take place with fun for the family on the land and hot jump action on the water. The action will start at 4pm and finish at 9pm.
“The best of the best will be looking for that number one seed spot. This is a must for waterskiing enthusiasts to attend. The event is licensed and food stalls will be available as well as kid’s attractions and display sites.”
Mr O’Neill said there are several locals competing at the national championships.
“Our community has a proud history of skiers competing at national events.
“This year will be no different, the Peebles family from Bundalong will have four kids skiing including Zeke and Ayden who are both competing in the Under Ten competition and Macey and Zali who are both in Sub Girls, with Zali looking to retain her Sub-Junior Australian Title from last year.
“The Hogan family will also have representatives with Emily in Sub-Junior Girls and Harry in Sub-Junior Boys.” “Macy Hicks will also be competing in the Junior Girls.
“The Victorian team has a very strong presence in the juniors this year.
“We are all pretty excited. The event will fall just after the long weekend in March which is traditionally a quieter time. I would expect 300 to 400 people will come to the town for the event,” Pete said.
The 2019 Australia Barefoot Waterski National Championships will involve junior, open and senior divisions. Competitors will have progressed through the sport via local events and State Championships.
The 2019 National Championships are a pathway for selection to compete in the World Championships to be held in Sydney in 2020.
