ARCHIE Davis knows there is a target on his back.
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It’s why the current Australian under-21 champion would have been pleased with his performance at the season-opening Malibu Series event on Saturday and Sunday.
Davis set a new personal record, but it wasn’t the fact it was a new best for him individually – it also raised the bar for everyone else.
His new slalom record of two passes on the 10.75 metre line was half a pass more than his previous record.
But any improvement no matter how big or small indicates he’s on track for another strong season.
“Every day you’re always trying new things,” Davis said.
“You’re working on your own technique and you have goals in your head that you want to achieve for the season.
“Every time you get a PB you’re that little bit closer to your goal or you’ve achieved your goal.”
The previous mark Davis had set was “only one and a half, so that little bit more training goes into that little bit more” towards the end result.
“It’s definitely a good feeling when all the work pays off and you get to have some reward out of it,” he said.
“It’s one of those sports that you do compete in with the goal of improving your own score.”
The Telegraph Point venue is one which has a reputation as a location where new records tumble at almost every event that is held there.
Davis admitted it was simply a case of the ski lake being set up perfectly.
“The lakes are the key to be honest,” he said.
“The Stone family have travelled around the world at the best lakes and then they built their own.
“It’s the way it’s shaped, the banks, the rocks on the side of the bank and you’ve got good boats and good drivers.
“It’s one of those things where all the ducks are in a line and it’s paid off for a good weekend.”
The 20-year-old will now have a bit of a break before he starts training for the Australian masters at Bridgewater in Victoria in January.
He doesn’t intend on changing too much.
“I try to worry about myself and let everyone else work themselves out,” he said.
“Whoever comes out on top on the day is just lucky so I think a lot of people get consumed by others, but I just try and worry about myself, what I’m doing and hopefully it’s enough.”
Queenslander Emma Haberman also set a pending Australian female record with two passes at the 10.75 metre line at the weekend.
“She’s been one of the best throughout her career, so good to see her still doing it,” Davis said.
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