Tournament director Wil Lhommelet has praised the quality of water skiing on show at the first day of the Australian Junior Masters Water Skiing Championships.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Junior water skiers from across the nation are competing at the prestigious Telegraph Point tournament on January 18 and 19.
Australia's top junior skiers showcased their skills in trick, slalom and jumping competition categories at Stoney Park.
"On Saturday morning we did slalom with afternoon tricks and jumps," said Mr Lhommelet
"The level of competition is quite high because selections can be made from this tournament to go into the 2020 team travelling to Florida (for the 2020 IWWF World Junior Waterski Championships). These are the best skiers in Australia for under 17s, under 14s and under 21s.
"A lot of kids want to come here because if you can make selection here, you can be in the Australian team. They can participate in world championships and that's the reason why they practice water skiing.
"The junior masters is the best tournament in Australia for juniors and one of the most important tournaments in Australia."
Everyone is feeling good and we think the skiers are ready, records can be broken.
- Will Lhommelet
Mr Lhommelet said the weekends events had to be shuffled a little to accommodate recent rains in the Hastings.
"Saturday morning it had not rained a lot but if it is raining a lot we usually have to change the order of events (there are two rounds for each event)," he said.
"(For the jumping category) When jumpers arrive at the ramp they are travelling at 100kmph and that can be dangerous when there is wet weather, so we have to be careful.
"We have world champion and highly ranked water skiers here at the tournament. We think the skiers are ready and everyone is feeling good, records can be broken.
"We are also organising a dinner with donations for the under 17s team to participate in world competition."
What else is making news, sport?
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.
If you value local journalism, continue to support us and consider taking out a subscription. CLICK HERE for a 30-day free trial.