Since Tony Williams stepped down from his seat of British Racing Chairman, GB has been busy considering who is the right person to take on the role and take British water ski racing forward in 2009.

10 Jan – I want to thank everyone for their well wishing comments below, texts and email. We have been overwhelmed with the kind thoughts from around the world. Gabi and Tommy are doing great and he will no doubt be getting to see his first races in the coming months. Thanks again everyone.

3 Jan
– Hello and Happy New Year,
Thought I would give another update on Kevo. The new year brought special meaning to our family as Kev was coming home. He now is resting at home under the care of his wonderful wife and looked in on by all of the great people that love him and have missed him so much. Kev is in no way brand new yet as he is still weak from the horrible test that he has been through. He still has two drains coming from his side and the vacuum for the cut down the middle of his tummy. He still has weeks of drugs to take for the infections but the great news is they have worked and are working to get them out of his body all the way.They say the cut for the surgery will take a few more weeks to close up and then time to heal from there.

My sister and Kev got to have there Christmas and I know for her it was the best one ever as she recieved the present sent from heaven. I do know that all of you wonderful people that prayed for Kev or just wished him well that it worked and it continues to work. I will never be able to say thank you enough for helping to stop our family from loosing Kev. He was so close at times to leaving us but your prayer and wishes kept him here. Kevo fought like a Sparten for his life and I am so proud to be a part of the love and friendship that has surrounded him during his fight. All of you that helped with your prayer and hope should feel so proud as well as we have saved a life. We have helped one of gods gifts to stay here and continue to give his love and support to everyone he touches because that is who he is.

This will be a great year for our family and for all of you that believe that it is not what you have in your life but who you have in your life, it is not about how hard life will fight you but how you fight back. If you have the love from friendship and the love of family there is not a battle you cant win.This year will be so hard for many with the way the World is today, with jobs becoming less and less and money harder to make. We all need to remember that this is just one of the fights that life brings on to us and how we fight back is what is important. If you have your health and you have your friends and with the love of family you can take on anything.

I believe in my family and my family of friends and with that all of the fights that life will bring on to me are no more than bumps in the road that I will get over and be better for it.Kev has proved this as well, he will get past this and be better for it. Remember when you feel like the world is pushing you down look into your heart and push back !!

I thank you all for being there for my family and I truly love you so much for it.
– Mike

24 Dec
– Hello and Merry Christmas to everyone, I thought I would give you all an up-date on Kevo. He is getting better a little bit each day and stronger each day the same.He is now is a room upstairs from the TCU unit and can get more rest there. His temp and heart rate have been holding for 4 days now and seem to be going in the right direction to get him back to normal. He is now taking walks 3 and 4 times a day and eating solid food. The best news is that the infection seems to be on the run out of his body ! and if it keeps going he will be off the IV’s maybe in a couple weeks. He has a bunch of swelling from holding water but they seem to think that will go away once he gets stable with the diet and walking more and more each day. We are so thankful for all that have been wishing and praying for Kev, we believe that it has made him get better. He is not out of the woods yet but like I told him today ” the trees are getting smaller and smaller and we can see the way out of the forest” we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and know its not another train coming our way. Kevo has fought like a Hero and I am sure he will keep fighting as this fight has a long way to go yet. Please have a happy and Merry Christmas and when you sit and pray before you eat please add this wonderful man to your prayers. My family thanks you very much for that! – Mike Avila

To help encourage people to attend the 2009 series of water ski races in Britain a glossy A5 programme for all of the races is being produced.

The 2009 Polar Bear Catalina Ski Rally is getting close and a great way for those in the US to enjoy some off-season time on a race ski.

On behalf of Gabi and me, I’d like to wish skirace.net readers a Merry Xmas and to thank the many people around the world who have contributed to the promotion and communication of water ski racing via the site.

Having spent the last 4months in Abu Dhabi, it’s good to be back amidst the festive Xmas spirit of Prague, where Gabi and I expect out first baby around 29 Dec.

Things aren’t good for everyone at this time of the year, and whilst most of us will be lucky enough to enjoy a relaxing carefree time during the holidays, others are not so lucky, so spare a thought and say a prayer for people like Kev who don’t have it so easy right now.

We wish everyone out there a happy and healthy 2009.

Robbie & Gabi

As Tony Williams steps down from the role of British Team Captain (read more), Wayne Harvey has agreed to fill this key post in British water ski racing.

Once again the Annual British Racing Ball this year was an extremely well organised and very well attended occasion.  At the end of a very successful evening and following on from the presentations by British Water Ski Honorary President Lord Moynihan, Tony Williams made a most unexpected announcement.

At the IWSF Racing Council meeting in July 2008, the Racing Council agreed to create a raffle which would raise funds to help cover the costs incurred by officials, and to help event organisers.

This is a superb initiative and whilst no details of the raffle have been publicised yet, the IWSF Racing Chairman Glen Coles will naturally ensure that actions agreed and minuted in July, will be performed and communicated within the sport.

Extract from IWSF Racing Council Meeting Minutes

The idea is this, to create a raffle for a round trip for two to the Belgium 2009 worlds etc. or take $5000 in US dollars. Each member of council will sell 15 tickets, which would bring in $16,500 and remaining balance is $10,000 after expenses.

The council could use the money however they deem necessary for travel expense or to federations events. The whole idea is to have the council stand alone and the money could be put to good use for the federation or organizers of the event to not have pay officials at the specified events and put it back in to encourage them to put on a World event. Any number of things could be done with the money to help with research development etc.

Robbie Llewellyn thinks this is a fantastic idea. This needs to somehow be shown that this is going to help competitors in the long run.

Glen Coles states that it runs in many places there are some complications. Every country is going to have difficulties with procedures.

Robbie suggests solution to have US – Pan-Am to run this promotion since it is legal in the states.

Dusty asks how to move forward with this proposal. Do we advertise how many tickets are sold, or keep it open so you could sell more. Extra money raised would be given to each federation for a ski school and junior development. Do this every two years as a regular theme. The key to make this grow is to get outside ski racing. Suggestion out there to do a 50/50 split for the donations and public relations from the council to raise money for the competitors. Right now the council only gives their time.

Greg Dutton suggests to double the amount of tickets required to help raise more money.

Jules Leysen would like to make contracts with sponsors for the IWSF to help offset costs. Pay the organizer to help the council set things up at particular events.

Possible to work with sponsors for the top three races around the world and set them up at each event. VIP areas. Do you forget the raffle and just do that. Jules Leysen suggests that you do both raffle and sponsor arenas.

Start with the raffle for 2009 worlds and then lead to getting sponsors for the 2010 Diamond R ace as a start. As a summary everyone is on board to start with raffle and work towards starting the process.

Kick off the raffle and show what council is doing for the sport. Put a ceiling on the amount of tickets of 300. The money needs to be divided evenly to every region and designate how and where the money was spent. An accounting report needs to go back to the council.

IWSF Racing council should be able to set up our own account and submit a Treasurers report to the IWSF.

Accept proposal that the world racing council set up an account for the raffle and each council member will sell a minimum of 15 tickets.

Motion: Dusty Schultz
Second: Mike Waterman
Carried

Discussion
The split is a 50/50 split for all proceeds. They are going to target the 2010 diamond race with sponsors.

Dusty will facilitate and organize raffle and name it WRC Development Fund and start a non-profit company with an account set up. It is agreed that council will sell 165 tickets. But could sell up to 300. The expenses stay the same and the 50/50 split gets larger. Then with the split we will entertain that they can apply for grants for the ski school. Should be at an international event.

Athletes rep. Ann Procter will pull the ticket out for the winner at the Southern 80 in February 2009.

Robbie suggests that if all tickets are sold, start another raffle after.

Download full copy of minutes here

Belgium’s Steve Flament has recently launched waterski racing forum at www.supersnelleboten.be

Chris Grabyn of Multiverse has shared his shots of the action on the Hawkesbury the other week at the 2008 Sydney Bridge to Bridge. A selection is below and you can find dozens more at www.multi-verse.net

Whilst the IWSF Racing Council choose not to remove rule 3.03, National Federations have jumped to the rescue to save their skiers from the constraints that this rule poses for international skiers.

Months after the IWSF Racing Council dictated that Chris Stout, Peter Procter and Darren Kirkland could not ski with the teams of their choice at the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships (if selected for their national teams), international pressure has resulted in an about-turn for Britain’s Darren Kirkland.

1991 World Champion Paul Robertson, and Peter Procter won the 2008 Sydney Bridge on the weekend.

Rob Storum of InThaZoneImages shares Hellrazor’s story from the weekend’s Bridge in Sydney. If you look at the third image, that`s how close second place was with about 2 mins remaining in the race – they eventually won by 11 secs.

Following on from Justin Frank’s announcement on 2nd Oct, he writes …

It was Chris Stout who won the 1st round of the Aussie F1 World selection races on Saturday at Gosford towed by Burnin with Noel Griffin & Michael Kelly. 1991 World Champion Paul Robertson was 2nd and 1997 World Champion Wayne Mawer was 3rd.

Kelly at Force Boats in Australia has just published a bunch of Aussie news below. Plus check out the movie at the bottom of this page.

Rob Storum of inthazoneimages.com.au captured a fair share of rough water action at the first two Aussie World Team selection races last weekend in Gosford NSW. In the order they appear you can see: Kurt Brooks, Thunder & Burnin, Lauryn Eagle, True Blue, Grant Turner and Paul Robertson.

America’s Carl Johnson dropped me a positive note this week with the great news of his recovery after the accident he suffered recently.

He wrote …”Hi Robbie,  I just wanted to write to say thank you for all the heartfelt letters I have received via your website. Our ski racing community is truly amazing. To update as to my progress:

I was taken of the ventilator last Sunday and have started to recover quickly.  I have been sent home to recuperate there. Overall I am doing well and look for a speedy recovery.

Thanks again
Carl

America’s Don Brice recently passed away and many old timers will be saddened by the news. Don’s son Keith said; “back in the early 70’s, we had the Macmanus family stay at our home. This was the first year the Aussies came to the states!”

Here’s a snap taken of Scott Brooks hopping his way to winning the support race behind, Dave Richards twin rig cyclone last week, in the last race of the season at Stone Watersports Club, Essex, GB.

Scott Brooks - Photographed by Neil Pallender

If you want some serious water ski racing action, you’ll be pleased to know that Belgium’s dynamic duo Luc@s & Pepe have just published more outstanding shots of the water ski racing in Belgium. This time they’re of the final race of the Belgian 2008 water ski racing season.

Go to here to see more action: http://www.powerboatracing.be

Health warning – not suitable for the out of touch

Guido Bollen writes tells us that some prominent water ski racers (Carlo, Stefano, David, Piero, Antonello, Marina, etc…) have put their hands together to organise a reunion to celebrate a special occasion of 40 years of water ski racing in Italy. To meet again with all water ski racing friends we have not seen for many years.

Last week when Guido was in Italy these charismatic characters of water ski racing contacted him and it is the intention that water ski racers (from the past and present times) from all over the World participate in this event. Perhaps even to see a closed door re-opened to watch the re-emergence of infamous “GIRO DI LARIO” move back onto the international water ski racing stage.

This reunion will take place on Saturday November 29th, 2008 in the “Centro Nautico Garlate” and will be followed by a dinner in “Hotel Nuovo” at Garlate (both well know under to Giro de Lario fans).

You will find an invitation with information where to book below.

For further info contact Carlo Cassa ( carlo@pifferi-alpi.com ) – the international ambassador for this event!

biglietto-centro-nautico

invitation-italy-291108

Check out the 5 minute movie of the recent US Open at San Diego

Daren Van Ryte was at the US Open taking shots of the event and managed to grab a few nice Bunny Hops that he will send in shortly. Here’s one of the Cole brothers for starters.

Cole Water Ski Racing

www.ocphotographics.com
www.darenvanryte.photoreflect.com
www.justintimephoto.photoreflect.com

The IWSF Racing Council hosted a two day meeting at Long Beach USA this year. The minutes have been circulated the IWSF Federations and they are also available below.

World Racing Council Minutes – Long Beach USA 2008

World Racing Council Minutes - Long Beach USA 2008

Months after the Racing Council met at Long Beach to make amendments to IWSF Racing Rules, the rule book to be used at the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships in Belgium has not been published.

There have been a lot of emails, web site posts, phone calls and meetings about the IWSF’s decision to prevent some of the best ski racers in the world from skiing with teams of their own choice. In my opinion, this ridicules the sport and the skiers who put their hearts into building a good team when the opportunities come along, and the crews who plough their hard earned money into the sport.

Were you at Royal Victoria Docks, London in 1985 for the British Nationals? If so, you might like to watch the 11 videos that Louis Newbury-Smith has shared with us online. Including Darren Kirkland’s strip-o-gram.

If you want to see some of the world’s best water ski racers not be dictated to by a committee, talking to your respective IWSF Racing Council members is something that you might like to consider.

Kelly at Force Boats writes of more excitement on the race track at the Grafton Bridge to Bridge last weekend.  And remember to watch Foxsports 1 – Saturday 11th Oct – Speed Week – 1am.

Rob Storum of In Tha Zone Images shares photos of the recent winning team “Burnin” at last weekend’s Grafton Bridge to Bridge in Australia.

Jamie Cramphorn stumbled upon Bob Wing’s article “Water Skiing in 1643” which was published in Bob’s book; “Water Skiing In Australia”. Here it is …

Maria Harrod took this sensational shot of two superb skiers in action at Grafton Australia recently.

Andrew Moore (Steve Moore’s son) and Sarah Cramphorn have pulled together and published a wonderfully touching film to remember the recent Karl Brooks Memorial golf day in England.

Helen Britnell of HB Promotions says that due to a scheduling change at Foxsports outside her control, the first part of the Evinrude BRP Hawkesbury 120 will be seen as follows:

Do you know what Glen Coles & Meryl Lee are doing to progress water ski racing? If so, support them with your comments (insert them below) because I and many others have no idea what they are doing.

In July I approached Dusty Schulz and asked him to recommend to Glen Coles that he resigns ‘gracefully’ as Racing Council Chairman after over 25 years as Chairman. Dusty refused.

I then approached the IWSF Racing Council at our meeting at Long Beach in July and proposed that Glen Coles steps down as Chairman. I actually asked them all to think hard and put their hands on the hearts when they voted. The majority felt that Glen was doing a great job of running the sport. So my proposal gained insufficient support.

After 9 years on the Racing Council, my view is that Glen Coles and Meryl Lee are the people who really need to be removed from the IWSF Racing Council. I have resigned as it is almost impossible to make and radical changes with people like them at the helm.

The survey that was originally started has been attacked by someone who can vary their ip address and vote many times. But people still have ample opportunity to express their views by taking this vote by posting comments below and including their names.

Your IWSF Racing Council Representatives have their contact details published on the IWSF web site here – you can write to them personally if you wish to address any issues with them directly.

207 votes cast in 3 days. An overwhelming 89.4% of people (185) in ski racing who voted, want to see Peter Procter, Darren Kirkland and Chris Stout, be allowed to ski with the crews of their choice, if selected for the 2009 World Water Ski racing Championships.

10.6% of people support the decision of the IWSF Racing Council, some of the voters are Racing Council members.

Below are the opinions of 57 people who expressed opinion on the matter, many of whom have extraordinary experience in this sport.

So do we have a governing body of sport that does what it wants? Or do we have a governing body that is able to sit up, and take notice of its competitors, think, and then admit “we got it wrong – let’s support the people who make this sport possible and let’s make progress”? – Let’s see.

The Racing Council has been using Rule 3.03 for a purpose for which it was never intended.

Matthew Northover (Former observer of Darren Kirkland) explained why, after he spoke, a few days ago with the man who introduced the rule with Terry Bennett in 1978 – John Hoiles of Whitstable, UK.

Matt writes …Having read all the recent comments regarding Rule 3.03, I thought it would be helpful to contact John Hoiles who in 1978/79, along with Terry Bennett formulated the Rule Book which in essence still stands today.

John explained that the thinking behind the Rule was purely in the interest of safety and nothing to do with the Team trophy. It was thought at the time, prior to the first World, Skiers from around the Globe would converge at Whitstable, without their boat or crew and be allocated a Team upon arrival (so the speak). Both John and Terry felt, that it would be dangerous for this to happen, as the possible new crew would not know the capability of the skier and therefore this rule was created.

Sadly, the Racing Council over the years have not reviewed Rules which were made some 30 years ago.

—end of Matt’s Comments—

Perhaps it’s now time that the IWSF admits that it has failed to implement the rule for its true purpose. Perhaps it’s time to remove a rule that was fit for purpose 30 years ago but which is not fit for purpose in the 21st century.

The 1st IWSF Racing Council Chairman John Hoiles, did what was right for the sport in 1979, along with the help of the wonderful Terry Bennett. Let’s see Glen Coles, the 2nd IWSF Racing Council Chairman (in his last year of Chairmanship) do what is right for the sport for 2009.

The IWSF Racing Council has recently written to Darren Kirkland, Peter Procter and Chris Stout to tell them that they are not permitted to ski with a crew which is from another country in the 2009 Worlds.

Competitors have shared their thoughts below.

Below are the survey comments – add yours in the comments section at the foot of this page and include your name

edit     3.    Only however if crews are not available from their own country. Would they ski behind the same crews if their current boats weren’t of the same standard?     Tue, 10/7/08 4:49 PM

edit     4.    If it is with a different country other than their own they are representing.If they want to ski with other country then qualify over there and leave a space for a Dedecated counrty skier     Tue, 10/7/08 1:08 PM

edit     5.    let skiers choose their teams – not old & out of touch officials who hardly know the racers or much about racing     Tue, 10/7/08 10:36 AM

edit     6.    Who are these old farts who are afraid to speak up in public to tell teams what they can and cant do. the IWSF is comiting suicide right now and aussie coles and lee are pouring the poison!!!!!!!     Tue, 10/7/08 9:02 AM

edit     7.    i feel the decision is right to keep it to the majority of the team should be from the country the skier is representing, else what chance have the younger skiers got in getting into the higher formula’s in thier own country. i understand there is too sides of the story, but surely chris, darren and peter just need to take an observer with them from there own country?     Tue, 10/7/08 3:15 AM

edit     8.    I don’t like it but I think we have to let them. But what is wrong with our crews-     Tue, 10/7/08 12:13 AM

edit     9.    its a ski race, so what should the crew matter? give these guys the chance at a world championship like they deserve     Mon, 10/6/08 11:05 PM

edit     10.    The rules are in place and must be adhered to in fairness to all competitors. This is a case of shopping for the best skier to win a world title. Money cant buy everything!     Mon, 10/6/08 9:41 PM

edit     11.    LET THEM RACE WITH WHO THEY WANT!!!     Mon, 10/6/08 8:23 PM

edit     12.    they should be able too     Mon, 10/6/08 3:16 PM

edit     13.    Do they want to represent their country or not?     Mon, 10/6/08 2:59 PM

edit     14.    Ski racing is a team sport. They are there to represent their country. How hard is it to fill one spot in the boat with a country man??     Mon, 10/6/08 2:37 PM

edit     15.    It is the “world titles” is it not??? Like any sport the skier wants to give themself the best opportunity to win and needs the best crew to make this happen. It would be a sad state of affairs if Mark Webber could only drive an Aussie car with an Aussie team, I think we all know how that would end up. Let the sport grow!!!!!!!!!     Mon, 10/6/08 2:35 PM

edit     16.    I think they should be able to use whoever they want!     Mon, 10/6/08 12:16 PM

edit     17.    this rule would be a great way to kill the sport and disable many talented skiers from competing across the world and it will leave many race boats without skiers..in the end it will stop me as a skier from competing as i dont have a team that can fly around with me accross the globe to different races.     Mon, 10/6/08 10:24 AM

edit     18.    i feel for the situation – but” i believe their is a deeper meaning regarding this- i believe the current rule still has a bit of merit in a way that it keeps the worlds from being bought and still is earned.My description of being bought is – say i see that Wayne Mawer is the best skier in the current ranks, i can offer up a contract to him for any said amount of money and he will ski behind my boat/team for the selection races and worlds – 2 years later i request to offer a good dollar amount for Todd Haig and again i have bought the title with the knowledge that their are plenty of good boats in these skiers home country to do the same- such the case with Kirkland – Stout and Proctor. Stout is pusuing a boat from England which is more than capable of winning any said current event. Yet there are Dozens of capable boats teams in australia to the performance level for both Proctor and Stout – i believe to make this rule work is to eliminate the whole event as a rep of your country and use it as a w
orld title for any one that wishes to compete for that said title.That will resolve this country of origin issue and everyone has the same chance for every oppurtunity to have the equipment that is offered by any said person from any said country-     Mon, 10/6/08 10:06 AM

edit     19.    My name is Kurt Schoen, I skied in several World Championships in F-1, and not one was I able to have my racing crew travel with me to another country to ski. I skied behind forien drivers and boats, and always had a observer who never observered for me once and I still accumalated points for the country in which I am a citizen. They always counted on my points and it did not matter who I was skiing behind. It’s a ski race, let the best skiers ski and battle it out for the world championship, not the crews. Take the politics out of the sport that is already dying from the committee that maybe goies to one race a year, but are making decisions on new up and coming skiers that are chasing thier dreams.     Mon, 10/6/08 8:09 AM

edit     20.    Who are these people who dont even race, trying to dictate how teams (who pay for the sport!!!) should compete.     Mon, 10/6/08 7:46 AM

edit     21.    Its a skiers race. what next …boat and engine and ski should be from the same country too!     Mon, 10/6/08 7:44 AM

edit     22.    if thier the best they need the best crew and people they trust. they may not have the funds to suport a full overseas team including importing boat then exporting it back.     Mon, 10/6/08 4:25 AM

edit     23.    its a skiers race     Mon, 10/6/08 2:59 AM

edit     24.    There is far too much politics in sport. Please bring back the good old days of teamwork and common sense!     Mon, 10/6/08 1:29 AM

edit     25.    Only if crews from their own country are not available.     Mon, 10/6/08 1:02 AM

edit     26.    Its a whole team effort to make the worlds     Mon, 10/6/08 12:02 AM

edit     27.    Everybody should have the right!     Sun, 10/5/08 11:21 PM

edit     28.    If they make the team and only then, let them race with whoever wants to tow them. But they must represent Australia! Is it un-australian to ski for another country if you have an Australian passport??????     Sun, 10/5/08 10:49 PM

edit     29.    I remember a certain Aussie Womens Skier who won the Title in Long Beach Skiing behind an American boat AND team… Nobody complained then ( at least publicly) Why the shift in rules? Let them SKI dm-USA     Sun, 10/5/08 9:27 PM

edit     30.    Why can’t an American or an Australian trophy in the European Championships? If these were truly a championship, why are results and finishes just allowed for the Europeans?? and if an American or an Australian finish in the top three, why are they not allowed to collect a trophy, much less than stand on the podium?     Sun, 10/5/08 7:38 PM

edit     31.    The whole point of Water ski racing is that it is a TEAM SPORT!!!! The World Championships is about the TEAMS (both individually and as a whole) representing their countrY’s to win the Gold. If any skier can ski with any crew that defeats the entire purpose of this being a TEAM SPORT. The driver and observer are part of the team at least one should be from that country. The rules already allow for one of the crew members to be from a different country and simply abandoning the rule would be a disgrace to the World Championships. After all, in the Olympics you don’t see rowing teams substituting rowers from other countries simply because they are better. You must make do with what you have got. How hard can it be? Australia and England have large groups of participation and it should not be a big deal to find an observer from that country!!!!     Sun, 10/5/08 5:46 PM

edit     32.    The Worlds are for the skier, so they should be able to ski behind the boat they choose     Sun, 10/5/08 3:08 PM

edit     33.    I think just for the safety, skiers should be able to compete with the teams that take care of them and there best intrests. Good luck guys, John Peckham     Sun, 10/5/08 9:42 AM

edit     34.    Thats their team!!!     Sun, 10/5/08 2:32 AM

edit     35.    This decision is not just affecting top F1 skiers, there are a number of F2 skiers that have no competitive boats/ crews within their countries and would rely on GB/ European boats & crews. Do we make seperate applications or lobby for an overall scrapping of rule 3.03. BUT WE MUST DO SOMETHING. Boat 18     Sun, 10/5/08 1:52 AM

edit     36.    any skier should have the right to ski with the crew they want, it doesn’t matter who they are or what country they are from. there were plenty of skiers at the NZ worlds last year skiing behind boats from other countries.     Sat, 10/4/08 11:45 PM

edit     37.    I would like to understand the rationale behind the decision – it makes no sense currently.     Sat, 10/4/08 1:44 PM

edit     38.    If I can recall, the 2005 worlds worked well with skiers using teams from differing countries? The sport needs a overhaul in many aspects and this is one of them.     Sat, 10/4/08 11:07 AM

edit     39.    NO EXPLANATION HAS BEEN GIVEN TO WHY THIS RULE HAS BEEN CHANGED,AND WHY DID THE COUNCIL NOT ASK THE PEOPLE WHO PUT THIER HEART AND SOUL INTO THIS SPORT. DAVE LLEWELLYN     Sat, 10/4/08 8:19 AM

edit     40.    When the world’s competition first started there was more money around,wereas now a lot of teams own the boats two or 3 ways.I as an observer and owning half of the boat would not take to kindly to being turfed out of the seat when I own half of the boat.I think when Glen and Dusty were younger it might have been different.     Sat, 10/4/08 5:54 AM

edit     41.    yes, their three and all the other skier with the same situation. Olivia from Spain     Sat, 10/4/08 3:51 AM

edit     42.    Others did it in previous World Championships     Sat, 10/4/08 3:13 AM

edit     43.    What a joke, again pushing people away from the sport they love. Politics has a lot to answer for, maybe the IWSF council should take a look at what the RYA have done to powerboat racing in this country by making bad decisions about rules.     Sat, 10/4/08 2:08 AM

edit     44.    Its the skier who is representing his or her country and as a driver who has driven for skiers from USA,Australia and Belgium I drive for them pride regardless of me being from Great Britain. Greg Bassam. ps yet another rule coming from officials not competitors.     Sat, 10/4/08 2:05 AM

edit     45.    as long as the points go to the skiers country     Sat, 10/4/08 1:52 AM

edit     46.    stupid decisions like this are ruining our sport. I think we all need to talk to these people when we see them at the races     Fri, 10/3/08 11:23 PM

edit     47.    yeah its so stupid the council is a bunch of dumb ass’s there is no one in the sport anymore because of you ideots i think its stupid this sports going to fall apart and it already is what the hell does it matter if they race with another crew its racing you don’t win money this sport is just stupid now if they dont get to have who they want for the crew i don’t think people should even put money into this sport this is absolutely bull shit. you guys are just affraid of competition. wow to think when i tell people how amazing ski racing is i should be telling them it’s nothing but a selfish no good sport who has asshole running in maybe we would have people in this sport if people new how to work as a team instead of shoving everyone out i hope the worls has a shitty turn out because thats about how shittty this sport is i wont event go to worlds now as a junior girl they don’t dissereve to have me race for them peter darren and chris stout disserve to race with who they want who ever is telling the
m no disserves to get the crap beat out of them you just ruined the sport. take that and shove it. sincerely chelbe kinslow     Fri, 10/3/08 10:38 PM

edit     48.    These days where participation in ski racing is so low. The world council needs to accept and adapt to the many changes in our sport. It is rediculous to deny these skiers a chance to compete. I think if we keep running off people like that the council won’t have to worry about rules in the future because there won’t be anymore competitors.     Fri, 10/3/08 9:48 PM

edit     49.    I am glad to see that they are strong enough to stand up against Iwsf. This is my career and if you don’t like, STIFF.     Fri, 10/3/08 6:07 PM

edit     50.    It would appear that some of the decision makers have forgoten what has happened in previous worlds and interesting to see jon cole voted against did he not pull ann to win in nz ?     Fri, 10/3/08 3:28 PM

edit     51.    It is a water ski race not a boat race, the Water Skiers put their life on the line every time they ski, it should be their decision who they ski behind. In swimming we have Australian Coaches training Chinese Swimmers. The World is a small place. Wake and smell the roses not your Moet. Neville Fry     Fri, 10/3/08 3:24 PM

edit     52.    The world championship is a national team event, not an individual event. Skiers are chosen to represent their national team.     Fri, 10/3/08 2:46 PM

edit     53.    “Australian Ski Racing Officials are a Joke!”.     Fri, 10/3/08 2:33 PM

edit     54.    I don’t think this exception should be made just for the 3 names mentioned since Australian selections haven’t even begun. However, I do believe the rule should be changed to allow a skier to team up with the boat, driver, and observer of his choice from any country. Ski racing is falling apart all over the globe. Rigid thinking and outdated rules like this will not help. Rules are needed, and the ones in place must be enforced, but lets start thinking outside the box and get this sport going in the right direction.     Fri, 10/3/08 2:19 PM

edit     55.    ANYWHERE, ANYTIME THEY WANT. WHO ARE THESE IWSF RACING COUNCIL FOOLS. THIS WOULD BE EASILY CHALLANGED IN COURT & WON BY THE SKIERS WITH COSTS AWARDED. CISCO     Fri, 10/3/08 2:11 PM

edit     56.    If you do not allow this to happen F1 ski racing will not exist. Surely it is safer for the skier to race with the team they have trained with.     Fri, 10/3/08 2:11 PM

edit     57.    The sport needs to support the likes Peter, Darren and Chris in their pursuit of their dreams. We have limited crews with the resouces to be able to tow these great skiers. We should be proud that our competitors are so willingly to work with each other regardless of nationality. The water ski racing fraternity needs to send a strong message to the IWSF ski racing council and ask them to re-conside their decision. Glen Coles Who? What an absolute joke ? Do you ever see him at Ski race in Australia ? No     Fri, 10/3/08 1:57 PM

edit     58.    how old are some of these people??? get real!!! the two ausies are about 80 year old. they live in a different world. they havent been in a ski race in years and they are past it and should admit it. how can these idiots come to races when they dont even bother with the ski racers. robbie and others you must get rid of this shit from skiracing and we are behind you all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JD     Fri, 10/3/08 1:26 PM

edit     59.    The whole idea of a race / championship is for the best of whatever sport to have the opportunity to be a champion. I think not only should Peter ,Darren ,and Chris be allowed to ski with which team they choose but , there should be a Wildcard race to allow skiers such as Wayne Mawer, who possibly do not Qualify with their own Countrys selection system , but wouldnt the sport be deprived should He and others not just be given one chance to be allowed to compete in a World Championship!! I believe that to be World champion means the best in the World ! Sadly not if Top Skiers are refused the opportunity to compete. Paul Thompson     Fri, 10/3/08 1:06 PM

edit     60.    Yes, this is a SKIER’S race, he rest of the team should be incidental !     Fri, 10/3/08 11:50 AM

edit     61.    It is of paramount importance that any skier should have the freedom to choose their own crew regardless of nationality.     Fri, 10/3/08 11:42 AM

edit     62.    If the IWSF can’t see sense then get rid of them and form our own body to govern the sport, and get away from the archaic rules. Previous racers have competed before at world level with international crews, why’s this suddenly being imposed now ?     Fri, 10/3/08 11:19 AM

edit     63.    this question shouldn’t even be asked     Fri, 10/3/08 10:36 AM

edit     64.    Yes Y!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not,     Fri, 10/3/08 10:15 AM

edit     65.    Aren’t the Worlds about representing your country?     Fri, 10/3/08 9:51 AM

edit     66.    how about mr schulz and the iwsf do waht the competitors want and not waht you want. you had your days so stop standing in the way of young people     Fri, 10/3/08 9:44 AM

edit     67.    These “teams” were put together with the rule (3.03) being inplace from the first Worlds. Just put an Australian observer in the seat now and be done with this. they will have 10 months to get compatable by July 2009. Dusty Schulz     Fri, 10/3/08 9:30 AM

edit     68.    Yes, this is a Water ski race not a boat race. They should be permitted to ski with whom ever they choose. This sport is to small and shrinking to impliment these kind of outdated rules. We need to look forward not behind. Carl Johnson     Fri, 10/3/08 9:21 AM

edit     69.    I think everybody has a right to chose their team. When someone from europe goes to the catalina or bridge to bridge they mostly ski behind a crew that isn’t from Europe!!! and nowbody complains then. At the Europeans this year nowbody complained that Chris,Brady and Waine competed!! Everybody was happy that they were there. This has to be a joke!!! I know they still have to get selected, but they have to make a decision soon because what’s the point of training behind your worldcrew if you’re not alouwed to enter the worlds with them. Everyone wants to make a good result and that only works with a good crew. I think the federation forgot this     Fri, 10/3/08 6:42 AM

edit     70.    Of course they should… why ever not???     Fri, 10/3/08 5:57 AM

edit     71.    This is surely a joke. If it isn’t then the IWSF have there heads somewhere other than in ski racing!     Fri, 10/3/08 5:55 AM

edit     72.    1 of the most opportune things to ski well is a good crew, you need a crew where you feel comfortable, so if your crew is overseas… so what! let them ski! Ski Racing is 4Fun, let those guys have fun with the crew they want. They builded up some experiance with each other. greetz     Fri, 10/3/08 5:49 AM

edit     73.    Without a doubt, it wouldnt be a world competition if the best teams were not put forward. The IWSF have been building up pressure and friction with competitors and take no prisoners when it comes to the rule book. Its wrong.     Fri, 10/3/08 5:37 AM

edit     74.    I think the IWSF need to take a long hard look at them selves over this decision, hopefully the federations of the individuals concerned will make serious representation to the IWSF and have it overturned.     Fri, 10/3/08 5:27 AM

edit     75.    this is 2008 not 1968. let skiers, drivers and observers decide their team – not people who havent raced in years or EVER. who are these idiots!!!!!!     Fri, 10/3/08 5:19 AM

Thirty years ago, international teams in ski racing were few and far between. These days, it’s not unusual to see skiers from different countries teaming up with crews from other nations. Sadly, some people who run this sport are still stuck in the old days and their old ways, with little appreciation of progress. They can’t see that they are out of touch with a new world of water ski racing.

Louis Newbury-Smith is still at it and building the video collection at The Old Skool Water Ski Racing Museum. You need to be on Facebook to watch them so if you’re not there yet, head over and join now at www.facebook.com

The Old Skool Water Ski Racing Museum

After nine years, I have decided to walk away from the IWSF Racing Council as I no longer wish to be associated with some of the poor decisions that are being made which affect water ski racing and the hard earned careers of our athletes. My resignation letter below was sent to the Racing Council and the IWSF President and Secretary General today.

I shall continue to contribute to the sport and there are some extremely exciting international developments simmering in the background that I will write about at the right time in the near future.

Read how the IWSF Racing Council is killing the hopes of the worlds’ best racers

Resignation from IWSF

Related article

Mike Waterman asked me to reconsider my decision and below is my reply.

2nd Oct 2008
Mike,

Thanks for your kind words. Unfortunately, despite support from you and a few others to initiate change, the majority of the Racing Council has not supported that change. There are too many people stuck in their old ways, who are too out of touch or who don’t wish to speak out to do the right thing for the sport and its athletes. A Chairman  for over 25 years who rarely goes to a ski race? Come on that’s ridiculous!  But somehow the majority of Racing Council members believe that is a good thing for ski racing (recall the vote at Long Beach).  That’s just one example of the sport’s governing body living in the past.

To be frank, it is now an embarrassment to be associated with the decisions and poor management that we are now witnessing.  The collective decision of the IWSF Racing Council in its wisdom, is now steering the sport in reverse gear over a cliff top. I won’t be part of that and I won’t be party to ruining the opportunities given to some of our best athletes.

My involvement with the IWSF is over. However my involvement with something very new and exciting for ski racing is just beginning.  The IWSF has not been prepared to embrace change, so the change will now happen without the IWSF.

Best regards,
Robbie

Luc@s & Pepe have posted some great shots from the Belgian race at Cheratte here

Karen Brooks writes; “I would like to thank to everyone for attending the Golf Tournament. Without your support the event wouldn’t have been so successful. Pictures have been posted on the web www.karlbrooks.com

Karl Brooks Memorial Golf Day 2008

If you are in interested in future events, please sign up on the web site.
Regards
Karen Martin Kurt & Scott

July 2008
At the closing ceremony of the 2008 European Water Ski Racing Championships, Karen and Martin Brooks collected an award on behalf of their son Karl Brooks, who was tragically lost in June 2007. EAME Racing Chairman Mike Waterman presented the award.

Written in 1982 – When one talks of the history of water ski racing in Australia the name Fred Williams is constantly mentioned. Fred’s involvement for some 31 years has contributed to him being one of the best known personalities in the world of water skiing.

Commencing Trial Skiing in 1966, he teamed up with Peter Ward behind Wally Hackett’s “Thunderbolt” which was a leading ski team for many years. Terry’s greatest achievement was to set a World Endurance Record in 1970 when he skied 538.1 miles in12 hours, 15 minutes and thirty seconds.

Skirace.net is arguably the most popular source of water ski racing information in the world. No other publication on or offline is likely to have such global exposure to water ski racers. The mailing list consists of over 1,000 water ski racing enthusiasts and the site receives tens of thousands of hits each month from hard-core ski racers.  See below for statistics.

The 2007 Feros Hotel Group Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Race takes place on 24 & 25 November on the Hawkesbury River in NSW Australia.

Results Page

It has been one year now that Filip had his crash during the Marathon race at Lake Elsinore. Some weeks ago, he had surgery, but we are still waiting for the real impact.

Britain’s Karl Brooks snapped up two wins in the US Marathons on the weekend behind Randy Davis and Dennis Hall.

Kalender  Waterski  Koersen 2007
Versie  :22/03/07
(All events are in Belgium, unless otherwise stated)
Download PDF calendar to print

The following EAME Racing Calendar has been updated from the previous version and provided by the EAME Racing Council 24 March 2007.

Download PDF calendar to print

British Team Captain Tony Williams has announced that the British team for the 2007 World Championships is:

Kyle Cummings has withdrawn from the US World Team.  Andy Anderson moves from the alternate into a skiing position. Sam Frey has been named the alternate. Get more USA news at www.nwsra.net

Howard Smith writes; Due to circumstances beyond my control I have had to change the date of the Cardiff European Invitation race from August 25 & 26 to September  8 & 9.

Congratulations to the following skiers who have been selected for the American team to compete in the 2007 World Championships (updated 19 March):

Advertising space in the Worlds event programme is available from NZ$100 +GST for 1/4 page upwards. Marketing, Media & Promotions Director for the Worlds, Brad Dutton said; “it is real cheap advertising for a very good magazine style programme. It’s a must for all ski racing, marine boat & equipment suppliers”.

The following team will represent Spain in New Zealand:

Todd Haig, Erin Saunders, Greg Anderson and Katelin Wendt tied up overall wins at Parker on 10/11 March. You can get the full results on the Marathons page of www.nwsra.net

In February 2007 I completely re-vamped skirace.net. The main reason was that I wanted to move from a static web site that was a pain in the arse to maintain. What’s more, the old site didn’t appear very nice in anything except Internet Explorer as I’m no web guru and there was a lot of junk code in the site.

Well a successful weekend was had by many teams with the overall winner of the 2007 Robinvale Euston Ski Race, being the team of Stinga in a record time of 27:38.95.  The team of driver Greg Houston, observer Kevin Boylan and skiers Chris Gelle and Jason Walmsley continued on their winning way after winning the 2007 Club Marine Southern 80.  The Stinga also recorded record times for both 40 kms legs of the 80km race.

Due to the large amount of information we have gathered in the past few weeks, we now have another bulletin released. Please note the additional pieces of information required with your entry forms. This includes information on fuel, shipping, customs, trailer licensing and more.

1) Due to unforeseen circumstances one of the Belgian skiers is unable to go to the Worlds. This means that there is a Belgian F2 boat available that will be in NZ for either a Junior or Women’s F2 skier. For further info please contact Frederik Bastin at fre.team69@gmail.com

The 2007 World Racing Council Technical Meeting will be held in Rotorua, New Zealand on the 17th May 2007.

There will be a vote for the position of Competitors’ Representative during the NZ Worlds in May.

Kim Lumley currently holds this position and whilst Kim can be re-nominated, other candidates can also be nominated.

Derek Blackmore wrote; “As you know there is a race scheduled for Guernsey with ORDA on weekend of 26/27 May.  The organisers have advised that one of the sponsors has pulled out so the cost for shipping a boat across with 4 people will be £350.00.

British Team Captain, Tony Williams made an appeal today in a bid to form a full British Team at the fortcoming World Championships in New Zealand. Below is his message to the ski racing world.

Results from rounds 6 and 7 of the Australian World Team selection races are now available at http://www.skiracingnsw.com.au – click on results in the left menu. Results from other races are also there.

Thea Klarenbeek has just announced the DutchTeam for the Worlds in May.

The 2nd Official Bulletin for the 2007 World Water Ski Racing Championships has just been released. We hope this provides you will all the information you need.

Please help remove the 10 mph speed limit on Lake Windermere. Since the introduction in March 2005 lake users have no where to go to water ski. Lots of families are losing out on enjoying  the fun. All the local businesses are losing out and even the Lake District National park is now having to review funding options for the lake due to the restriction.

World selection races and more at www.skiracingnsw.com.au

Courtesy of Günter Schmutz, below is the team that will represent Austria at the World Championships in May.

All the photos that were on the old site will be here soon.

In the meantime, you can still visit the Photographers’ sites listed in the far right column towards the bottom.

Courtesy of Vera Van den Bossche, below is the Belgian National Team for the 2007 World Championships.

Reproduced from “Water Skiing in Australia”, courtesy of Bob Wing.

Written by Terry Bennett (photo left) in 1982.

Over the past twenty years I have had the opportunity to ski against the skiers who have in the comparative short life span of the sport of water ski racing been regarded as the best skier on the water at the height of their success.

Read more about Terry Bennett

The names and their position into which I place them will cause plenty of room for discussion. A lot of names that are well known in the sport today are missing. This also will cause discussion but I believe that the list is close to the mark, because all the skiers have been the best at their particular time, and to be the best you have to have the dedication and ability to be a continued winner and there are a lot of skiers around who are great skiers and win a few races, but there is always one skier who is regarded as the best. These are skiers I have selected in the top 10 Australians.

1. PAUL McMANUS
The fastest skier ever to step into a ski. Paul’s ability to go fast was backed by tremendous endurance created by a lifetime of competitive barefooting. Paul was unbeatable when the boat held together. Nevertheless and with a tremendous will to win, Paul skied in competition both in Australia and in the U.S. and proved his ability to ski faster and longer than anyone.

2. ROBBIE WOODS
At 18 Robbie had won everything that was to be won in Australia and the U.S. A tremendously strong skier, Robbie was not as classy as McManus and didn’t chase the high speeds like McManus. Sheer strength and ability won Woods his races and like McManus has been a continual boat breaker with the result that both skiers would have won even more races than they did.

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3. CHICKA COURTNEY
Not a lot of skiers on the water today will remember Chicka but like McManus and Woods in their time Chicka was the best. When races were all 60 miles and held on Saturday afternoons in Botany Bay and around Sydney Harbour, Chicka crouched over his ski and holding onto a single slalom bar wore the competition out.

Chicka did not have the opportunity to compete overseas, but he would have been right in there with U.S. stars Chuck Stearns and Butch Peterson. Chicka, like McManus had a background of competitive skiing, tournament, rather than barefoot, and Chicka´s will to win was best demonstrated when with his son Charles was the only boat to finish in a gruelling race around Lake Macquarie, late in his career. Chicka spent a week in hospital from Exhaustion following the event and if his time had been today, using the quality of skis and techniques used today, he would show why I select him No. 3 of Australia’s best ever.

4. BRUCE ROBBERDS
For over fifteen years Bruce has been a top line contender, and in fact got better as he got older. Until a recent injury forced retirement, Bruce Robberds, at the age of 42 was still beating the cream of Australia’s Ski Racers. I believe Bruce Robberds to be a better skier than Chuck Stearns who won the Catalina for the 11th time. It is a pity that Bruce Robberds didn’t ever visit the U.S. to compete. With his attitude to competition he would have been a great success.

5. RORY BROWN
Rory could finish at Number 2 before his career is over. A brilliant skier, Rory needs to pick up a little more dedication to back up the brilliance he has. Like Robbie Woods, who needed 6 months of hard work to show the World he was the best, Rory needs a lot of hard work to be able to run down the fit Europeans who stand between him and the World Title.

6. WAYNE JONES
Like McManus, another freekick skier at high speed, this ability combined with superb reflexes and a physique that didn’t need to be conditioned. Jones was unbeatable in the late 60´s. Wayne demonstrated his ability in Europe in 1972 when he won the European Grand Prix, by nearly five minutes from Europe’s best. The only reason Wayne is not higher on the list is that a spirit of self preservation did not let him really show the world how good he was.

7. WAYNE RITCHIE
Winner of the Worlds first ever Ski Racing Title, Wayne, like Wayne Jones, was a super fast skier with tremendous reflexes. One of the arts of ski racing is the ability to let the body and legs absorb the wave that stand up unexpectedly or the continued shock of rough water. Wayne had this ability and at the height of his career was the best on the water.

8. GINGER McKEWAN
A top line skier in the sixties, Ginger skied with Jack Murray in the early Australian Marathons and was one of the first speed skiers and if timing devices had been available would have been the first skier to crack 100 m.p.h. Like McManus and Jones, McKewan was a natural skier and rated in my top ten.

9. GEOFF BURGESS
Only serious injury prevented Geoff Burgess being further up the list of Australia’s best skiers. Geoff won and Australian Title and skied in a most casual sty, fearless when on the water. A brilliant skier and a tremendous natural athlete, Geoff did not get the opportunity to capitalise on his ability due to the injury suffered when he fell at a speed of over 130 m.p.h. while attempting to set a World Water Ski Speed Record.

10. TAKE YOUR PICK
Ray Wheeler, Geoff or John Hardaker, Wayne Atta, Peter Ward, Col Billington, Glen Faust, Barry Cairn and many more have been at or near the top and I think the discussion caused by the above list allow number 10 to be left to your own judgement.

Written by Terry Bennett

Read the Fred Williams article

Bob Wing added …
I think Terry Bennett was a brave man to put his pen to paper to the above article and I will add my name to the list in Col Billington who with Paul McManus was unbeatable in the early seventies. As well as breaking the sound barrier with under one hour in the Bridge to Bridge, he showed real courage to go out in the first ever officially timed speed attempt to go over 90 m.p.h. flat chat behind “Caroline” and to add to this, his effort in breaking the world endurance record after working on the motor practically all night was exceptional.

This article was reproduced from “Water Skiing in Australia”.
Courtesy of Bob Wing.
Read about Bob

Read more articles from Bob’s book