The pre-worlds international race at Geel took place in Belgium today with teams from Great Britain, Australia, Holland, Austria , USA and of course Belgium taking part.
Todd Haig Wins 9th & Kim Lumley Wins 7th Catalina
America’s Todd Haig won the Catalina Water Ski Race today at Long Beach California for the 9th time. Britain’s Kim Lumley won the Women’s for the 7th time and took 3rd Overall and broke the all-time Women’s record by 5 minutes.
Phone Interview with Dave Bishop on Australian Worlds Team
Nine days before the first race, I spoke to Dave Bishop in Melbourne about the team that Australia has ready for the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships.
Revised – Brixham British National Results
The latest round of the British Water Ski Racing Championships took place in Brixham on 5th July. Courtesy of Sue Fleming, the results are below.
Sensational Hasselt BeNeLux Cup Photos
Luc & Pepe have uploaded their photos from Hasselt BeNeLux Cup 2009 and they are truly sensational.
8 July Update: Mark Weaver Released from Hospital
UPDATE 8 July: Neville Fry shared some good news leading into the World Titles regarding Australia’s Mark Weaver:
Mawer Wraps Up Training With Croc Before Worlds
Former World Water Ski Racing Champion and former World Wakeboard Champion Wayne Mawer squeezed in his final session with a croc-fan in Cairns before boarding a flight to Belgium today.
Ski Racing Australia’s Membership Forms (2009-2010)
Shane Wilson has issued the new membership forms for the 2009-2010 water ski racing season. You can download these new Ski Racing Australia Membership Forms below.
Brixham GB National Video
Brixham GB National Video that took place yesterday posted by Dan Ellis.
Kurt Brooks Selected for GB in Training @ Ghent
Kurt Brooks has been announced as an F2 Skier For Team GB at the World Championships later this month. This is Kurt’s 1st year in Men’s F2 skiing behind a Force 21 with Dell Estall driving and Martin Brooks observing.
Practice @ Genk (for Rnd 2 of Worlds)
After Saturday’s practice day in Ghent where round 1 of the Worlds will be held, teams moved to Genk where round 2 will be held, for a practice yesterday.
Stout in Practice @ Ghent (for Rnd 1 of Worlds)
Australia’s Chris Stout and driver Robbie Wright (GB) came face to face with the grey walls and the boilling water of Ghent yesterday. The vertical walls and tight turns below are what will face every team competing at the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships in Belgium later this month.
The 2009 Catalina Ski Race
As the 2009 Catalina approaches, many of the world’s best prepare for the 61st event. Even with the Worlds starting in Belgium on 19 July, the likes of Kim Lumley, Todd Haig (both 2008 winners) and others will be heading to Long Beach to participate in the great race, before flying to Belgium in a bid to secure more World titles.
Below are a few photos of the Hotel Maya. The host hotel for Catalina 61.
Steve Flament’s Kruibeke Photos
Steve Flament has posted his photos from the recent race at Kruibeke in Belgium here: http://fotos.supersnelleboten.be/#26.0
F2 Boat & Driver Needed for Canada in Worlds
The Canadian Water Ski Racing Team is looking for an F2 boat and driver for the Worlds. If you can help, please contact Vera Van den Bossche as soon as possible:
Tel: +32 (0)3 252 83 79
Mobile: + 32 (0) 479 697362
E-mail: vera.vdbossche@skynet.be
7 News Reports on Wayne Mawer’s Send-off
As more than 200 people bid Wayne Mawer good luck as he prepares to leave Cairns for Belgium, 7 TV reports from the special event hosted at Lui Garozzo’s Salthouse on the weekend.
Kirkland Cleans up in Hasselt Belgium – Mens F1 Results & Photos
Darren Kirkland returned to top form yesterday in a nail biting race on the canal at Hasselt in Belgium. As he and Australia’s Chris Stout raced side by side in gruelling canal water, he pulled ahead and notched up a convincing victory, just weeks before the world championships.
Stout took 2nd and Belgium’s Dimitri Bertels took 3rd. Former observer for Darren, Matthew Northover said; “it was an incredible race between Chris and Darren. Darren was on top form and skiing like he used to”.
Darren told me; “it’s a result for the over 40’s“.
IWSF Racing Council – What’s Happening?
The IWSF Racing Council hosts a “Competitors’ Meeting” at each World Championship event. This gives teams a rare chance to discuss their sport with the committee that is charged to take the sport forward throughout the world. To date, there seems to have been no public communication on the time, date and venue of this meeting in Belgium.
The IWSF Racing Council is expected to confirm the time, date & venue of the 2009 Competitors’ Meeting. The sooner this is communicated, the less competitors will be inconvenienced at the Worlds. N.B. The Racing Council’s own meeting has already been confirmed.
Directions at the 2009 Worlds
Wim Lamot has posted directions from various hotels to the race venues at the 2009 Worlds. You can find them all here: http://www.waterskiracing.be/directions
Weston British National Photos
Keith Slater has now published his photos from the Weston-Super-Mare British national races at www.keith-slater.org.uk – Below is a small selection of Keith’s shots from that weekend:
2009 British Water Ski Racing Calendar
The 2009 British Water Ski Racing calender as published by BWS here is:
2009 Worlds Bulletin #3
Vera Van den Bossche and the Belgian organising committee for the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships have published the 3rd official event bulltin. You can download and print the full 12 page PDF document below.
British Team for 2009 Worlds
British Team Captain Wayne Harvey has published the British squad for the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships in Belgium. Click the image below to open a full size version.
Kruibeke F1 & F2 Video by Stevie
Stevie has produced a new video from the F1&2 racing at Kruibeke, Belgium on the weekend. Aussie Chris Stout won the race comfortably, skiing with Robbie Wright and Rob Manchett.
Kruibeke, Belgium Race Photos
Guy594 Photography was at Kruibeke in Belgium yesterday to capture the day’s racing. He shares a selection of shots with us below and you can see 100s of others at: http://guy594.myphotoalbum.com
Gregory Dumetier in Action
Guy594 Photography of Belgium caught Gregory Dumetier getting some airtime on a Belgian canal.
You can see more Guy594 ski racing shots at www.guy594photography.com
Wayne Mawer World Championship Send-off / Fundraiser
A send-off come fundraiser is being held in Cairns for Wayne Mawer, who will represent Australia at next month’s world water ski racing championships in Belgium.
Bill Simpson Passes Away
Keith Brice has just written to say that the great boat racer Bill Simpson sadly passed away on 14 June 2009. He was the owner of the GN ( grand national) Kilo record setting boat the “Tub of Fools”. It was the last boat Dawna Brice ever raced behind.
Chris Stout’s Bunny at S80 2008 (Video)
Chris Stout was caught on video pulling a neat little bunny at last year’s Southern 80 on the Murray River in Australia.
TUFF ‘E’ NUFF Fundraiser
The Force F21 Team of “TUFF ‘E’ NUFF” that includes Brent Wisemantle driving, with Andrew Fyfe observing and Daniel Cotton skiing. The team have successfully qualified to represent Australia in the Men’s F2 Class in the up and coming World Water-ski-Racing Championships in Belgium.
Weston British National Results & some British Champions
The 5th round of the British Water Ski Racing Championships were held on Saturday and Sunday at Weston-Super-Mare.
2009 Qld State Titles Photos by In Tha Zone Images
Rob Storum of In Tha Zone Images was on the edge of the Clarence to capture the action at the 2009 Queensland Titles at Grafton recently.
USA Worlds Team
The team to represent the USA at the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships in Belgium is:
Category 5 QLD Team Sport New Racing Overalls
Aussie F2 Worlds skier Kylee Jones competed in the Open Womens Marathon at the Qld state titles recently. She was encouraged to do this by the team of “Category 5” from QLD – so she agreed on the condition that Shane Helson (Japs) and John Vesley sported their new racing overalls. So here are the girls boys below in true blue Dame Edna Everage fashion.
Australian Worlds Team Web Site
The 2009 Australian Worlds Team Captain/Manager is Rick Love. Rick and his team have created a dedicated web site for the upcoming Worlds to relay information specifically about the Australian Team, back home for those who can’t be at the event.
Cardiff National Photos by Neil Pallender
Neil Pallender was at Cardiff and he shares his photos with us via his Flickr account.
Greenwood shines like beacon in the Fitzroy Island Iron Man Race
Nevile Fry of Cairns reported that an iconic lighthouse proved a beacon of hope for Anthony Greenwood as he battled towards victory in the Fitzroy Island Ironman Ski Race. Greenwood completed the 25km ski leg from Cairns to Fitzroy Island and 400m swim with few complications but soon started to feel the pain on the 4km return run to the lighthouse.
South Australian State Championship Results
The South Australian State Championships were held over the weekend of 6th and 7th June at Berri Waterski Club.
Richard Pakuszewski’s Funeral – 13th June Mons Bergen
Update: 19:45 CET – 9 June
Kim De Witte – Van den Bossche writes …It is with sadness that we have to confirm the passing away of Richard.
“Ladies, Gentlemen, Dear Sport Friends
It is with sadness that we have to inform that Richard died this morning.
Please find herewith the funeral arrangements:
Saturday June 13, 2009 at 10.00 h
Church: “Notre Dames de Messires”
Rue de Bertaimont
At 7000 Mons (Bergen)
Belgian Skiers are requested to bring their ski to pay tribute at the Church to Richard and his beloved family.
We are counting on your presence.
Kim De Witte – Van den Bossche – Team Captain Belgium
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Join the dedicated group on Facebook: Pakuszewski Richard R.I.P.
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22:00 CET 8 June
Peter Moorkens has confirmed the very sad news that Richard Pakuszewski has lost his courageous fight to survive the injuries from the accident he suffered recently.
Luc Vermeiren was in the hospital this evening together with the crew from the boat, where the sad news was confirmed.
Richard Pakuszewski
Born in Mons on 21st June 1968
Passed Away in Geel on 9th June 2009
Funeral 13th June 2009
Funeral:
Zaterdag 13 juni 2009 om 10.00 h
Kerk: “Notre Dame de Messires”
Rue de Bertaimont
7000 Mons (Bergen)
Last respects:
Richard groeten kan op :
Donderdag 11 en vrijdag 12 juni
Telkens van 14.00 tot 18.00 h
Adres: Funerarium Borgno
Rue des Arquebusiers 2
7000 Mons Bergen
Paula Newland in Action
Keith Slater captured Paula Newland in action as she prepares for the World Championships in Belgium. The 43 year old mother of two finished 5th in the 1999 Women’s event in Spain and teams up again with driver Dave Llewellyn, and husband Nigel on the canals.
Olen BeNeLux Cup 2009 Photos
Luc Vermeiren captured some sensational shots at the recent Olen BeNeLux Cup 2009. You can see them all at www.powerboatracing.be
Keep up with the Worlds through Twitter
If you’re unable to be at the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships in Belgium (19-26 July) you can keep track of events via Twitter.
Representing France at the 2009 Worlds
The team that will represent France at the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships is:
Belgian World Team Members Announced
Belgian Team Captain, Kim De Witte – Van den Bossche has announced the names of all members of the Belgian team for the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships.
Clare Kirk Injured in Fall
Britain’s F2 Women’s representitive for thye 2009 Worlds, Clare Kirk has been injured in a fall. It is uncertain at this stage as to whether Clare will be able to take part in the Worlds with her team Greg Bassam and Roy Taylor.
34 Years Ago – The 1st Worlds Video
Louis Newbury-Smith uploaded 14 minutes of video footage of the 1st ever world championships which took place in 1979. This a superb look back at water ski racing history – 34 years before the forthcoming 2013 World Championships in Tenerife.
Stinga F1 and F21
Force Boats have just pushed their latest Force F21 out of the factory. “STINGA F2” includes its trademark funky colour design with a combination of White, Applied Red, Light Orange, Central Blue and Royal Blue. Removable Rear Lounge for training and racing, triple ballast system, Rex Marine custom installation, Detwiler Jacking plate, Outrigger Steering, Drivers Seat Slide and Observers Seat Swivel, Bimmini, Clarion CD Stereo, Force Custom Transom Plate and Carbon Wind Deflector. Powered by a Mercury 300xs Optimax Outboard engine.
2009 Qld State Titles – Grafton 6&7 June
This weekend, Grafton will host the 2009 Queensland Water Ski Racing Titles on the Clarence River. A nice early start on Saturday morning with a 7am briefing.
NQOSSA Fitzroy Ironman – 8 June from Cairns
The 2009 Fitzroy Ironman takes place on 8 June from Cairns, QLD, Australia. Grant from Cairns has published version 2 of the 2008 Ironman.
Cardiff National Photos by Keith Slater
Keith Slater captured two days of racing on camera at the recent round of the British national water ski racing championships in Cardiff. Below is a small selection and you can see all of Keith’s shots via the links at the bottom of this page.
Richard Pakuszewski in Skiing Accident
A serious accident occured in Belgium on the weekend when Richard Pakuszewski fell and is now is a poor condition. Whilst I have received a number of details, I shall only report below what Jules Leyson has sent me.
Will Newland Pops up for Air
Keith Slater was on hand at the British National race in Allhallows to capture Will Newland getting some air before securing 2nd place in F3.
Cardiff British National Results
The 4th round of the British water ski racing championships took place on 30/31 May at Cardiff. Thanks to Sue Fleming, the results are here.
Luke Keys Pulls a Bunny
Luke Keys was captured in action whilst pulling this bunny off the Hawksbury this weekend.
Under 10s Await Wisemans Ferry Race
A few up and coming young Aussie skiers were caught on camera at Wisemans Ferry this weekend as they awaited the start of the Under 10’s 2 -up race.
Buby Bertels Gets Airtime
Two shots below of Buby Bertels in action and getting some air on a Belgian canal.
Allhallows Shots by Neil Pallender
Neil Pallender has posted a pile of great shots that he took at last weekend’s British nationals in Alhallows. Click any image below to go to his Flickr library.
Cyclone Boat Co GB
The Cyclone Boat Co. GB now has more Cyclones that ever on the expanding British watr ski racing circuit.
David McMillan @ Region V
Brooke Gray capture this shot of David McMillan at the Region V races in Australia on the weekend.
Another 2009 Worlds Promo Video
Here’s another video compilation to help promote the forthcoming 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships in Belgium.
British Team Announced for Worlds (video)
Yesterday after the 3rd round of the British Nationals at Allhallows, British Team Captain, Wayne Harvey, announced the National Team for the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships.
Allhallows British National
The 3rd Round of the British Water Ski Racing Championships took place at Allhallows on the weekend.
Riverdavesplace.com
America has a great ski racing forum at Riverdavesplace.com
A Puddingstone USA Success
Andy Anderson reports: On Saturday, May 9th NWSRA Region II hosted its “Puddingstone Fun Day” sponsored by Goldsmith Construction. The event was designed to encourage entry level participation and incorporated some fun races similar to what are typically run by the Lake Arrowhead Water Ski Club.
NSW Junior Training Camp Champs
Kevin Boylan has been involved with Junior water ski racing training in NSW for over 20 years and has done a superb job of bringing on skiers such as the Stouts, Eagles and Procters, and many others with plenty of Australian and World Champions produced.
Lauryn Eagle Sets Sydney-Newcastle Record
On Sunday former world champion Lauryn Eagle set off from Manly in NSW, Australia to set a new record skiing from Sydney to Newcastle and another record doing the return trip.
Hunstanton – British National Round 2
Thanks to Sue Fleming for the results and Karen Brooks for the report from the 2nd round of the British Water Ski Racing Championships which were held at Hunstanton on Sunday.
RMI Images
Due to Technical difficulties, the RMI Images web site is temporarily off line. You can contact Dick at rmi52852@bigpond.net.au if you need to order an photographs. It is hoped that the website will be back online shortly.
Previously in Belgium – The 1995 World Championships
The first time Belgium hosted the World Water Ski Racing Championships was 14 years ago in 1995. As we get close to Belgium’s 2nd World Championships, let’s reflect back on the 1995 Worlds.
2009 NSW State Titles – Port Macquarie – A Stout`n Good Weekend
Hawkesbury Hero Chris Stout and his sister Trudi dominated both the Men’s and Women’s Open titles at the weekend. Chris set a blistering pace to score an impressive win from a class field that included two former World Champions Wayne Mawer and Paul Robertson to take out The Bill McLachlan Men’s Open Title.
A Taste of Viersel – by Luc & Pepe
Well known for being some of the most treacherous pieces of ski racing water in the world, Viersel is the ultimate test of a skier (and crew) and fittingly hosts the final round of the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships.
Kirkland Wins in Viersel
Rob Harks of VVW Kruibeke Belgium reports that Darren Kirkland won the mens F1 Race in Viersel, Belgium on the weekend behind Kelly Nulens F2 outfit.
Force Update – Record Breaking Weekends
Teams using Force Boats broke SIX records in the Powerboat Bridge to Bridge AND the F19x Konica Minolta Team are the New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Champions AGAIN.
Gath Helmets sponsors Susan Cartwright
Susan Cartwright is a member of the Australian F2 women’s team for the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships.
Lyme Regis GB National Results, Photos & Report
Neil Pallender has shared a couple of shots from last week’s British national race from Lyme.
Photos from Beringen race in Belgium
Courtesy of Tom Vets who observes with the F1 Ghostbuster Women’s Team in Belgium, below are a few shots from the weekend’s race at Beringen, Belgium.
Craig Gordon Breaks 6 litre B2B River Record
1st place 6 litre at the 2009 Sydney one-up Bridge to Bridge Water Ski race was Craig Gordon.
Dylan de Weert at Beringen, Belgium
Steve Flament of Belgium capture Dylan de Weert getting some air at Beringen, Belgium yesterday.
A Weekend with Stouty n Weaves
Aussie photographer Rob Storum of In Tha Zone Images was on the water and on the banks of the Hawkesbury for the 2009 Sydney One-Up Bridge to Bridge race. Rob wrote the following words and sent in a selection of superb shots for skirace.net readers.
Stout Smashes Sydney Bridge 1 up Record
Mick Kelly who does a great job of running the Aussie water ski racing site letstalkskiracing.com shares this article from the weekend’s Sydney Bridge to Bridge 1 up Water Ski Race.
Road to Belgium – QLD Fundraiser
Rob Storum of In Tha Zone Images was at the fundraiser in QLD on Saturday Night. The shots below were taken at Michael Souwer`s “Crimsafe Headquarters”.
Pico, Dipple, Mawer & Hook do Green Island 1990
Neville Fry of Cairns, Australia shares this piece of archived footage of the 1990 Cairns to Green Island Ski Race.
Puddingstone Fun Day USA – 9 May
On 9 May, America holds a Puddingstone Fun Day sponsored by Goldsmith Construction with some social races geared towards entry level competition and just having a good time.
Four British National Races in May Coming Soon
The British water ski racing season has kicked off on a local level and national races are about to commnece on 3rd May at Lyme Regis.
NZ Win Trans Tasman Challenge to make it 3 in a row
Brad Dutton from New Zealand reports on the the New Zealand Junior Ski Race Team which has recently returned from Australia with their hands still firmly gripped on the Trans Tasman Cup.
Karl Brooks Ski Training Camp Report
The Karl Brooks Ski Training Camp took place recently at Lake Mead near Las Vegas, USA. Karen Brooks has published this report.
The Drown Bridge Race – Eguzon France – update
France will once again host an international water ski race in the country town of Eguzon. Last’s year’s event was a great success and the 2009 race promises to be even better. More news will follow in due course.
The Giro del Lario could be back
One of the great international classic water ski races in the world is rumoured to be on its way back.
Nads Vs Formula 2 – US Movie Footage
Jeff Barrus of Goldfinger Racing Productions has once again produced an outstanding piece of water ski racing footage in this 4 minute reel of movie action captured during a recent US F2 race.
Filthy, Ball & Stout Do Newcastle Australia
Jason Walsh shared these shots from Newcastle where Filthy, the legendary Ray Ball and Chris Stout were racing recently.
Video of Wayne Mawer in 93 & 95 Green Island Race
Neville Fry has just shared this great piece of movie action with us. It’s footage from the 1993 and 1995 Green Island Water Ski Race with Wayne Mawer skiing behind Ray Hall and Peter Sharp’s ‘Legless’. Neville said; “Legless and Gotta Be Crazy were the main stepping stone for Wayne’s real taste of success in the unlimited classes.”
Stinga wins The Edge Mildura 100
Stinga, with Greg Houston driving, Kevin Boylan observing and with skiers Grant Patterson & Daniel Campbell, took out The Edge Mildura 100 over the Easter weekend in a time of 32:35
All results can be downloaded from the Mildura Ski Race site now.
Video of Clifton Challenge Race South Africa
Below is a short aerial video from the popular annual Clifton Challenge water ski race in South Africa – 22 March in Cape Town.
NSW State Titles – Entry Change
Ski Racing NSW has made a change to the total number of events an Unrestricted skier can enter at the 2009 NSW State Titles to be held at Port Macquarie in May.
Karl Brooks Ski The Dream Training Camp – Lake Mead
With just over a week to go – Karen Brooks , Martin Brooks, Kurt Brooks, Scott Brooks, Scott Gibbons, Sam Clapson, Jack Lynch, Daryl Tyndall, William Newland, Billy Smith, James Smith, Kristian Bartley, Alex Benny, Amy Clarke, Lucy Gale are all off to Las Vegas!
Boaties & Skiers Reunion Dinner – Club Forster Australia
On 18th July 2009, there will be a boaties & skier’s reunion dinner at Club Forster. Bruce Robberd has sent in the following flyer with full details.
Boats wanted for Australian skiers in Worlds
The Belgian world championship organising committee has been asked if they can help with boats for the following Australian skiers:
Logistic Info – 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships
Vera Van den Bossche writes …It is with great pleasure that I send you herewith our “Logistic Info Bulletin” containing all information on our beautiful country “Belgium” , where to go, what to do… etc.
AMENDED – 2009 Belgian Ski Racing Calendar
Vera Van den Bossche has issued an amended version of the 2009 Belgian water ski racing calendar. Click on the calendar below to open a full size printable version.
Lloyd Woolman & Rhys Duggan on the Murray
Ben Pearse captured a bunch of great shots down on the Murray. Lloyd Woolman was the main act and Rhys Duggan closed the performance.