Barefooter's enjoy the heat on and off the water

Wellington Region hosted the first tournament of the year with 32 skiers competing over a weekend to be remembered. With temperatures over 27°c and the water even warmer skiers found themselves footing up a feast of top scores.


Men's Open Ben Groen takes out the Men's Open for the first time with a new personal best in tricks and slalom nailing a sure win with cousin Ryan Groen , current New Zealand Champion in second place followed by Bevan Kelly in third. Tyler Groen impressed the crowd in the jump event with his 20 to 23m crashes but we look forward the seeing him land one in three weeks time in Waikato.

Women's Open This division was won by 14 year old Georgia Groen who chose to ski Open instead of Juniors. Georgia found a good battle on her hands skiing against Kelly O'Donnell who give Georgia a run for her money with 20 points difference in the overall. However the Women's also had to be careful of Sarah Linton as she was right behind them all with a strong ride in slalom.

Men's One was won by the very talented, on and off the water, Chris McGregor from Wairoa. Twin brother Dan had the day off due to a broken foot from training last week on his river at home. Noel Binns from Auckland jumped well achieving a personal best in jump of 10.6. Doug Paterson skied very well as this was his first time in this division. Men's Two Dave Findlay from Wairoa had a battle with Wellingtons Greg Barber fresh out of Juniors. All weekend they played a tight game with Dave coming home with a first overall.

Women's One Jarna Old followed her Dads footsteps taking out Women's One and breaking a new tricks record. First time skier Shara Hickling skied amazingly and we look forward to seeing her at Waikato's. Ally Findlay manged to ski and judge as well making her a very multi skilled competitor. Good to see three skiers in this group. Junior Girls Shannon O'Donnell takes home the overall in her last year in Juniors, moving on to Women's Open next year to ski with her sister Kelly. This will make a strong Women's Open division. Skiing with Shannon was Jaz Hickling skiing in her first tournament. We also look forward to seeing her in the near future.

Junior Boys Interesting year with a large mix of skiers. Matt Forsyth took overall with a solid run with lots of potential. Tyler Groen opting to ski Open saw this event open up for the others to have a close tournament. Sam Groen once again showed us he is the tumble turn king taking out tricks. Nice to see first time skier Tom Mathis having a great first tournament. Sam Binns straight out of Sub Juniors enjoyed mixing with the big boys.

Sub Junior Girls Super small and first time skier Marguerite Scott made the big trip down to ski this weekend. Fantastic effort from Marguerite and we look forward to a win at the Nationals in April. Her brother Chad skied in Rookies and showed the crowd what Rookies is all about.

Senior Men's Where the old Open boys come to rest found Robbie Groen taking out overall with a solid tournament again. In second place, Anthony Hawes showed us all how not to do a back flyer twice. Maybe he should get some lessons from Gary Oakes on how to jump off a dock. Gary O'Donnell was once again strong in tricks but wasn't so keen on the falling in slalom. Phil Leach, always a strong skier, gave the boys a run for their money including - how steep can we go in a Hilux truck? Answer not far, but we look forward to the Nationals.

Thanks again to all the Officials, Drivers and crew that helped to run this fantastic event. To Wendy and all her help on the night for Dinner, making the Wellington Regional's such a social event. We all look forward to seeing you all at Waikato for another battle on the water.

 
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