Events

NEW ZEALAND BAREFOOT WATER SKI CLUB COACHING CAMP - 15-16 May 2010 (Completed)

• Read this report on our News page now.

New Zealand Nationals 14-17 April 2010 (Completed)
Lake Inspiration, Otaki SPECIAL REPORT:"NATIONALS" UPDATE FROM LAKE INSPIRATION, OTAKI. Despite an unfavourable weather forecast, Lake Inspiration lived up to its reputation for good water, and delivered good conditions for skiing. Only day two gave the organisers some headaches with a transfer to Forest Lakes after just two jumps at 7.30am.

• A total of 47 skiers took to the water including 9 rookies, the youngest of which was 4 years old!
• Highlights of the tournament:
  • Ben Groen winning the mens open title, taking out all three events.
  • Georgia Groen is the new open womens champion.
  • Kelly O'Donnell won the womens open jumps with a new record of 12.8 metres.
  • Jarna Old set a tricks record for womens one of 810 points.
  • The return to skiing of Warren Herbert after 20 years "resting up"..... and he won the president's division.
  • Lauren Oakes and Ally Findlay received their bronze judging awards.
  • Ross Linton was awarded the Vaughan Wilson Memorial Trophy for the spirit of barefooting.
  • Rob and Robyn Gardner received the Patron's Plate for services to barefooting.
  • The new junior academy was launched under the guidance of Ben Groen.
  • The announcement of the New Zealand team for the World Championships in Germany, August 2010.
  • The launch of S.O.P.E. ( Society For President's Elite) - a new self styled society demanding extra priviledges for skiers over 45.
  • A great prize giving and social night at the Sanger Bar. Good food, good music and cammaraderie and good fun!

The 2010 Nationals will be remembered by all competitors and officials as one of our best ever tournaments, not only for some excellent skiing with many competitors setting new personal bests, but for the fun and good friendship of everyone there. Who will ever forget that syncronised performance in the final of the president's tricks, or young Brandon Carr skiing alongside his grandad "Poppie" aka Dean McGregor in the Rookies! The hard luck stories of the tournament must be Anthony Hawes, who returned home early after damaging ribs and more following an awkward landing in senior mens jump, and Bevan Kelly who aggravated an injury in open mens tricks. Shannon O'Donnell shared the hard luck podium with an injury during a netball game in the week before the tournament which left her with a cracked elbow and unable to ski. This tournament would normally wrap up the skiing season for barefooters, apart from the May Camp, but with the "world's" in Germany in August, training for those selected is going to continue throughout the winter. Let's hope temperatures don't get close to zero! Junior Academy A new junior academy has been named as an investment for the future of our sport. At the Nationals Prize Giving, Club President Rob Groen announced members of the academy were:- From the left, Sam Binns, Tom Mathis, Georgia Groen, Jaz Hickling, and Marguerite Scott. Congratulations to all these juniors. National Champion Ben Groen will be the head coach for this academy. New Zealand Team for World Championships, Germany 2010 Senior: Bevan Kelly, Kathy Duxfield Open: Ben Groen, Ryan Groen, Mitchell Groen, Tyler Groen, Georgia Groen, Sarah Linton, Kelly O'Donnell. Junior: Tyler Groen, Georgia Groen, Shannon O'Donnell, Matt Forsyth, Connor Findlay (Travelling Reserve). Special Awards

• Endurance Award: Dan McGregor (11 plus minutes)
• Most Proficiencies in a season: Michael McGiven and Tom Mathis.
• Youngest Backwards Barefooter 2010: Tom Mathis.
• Wooden Spoon (stirrers' award): Warren Herbert and Noel Binns.
• Wooden Foot (hard luck award): Anthony Hawes, Bevan Kelly, Shannon O'Donnell.
• Most Photogenic Jump: Nick Hamblyn
• Regional Trophy: Wellington.
• Most Promising Newcomers: Sam Binns and Tom Mathis.
• Vaughan Wilson Memorial Trophy: Ross Linton.
• Patron's Plate: Rob and Robyn Gardner.

Wellington Regionals 5-7 Feb 2010 (Completed)
Lake Inspiration, Otaki.

Waikato Regionals 27-28 Feb 2010  (Completed)
Piarere Waterski Club, Horahora Lake Karapiro.
Bay of Plenty Regionals 20 & 21 March 2010 (Completed)
Ngakuru (arm of lake Ohakuri) near Rotorua. 
Full details



NB: You need to be a financial member of the New Zealand Barefoot Water Ski Club to compete in these events.

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