Look ma, no hands | Manawatu-Wanganui News | Local News in Manawatu-Wanganui

Champs have waterskiers jumping for joyWaterskiers from throughout the country gathered at Lake Wiritoa yesterday for the start of the New Zealand National Waterski Championships.

The championships, which this year have attracted nearly 100 skiers, begin at 1pm today and run until Sunday.

Yesterday the skiers were out on the lake to familiarise themselves with the conditions.

Organiser Ron Bakker said Lake Wiritoa hosted the champs every five years and it was always a popular venue with skiers.

"It's one of the best locations in the country for tournament skiing."

Mr Bakker said Wiritoa's "slow water" meant it was particularly good for slalom skiing, because it helped slow the skis down.

Slalom skiers - who waterski through a laid-out course - can reach speeds of 85km/h.

The other events are the jump - skiers jump over a ramp - and tricks, which include flips, turns, skiing backwards and holding the rope with the toes. Skiers compete in their age groups.

Mr Bakker said there were nine skiers from Wanganui, who will be competing in the 20-strong West Coast North Island waterski team. Competitors range in age from seven to 74.

 He said waterskiing was a popular sport  but because of the recent recession the number of people taking part was not growing.

"Running a boat is expensive."

 Mr Bakker said he would like to encourage everyone to  go along to the champs and watch some quality waterskiing.

"It's a great spectacle.

"We'll have food and drink here and, for those who aren't familiar with waterskiing, we even have full commentary of all the action."