2017 Australian Masters Water Ski Championships

Published on 13 January 2017

Some of Australia's most skilful water skiers will strut their stuff on the Loddon River at Bridgewater this month.

For the fifth time, the Bridgewater Water Ski Club is hosting the Australian Masters Water Ski Championships, featuring some of the country’s best exponents in trick, slalom and jump.

Planned for 26 to 28 January, the event lures competitors from around Australia seeking scores high enough to qualify for the Moomba Masters in Melbourne in March.

Bridgewater is one of the few events held across the country enjoying this status.

Those scores go on to a worldwide ranking list administered by the International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation which is used by both national teams and the organisers of Moomba Masters and other global events to make up their fields.

This year’s national titles, planned for Perth over Easter, are expected to attract around 260 skiers.

The championships open on the Thursday at 10am with trick skiing, followed by competitions for entrants with disabilities, then jumps.

One of the three disabled athletes appearing, Jason Sleep, is in contention to break a world record on the day.

On Friday, it will be slalom and trick, then on Saturday slalom and jump.

The club is expecting about 70 competitors, coming from all states bar Western Australia, ranging from nine to 65 years.

Age groups begin with Under 10 and extend to Over 55.

Spectators can watch all the action from the grassy foreshore of the town’s caravan and camping park, with overnight accommodation options including the park itself, and self-contained cottages.

Food will be available on-site courtesy of Bridgewater Bakehouse or a short walk away in the main street at the Bridgewater on Loddon Hotel.

Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the four days activities and see more of the area while they’re in town, with a winery, Inglewood’s Eucy Distillery and collectables stores and Kooyoora State Park all close at hand.

The caravan park will play host to another popular event when the Bridgewater Triathlon and Duathlon takes place on 5 February.

For more details on that, go to www.loddon.vic.gov.au