Australian Masters

Published on 20 January 2020

The picturesque riverside town of Bridgewater on Loddon will come alive over the Australia Day weekend as skiers from across the country compete in the 2020 EzyTow Malibu Australian Masters.

The Australian Masters is the premier event of the Bridgewater Ski Club and runs across the weekend from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 January 2020. It is the third largest event of its type on the Australian water ski calendar.

Formed in 1960, the Bridgewater Water Ski Club is one of the oldest water ski clubs in Australia and runs this prestigious event to enable national calibre skiers to qualify for the Moomba Masters, held in Melbourne in March.

The world-ranked competition is also a major lead up event for the selection for the Junior Worlds Waterski Championships.

Around sixty participants are expected to compete over the weekend with competitors in all age groups, ranging from just nine years of age through to the over 75s. Contenders travel from Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and throughout Victoria to take part.

They make up the country's best performers in water skiing, slalom, trick and jump. Slalom and Jump are held out the front of the Bridgewater Public Caravan Park and Tricks is run upstream opposite the boat ramp.

It is anticipated that the event will provide enormous benefit to the town of Bridgewater and the local economy with over 1,000 spectators expected to line the banks of the Loddon River to enjoy the spectacle, as well as spend locally for food, accommodation, entertainment and shopping. In addition to the competitors, over 100 support staff, officials and organisers are involved. A variety of social and fundraising events will be held across the weekend including welcome and presentations functions which will also boost the local economy.

Not only local visitors will make the most of the event; the Masters attracts enthusiasts from Melbourne as well as many regional centres. Social skiers from Lake Boort and Eppalock take advantage of the opportunity to watch world-class skiers, with many trials and preparations building up throughout the weekend in advance of the main event.

Bridgewater Water Ski Club Secretary Craig Stephen said that in the eight years since the devastating floods, the club has rebuilt the event to be bigger and better than ever. “We are looking forward to the biggest event in some time and are excited by the high quality of the entrants.”

The club has won the right to host the 2021 Disabled World Championships in February 2021. “This event will be a perfect lead up to hosting national and international skiers who will compete in the Disabled World Championships next year,” Craig said.

“In addition, the Bridgewater Water Ski Club will be donating $20 to the CFA Fighting Fund for each Personal Best achieved throughout the competition. We expect to raise in excess of $400 and encourage everyone to bring their best efforts!”

Bridgewater is two hours north of Melbourne and 35 minutes north-west of Bendigo. It is a key destination for visitors seeking to enjoy the river or explore the region. Bridgwater boasts an award-winning bakery, world class wineries and a classic Australian pub with an appealing beer garden offering views of the river.