International Water Ski Racing Online Since 1996

The Current World Champions

Just before the racing begins and establishes a new group of World Water Ski Racing Champions, let’s reflect on who achieved the ultimate in their respective categories, two years ago in Belgium.

Unofficial 2009 Worlds DVD – DEADLINE EXTENDED

As you know, Roger Lincoln did a huge amount of filming at the 2009 Worlds to help those not at the event get a taste of the action after each day’s racing.

Men’s Final Race Video @ Viersel – By Roger Lincoln

Britain’s Roger Lincoln has created this 20 minute video of the final round of the Men’s World Water Ski Racing Championships at Viersel in Belgium.

Men’s Final Race Video @ Viersel – By Stevie Strobbe

Belgium’s Stevie Strobbe has created this 4 minute video of the final round of the Men’s World Water Ski Racing Championships at Viersel in Belgium.

Opening Ceremony @ Ghent Video by Stevie

A video of the opening ceremony @ Ghent by Stevie Strobbe.

Round 4 Viersel Photos by Guy

Guy has shared some of his shots from Viersel on Sunday. You can see more here

Round 4 Viersel Photos by Luc & Pepe

A few round 4 Viersel Photos by Luc & Pepe and below. Plenty more are at their web site www.powerboatracing.be

After the 16th World Water Ski Racing Championships

After waiting two years for it, the 16th Worlds passed by quickly with some of the best racing I’ve ever seen and not without its controversy either. But Belgium did a superb job of pulling off the world event in four different venues across the country and setting the scene for many amazing performances.

Photos of Viersel Round 4 by Wim Lamot

Photos of Viersel Round 4 by Wim Lamot. See more at the official worlds site: http://worlds.waterskiracing.be

Final official Results after all 4 Rounds

The final official results of the 16th World Water Ski Racing Championships after 4 round are now available.

Results after all 3 rounds

Pepe Escoda has published the official results after all three rounds. Includes Women’s race which was run on Saturday.

Men’s Round 3 Video by Stevie

Belgium’s Stevie Strobbe has published this video of the Men’s round 3 at Antwerp.

Kim Lumley is the 2009 Women’s World Champion

Kim Lumley has won three out of three rounds at the 16th World Water Ski Racing Championships in Belgium and has become the new World Champion.

Round 3 Video @ Viersel – Women’s by Roger Lincoln

Roger Lincoln made this video of the Women’s round 3 at Viersel today.

Round 3 Video @ Antwerp – Men’s by Roger Lincoln

Roger Lincoln has published the following video of Round 3 Men’s at Antwerp.

At the end of Round 3 of the 16th Worlds

Yesterday (Friday) in Antwerp saw a long day of racing. The reason for such long gaps between racing is due to tides and the availability of clear water. i.e. commercial traffic has to be stopped for the races and that is all tightly pre-scheduled with the local authorities.

Those who follow the racing via the Twitter feed will know what happened but basically we saw the emergence of two new Junior World Water Ski Racing Champions in the morning when Jack Houston and Yolien Bormans proved to the world that they are indeed the best Junior water ski racers on the planet.

The Women’s race was stopped after about 15 minutes due to extreme weather conditions consisting of rain, thunder and lightening. As less than 51% of the race was completed, it was deemed invalid and will be re-run today at Viersel at 2pm over a shorter 30 minute duration.

The Men’s race at Antwerp was another outstanding display of racing between the two guys who have now created a league of their own in water ski racing. Wayne Mawer and Todd Haig, both former World Champions had the thousands of spectators on the edge of their seats as they battled it out right up to the chequered flag in a hard but fast chop. Chris Stout sat comfortably in 3rd for the whole race and Dimitri Bertels did the same in 4th.

Cameron King put up a sensational display and although challenged by Steven Van Gaeveren, he hung on and secured his 2nd win of the week. Daniel Cotton of Australia took 3rd.

More photos and videos of round 3 should follow later today. Things went onto towards midnight last night so it was a long day.

The 2009 Junior World Champions

Jack Houston from Australia and Yolien Bormans of Belgium become the new Junior World Water Ski Racing Champions.

Round 3 (Antwerp) Photos by Wim Lamot

Wim Lamot has posted plenty of photos from round 3 on the official worlds web site here. A few are shown below.

Official Results after 3 Rounds

Pepe Escoda has provided the official results after 3 rounds of the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships.

Round 3 Juniors (Antwerp) Video

Round 3 Juniors (Antwerp) Video by Roger Lincoln.

Pre-Race Day Reception at Antwerp by Guy

Below are a few pre-race reception photos at Antwerp on Thursday from Guy. It was hosted in the stunning 16th centuty Town Hall in the main sqaure at Antwerp.

Yves Verboven Pulls out of Worlds

Local Belgian skier Yves Verboven was injured in the last race and is forced to pull out of the world championships.

Round 3 is tomorrow (Friday) at Antwerp

Today is another rest day and teams will be participating in a parade this afternoon in the city of Antwerp. Let’s hope the heavy rain clears up for that.

Luc & Pepe’s photos from Round 2 Genk

Here are a couple of Luc & Pepe’s photos from Round 2 Genk. You can see more at: www.powerboatracing.be

1513 Round 2 Genk photos by Guy

Round 2 Genk photos by Guy. There are 1513 photos in Guy’s album here and a few are shown below

Round 2 Genk Video by Stevie

Belgium’s Stevie has published this video of Men’s F1 & F2 at Genk.

All Round 2 Video footage from Genk

Here are all the Genk Round 2 videos on one page.

All Round 1 Video footage from Gent

Here are all the Gent Round 1 videos on one page.

More photos from Genk by Piet Verhoeve

Piet Verhoeve shares theese shots from round 2 of the worlds at Genk on Tuesday.

Rough Water Photos of Rnd2 @ Genk

Wim Lamot illustrates the extent of the rough water on the canal at round 2 in Genk with these shots. You’ll find more at the official worlds site at http://worlds.waterskiracing.be

Combined Worlds Results after 2 Races

Pepe Escoda has provided the full results which include Rounds 1 & 2 for all categories.

Sensational Shots from Round 1 @ Gent

Luc & Pepe share these couple of class shots from the round 1 racing at Gent on Sunday.

Round 2 Genk – Prize giving photos by Wim Lamot

Round 2 Genk – Prize giving photos by Wim Lamot

At the end of Round 2 of the 16th Worlds

It’s now 11pm and a day of sensational round 2 of world championship racing is behind us. The racing today was exciting in every category and if you have kept up with the Twitter updates, you’ll no doubt agree.

Aussie Photos from Round 1 @ Gent – By Guy

Photos of the Aussies @ round 1 in Gent – By Guy.

Photos of Parade and Reception for Rnd 2 in Genk

Guy has posted photos of parade and Reception for Rnd 2 in Genk here:

Results of Round 2 of the 16th Worlds

Thanks to Wim Lamot who grabbed a copy of the results from round 2 of the worlds.

Round 2 Video @ Genk – Men’s by Roger Lincoln

MUST WATCH ! – Roger Lincoln caught one of the most incredible world championship races ever on video at round 2 of the Men’s 16th Worlds at Genk today. Watch the phenomenal race between Wayne Mawer and Todd Haig towards the end and listen to what both of these outstanding skiers had to say after the race.

Round 2 Video @ Genk – Juniors by Roger Lincoln

Roger Lincoln was at Genk to capture the action of round 2 of the 16th World Water Ski Racing Championships on Tuesday 21 July. This video is of the Juniors

Round 2 Video @ Genk – Women’s by Roger Lincoln

Roger Lincoln was at Genk to capture the action of round 2 of the 16th World Water Ski Racing Championships on Tuesday 21 July. This video is Women’s F1 & F2

Round 1 Video @ Gent – Women’s by Roger Lincoln

Roger Lincoln caught the world’s best Women F1 & F2 water ski racers in video action at Gent which hosted round 1 of the 16th World Water Ski Racing Championships.

Round 1 Video @ Gent – Juniors by Roger Lincoln

Roger Lincoln caught the world’s best Junior water ski racers in video action at Gent which hosted round 1 of the 16th World Water Ski Racing Championships.

Results of Round 1 of the 16th Worlds

Courtesy of Pepe Escoda, here are the results from Round 1 of the worlds

Mens F1 & F2 Video – Round 1 @ Gent

Belgium’s moviemaker Stevie captured F1 & F2 Mens at Gent on Sunday in the 4 minute movie.

Adelaide Cox’s Unfortunate Fall

The moment that haunted New Zealand’s Adelaide Cox and resulted in a broken foot/ankle –  just as she was performing superbly well in 2nd place Jnr Girls Rnd 1.

6 Videos of Men’s Rnd 1 of the 16th Worlds

Someone going by the name of Barflybaja on YouTube has posted these 6 videos of the Men’s F1 & F2 at Gent on Sunday. If anyone knows who Barflybaja is, please let me know so we can give them the credit for making the video.

The videos are set to play in high definition. If your internet connection is not very fast and you encounter pauses in the video, either click the HD button on the video you are playing, or let the video play once then the 2nd time you play it, there shouldn’t be any pauses.

Round 1 – Prizegiving shots by Wim Lamot

Round 1 – Prizegiving shots by Wim Lamot. All categories.

Keep Checking the Official Worlds Site

Keep checking the official Worlds site at http://worlds.waterskiracing.be/ for all the great photos that Wim Lamot is taking and of course the official results. Also keep an eye out for more Twitter updates as and when I get news, as I’m only accessing the laptop once a day in the evening.

Round 1 of the 16th Worlds is done

There was a certain degree of uncertainty before today’s racing. A narrow and short course and a lot of boats. But all credit to the drivers and observers who safely navigated races which saw 3 to 4 boats simultaneously powering around the turn in front of the crowds.

Opening Ceremony Photos by Wim Lamot

Wim hosts the official worlds web site and will be posting a lot of photos there. Go there now http://worlds.waterskiracing.be to see:

Pictures from

–          Opening Parade

–          Opening Reception

–          Training Session@Ghent

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2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships Start Today

If you’ve been following the updates on Twitter, Facebook or the right hand side of skirace.net, you will know that the opening ceremony took place yesterday and then a number of teams hit the small piece of water in Gent where the first round of the Worlds takes place today – Sunday 19th July.

Photos from Guy

Guy’s photo album from Friday 17/07 is now online:

http://guy594.myphotoalbum.com/view_album.php?set_albumName=album138

The History of World Water Ski Racing Champions

Just days before the 16th World Water Ski Racing Championships commence, let’s reflect back on 30 years of World Championships and the Crème de la Crème of our sport. Whether it was 2007 or 1979, every one of these people achieved outstanding excellence at the very highest level of water ski racing

2009 Worlds Schedule of Events

The following schedule of events is an extract from Worlds Bulletin 3.

How to Stay Up To Date With The Worlds

If you can’t be in Belgium for the Worlds, there are a number of ways you can stay up to date with what’s happening.

List of Entries for 2009 Worlds

Courtesy of Vera van den Bossche, and published at the request of the organising committee, below is the list of entries for the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships.

The 2009 Worlds Happy Hour!

The 2009 Worlds Logistic Secretary (Ann) has issued a “HAPPY HOUR” invitation for Friday!

Worlds 2009 “Siegfried Bakery”

Open as from Wednesday 15th from 07.00 am till 12.00 pm – “Siegfried Bakery” @ Viersel camp site.

Welcome to the Worlds 2009 Letter

The organisers of the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships have issued the letter below.

Do You Want to Publish News at the Worlds?

If you are supporting your country at the Worlds, why not help rte your team’s achievements and write an article about each day’s racing.

Phone Interview with Dave Bishop on Australian Worlds Team

Nine days before the first race, I spoke to Dave Bishop in Melbourne about the team that Australia has ready for the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships.

Phone Interview with Vera van den Bossche about the 2009 Worlds

Listen to this 10 minute interview withVera Van den Bossche about the forthcoming 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships.

Mawer Wraps Up Training With Croc Before Worlds

Former World Water Ski Racing Champion and former World Wakeboard Champion Wayne Mawer squeezed in his final session with a croc-fan in Cairns before boarding a flight to Belgium today.

Kurt Brooks Selected for GB in Training @ Ghent

Kurt Brooks has been announced as an F2 Skier For Team GB at the World Championships later this month. This is Kurt’s 1st year in Men’s F2 skiing behind a Force 21 with Dell Estall driving and Martin Brooks observing.

Practice @ Genk (for Rnd 2 of Worlds)

After Saturday’s practice day in Ghent where round 1 of the Worlds will be held, teams moved to Genk where round 2 will be held, for a practice yesterday.

Dutch Team for 2009 Worlds

Dutch team captain Thea Klarenbeek has announced the Dutch team for the 2009 world water ski racing championships.

F2 Boat & Driver Needed for Canada in Worlds

The Canadian Water Ski Racing Team is looking for an F2 boat and driver for the Worlds. If you can help, please contact Vera Van den Bossche as soon as possible:

Tel: +32 (0)3 252 83 79
Mobile: + 32 (0) 479 697362
E-mail: vera.vdbossche@skynet.be

7 News Reports on Wayne Mawer’s Send-off

As more than 200 people bid Wayne Mawer good luck  as he prepares to leave Cairns for Belgium, 7 TV reports from the special event hosted at Lui Garozzo’s Salthouse on the weekend.

Directions at the 2009 Worlds

Wim Lamot has posted directions from various hotels to the race venues at the 2009 Worlds. You can find them all here: http://www.waterskiracing.be/directions

2009 Worlds Bulletin #3

Vera Van den Bossche and the Belgian organising committee for the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships have published the 3rd official event bulltin. You can download and print the full 12 page PDF document below.

British Team for 2009 Worlds

British Team Captain Wayne Harvey has published the British squad for the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships in Belgium. Click the image below to open a full size version.

TUFF ‘E’ NUFF Fundraiser

The Force F21 Team of “TUFF ‘E’ NUFF” that includes Brent Wisemantle driving, with Andrew Fyfe observing and Daniel Cotton skiing. The team have successfully qualified to represent Australia in the Men’s F2 Class in the up and coming World Water-ski-Racing Championships in Belgium.

USA Worlds Team

The team to represent the USA at the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships in Belgium is:

Australian Worlds Team Web Site

The 2009 Australian Worlds Team Captain/Manager is Rick Love. Rick and his team have created a dedicated web site for the upcoming Worlds to relay information specifically about the Australian Team, back home for those who can’t be at the event.

Keep up with the Worlds through Twitter

If you’re unable to be at the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships in Belgium (19-26 July) you can keep track of events via Twitter.

Representing France at the 2009 Worlds

The team that will represent France at the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships is:

Belgian World Team Members Announced

Belgian Team Captain, Kim De Witte – Van den Bossche has announced the names of all members of the Belgian team for the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships.

Another 2009 Worlds Promo Video

Here’s another video compilation to help promote the forthcoming 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships in Belgium.

British Team Announced for Worlds (video)

Yesterday after the 3rd round of the British Nationals at Allhallows, British Team Captain, Wayne Harvey, announced the National Team for the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships.

Previously in Belgium – The 1995 World Championships

The first time Belgium hosted the World Water Ski Racing Championships was 14 years ago in 1995. As we get close to Belgium’s 2nd World Championships, let’s reflect back on the 1995 Worlds.

Boats wanted for Australian skiers in Worlds

The Belgian world championship organising committee has been asked if they can help with boats for the following Australian skiers:

Logistic Info – 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships

Vera Van den Bossche writes …It is with great pleasure that I send you herewith our “Logistic Info Bulletin” containing all information on our beautiful country “Belgium” , where to go, what to do… etc.

Presenting the 2009 Australian Worlds Team on Video

Neville Fry captured the proud moment for the members of the 2009 Australian National Water Ski Racing Team and Wayne Mawer has shared it with us.

Do you need a boat for the worlds?

If anyone needs help in finding a boat for the 2009 worlds, contact Worlds Secretary, Vera Van Den Bossche in Belgium as soon as possible:

NZ Skiers Need Boats for Worlds

The Belgian organising committee has received requested from New Zealand seeking an F1 boat for a Junior Girl and an F2 for an F2 Men’s skier.

Who’s at the 2009 Worlds

With nationals teams around the world not all selected, who do you think is going to the Worlds and why?

Add your thoughts to the comments box below.
Note that unsportsmanlike comments will be not appear.

2009 Worlds: Bulletin 2 – General Information, Camping Site

Vera Van Den Bossche writes; Welcome to the 2009 Worlds in Belgium!

Bulletin 2 – General Information: Camping Site

2009 Worlds Poster

Click the poster below to open a higher resolution poster. the final version will be published shortly.

2009 World Championships – Bulletin #2

Fresh from Belgium, the organisers of the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships have published bulletin 2 for the big event in July. Vera Van den Bossche and her team have done a superb job of putting together this 21 page information pack. It’s a 3mb PDF file so be patient if your net connection is running on low octane fuel.

2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships Promo

Wim Lamot has issued the final 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships Promo movie.

The “Procter – Kirkland – Stout” Survey

The IWSF Racing Council has recently written to Darren Kirkland, Peter Procter and Chris Stout to tell them that they are not permitted to ski with a crew which is from another country in the 2009 Worlds.

Competitors have shared their thoughts below.

Below are the survey comments – add yours in the comments section at the foot of this page and include your name

edit     3.    Only however if crews are not available from their own country. Would they ski behind the same crews if their current boats weren’t of the same standard?     Tue, 10/7/08 4:49 PM

edit     4.    If it is with a different country other than their own they are representing.If they want to ski with other country then qualify over there and leave a space for a Dedecated counrty skier     Tue, 10/7/08 1:08 PM

edit     5.    let skiers choose their teams – not old & out of touch officials who hardly know the racers or much about racing     Tue, 10/7/08 10:36 AM

edit     6.    Who are these old farts who are afraid to speak up in public to tell teams what they can and cant do. the IWSF is comiting suicide right now and aussie coles and lee are pouring the poison!!!!!!!     Tue, 10/7/08 9:02 AM

edit     7.    i feel the decision is right to keep it to the majority of the team should be from the country the skier is representing, else what chance have the younger skiers got in getting into the higher formula’s in thier own country. i understand there is too sides of the story, but surely chris, darren and peter just need to take an observer with them from there own country?     Tue, 10/7/08 3:15 AM

edit     8.    I don’t like it but I think we have to let them. But what is wrong with our crews-     Tue, 10/7/08 12:13 AM

edit     9.    its a ski race, so what should the crew matter? give these guys the chance at a world championship like they deserve     Mon, 10/6/08 11:05 PM

edit     10.    The rules are in place and must be adhered to in fairness to all competitors. This is a case of shopping for the best skier to win a world title. Money cant buy everything!     Mon, 10/6/08 9:41 PM

edit     11.    LET THEM RACE WITH WHO THEY WANT!!!     Mon, 10/6/08 8:23 PM

edit     12.    they should be able too     Mon, 10/6/08 3:16 PM

edit     13.    Do they want to represent their country or not?     Mon, 10/6/08 2:59 PM

edit     14.    Ski racing is a team sport. They are there to represent their country. How hard is it to fill one spot in the boat with a country man??     Mon, 10/6/08 2:37 PM

edit     15.    It is the “world titles” is it not??? Like any sport the skier wants to give themself the best opportunity to win and needs the best crew to make this happen. It would be a sad state of affairs if Mark Webber could only drive an Aussie car with an Aussie team, I think we all know how that would end up. Let the sport grow!!!!!!!!!     Mon, 10/6/08 2:35 PM

edit     16.    I think they should be able to use whoever they want!     Mon, 10/6/08 12:16 PM

edit     17.    this rule would be a great way to kill the sport and disable many talented skiers from competing across the world and it will leave many race boats without skiers..in the end it will stop me as a skier from competing as i dont have a team that can fly around with me accross the globe to different races.     Mon, 10/6/08 10:24 AM

edit     18.    i feel for the situation – but” i believe their is a deeper meaning regarding this- i believe the current rule still has a bit of merit in a way that it keeps the worlds from being bought and still is earned.My description of being bought is – say i see that Wayne Mawer is the best skier in the current ranks, i can offer up a contract to him for any said amount of money and he will ski behind my boat/team for the selection races and worlds – 2 years later i request to offer a good dollar amount for Todd Haig and again i have bought the title with the knowledge that their are plenty of good boats in these skiers home country to do the same- such the case with Kirkland – Stout and Proctor. Stout is pusuing a boat from England which is more than capable of winning any said current event. Yet there are Dozens of capable boats teams in australia to the performance level for both Proctor and Stout – i believe to make this rule work is to eliminate the whole event as a rep of your country and use it as a w
orld title for any one that wishes to compete for that said title.That will resolve this country of origin issue and everyone has the same chance for every oppurtunity to have the equipment that is offered by any said person from any said country-     Mon, 10/6/08 10:06 AM

edit     19.    My name is Kurt Schoen, I skied in several World Championships in F-1, and not one was I able to have my racing crew travel with me to another country to ski. I skied behind forien drivers and boats, and always had a observer who never observered for me once and I still accumalated points for the country in which I am a citizen. They always counted on my points and it did not matter who I was skiing behind. It’s a ski race, let the best skiers ski and battle it out for the world championship, not the crews. Take the politics out of the sport that is already dying from the committee that maybe goies to one race a year, but are making decisions on new up and coming skiers that are chasing thier dreams.     Mon, 10/6/08 8:09 AM

edit     20.    Who are these people who dont even race, trying to dictate how teams (who pay for the sport!!!) should compete.     Mon, 10/6/08 7:46 AM

edit     21.    Its a skiers race. what next …boat and engine and ski should be from the same country too!     Mon, 10/6/08 7:44 AM

edit     22.    if thier the best they need the best crew and people they trust. they may not have the funds to suport a full overseas team including importing boat then exporting it back.     Mon, 10/6/08 4:25 AM

edit     23.    its a skiers race     Mon, 10/6/08 2:59 AM

edit     24.    There is far too much politics in sport. Please bring back the good old days of teamwork and common sense!     Mon, 10/6/08 1:29 AM

edit     25.    Only if crews from their own country are not available.     Mon, 10/6/08 1:02 AM

edit     26.    Its a whole team effort to make the worlds     Mon, 10/6/08 12:02 AM

edit     27.    Everybody should have the right!     Sun, 10/5/08 11:21 PM

edit     28.    If they make the team and only then, let them race with whoever wants to tow them. But they must represent Australia! Is it un-australian to ski for another country if you have an Australian passport??????     Sun, 10/5/08 10:49 PM

edit     29.    I remember a certain Aussie Womens Skier who won the Title in Long Beach Skiing behind an American boat AND team… Nobody complained then ( at least publicly) Why the shift in rules? Let them SKI dm-USA     Sun, 10/5/08 9:27 PM

edit     30.    Why can’t an American or an Australian trophy in the European Championships? If these were truly a championship, why are results and finishes just allowed for the Europeans?? and if an American or an Australian finish in the top three, why are they not allowed to collect a trophy, much less than stand on the podium?     Sun, 10/5/08 7:38 PM

edit     31.    The whole point of Water ski racing is that it is a TEAM SPORT!!!! The World Championships is about the TEAMS (both individually and as a whole) representing their countrY’s to win the Gold. If any skier can ski with any crew that defeats the entire purpose of this being a TEAM SPORT. The driver and observer are part of the team at least one should be from that country. The rules already allow for one of the crew members to be from a different country and simply abandoning the rule would be a disgrace to the World Championships. After all, in the Olympics you don’t see rowing teams substituting rowers from other countries simply because they are better. You must make do with what you have got. How hard can it be? Australia and England have large groups of participation and it should not be a big deal to find an observer from that country!!!!     Sun, 10/5/08 5:46 PM

edit     32.    The Worlds are for the skier, so they should be able to ski behind the boat they choose     Sun, 10/5/08 3:08 PM

edit     33.    I think just for the safety, skiers should be able to compete with the teams that take care of them and there best intrests. Good luck guys, John Peckham     Sun, 10/5/08 9:42 AM

edit     34.    Thats their team!!!     Sun, 10/5/08 2:32 AM

edit     35.    This decision is not just affecting top F1 skiers, there are a number of F2 skiers that have no competitive boats/ crews within their countries and would rely on GB/ European boats & crews. Do we make seperate applications or lobby for an overall scrapping of rule 3.03. BUT WE MUST DO SOMETHING. Boat 18     Sun, 10/5/08 1:52 AM

edit     36.    any skier should have the right to ski with the crew they want, it doesn’t matter who they are or what country they are from. there were plenty of skiers at the NZ worlds last year skiing behind boats from other countries.     Sat, 10/4/08 11:45 PM

edit     37.    I would like to understand the rationale behind the decision – it makes no sense currently.     Sat, 10/4/08 1:44 PM

edit     38.    If I can recall, the 2005 worlds worked well with skiers using teams from differing countries? The sport needs a overhaul in many aspects and this is one of them.     Sat, 10/4/08 11:07 AM

edit     39.    NO EXPLANATION HAS BEEN GIVEN TO WHY THIS RULE HAS BEEN CHANGED,AND WHY DID THE COUNCIL NOT ASK THE PEOPLE WHO PUT THIER HEART AND SOUL INTO THIS SPORT. DAVE LLEWELLYN     Sat, 10/4/08 8:19 AM

edit     40.    When the world’s competition first started there was more money around,wereas now a lot of teams own the boats two or 3 ways.I as an observer and owning half of the boat would not take to kindly to being turfed out of the seat when I own half of the boat.I think when Glen and Dusty were younger it might have been different.     Sat, 10/4/08 5:54 AM

edit     41.    yes, their three and all the other skier with the same situation. Olivia from Spain     Sat, 10/4/08 3:51 AM

edit     42.    Others did it in previous World Championships     Sat, 10/4/08 3:13 AM

edit     43.    What a joke, again pushing people away from the sport they love. Politics has a lot to answer for, maybe the IWSF council should take a look at what the RYA have done to powerboat racing in this country by making bad decisions about rules.     Sat, 10/4/08 2:08 AM

edit     44.    Its the skier who is representing his or her country and as a driver who has driven for skiers from USA,Australia and Belgium I drive for them pride regardless of me being from Great Britain. Greg Bassam. ps yet another rule coming from officials not competitors.     Sat, 10/4/08 2:05 AM

edit     45.    as long as the points go to the skiers country     Sat, 10/4/08 1:52 AM

edit     46.    stupid decisions like this are ruining our sport. I think we all need to talk to these people when we see them at the races     Fri, 10/3/08 11:23 PM

edit     47.    yeah its so stupid the council is a bunch of dumb ass’s there is no one in the sport anymore because of you ideots i think its stupid this sports going to fall apart and it already is what the hell does it matter if they race with another crew its racing you don’t win money this sport is just stupid now if they dont get to have who they want for the crew i don’t think people should even put money into this sport this is absolutely bull shit. you guys are just affraid of competition. wow to think when i tell people how amazing ski racing is i should be telling them it’s nothing but a selfish no good sport who has asshole running in maybe we would have people in this sport if people new how to work as a team instead of shoving everyone out i hope the worls has a shitty turn out because thats about how shittty this sport is i wont event go to worlds now as a junior girl they don’t dissereve to have me race for them peter darren and chris stout disserve to race with who they want who ever is telling the
m no disserves to get the crap beat out of them you just ruined the sport. take that and shove it. sincerely chelbe kinslow     Fri, 10/3/08 10:38 PM

edit     48.    These days where participation in ski racing is so low. The world council needs to accept and adapt to the many changes in our sport. It is rediculous to deny these skiers a chance to compete. I think if we keep running off people like that the council won’t have to worry about rules in the future because there won’t be anymore competitors.     Fri, 10/3/08 9:48 PM

edit     49.    I am glad to see that they are strong enough to stand up against Iwsf. This is my career and if you don’t like, STIFF.     Fri, 10/3/08 6:07 PM

edit     50.    It would appear that some of the decision makers have forgoten what has happened in previous worlds and interesting to see jon cole voted against did he not pull ann to win in nz ?     Fri, 10/3/08 3:28 PM

edit     51.    It is a water ski race not a boat race, the Water Skiers put their life on the line every time they ski, it should be their decision who they ski behind. In swimming we have Australian Coaches training Chinese Swimmers. The World is a small place. Wake and smell the roses not your Moet. Neville Fry     Fri, 10/3/08 3:24 PM

edit     52.    The world championship is a national team event, not an individual event. Skiers are chosen to represent their national team.     Fri, 10/3/08 2:46 PM

edit     53.    “Australian Ski Racing Officials are a Joke!”.     Fri, 10/3/08 2:33 PM

edit     54.    I don’t think this exception should be made just for the 3 names mentioned since Australian selections haven’t even begun. However, I do believe the rule should be changed to allow a skier to team up with the boat, driver, and observer of his choice from any country. Ski racing is falling apart all over the globe. Rigid thinking and outdated rules like this will not help. Rules are needed, and the ones in place must be enforced, but lets start thinking outside the box and get this sport going in the right direction.     Fri, 10/3/08 2:19 PM

edit     55.    ANYWHERE, ANYTIME THEY WANT. WHO ARE THESE IWSF RACING COUNCIL FOOLS. THIS WOULD BE EASILY CHALLANGED IN COURT & WON BY THE SKIERS WITH COSTS AWARDED. CISCO     Fri, 10/3/08 2:11 PM

edit     56.    If you do not allow this to happen F1 ski racing will not exist. Surely it is safer for the skier to race with the team they have trained with.     Fri, 10/3/08 2:11 PM

edit     57.    The sport needs to support the likes Peter, Darren and Chris in their pursuit of their dreams. We have limited crews with the resouces to be able to tow these great skiers. We should be proud that our competitors are so willingly to work with each other regardless of nationality. The water ski racing fraternity needs to send a strong message to the IWSF ski racing council and ask them to re-conside their decision. Glen Coles Who? What an absolute joke ? Do you ever see him at Ski race in Australia ? No     Fri, 10/3/08 1:57 PM

edit     58.    how old are some of these people??? get real!!! the two ausies are about 80 year old. they live in a different world. they havent been in a ski race in years and they are past it and should admit it. how can these idiots come to races when they dont even bother with the ski racers. robbie and others you must get rid of this shit from skiracing and we are behind you all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JD     Fri, 10/3/08 1:26 PM

edit     59.    The whole idea of a race / championship is for the best of whatever sport to have the opportunity to be a champion. I think not only should Peter ,Darren ,and Chris be allowed to ski with which team they choose but , there should be a Wildcard race to allow skiers such as Wayne Mawer, who possibly do not Qualify with their own Countrys selection system , but wouldnt the sport be deprived should He and others not just be given one chance to be allowed to compete in a World Championship!! I believe that to be World champion means the best in the World ! Sadly not if Top Skiers are refused the opportunity to compete. Paul Thompson     Fri, 10/3/08 1:06 PM

edit     60.    Yes, this is a SKIER’S race, he rest of the team should be incidental !     Fri, 10/3/08 11:50 AM

edit     61.    It is of paramount importance that any skier should have the freedom to choose their own crew regardless of nationality.     Fri, 10/3/08 11:42 AM

edit     62.    If the IWSF can’t see sense then get rid of them and form our own body to govern the sport, and get away from the archaic rules. Previous racers have competed before at world level with international crews, why’s this suddenly being imposed now ?     Fri, 10/3/08 11:19 AM

edit     63.    this question shouldn’t even be asked     Fri, 10/3/08 10:36 AM

edit     64.    Yes Y!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not,     Fri, 10/3/08 10:15 AM

edit     65.    Aren’t the Worlds about representing your country?     Fri, 10/3/08 9:51 AM

edit     66.    how about mr schulz and the iwsf do waht the competitors want and not waht you want. you had your days so stop standing in the way of young people     Fri, 10/3/08 9:44 AM

edit     67.    These “teams” were put together with the rule (3.03) being inplace from the first Worlds. Just put an Australian observer in the seat now and be done with this. they will have 10 months to get compatable by July 2009. Dusty Schulz     Fri, 10/3/08 9:30 AM

edit     68.    Yes, this is a Water ski race not a boat race. They should be permitted to ski with whom ever they choose. This sport is to small and shrinking to impliment these kind of outdated rules. We need to look forward not behind. Carl Johnson     Fri, 10/3/08 9:21 AM

edit     69.    I think everybody has a right to chose their team. When someone from europe goes to the catalina or bridge to bridge they mostly ski behind a crew that isn’t from Europe!!! and nowbody complains then. At the Europeans this year nowbody complained that Chris,Brady and Waine competed!! Everybody was happy that they were there. This has to be a joke!!! I know they still have to get selected, but they have to make a decision soon because what’s the point of training behind your worldcrew if you’re not alouwed to enter the worlds with them. Everyone wants to make a good result and that only works with a good crew. I think the federation forgot this     Fri, 10/3/08 6:42 AM

edit     70.    Of course they should… why ever not???     Fri, 10/3/08 5:57 AM

edit     71.    This is surely a joke. If it isn’t then the IWSF have there heads somewhere other than in ski racing!     Fri, 10/3/08 5:55 AM

edit     72.    1 of the most opportune things to ski well is a good crew, you need a crew where you feel comfortable, so if your crew is overseas… so what! let them ski! Ski Racing is 4Fun, let those guys have fun with the crew they want. They builded up some experiance with each other. greetz     Fri, 10/3/08 5:49 AM

edit     73.    Without a doubt, it wouldnt be a world competition if the best teams were not put forward. The IWSF have been building up pressure and friction with competitors and take no prisoners when it comes to the rule book. Its wrong.     Fri, 10/3/08 5:37 AM

edit     74.    I think the IWSF need to take a long hard look at them selves over this decision, hopefully the federations of the individuals concerned will make serious representation to the IWSF and have it overturned.     Fri, 10/3/08 5:27 AM

edit     75.    this is 2008 not 1968. let skiers, drivers and observers decide their team – not people who havent raced in years or EVER. who are these idiots!!!!!!     Fri, 10/3/08 5:19 AM

2009 World Championships – Bulletin #1

Courtesy of Vera Van den Bossche, below is bulletin #1 for the 16th World Water Ski Racing Championships which will be held in Belgium from 18-26 July 2009. This includes the provisional programme of events.

2009 Worlds Web Site Launched

Wim Lamot has announced the launch of the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships web site at: http://worlds.waterskiracing.be

Racing Council Casts Votes on Belgium Worlds Bid

Belgium Worlds 2009

America’s Dusty Schulz spent a number of days with Mike Waterman, Vera van den Bossche and others in Belgium last week, inspecting the proposed sites for the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships.

Dusty Schulz to Inspect Proposed Worlds Sites

At the IWSF World Congress held on Thursday 30 August 2007 in Linz, Austria, the IWSF had received a bid from Belgium for the 2009 World Racing Championships.

IWSF Congress Approves Belgium Worlds Bid


Today, Kuno Ritschard, President of the IWSF announced that the IWSF Congress has approved Belgium’s bid to host the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships unanymously, subject to the IWSF World Racing Council’s approval of the technical requirements.

Belgium Worlds Move Closer


The 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships moved one step closer to finalisation yesterday when IWSF President Kuno Ritschard confirmed that the IWSF Executive Board has made the decision to submit the Belgian bid to the IWSF World Congress.

2009 Belgium Worlds Bid – Excitement Builds

On 19 July, Belgium submitted its bid to the IWSF to host the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships and the world of top class competitors and supporters is getting excited. This event would be 14 years after the only time Belgium has hosted the Worlds, when the superb Stefano Gregorio won Mens, the superstar Leanne Brown won Womens and a young Alex Ross and Tami Khan won the Juniors. It was a sensational week of racing.

Belgium Bids for 2009 Worlds

On 19 July, Belgium submitted its bid to the IWSF to host the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships. This meets the deadline date that was set by the IWSF Racing Council in May in New Zealand.

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