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Howard Smith Calls it a Day

After 50 years as a member of Penarth (Wales) Water Ski Club and nearly 30 years as a judge, Howard has called time on his involvement in the sport of water ski racing. He will still be renewing his membership but will no longer be judging at National or International events.

Howard started in the sport as a 14 year old driving in local races and then moving onto the National and European’s circuit in the 1970’s and early 80’s, before he took up judging. He has been an Officer of the Penarth Club, and for 11 years was a member of the British Racing Committee. He was also the British Representative on the EAME Racing Council for 4 seasons.

Howard wrote: “This sport is in my blood, my mother, father and brother all joined the sport after we were introduced to it by my Uncle in 1962, Dad becoming a judge and Mam a member of the timekeeping team.

I am proud of my achievments in the sport, not only in judging but in organising events and helping to bring water skiing to Cardiff Bay. I have enjoyed many many races and occasions over the years all brought about through water skiing. As a judge I have achieved my own Grand Slam having been appointed as Chief Judge at every major Championship in the sport culminating in being the first Welshman to be appointed as Chief Judge for the World Championships in New Zealand in 2007.

I have made the decision with regret but I always told myself that I would finish when I no longer had the passion to push things forward. My life and personal circumstances have changed as they do, and it is important that I should make way for younger people who are in the sport at present and can be persuaded to put back into the sport something of what they take out, putting their experiences and knowledge to good use taking the sport into the future.

I will not be turning my back on the sport totally, I will still be attending races Nationally and in Europe but only as a spectator.

To my many friends made through skiing around the world I thank you for your support, your hospitality and your ability to have fun and enjoyment in situations which can at times be quite daunting. I wish you good luck and safe racing for many many years to come.”

 

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