On a perfect weekend for barefooting the 2024 Waikato Barefoot Waterski Regionals were held on the 17th-18th February. 16 skiers took to the glassy waters of Lake Karapiro at Piarere Waterski Club competing in Slalom, Tricks and Jump.
In the Open Men division we witnessed James Holden take out his first Waikato Open Men titles in both tricks and jump. Ryan Groen took first in slalom and overall, he sent it big in jump, flying 26.4m but not managing to hold on.. Something to work towards for before the Nationals! Tom Mathis scored a PB in the slalom final of 14.2 managing to equal Fred Groen, giving them second = in the event. In the Open Women, Emma McKenzie put in some decent stand up runs to take 1st in slalom, tricks and overall.. Her first Waikato Regional Open Titles!
The -23 Men also put on a show with plenty of firsts and PBs. Story of the weekend though would have to go to Toby Kelly the -23 Men Waikato Champion landing his first ever inverted jump in competition flying 16.2m! Mitchell Rush took home second overall and showed off some new tricks including back toe holds and a tower toe up gaining him a trick PB of 1650 pts! In third place, James McGuire battled the man flu all weekend but still managed to get a PB of 10.4 in slalom.
The old boys (35+ Men) proved that they are still improving too. Taking home first in slalom, tick and overall, Matt slow gained himself a PB in tricks of 1330 points helped out with the new 360 tower tumble to 1 start method! Brent Wright also managed a PB in slalom of 6.75 gaining him second place, as did Grant Gedye with 4.48 landing him in 4th.
In the Rookies we saw a new champion this year! Dakota Gedye took a clean sweep of firsts showing off her skills on the handle, Wyatt Groen took second place opting to move past the boom and onto the handle in the finals and Sara Plummer (2023 winner) takes 3rd!
A massive thanks to Jo and Jon Leigh, and Brent Wright for the use of their Sangers and to all our officials and tournament helpers, it was a long hot day on the water!
Check out results here: https://www.iwwfed-ea.org/competition.php?cc=B-24NZL026&page=35_m_slalom_results
Check out all the skiing here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFgiUNRe6PU
Comments