Water skiing and camping groups are shocked that their safe and open communities have been taken advantage of by a thief.
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Camping and ski equipment was stolen from the Bridgewater Caravan Park by a man driving a distinctive blue ute between 3am and 6am on Sunday morning.
The thefts occurred ahead of the last day of competition for the Australian Masters Water Ski Championships.
Event spokesman Craig Stevens said the thefts could have impact a marquee event on the water skiing calendar.
“It's low. Everybody was in a bit of shock that our little town of Bridgewater, which is normally safe open was submitted to this kind of act,” he said.
“Everyone got in and did their best to keep things rolling along. Once we were back on water, spirits were lifted.
“It’s a shame people will remember the 2018 Australian Masters for the thefts.”
Some of the stolen equipment belonged to 17-year-old Josh Parsonage who was competing in the Australian Masters.
Josh’s mother Rachel said it was the latest disappointment for Josh who had struggled to train in Queensland after two failed wet seasons and an injury.
“He spent almost four weeks with a family in Victoria competing in events and training,” she said.
“To find his bag and jump gear had been stolen on the final day of the event was devastating.”
Fellow Masters skiers made sure Josh had the equipment he needed to compete in the trick category where he won bronze.
Ms Parsonage said the support of the waterskiing community was overwhelming.
“He had so many offers of equipment to borrow, replacement equipment and many well wishes. It’s a testament to the water skiing community,” she said.
“We are still assessing the extent of the loss and the main goal is kit him out temporarily so he can continue with his waterskiing commitments.”
Josh hopes to compete at Ayr in Queensland on February 17, in New Zealand on February 24 and At Moomba in Melbourne in March.
Bendigo’s Casey Coatsworth said her husband’s canoe was also stolen. She was camping with her family at Bridgewater over the weekend.
“My husband woke up at 6am to go fishing and noticed his canoe was with our friend’s speedboats. He thought it had floated down the riverbank,” she said.
“We realised while we were having breakfast and heard other stuff had been stolen. Other campers who had heard someone taking canoe about at about 5.45am, so he had just missed them.
“It was a disappointing end to a great weekend.”
Police are searching for a man driving “a sapphire blue mid-90s Ford Falcon ute”.
Anyone with information should phone Bridgewater police on 5437 3232 or contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.