Some potential stars of the future have been carving up the waters of the Loddon River in the past few weeks under the tutelage of some of the world’s best waterskiers.
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The Bridgewater ski school is into its fourth and final week for this year. with top skiers Karina Nowlan and Ryan Dodd passing on tips to eager youngsters.
Nowlan, an Australian champion and former world number three slalom skier, is back for her fourth year at the school.
“It’s fantastic, it’s great to see the same kids like Bailey (Christie) progress,” Nowlan said.
“A few years ago he could only run the course, now he’s a (state) champion.
“It’s good to see the kids get the opportunity to have fun, get better and meet new people while staying involved in sport.”
Nowlan, who splits her time between North America and Australia, enjoyed some more outstanding results this year, including second at the Diablo Shores Pro-Am and third at the Indonesian leg of the International Waterski and Wakeboard World Cup.
Dozens of skiers have had Nowlan and Dodd, the Canadian world number two waterski jumper, giving them advice in the past month.
“We’ve got groups of young kids from nine to 15 age groups, kids who have never jumped before and Ryan’s teaching them how to jump ski,” Nowlan said.
“There’s a lot slalomers here too, beginners to experienced water skiers.”
Water skiers come from across the country to the Bridgewater’s excellent ski course to be taught by the best.
Casey Wooderson, 13, travelled down from Coffs Harbour for the second year to take part in all four weeks of the ski school.
“I’ve learnt some new tricks off Ryan and Karina’s been teaching me to edge through the wake – it’s been really good,” she said.
Brothers Jack, 12, and 10-year-old Bailey Christie, from Pakenham, are ski school regulars in the past few years and have progressed at a rapid rate to hold national and state records.
