HBHS Waterski Racers Excel
Saturday 23rd June saw the New Zealand Water Ski Racing Association (NZWSRA) hold its annual prizegiving in Taupo. Prizes were awarded for the North Island Series, the National Championships, and Special Awards.
The North Island Series requires competitors to compete over 11 days racing held throughout the season at locations from Auckland down to Wellington.
- Hayden Gunn (Year 10) and Tom Slack (Year 9) skiing together placed third in the 2Up Class (open age group).
- Ethan Wilson (Year 9) won Sub-Junior Boys (under 13yrs)
- Hayden Gunn placed second in Junior Boys (under 16yrs), second in Formula 5 (up to 200hp, open age group)
- Tom Slack placed third in 60mph Class (open age group)
The National Championships were held on Lake Taupo on the weekend of 31 March/1 April.
- Ethan Wilson won Sub-Junior Boys.
- Hayden Gunn won Formula 5.
Unfortunately “boat issues” saw Hayden and Tom out of the running in 2Up, and “fuel issues” (i.e. not enough!!) took Tom out of securing second place in the 60mph class barely 1 lap from the finish in his last race.
The prestigious Special Awards recognise outstanding performance and/or improvement over the past season, or contribution to the sport of Water Ski Racing over many years.
- Ethan Wilson was awarded “Most Improved Male Skier”.
- HBHS Old Boy, Brad Dutton was awarded “Observer of the Year” for the second year running.
- Tom and Hayden's Observer, Deb Wilson was also awarded “Most Improved Observer”.
To round the night off (and in no small part due to the efforts of Hayden, Ethan, and Tom) the “Most Points Scored by Region” was awarded to the Waikato. Congratulations to the boys on their efforts over the season in this gruelling sport and we look forward to more results in the up-coming season. Boys might like to come and cheer these guys on during the annual Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Classic on the Waikato River, 27th/28th October – a few might even like to enter!
Mike Slack
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