Connor McCracken flies off the ski jump.
The National Water Ski Championships took place at Piarere from April 15 to 21, where 135 skiers from around the country competed, including 35 Waikato skiers.
Fourteen local skiers managed to earn themselves podium placings after competing throughout last week, wrapping up on Saturday.
Connor McCracken rounded out the competition as the overall men’s winner, having finished third in men’s trick and men’s jump categories, and second in the men’s slalom ahead of Michael Wortman (Cambridge) in third.
ABOVE and BELOW: Mark Adam’s failed attempt at landing a ski jump put him in contention for the Classic Crash title.
Other Cambridge locals to make top three placings included Stacey Gilbert, first in the women’s slalom and first in the open women’s slalom, Paul Tunley, second in the senior men’s 3 slalom, Kate Hancock, third in the senior women’s 1 slalom, Mike Oxley, third in the senior men’s 4 slalom, Barry Fowler, first in the senior men’s 4 tricks, Campbell McCracken, third in the senior men’s 2 slalom, and Ethan and Hunter McKenzie, first and second respectively in the junior boys’ slalom, with Hunter second and Ethan third in the junior boys’ tricks division. Luke Runciman also finished second in the sub juniors slalom division, followed by Maddy Hancock in third. Cambridge locals Katrina Haultain and Margaret McCracken also finished first and third respectively in the senior women’s 2 slalom division.
Auckland’s Lance Green on his way to defending his Men’s Jump national title.
Many skiers came from as far as Canterbury for the event, with 18-year-old Timaru twins Cody and Taine Gibson commenting at the top level of competition throughout the week-long championships.
Timaru twins Cody and Taine Gibson.
ABOVE and BELOW: Taine Gibson performs in the U21 men’s trick division.
