Some of the world’s best barefoot waterskiers will come together at Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Max Kirwan Water Ski Park next week for the IWWF Barefoot World Championships.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Mulwala Water Ski Club Ski Co-Ordinator and Event Chairman Pete O’Neill said the calibre of athletes will be amazing with some of our local skiers a medal chance.
“This week long event is going to bring some awesome competitors and will be a great economic injection into the community also,” Pete said.
The last time the World Championships was in Australia was in 2014, in Mulwala. Pete, a multiple world barefoot champion himself, said Australia was set to host them again in 2020 but like many things, the COVID-19 pandemic ruined it.
“But for 2023 the worlds are back in a new format, with new skiers and a renewed energy and Australia is in the pole position,” Pete said.
“We boast a healthy contingent of our own local skiers such as the Peebles family from Bundalong, Abbey and Macey Hicks and Rhys Driscoll from Yarrawonga who will ski alongside barefoot royalty such as Aussie Ashleigh Kate Stebbings, who will be going for her fifth World Championship and making history in the process.
“Not to mention legends Keenan Derry and Connor Rodgers, who sit in the Mulwala Pro Shop boat coaching over summer, will be going all out for their own golds.
“If you’re a first-time footer or a seasoned professional you won’t want to miss this event.” Pete said.
“It’s going to be huge especially as the night jump hits on the Saturday. To see the best in the world soar under lights is something you won’t want to miss.”
Club President Matt Holgate said the club is excited to be hosting this world class event.
“The upgrades at Max Kirwan Water Ski Park meant the club is continually attracting local, state, national and international competition to its world class facility.
“The number of people such events attract has a multiplier effect and the economic benefits are shared throughout our community,” Matt said.
“The investment we have made in the park has made it basically a turnkey event facility, fit for purpose saving any event time and expense such as the hassle of setting up world standard courses, toilets, kitchen facilities the list goes on.
“We also have the personnel to assist event organisers and run our own events. Pete and the whole ski team and volunteers do a fantastic job in helping organising these events,” Matt said.
Schedule of events
For competition start times and names click here
February 14-19 - Max Kirwan Water Ski Park and Mulwala Water Ski Club
Tuesday - 14th
Opening ceremony. Welcome dinner kicks off at the Mulwala Water Ski Club with all teams being introduced.
The evening will feature a ski show and other formalities.
Wednesday - 15th
From 8am - Round one takes shape. Competitors will jostle to compete and to make sure they hit the semi-finals as the top seed, with all divisions competing it will make for a hell of a spectacle.
Thursday - 16th
Competition for the rest of round one commences including the jump event which is a must see for all spectators.
Team scoring will be at the forefront of competitors minds as they try and place ahead for the semi finals on Friday.
Evening - Thursday night will see the officials get together for a dinner.
Friday - 17th
11am start for the Semi Finals where the top skiers from each division move into competition.
Under 23s finals will also start and world champions will be made.
Saturday - 18th
Semi finals day for Junior and Open will come to a close as will the finals for Under 23s.
As competition heads towards the pointy end, the best barefooters will rise to the top.
Evening - 8pm start for the Night Jump as the big guns go all out under lights.
Sunday- 19th
Finals day. Four hours of top competition to decide the 2023 IWWF Barefoot World Champions.
Evening dinner and closing ceremony, hall of fame.
The teams
Australia
Belgium
Canada
Germany
Finland
Netherlands
New Zealand
United States
For competition start times click here
Peebles dominate worlds line up