How many of us take our participation in sport for granted? Perhaps you’ll head to your favourite spot on the water every week in the season, maybe even more often. I feel privileged that I can book a set pretty much wherever and whenever I want without having to think about potential obstacles to my participation. For people with a disability, the obstacles can, at times, seem overwhelming. That’s why BWSW is doing more and more each year to ensure everyone can enjoy our sport. And that’s why I’m pleased to share with you (on page 18) Alison Renard’s uplifting story about her autistic son Warrick’s introduction to the wonderful world of waterskiing through our disability taster sessions. We also hear from para-athlete Sean Rose about the innovations in equipment that are fuelling a growth in adaptive cable wakeboarding.
This is a bumper edition, packed with news and features covering a range of topics to kick off the 2025 season. I hope it inspires you to get out there and achieve your goals now that spring is here, at last!
Editor: Jane Peel
BWSW Communications 07802 496927
editor@bwsf.co.uk
Spectrum Creative Design: Tony Fisher 01480 495848 tony@spectrumcreative.co.uk
Advertising sales info@bwsf.co.uk
Copy deadline: Next issue: 01.06.2025
Articles, features, photos, posters, notices and updates emailed to editor@bwsf.co.uk
BWSW HQ events & updates For news and events in your region visit www.bwsw.org.uk or contact the main switchboard Tel: 01932 560007
British Water Ski & Wakeboard is an operational brand of the British Water Ski & Wakeboard Federation Ltd –Company No: 913182 –Registered office: Unit 3 The Forum, Hanworth Lane Chertsey KT16 9JX
Tel: 01932 560007 Email: info@bwsf.co.uk
Photo : Warrick Renard
Editorial : Martin Winter, Kylie Cooper, Keir Boissevain, Jane Peel, Cathy Hughes, Erinn White, Alison Renard, Emma Turp, Anny Wooldridge, Gavin Kelly, Lucy Roberts, Ryan Blake, Sean Rose, Christine Bickley, Mark Osmond, Sally Ratcliffe.
Photos : Jackson Cross Photography, Mark Lucas, Chris Yates, Johnny Hayward, Jane Peel, Alison Renard, Kylie Cooper, Access Adventures, Ellie Boll, Conner
John Waldron, James Elliott, Vincent Stadlbaur, Jane Sowerby, Amir Chodorov, Tessier Adaptive Sports, IWWF, Mark Osmond, Mantis Pro Media, Mark Girdwood, Ben Girdwood,
Photo : Mark Lucas
CHAIR’S CORNER
A/am’biSHəs/ adjective
• having or showing a strong desire and determination to succeed.
mbition is clearly what is needed for our sport, both internationally and in the UK, to secure its future. Some might describe it as the premium commodity. And one in short supply at times. Observationally, at sites around the world, despite the extraordinary talents of so many young people, the average participation age increases every year (as perhaps, more seriously, does that of the administrators) as the price of new boats leaps to out-of-reach proportions for most clubs and owners. Has ambition been crushed under the weight of a compliance burden of perceived battleship-sinking proportions? Pretty hard to argue
this is the case when the anecdotal observation is that it is often a lot lighter elsewhere than in the UK. On occasion, concerningly so. Is ambition stifled by personal fiefdoms or an over rigorous adherence to ‘we’ve always done it this way’? Do we allow ourselves to be worn down by the undoubted challenge presented by a changing consumer landscape less geared to a family focus on one or two main activities and more geared to a desire to experience a range of activities - not to mention fewer shared experiences - like watching Netflix, gaming and scrolling social media? Our sport is enjoyed around the world by a core of committed participants for whom it is central to their lifestyle - just as much as ever.
ET’S BE MBITIOUS MORE
It would be great if they could also have a role in holding to account those responsible for running the sport and maximising its future.
Those of us involved in its administration in the UK and internationally must recognise the fundamental importance of the A word and use it to meet the challenges of our times. Decline management must never become the default option.
So let’s be open to new initiatives, to broadcast opportunities, to agitating for affordable boat options, to sponsorship offerings that do not run the risk of impacting control of the sport, to making connection with those outside our traditional membership base including, in particular, cable tow, to giving life
enhancing experiences to those less able to participate, to exploiting the dramatically visual nature of our sport by attracting interest from those outside the sport and to seriously interrogating marketing budgets at the equivalence of a couple
of thousand pounds only, when IWWF's same budget shows, in a Zoom/Teams era, travel and accommodation costs well into six figures.
Henry Kissinger, the former US Secretary of State, famously said that ‘academic politics is the most acrimonious - because the stakes are so low’. That sentiment should never apply in turn to our sport. The stakes are sky high! HHH
MARTIN WINTER
BWSW Chair
THE 2025 SEASON BEGINS
HHHH
Words : Kylie Cooper
Welcome back! A thank you to those who joined last season and the season before that - and a big ask that you please continue to do so. As members you receive many benefits while helping to support the future of our sport.
Why Join?
There are tangible benefits, highlighted in the table below, but BWSW does a lot of vital behind-the-scenes work which you may not be aware of. Much of our time is spent ensuring that our resources are up to date to give you, your club or centre the best possible guidance. This includes advice, grants, reviewing and updating qualifications to ensure they are fit for purpose and designing new pathways
and initiatives to welcome more people into our sport so that it can grow, develop and continue.
Renewal letters have been sent out. Direct members will have received these with details of ways in which you can join. If you are a club/centre member, your renewal has been sent to your club/centre. This should be renewed as soon as possible to ensure you are covered by our insurance, can access the
TRAVEL
membership benefits and keep any qualifications you hold active.
Insured
As a member you are covered by the BWSW personal accident and liability insurance schemes. Over the last 3 years, our personal accident cover provider has paid out more than £48k in insurance claims. Our insurers also provide professional indemnity cover to all
ACTIVITIES
BWSW SUPPORT
KYLIE COOPER
Operations Manager
kylie@bwsf.co.uk
d/dial : 01932 579934
registered and qualified Instructors, Coaches and Officials acting on a voluntary basis within the BWSW network. We hope, of course, that you never have to make a claim, but we hope you find comfort in knowing that the cover is there should the need arise.
Supported
We provide advice and support on a range of subjects. On our website
you can find a club/centre online, access rules and other resources and find guidance on specific topics such as safeguarding. You’ll also find the latest news stories. BWSW invests a great deal of time and knowledge to ensure that we are providing relevant, current and valuable guidance and resources to all our members and participants. We assist your club/centre with access to grant funding,
LIZ ROBINSON
Membership Services
liz@bwsf.co.uk
d/dial: 01932 560007
WOODHAM
Membership Services
amelia@bwsf.co.uk
d/dial: 01932 579935
coaching days, seminars and workshops. With investment from our key stakeholder, Sport England, we provide grant funding for our programmes and network of clubs and centres to develop the sport.
Rewarded
As a thank you for supporting your sport and joining as a valued member, you have access to many membership benefits. This is the first edition of
KATIE PENN
Finance Manager
katie@bwsf.co.uk
d/dial: 01932 579936
four hard copy magazines you will receive each season, in addition to e-newsletters. You have your own personal online account and profile and can register to enter competitions and access a range of qualifications. In addition, we have worked with several organisations and companies to offer worthwhile discounts which, if used, will easily save the cost of your BWSW membership.
CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT INSURANCE
All members have insurance both for Personal Accident and Public Liability as standard. Members can also purchase additional insurance if required, such as sports travel. Visit the website for more information.
* To retrieve offer and discount codes, login to your MYBWSW website
AMELIA
H
PARTNERS
H NEW
THIS YEAR, WE HAVE EXPANDED OUR OFFER AND ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE TWO EXCITING NEW PARTNERS
Extreme Sports Performance
An online and in-person sports science consultancy that provides education, support & coaching, specialising in working with action and endurance
sports athletes who perform at a recreational and competitive level. Key specialisms include performance enhancement, injury prevention, athletic development, strength & conditioning, sports nutrition & sports therapy. Over the last 15 years they
have worked with world champions, Olympic medallists, international sports teams, national sports governing bodies, professional sports clubs & specific sports academies. As part of your BWSW membership package, ESP will be offering free
access to education tools, tips and podcasts plus exclusive discounts on training programmes, nutrition plans and coaching packages. Look out for additional specific content within the BWSW magazine and across our social media platforms.
/ Photo : Chris Yates
LifeJacket Skin Protection
e have expanded the current discount offer with LifeJacket Skin Protection and created a partnership to be able to offer additional, educational skin care tips, guidance and resources. As part of this partnership you will continue to receive a discount on their products, with extra money off during May to promote Skin Cancer Awareness Month. You will have access to journals/blogs relating to skin care, relevant magazine and newsletter articles plus the opportunity throughout the year to win LifeJacket Skin Protection products. LifeJacket will also be offering the opportunity of a Q&A /Presentation on skin health. An easily digestible leaflet is included in this magazine to provide you with valuable advice on how to take care of your skin.
WQUALIFICATIONS / LICENCES
Coaches/instructors with licences due to expire have been sent a renewal letter. Please ensure that your licence and any licence requirements are renewed before you start coaching/ instructing. Your First Aid, DBS and safeguarding certificate must be kept up to date for the duration of your licence.
Qualifications may be subject to re-testing in the event that BWSW membership is not maintained over a 12-month period. For anyone wishing to obtain a new qualification, whether that be boat driving, operating, coaching or instructing, please get in touch and we can help you on your journey.
As a thank you to our long-standing members, we are now offering a free ICC renewal to those who have remained a member for the entire duration of their ICC licence. Full terms and conditions can be found on our website.
If you are an active competitor, you may already have purchased your competition licence. All disciplines are now live on the IWWF EMS. Please ensure you obtain a BWSW competition licence before trying to register or buy an EMS licence or enter a competition on the EMS.
KEIR BOISSEVAIN
Business Development Officer
keir@bwsf.co.uk
d/dial: 01932 579932
mobile: 07741 882007
s the temperatures rise and the water beckons, it's time to kick off a new season of waterskiing and wakeboarding. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to refine your technique or a beginner eager to carve your first wake, this is the perfect time to get on the water and make some waves.
To Go!
HHH
ARARING “
I do enjoy being pushed; I want to be under pressure. You want it to be hard. Because if it was just easy, well, that wouldn't fuel the achievement.”
Affiliation/Accreditation comes with its benefits but, to become an affiliate or to accredit, clubs and centres must meet certain requirements. An essential part of the renewal process (or first time sign up) is that all clubs/centres are required to have a Club Welfare Officer in place at all times and that their DBS certificate and Safeguarding certificate are in date. It is imperative that, if the appropriate certification has lapsed, your CWO renews their certification as soon as reasonably practicable. It is equally important to notify BWSW if there is a change of personnel taking on the CWO role (the same certification requirements as per ‘renewing’ CWOs), so we are able to keep our records up to date.
Grant Funding
Following another round of grant funding last season, we saw an increase in the number of centres and clubs involved and utilising grants for their EDI projects. The funding helps support clubs/centres to plan and execute projects, which include purchasing adaptive equipment, delivering outreach programmes and training initiatives, providing accessible facilities and more. These efforts foster inclusivity, encourage diverse participation and create welcoming environments for all skill levels and backgrounds at our affiliated or accredited clubs and centres.
COACHING QUALIFICATIONS
FIND A JOB
That’s where coaching comes in
4 Try a job doing something you love
4 Get a clear roadmap to achieve your goals
4 Overcome obstacles and unlock your full potential
Achieve Your Potential with a BWSW Coaching Qualification
Are you ready to take your love and passion for boat or cable disciplines to the next level? Maybe a career on the water or just a job in the university holidays? Do you want to work at your favourite centre, volunteer at a club or work abroad for the summer?
Success isn’t just about hard work - it’s about having the right guidance, strategy and mindset.
Our coaching programmes are designed to help you grow, succeed and thrive - no matter your starting point. Whether you're a seasoned professional skier/rider, or someone seeking to turn a hobby into a job opportunity, we provide the tools and insights you need to help you on your journey to being a Waterski/ Wakeboard/Cable coach.
• Don’t delay - invest in yourself today and book on a coaching course.
• For more information please visit:
www.bwsw.org.uk/ coaching-andqualifications/ coaching-courses/ or scan the QR code
Already have boat driving, cable operating and coaching qualifications and looking for a new job opportunity or volunteering role in the industry?
Job Search
Check out the available opportunities on our website and see if there is the right fit for you: bwsw.org.uk/job-opportunities
Club Search
If you’re looking for something else or can’t find the role that suits you on our website, check out your local centre or club’s website/ socials. Our ‘Club Search’ can help you find the details of our affiliated centres/clubs. bwsw.org.uk/clubs
GRANTS AWARDED - 2024
Around £40,000 in grants were awarded in the 2024 season, which went towards:
Women and Girls Taster sessions
Accessible Facility Improvements
Adaptive Equipment
Female-only Coaching Course
Inclusive Sessions
Other
HONOURS
JOEL POLAND
Accolades keep coming for the 26-year-old British waterskier. For the second consecutive year, Joel Poland has beaten the rest of the world’s male skiers and riders across all disciplines to be named the 2024 International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation
Male Athlete of the Year. It followed the earlier announcement that Joel was, once again, the IWWF World Waterski Council
Male Athlete of the Year. Not surprisingly, he is also the European Waterski Council Male Waterskier
of the Year and the European Confederation Male Athlete of the Year. Joel also received the Lascelles Open Trophy, awarded by BWSW to the outstanding British athlete of 2024.
Last season Joel broke the Overall World Record 3 times (making it 7 in total), became Masters Jump Champion, finished top of the standings in jump on the Waterski Pro Tour and was victorious at all four stops to become the World Waterskiers Overall Tour Champion.
HARLEY COSTER
The 14-year-old waterskier has picked up both the Lascelles Junior Trophy (awarded by BWSW at the AGM in January and presented by BWSW Honorary President Lord Moynihan) and the Andy Mapple Achievement Award (awarded by the Waterski Committee).
In 2024 Harley became European Under-14 Boys’ Jump Champion as well as winning overall silver and bronze in both slalom and tricks at the Championships. He also finished the season ranked number 1 in the world in Under-14 Jump, with a distance 7 metres ahead of the next best skier, and ranked number 1 in slalom.
/ Harley & Lord Moynihan
/ Photo : Johnny Hayward
TOM HEAPS
The European Male Barefooter of the Year is Tom Heaps. Tom won silver in Open Men Jump at the 2024 World Championships and collected four individual medals at the Europeans, including overall gold.
JOE HOWIE
Volunteer trainee instructor for the charity Access Adventures in the Yorkshire & Central Region, Joe has been named as the BWSW Young Volunteer of the Year. He is as a key asset in providing adaptive waterski sessions.
TIM MAYERS
One of the driving forces of Chichester Waterski Club, Steve is the BWSW Volunteer of the Year. According to those who nominated him, there wouldn’t be a club without him: “He lives and breathes the sport and always has a smile; nothing is too much to ask.” Steve has always supported disabled participants and arranges fund-raising for families who need financial help to access the sport.
BIRDSALL “ STEVE GRICE
IAN
TAim has been given BWSW Honorary Membership in recognition of his outstanding voluntary contribution to the sport over many years. Tim has been a BWSW member and involved in ski racing for 4 decades. He was part of the GB team that won the European Cup in 2002 and has been on the Racing Committee for several years, becoming Chairman in 2018.
Tim has a natural aptitude and fine capabilities as a driver. He need only survey the course on one occasion and would instinctively pick up the most advantageous racing line and he did this time and time again, without fail,” says Derek Blackmore. “Tim has been an absolute asset to the waterski racing community.”
Tim’s Honorary Membership is granted as the responsibility for waterski racing moves from BWSW to a new, separate entity, UK Waterski Racing.
pioneer of boat wakeboarding, Ian Birdsall is to be inducted into the IWWF Hall of Fame. In 1996, through his association with MasterCraft Boats Europe, Ian recognised the need for infrastructure to support the emerging sport in Europe. He spearheaded the creation of the European Pro Tour that brought wakeboarding to countries across Europe over 8 years. The Tour’s success led to wakeboarding being recognised and sanctioned by the IWWF in 1999. Ian also provided crucial support to the IWWF Wakeboard World Cup and the World Championships for many years.
Colin Hart, a fellow Brit and one of the world’s leading wakeboard officials, says: “Wakeboarding in Europe wouldn’t be where it is today without Ian Birdsall and the Pro Tour. His contributions were instrumental, not only through wakeboard boat support but also through his organisational expertise, which ensured the Tour and its events were successful, making the sport what it is today."
LASCELLES MEMORIAL AWARDS
Grants ranging from £125 to £750 have been awarded to 20 young competitors in waterski, barefoot, cable wakeboard, boat wakeboard and wakesurf, 13 of whom were present at the AGM
in January to receive their cheques from Lord Moynihan. The athletes were introduced by a member of the Lascelles Grants Panel, Nicky Caine. The awards are named after former BWSW
11 July Barefoot Nationals, Cirencester Water Ski Club, South Cerney, Gloucestershire
11-13 July Midlands Nautique UK Wake Nationals (Boat Wakeboard & Wakesurf) Church Wilne Water Sports Club, Church Wilne, Derbyshire
President, Major General Anthony Lascelles, who left a substantial bequest in 2002 to support talented youngsters. Although the funds from the bequest are now exhausted, generous donations from individuals
and BWSW have enabled these grants to continue. More money is, however, needed to keep the awards going. If you can help, please contact Patrick Donovan on patrick@bwsf.co.uk
SEEKING BRAND AMBASSADORS
BMC Sport is a sports marketing company whose mission is to raise awareness of all watersports and create meaningful connections between brands and athletes. Watersports have a unique ability to inspire, challenge and bring communities together and we believe that by amplifying the voices of athletes, we can elevate the entire industry.
As part of our commitment to growing the sport, we are actively seeking passionate and dedicated brand ambassadors for each discipline. Whether you're a waterskier, wakesurfer, wakeboarder, or any other watersports athlete, we want to hear from you. Our ambassadors will play a crucial role in supporting fellow athletes, helping to promote the sport and assisting to plan events that bring the watersports community together.
You will have the opportunity to collaborate with top brands, gain exposure and help shape the future of your sport. We are looking for individuals who are skilled in their field and enthusiastic about sharing their love of watersports.
If you’re interested or would like to get involved with BMC Sport in any capacity, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us at sports@britishmediacompany.co.uk or on Instagram @britishmediacompanysport
WOMEN & GIRLS SESSIONS 2025
BWSW has launched the 2025 Women and Girls Taster sessions with 16 member clubs and facilities. Centres are being supported with promotional material, a dedicated BWSW webpage and funding.
For more details on what is happening, where and when, please scan the QR code or search Women and Girls on our website.
A message from Erinn White, Creative Director BMC Sport
When Alison Renard was deciding whether to book her then 14-year-old autistic, mixed-heritage son Warrick onto one of BWSW’s disability taster sessions, she had lots of questions, especially after some previous bad experiences elsewhere. Now they’re both superfans.
Ihad my reservations. Would these disability taster sessions be the right fit for my son? Would we arrive and feel out of place? Would there be people trying to work out what his disability is? So many people don’t understand that disabilities can be invisible. The most common question I get asked is where on the spectrum he is. I really didn’t want this session to end up being another example of this.
A NEW OPPORTUNITY
We had been looking for a suitable activity for Warrick for some time since the death of his Parkour coach a few years before. While on the hunt, we faced many hurdles related to his sensory needs that delayed finding the right fit.
I remember reading the email about the BWSW sessions twice and thinking they sounded great; something out of the norm. But, of course, when you have tried several options in the past and they haven’t worked out, it does raise questions.
When I showed Warrick the advert and asked him his thoughts, he seemed interested and wanted to know more: what the speed of the boat would be,
how many people would be attending, what the hygiene would be in the changing facilities.
We watched a few clips online, used Google maps to view the overall location of the lake, doing all this as quickly as we could as we were aware that these kinds of activities do not come up very often. I didn’t want him to miss out.
Once we applied, I was relieved when we got a form back asking all the right questions - what’s Warrick’s balance, strength, communication, rating them from 1 to 5. We booked and the date was set.
Words : Alison Renard
Photos : Alison Renard & Kylie Cooper
THE FIRST SESSION
Although we were prepared, Warrick’s anxiety was up and he was sick the night before the session. He was apprehensive as to how things would work out and I was worried about whether he would leave the session deflated or on a high. On the morning of the session Warrick was up and ready but needed reassuring.
Over the years it’s become clear to me that not everyone wants to hear or discuss thechallenges of being a person with autism with several needs, along with having mixed heritage and other difficulties.
Sadly, how Warrick feels on the day can affect the way in which he is received by others. The communication can be very short. Therefore, we naturally worry about being included and not considered to be a token or just another tick in a box. His sensory obstacles and fear of germs was a big issue. He was worried whether the facilities would be of a good standard so he could clean up afterwards.
When we arrived, we were met with smiles and understanding and our worries soon fizzled out. Kylie Cooper, who had organised the session, showed great patience in helping find a wetsuit
that met Warrick’s needs, despite his disapproving looks and saying ‘no’ several times if they didn’t look clean enough for him, or if the texture wasn’t quite right.
We were introduced to the few members of the crew and I gave Kylie and coach Sam Geller a heads up on communication while Warrick checked out the facilities, although a lot of this was not needed as there was a whiteboard on the wall with all the individual participants’ details. It was reassuring and clear to me that the information had been understood regarding the best way to explain instructions to Warrick. He needs facts and a clear demonstration. No ‘hey it would be a good idea if you bend your knees’. Instead, keep things factual, to the point and don’t worry about the lack of eye contact.
COMING BACK FOR MORE
After that first session Warrick was hooked and has been back several times.
In year one he overcame several hurdles and left with a great sense of achievement. Despite having a few low mood days, being on the water was a great release. Booking in for the second year was a no brainer. And because of his positive experience, Warrick also asked me to book a few independent sessions directly with Access Adventures. We plan to do the same this summer.
Booking future sessions has all been on Warrick. He told me that he enjoyed them; he likes the relaxed environment and the approach of the crew. This has meant that he has never felt judged when attending so he’s comfortable, which is a big deal in my eyes.
As a parent you want to protect your child and give them independence and the opportunities to try new things.
Warrick having the opportunity to take part in these sessions has opened several doors for us. When we are at the lake it’s a complete change of pace. I’m able to sit back to watch Warrick. I was even talked into getting on the boat (I suffer with chronic back pain and I’m not a great swimmer) which was a big deal for me.
The opportunities for us to attend social events or be invited out are limited. This sport enables us to experience both these things. And meeting other parents and exchanging ideas is great.
A CONFIDENT SKIER
Warrick has progressed a lot in the last 3 years and is now, at the age of 17, a very confident skier. I feel an overwhelming sense of pride watching him. Not just on the water but when he’s talking to people present, not realising that he’s socialising and asking questions and actually wanting to hear the answer.
Every time Warrick skis there is a difference. I recall one session where he was not in a great space but agreed to do one lap and we would go from there. Two laps after that his anxiety had reduced and I could see it in his body language. I had to remind him that the next session was about to start and it was time for us to leave!
Warrick is always calmer and has a few hours’ sleep once when get home after a session, which is great for someone who never usually sleeps for more than 3 hours at a time.
Signing up for that first BWSW session was the best thing we could have done and Warrick can’t wait for the next time he can take to the water.
WHO ARE WE? 2024 SURVEY
Words : Cathy Hughes
irstly, thank you to all the BWSW members who completed the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion survey which was sent out in October. It went to all our members, volunteers, coaches, staff and Board members and the responses reflect the variety and depth of the many different roles that some of our people play in supporting our sport.
The inaugural survey was sent out 2 years ago and the results have helped shape BWSW’s EDI work since. However, the response rate for this latest survey was lower than last time so some of the data generated has a degree of uncertainty.
THIS IS A SUMMARY OF THE LATEST FINDINGS
GENDER
In 2022, our membership was made up of 65% men and 33% women – in other words about a third of our membership was female. The figures for 2024 show that this ‘gender gap’ has widened in our membership to 70% men and 29% women (the figures do not add up to 100% as a tiny proportion of respondents preferred not to say). This is in direct contrast with the general population statistics (from the 2021 National Census) which show that women make up 51% of the population and men 49%.
BWSW has a stubborn and persistent ‘gender gap’ in terms of participation, an issue shared by a number of sports. This helped inform our initial 2024 Women and Girls Taster sessions programme and, in August, BWSW’s signing of the Brighton Declaration on Women and Sport.
BWSW is rolling out the 2025 Women and Girls Taster sessions programme, in partnership with 16 facilities, with an increased emphasis on ensuring that those women have a positive experience and choose to continue participating.
DISABILITY
The number of disabled BWSW members has increased in the last 2 years – rising from 14% in 2022 to 15%. This is good news, bearing in
mind that disabled people are much less likely to participate in sport and physical activity than non-disabled, whilst making up nearly 18% of the general population. Our strong data on this is testament to the work that partners such as Access Adventures, Ellingham and Bluebird Deaf have delivered and that BWSW is now building on with its first national programme of Disability Taster sessions currently in development, disability specific coaching days and partnering with organisations such as the National Autistic Society.
ETHNICITY
Our 2024 data shows that the proportion of the BWSW membership that considers themselves to be white British has increased over the last 2 years. This contrasts with Sport England’s Active Lives data which shows that, although there is a significant number of white British waterskiers, there are higher levels of ‘white other’, which would include, for example, people who are European or Antipodean. BWSW’s data also shows that 1.5% of responders were Asian British but a few datasets from our survey should be treated with caution, due to the small number of responses. BWSW will continue to work with the Black Swimming Association/Inclusive Aquatics and the other watersport National Governing Bodies (NGBs) to develop pilot work areas to address these issues.
AGE
It is encouraging to see that there is a growing number of younger people aged 16-25 in the BWSW membership but this is offset by a decrease in 26-45 year olds. The age profile of our membership is increasing in both the youngest and the highest age groups, but the most significant finding is that the BWSW membership data is not reflecting the increase in the Active Lives data. In other words, a growing
number of young people are participating in ‘waterskiing’ but it appears that they have little involvement with BWSW. This is a common issue for many ‘traditional’ NGBs who are struggling to attract younger participants who do not see the value or relevance of the NGB to their activity.
CONCLUSION
The data on BWSW membership provides specific challenges to the organisation, particularly on age and ethnicity. The Board and staff at BWSW will be thinking carefully about next steps to ensure that we can continue to support our membership, work in collaboration with partners and deliver our sport safely to an increasingly diverse audience.
LUCY THE WARHAWK
Lucy Roberts is a Team GB overall waterskier who has competed at Junior & Under-21 European & World Championships. She is now studying in the USA on a waterski scholarship, a path followed by many of our top talents in the past, including Will Asher and Freddie Winter.
Words : Lucy Roberts
Photos : Ellie Boll, Conner Pesek, Lucy Roberts
The decision to study in the USA rather than the UK was not an easy one. It was one I spent several years going back and forth over after collegiate skiing in America first came onto my radar in my early teens.
THE DECISION
There are two main universities offering waterskiing scholarships in the States: ULM (the University of Louisiana Monroe) and ULL (the University of Louisiana Lafayette). I first heard from both around the same time, when I was 16, at which point I was very keen on the idea. However, with a tumultuous few years of injury and heavily prioritising my academic work during my A-Levels, I found the idea of collegiate skiing being put to the back of my mind and I applied to university in the UK.
The summer after my A-levels I suffered from a torn knee, leading me to defer my place at the University of Exeter to allow it to heal. During this year I spent a lot of time in Louisiana at Bennett’s Waterski School, where a lot of the athletes from both Monroe and Lafayette would often come to train at the weekend. These months gave me a glimpse of just how fun collegiate skiing is. Despite going on to begin my undergrad year in Exeter, I couldn’t shake the appeal of studying in the States on a waterski scholarship and getting to train year-round. Ultimately, I made the decision to transfer to ULM and I moved to Louisiana last August.
CHOOSING MONROE
LUCY THE WARHAWK
GETTING ACCEPTED
The process of admission involves several factors. Firstly (and arguably most importantly), there is the skiing itself. Scholarship and recruitment decisions are made by our Head Coach and the school. Much like with Team GB selection, what they are looking for can vary from year to year, depending on what combination of skiers will make the best team. From an academic standing, admission to American universities usually requires you to sit either a SAT or an ACT, both of which are comprehensive, standardised exams that can be taken several times a year in many different locations in the UK. For me personally, I was also required to submit my academic transcript from Exeter and my GCSE and A-Level results for my application to ULM’s Honours Programme.
There is a notorious and long-standing rivalry between Monroe and Lafayette, which has made the decision between the schools tricky for many athletes in the past. There was a combination of factors that led me to lean towards Monroe out of the two. I liked that the training site was on the Bayou that runs through campus, meaning that it is very easy to get a set done in between classes. I was also very impressed with the above-mentioned Honours Programme that they offer, which involves smaller, more discussion-based classes and Honoursonly courses to its students. You are eligible to apply to the Honours Programme irrespective of your major, which for me is Psychology, though I am also working towards a minor in Criminal Justice.
These factors, and the fact that I had good friends already at Monroe, were big influences on my decision, but ultimately it came down to me feeling that I had more to offer ULM than ULL, which already had a really strong girls’ overall team at the time I applied, whereas this was an area Monroe wanted to improve on. Essentially, I wanted to feel I was bringing value to whichever team I joined.
COLLEGIATE LIFE
The first few months have been some of the best of my life. In collegiate skiing, the fall (autumn) semester is the busiest with tournaments most weekends in the lead up to Collegiate Regionals and Nationals. Initially, it was a challenge trying to strike a balance between living in a new country, understanding a new system of education, meeting new friends, training and travelling to tournaments most weekends. Being a studentathlete in any sport is synonymous with a busy schedule and slight sleep deprivation. However, this intensity did not detract from the fun!
Prior to Nationals I was usually on the water 6 days a week and in the gym 2 to 3. After Nationals our schedule calmed down a lot and I had more time to enjoy other aspects of college life, such as attending football games, basketball games, frat fight nights and many other activities on campus.
I am unbelievably grateful for the waterski facilities at ULM. From the boat to the ski house, I am in awe of the set up on the Bayou and unsurprised that so many great athletes have chosen it for college in the past. Our coach is incredibly knowledgeable and generous with his time, both on and off
the water. Most importantly, I am so fortunate to be able to train with my teammates every day as they’re all so talented and have so much knowledge to share. There is a great culture within my team of wanting to help each other and some of the coaching I have received from my teammates has been truly transformative for me. I have developed a newfound drive to improve which I believe comes from the atmosphere created when you put 20 people who love nothing more than waterskiing together on a team.
COMPETING FOR ULM WARHAWKS
Competing on the college circuit is the most fun I have ever had in tournament waterskiing. ULM is in the South-Central Region and most of our tournaments are against the other teams from our region. Collegiate Nationals specifically was the best tournament I’ve ever competed in. It is unlike any other waterski competition and, on the first day, I was covered limb by limb in maroon and gold paint – the colours of the ULM Warhawks - within the first 20 minutes. Everyone was dressed up and dancing, causing my usual ‘start dock’ nerves to fly straight out of the window. Though definitely my most exhausting week in recent memory, it was without a doubt my most enjoyable competition experience.
Only five people are selected to ski in each event at Nationals and I made our teams for both trick and jump so I prioritised those in the lead up. I’d say these are the areas I’ve made the biggest improvements in since starting college, simply due to having spent more time working on them in training. However, I was told to keep training slalom too as I could be the ‘back-up’ score, so I do feel my slalom has benefitted as well.
My main goal whilst at Uni in the US is to win ULM’s 30th National Title with them. After a rough few years, ULM hasn’t won Nationals in a while, but the team is growing stronger and I’m excited for the next few years with them.
If you get offered a scholarship and you have the opportunity to study in America, I would 100% recommend it. Having experienced both the UK and US university systems, I think I have a unique perspective and can say with certainty that I am having more fun in the States.
If you really love the sport of waterskiing but also want to pursue higher education, there is nothing that I could recommend more than collegiate waterskiing and I genuinely love being a student-athlete.
SIX YEARS AFTER HIS LAST APPEARANCE AT THE MOOMBA MASTERS, JOEL POLAND WAS BACK IN MELBOURNE IN MARCH TO SHOW THE AUSSIES WHAT THEY’VE BEEN MISSING. THE OVERALL WORLD RECORD HOLDER THRILLED THE CROWDS ON HIS WAY TO BECOMING MEN’S JUMP & OVERALL CHAMPION – AND THAT WASN’T ALL! ANNY WOOLDRIDGE WAS ON THE BANKS OF THE YARRA RIVER TO WATCH JOEL’S MASTERCLASS, FREDDIE WINTER’S COMEBACK FROM INJURY AND A FINALS DAY INVOLVING ALL FOUR OF THE BRITISH SKIERS COMPETING.
THEMASTERS
Words : Anny Wooldridge
/ Joel Poland Photo : Kirsi Wolfisberg
oomba is always special. Tens of thousands of people line both banks, day and night. The Moomba Masters is front and centre of the annual Moomba Festival with its carnival games, food trucks, activities and fireworks. Many visitors come back every year. Even those who know nothing about skiing remember the names of the athletes from previous years. Others are amazed as they watch skiers go over the ramp for the first time. And little girls and boys are inspired by what they see on the water.
SLIPPERY SLALOM
Moomba is also one of the toughest waterski competitions there is. In 2025 the conditions were ever-changing with high and low tides and big currents catching out even the most seasoned professionals, resulting in some early shocks. Who would have thought that both the women’s slalom world record holder, Regina Jaquess, and many times Moomba Champion, Whitney McLintock Rini, would fail to make the final at the first attempt and need a Last Chance Qualifier to get there? Normal business was later resumed, with Whitney taking the Women’s
Slalom title for the tenth time and Regina close behind in second. GB’s Sanchia Outram also fell foul of the unpredictable Yarra waters, failing to make it beyond the slalom preliminary round.
In Men’s Slalom, Freddie Winter went straight through to the final. Last year’s winner was competing for the first time in more than eight months following a traumatic leg injury last June. “It feels very good, I’m back on the water and skiing again in tournaments,” he said. “I have had seven weeks of skiing before this tournament which probably isn’t
/ Joel Poland - Photo : Jackson Cross
enough for me to feel like I’m very confident to go out, or feel as confident as I was last year. But I have a pathway to get back to the top, so I’m very excited about that.”
In the 10-man final, Freddie was joined by Joel. They had to contend with high tide and a tail current on their opening pass. Joel was fifth off the dock and only the second to run 11.25m, scoring 1.5@10.75m and finishing fifth. Freddie pipped Joel by half a buoy with 2@10.75m. He finished fourth only two buoys behind the winner, a great start to his comeback.
Charlie Ross won with 4@10.75m, Thomas Degasperi was runner-up with 3.5@10.75m and Lucas Cornale was third with 3@10.75m.
TRICKY TRICKS
Joel was GB’s only tricker at Moomba. In the prelims, a fall on his toe pass meant he had to get all the way through his higher-scoring hand pass to make the finals. He did it with a total of 8,480 points, 6,540 from his hand pass alone. Joel was among several competitors, including the current Overall World Champion, Louis Duplan-Fribourg,
who fell early on their first pass as the current and tide worked against them, giving them more slack. In the final, with two stand up passes, Joel’s 12,030 points earned him the bronze medal. He missed out on silver by just 10 points in one of the highest scoring trick finals in Moomba history, with three skiers tricking over 12,000. Jake Abelson took gold with 12,230pts and Matias Gonzales silver with 12,040.
/ Joel Poland - Photo : Jackson Cross
/ Freddie Winter - Photo : Jackson Cross
JUMPING BIG
All three British jumpers reached their respective finals. Sanchia Outram made up for her disappointing slalom with a great jump of 42.1 metres in qualification. She was delighted and surprised to get through. She improved in the final with 43.1m, enough for sixth place.
Jack Critchley punched his ticket to the final with 65.2m while Joel impressed with 68.6m. In the final, Jack jumped 64m. As top seed, Joel was last off the dock, knowing he had to beat the 66.7m of Austria’s Luca Rauchenwald.
With three attempts at the ramp to do it, Joel needed just one – a huge 69m - to take his first Moomba title.
“Winning is addictive,” an ecstatic Joel said as he returned to the dock. “I just wanna keep doing what I’m doing. I feel like everything’s moving my way. If I can climb a little higher on the trick podium and maybe make some more slalom ones, I’ll be real happy but, honestly, to be here in front you guys and jump well today, I’m so happy about it.”
Jack, last year’s runner up, finished in fourth place.
OVERALL
Joel’s impressive results across the three events secured him the Men’s Overall title by a big margin over his nearest rivals. But he wasn’t finished yet. With no time to celebrate after receiving his trophies he was on the water again for the finals of the Moomba Night Jump, a separate competition held each year alongside the Moomba Masters.
/ Joel Poland - Photo : Alexander Bogatyrev
/ Sanchia Outram - Photo : Jackson Cross
NIGHT JUMP
If you think hitting the ramp at 70 mph is a frightening prospect, imagine doing it in the dark. Joel and Jack were among the top six jumpers to make it through to the Monday Night Jump Final after preliminary rounds the previous two nights. The exciting knockout format saw all six skiers taking three jumps, then the top three going out again for two jumps. Finally, with just two skiers remaining, one jump for each of them would determine the winner. The last men standing were Joel and Luca Rauchenwald. Luca went first and jumped 63.3m. Could Joel beat it? Of course he could. Remarkably, his 68.6m was not far short of what he’d achieved in daylight, not to mention more than five metres longer than Luca’s. What a way to end a fantastic event!
WAKEBOARD
Moomba also hosts a boat wakeboard event, under the auspices of the World Wake Association (WWA). GB’s Luca Kidd was one of the invited pro riders. After an impressive 6th place last year, unfortunately, he did not make it to the final in 2025.
/ Joel Poland - Photo : Anny Wooldridge
/ Jack Critchley - Photo : Jackson Cross
/ Luca Kidd - Photo : Jackson Cross
CHASING THE WINTER SUN
5 young British Team waterskiers took part in an intensive 5-day winter training camp in Spain from 30 December to 3 January
Words
: Emma Turp
It was hosted at Xtreme Gene's world-class facilities, near Córdoba in southern Spain, giving access to top-tier equipment and multiple boats throughout the week. The weather was perfect for skiing, with clear skies and daytime temperatures reaching 22°C, while the water stayed at a refreshing 14°C.
Each day, the skiers participated in four 20-minute training sessions, focusing on a variety of disciplines including slalom, trick drills, flips, and toe tricks. Thanks to Xtreme Gene’s expansive and unlimited space, they enjoyed the unique advantage of back-
to-back sessions, maximising their time on the water and providing them with the ideal environment for progression. This set-up gave them an unparalleled opportunity to refine their skills and push their limits.
The aim of the camp was to improve each athlete's slalom technique, their trick fundamentals and then learn as many tricks as possible. Coaching techniques used were to improve each skier’s stance on their ski. Your stance on the ski plays a crucial role, as it minimises drag and allows the ski’s design to generate acceleration, rotation and load more effectively, enhancing performance
instead of hindering it. Drills to promote understanding of tricks were broken down into individual aspects which makes big tricks far more comprehensible.
Coach, Ben Turp, also did two small presentations breaking down the trick fundamentals. He talked about core principles in tricking like load & release and stance. He also explained various tricks from beginner to advanced, touching on key points and explanations. There was also an element of mental strategy; mindsets to consider during certain scenarios, where to place tricks in runs and tips to help you score tricks.
THEIR VERDICT
The 5 athletes were Willow Skipsey, Jimmy Elliott, Seb Turp, Lara Cosgrove and Issy Cosgrove.
WILLOW SKIPSEY
I found this camp so helpful, for trick and slalom. The water was a lot warmer than at home, which meant I was able to do longer sets and really progress throughout the week. I was able to practise a lot of my tricks on and off the water. I found Ben’s presentation really helpful as I was able to fully understand how to edge and stand in the right position for certain tricks. Slalom was super fun. I found it really beneficial to be able to slalom at least once a day and focus on my technique. We did one toe set a day (at least) which really helped as I could see my tricks progressing. I was also able to start progressing some of my hand tricks as well. This camp really helped me a lot and I would love to do it again.
LARA COSGROVE
It was a fantastic week with amazing conditions. I loved the opportunity to ski lots of sets each day but was exhausted by the end. The coaching was great and I learnt lots of new tips to improve my tricks and slalom. I can’t wait for another one.
JIMMY ELLIOTT
I had such a brilliant time. We were really lucky that it was in the mid-20s every day and that meant we all got to ski 4 sets each day. The coaching really suited me. It was very focused to each skier. I was working on a couple of toe and hand tricks that felt really shaky before the trip but I felt solid when I came home and my coaches noticed the improvement. I also got some really helpful slalom training which has changed some fundamental parts of my technique and will be good to build on now I’m at 58kph. One of my favourite things was getting the chance to spend some time with the other skiers. We all ski at different places so usually we see each other at comps which can be stressful, or at FoT camps. It was good to all stay in one place, spend time together and have fun as well as the training. The format of the camp, with a presentation and on the water training, got me thinking about base skills I can improve on, not just the hard things. Simply improving my position helped my skiing loads – and getting some sun right in the middle of winter training was brilliant.
SEB TURP
I found the camp extremely beneficial and was overjoyed to see that the weather was nice and warm. It made it so much easier to commit to the coaching and meant that falling off wasn’t about getting cold, it was learning from my mistakes. The structure of the camp was very helpful as we slalomed only once a day and had to do at least one toe set a day. I had been struggling with my tricking but I learnt new tricks and techniques and made tricks I could already do so much better. Ben’s presentation involved the explanation of tricks, ranging from basic to the hardest, so it was relevant for everyone. Talking about tricks off the water meant the improvement was that much greater overall. The camp was a complete success and we all want to do it again.
ISSY COSGROVE
A
big thank you from all the skiers to Ben Turp, Xtreme-Gene and Friends of Tournament for making the camp possible
I loved the relaxed atmosphere of the camp, skiing with friends in fantastic conditions, chilling on the dock and in the evenings together. Ben offered great coaching, for all aspects of slalom and tricks, including hands, toes and flips and the hospitality from Debbie and Matt at Xtreme Gene was amazing.
FRIENDS OF TOURNAMENT HITS £410K+
riends of Tournament was established 8 years ago as a Fundraising Sub Committee of the Waterski Committee. The current FoT Committee members are Dusko Lukic, Stuart Hills and Gavin Kelly. The main source of income has been a monthly 200 Club Lottery where 32.5% of the monthly income is paid out in 5 cash prizes. If fully subscribed this generates £5,000 before prizes. Other sources of income have been donations, sponsorship and auctions.
Now, in the beginning of year 9, FoT has raised a total of more than £410,000 before lottery prizes, providing almost £298,000 to support the sport.
How is the Money Used?
Roughly half goes into providing participation grants to members of GB Teams who represent us at European and World events. The other half goes into development days, some training camps with top coaches for GB Youth Team & development day skiers, and sponsorship of grassroots “back yard” competitions such as the Cotswold Series and its Scottish equivalent. We also run and fund the Jill Howard National Youth Festival.
Words : Gavin Kelly
To date £262,000 has been spent, including £143,000 in participation grants, £38,000 funding development days, £42,000 for squad training and other training camps. We have issued £8,500 worth of coaching vouchers, effectively subsidising the training of youth skiers.
No fewer than 21 participants from the National Youth Festival and development days in 2023 went on to take part in the 2024 National Championships at Hazelwoods.
There is also a Loan Kit Scheme that will be relaunched in 2025.
Jill Howard Legacy Fund
We now have a pot of £224,000 from Jill Howard’s generous bequest to FoT. This is invested and generates additional income of about £10k per annum. Around £17k from this fund is used each year for a number of projects that the FoT Committee believes Jill would have appreciated. This includes Youth Squad support grants, technical grants for clubs to help with competition infrastructure, support for back yard events, the National Youth Festival, and training of officials.
Projected Spend
The plans for 2025 give a projected spend of £62,000 from FoT Basic and £17,000 from the JHLF. This level of spending is possible only because a war chest was built up during the Covid years and cannot be sustained indefinitely. Currently we have 175 participants in the lottery so have tickets to spare. Individuals and Clubs who would like to join can access a signup form by scanning the QR code on the poster opposite.
So far more than £112,000 has been paid out in 379 prizes to 138 different winners.
There is a monthly FoT Newsletter, which is always posted on our Facebook page, along with a video of the 200 Club prize draw.
200 CLUB
It is a monthly lottery with a maximum of 200 participants. Tickets cost £25 per month. Why Join?
If fully subscribed, a chance of winning between £108 and £541 each month while supporting Waterski in the UK.
Photo by Johnny Hayward
UNLOCK YOUR FULL POTENTIAL
When it comes to excelling in waterskiing and wakeboarding, most athletes focus on physical strength, endurance and technique. While these are essential, an often-overlooked component of peak performance is mental fitness. The ability to stay focused, manage fear, build confidence and maintain resilience can mean the difference between a great run and a frustrating wipeout.
Words : Ryan Blake
So how can you train your mind like you train your body? This article explores practical mental fitness strategies that will help you sharpen your focus, boost your confidence, and perform at your best on the water.
1. CULTIVATE A STRONG MINDSET
A strong mindset is the foundation of mental fitness. Elite waterskiers and wakeboarders understand that setbacks, wipeouts and mistakes are part of the sport. The key is developing a growth mindset - the belief that your abilities can improve with effort, practice and perseverance.
Practical Tips H
✔ Reframe Failure: Instead of seeing a failed trick as a setback, view it as an opportunity to learn. Ask yourself, "What can I improve next time?"
✔ Embrace Challenges: Push beyond your comfort zone by trying new tricks or skiing in different conditions. Growth happens when you challenge yourself.
✔ Practise Gratitude:
Acknowledge what you can do instead of focusing on what you can’t yet. Keeping a performance journal with small wins can help.
/ Photo : Chris Yates
2. DEVELOP LASER-LIKE FOCUS
Waterskiing and wakeboarding require intense focus. A momentary lapse in concentration can throw off your balance or cause you to miss the wake. Training your mind to stay present is crucial for better performance.
Practical Tips H
✔ Use a Pre-Ride Ritual: Create a routine that gets you mentally locked in before each sessionwhether it’s deep breathing, visualising your run, or stretching with intent.
✔ Eliminate Distractions: Before hitting the water, clear your mind. Avoid negative thoughts, unnecessary pressure, or external distractions like your phone or social media.
✔ Practise Mindfulness: Spend 5-10 minutes daily focusing on your breath or engaging in mindfulness meditation. This improves your ability to stay in the moment while riding.
3. HARNESS THE POWER OF VISUALISATION
Visualisation is one of the most powerful mental tools in sports. Many top athletes mentally rehearse their moves before executing them. This technique primes your brain to improve muscle memory, reaction time and confidence.
Practical Tips H
✔ Picture Success: Close your eyes and imagine yourself successfully landing a new trick or cutting through the wake with precision. Engage all your senses - feel the water, hear the boat and sense your body’s movements.
✔ Slow It Down: If you're struggling with a trick, visualise it in slow motion. Break it down step by step until your brain understands the mechanics.
✔ Rehearse Before Bed: Your brain processes information while you sleep. Visualising your performance before bed can reinforce learning and improve execution.
4. MANAGE FEAR & ANXIETY
Fear is natural in highspeed watersports, especially when attempting new tricks or skiing in sub-optimal conditions. The key is managing fear so that it doesn’t hold you back.
Practical Tips H
✔ Breathe Through It: Slow, deep breaths calm your nervous system and help you stay in control. Try the 4-7-8 breathing method: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 and exhale for 8.
✔ Reframe Negative Thoughts: Instead of thinking, I might crash, tell yourself, I’m prepared, I’ve practised and I’m in control.
✔ Gradual Exposure: If a new trick or wake jump intimidates you, break it down into smaller, manageable steps before attempting the full move.
5. BUILD UNSHAKEABLE CONFIDENCE
Confidence is essential in waterskiing and wakeboarding. When you believe in yourself, you commit fully to each movement, reducing hesitation and increasing precision.
Practical Tips H
✔ Create a Confidence
Playlist: Listen to music that pumps you up before riding. Songs with positive lyrics can help you feel unstoppable.
✔ Use Positive
Affirmations: Repeat powerful statements before you ski: I am strong. I am capable. I am ready.
✔ Track Your Progress: Keep a journal of skills you’ve improved. Seeing how far you’ve come builds confidence for bigger challenges.
/ Visualise your run - Photo : James Elliott
/ Avoid distractions - Photo : Jane Peel
6. IMPROVE MENTAL TOUGHNESS FOR COMPETITION
Whether you’re competing or simply riding for personal achievement, mental toughness helps you stay composed under pressure.
7. STRENGTHEN MENTAL RESILIENCE
Mental resilience is your ability to bounce back from setbacks, whether it’s a crash, an injury, or a tough day on the water. The strongest athletes know that setbacks are temporary and use them as motivation.
8. RECOVER & RESET YOUR MIND
Just as your muscles need rest, your mind also needs recovery time to stay sharp.
FINAL THOUGHTS
TRAIN YOUR MIND LIKE YOU TRAIN YOUR BODY
Practical Tips H
✔ Stay in the Present: Avoid thinking about past mistakes or future outcomes. Focus only on the current run.
✔ Control What You Can: You can’t control weather conditions, competitors, or judges’ scores, but you can control your effort, preparation and mindset.
✔ Use a Reset Word: If things don’t go as planned, have a word or phrase (like "reset" or "next ride") to quickly shift your mindset and move forward.
Practical Tips H
✔ Adopt a "Next Set” Mentality: No matter how bad today was, remember that tomorrow is a fresh opportunity to improve.
✔ Find Inspiration: Watch videos of professional waterskiers and wakeboarders who overcame adversity. Their stories can fuel your own resilience.
✔ Surround Yourself with Positivity: Ride with supportive people who encourage growth rather than criticise mistakes.
Practical Tips H
✔ Get Enough Sleep: Sleep is crucial for mental clarity and reaction time. Aim for 7–9 hours a night.
✔ Take Mental Breaks: If you’re feeling burned out, take a short break from the sport. Engage in activities like yoga, hiking, or meditation to refresh your mind.
✔ Reflect on Your Sessions: After each ride, take a few minutes to review what went well and what could improve. This keeps you mindful and engaged.
Ryan Blake is the Founder & Director of Extreme Sports Performance, an official sport science and medical partner of British Water Ski & Wakeboard. Extreme Sports Performance provides education, support, and coaching for action & endurance sports athletes, helping release limits & unlock potential. Give them a follow @ www.instagram.com/extremesportsperformance
Waterskiing and wakeboarding are as much mental as they are physical. The athletes who reach the highest levels of performance don’t just train their bodies, they sharpen their minds. By developing a strong mindset, improving focus, visualising success, managing fear and building confidence, you can elevate your performance and truly enjoy every moment on the water. Mental fitness isn't built overnight but, with consistent practice, you'll find yourself riding with greater control, composure and joy. So, next time you hit the water, don’t just rely on muscle - bring a strong mind with you and you’ll unlock your true potential!
rehab & nutrition
RYAN BLAKE
/ Focus - Photo : John Waldron
/ Listen to your playlist - Photo : Vincent Stadlbaur
RISE THE
I of ADAPTIVE CABLE RIDING
nterest in cable park riding for disabled people or ‘adaptive’, as it is better known, has grown steadily over the last 5 years around the world, especially with better specialised seated equipment now available.
Performance levels are going through the roof, with athletes like my old alpine ski racing rival Meme Pagnini of Italy taking Adaptive Cable to a stratospheric level. When he’s not travelling with his Red Bull sponsored daughter Claudia, he’s training at Lunar in Spain, various Italian venues or Thailand Wake Park. He’s raising the profile of Adaptive, mentoring and inspiring the next generation, along with the likes of the French trio Bastien Perret, Jerome Elbrycht (X Games Gold medallist) and Emmanuel Guillon.
/ Sean Rose - Photo : Jane Sowerby
/ SWAIK - Off the jetty
Words : Sean Rose
ADAPTIVE CABLE TAKES OFF IN THE UK
Here, an expanding group of likeminded seated riders including Duncan White, Ben White, Pete Donnelly, Hannah Tomsett, myself and others, have knocked on the doors of local wake parks and been welcomed for the most part with open arms.
Of course, some centres are set up better than others for wheelchair users, with limiting factors being accessibility and facilities, but most adaptive riders are pretty sturdy folk. We don’t mind cold water or the nightmare of getting legs that don’t work into a wetsuit. So, a little time setting up, bumping down a few steps or sliding on our backsides won’t deter the journey of getting out and hitting some features!
For some centres it can be scary; the fear of the unknown or lack of knowledge of what’s required for seated riders to hit their parks. Maybe a preconception exists that it’ll be too difficult or cost too much money to
adapt when, in fact, it’s a relatively simple process.
Two incredible centres, Spring Lakes in Nottingham and Sheffield Wake Park, both ran successful sessions last summer for established seated riders, at the same time as regular riders. The only difference was that when we let go of the handle or fell in the circuit we couldn’t swim to the side or walk back to the jetty, so the centres had a recovery boat with a member of staff watching out for us, picking us up and driving us back to the start. Simple!
In the past, other centres, like WakeMK in Milton Keynes, have run private group sessions for the adaptive sports charity, Access Adventures. Liquid Leisure near Windsor has also laid on its fair share – and was where I had my first encounter with Cable more than 15 years ago – as has Docklands. More recently GB squad member Hannah Tomsett has ridden at Whitemills, Hannams and Box End during training or in competition.
A simple two-way discussion is usually sufficient to come up with a plan so both rider and centre are happy and willing. There’s no reason not to give it a go.
/ Meme Pagnini - Photo : Amir Chodorov/Tessier
/ Hannah Tomsett
So, what equipment do seated wakeboarders need and how easy is it?
The biggest improvement came with the introduction of the SWAIK, which made its mark in 2016 and transformed adaptive wakeboard riding. The SWAIK frame and seat set-up has taken the top position at the French, European and World Disabled Cable Championships ever since. It’s an innovative, adjustable and lightweight design that offers unrivalled performance.
The frame base is designed to fit the hole pattern of a standard metric board, allowing a quick fix to the board type the user requires. The major innovation on the SWAIK frame, invented by Pierre Tessier, comes from the ‘Full-Flex’ system, where the rear frame plate is on a sliding rail which allows the board to bend/flex
naturally, enabling more pop and comfort on landings.
The frame height and angle are adjustable to enable each rider to customise it to best suit their needs and disability. The height at the front depends on the rider’s lower leg length to allow the feet to sit close to the frame. The rear frame ride height can be adjusted to suit the rider’s mobility, or lack of. A higher, flatter seated position, for those with good core stability/strength, gives unrestricted movement to spin and throw tricks. A lower position at the rear makes a deeper angle for those with no core stability and limited balance, allowing the rider to lean on their legs for support when being pulled. There’s also extra strapping which may be required to hold the rider in position, especially if planning to switch 180 and ride backwards.
Made of 7075 anodised aluminium and weighing in at only 3.3kg, the SWAIK is a work of art.
As well as the frame, a place to rest your feet to keep them from falling off is a must for those with legs. The SWAIK footplate with a Velcro strap across the toes cleverly attaches by screwing into the forward holes of a board and again allows the user the opportunity to choose from a variety of boards on the market.
Its centre of gravity, an important aspect for each rider, and extra holes allow small increments of frame movement on the board to find the sweet spot.
Finally, and perhaps just as important, is the seat that sits on top of the frame, which comes in 7 different hip width sizes. Having a tight fit for a seated rider is as important, if not more so, than having a tight-fitting boot is for a standing rider. This is down to the limited number of joints available to transfer movement. A quick release strap can be fitted across the hips and sometimes another over or in front of the knees to further reduce movement, improve feedback and increase performance. The use of a backrest is subject to the rider’s core muscle strength, support required and personal preference. The SWAIK has two backrest options, either a solid composite material like the seat or a soft, kitesurfing-style harness attached to the seat. However, many will ride without a backrest.
/ SWAIK belted seat
/ Photo : Tessier Adaptive Sports
/ SWAIK footplate
/ SWAIK soft back rest & support
A SWAIK for All
With social inclusion an important part of all organisations, BWSW purchased a frame and seat through Seated Sports, the UK retailer for Tessier Adaptive Sports, the French company which designed the SWAIK and other ski products. BWSW are keen to support the increased interest in adaptive cable wakeboarding and help grow the sport at all levels.
This equipment is currently being held and used by the charity, Access Adventures, which runs the Edge Adaptive Sports Centre at Heron Lake near Staines and offers opportunities for anyone with a disability to come and waterski or wakeboard at their lake. Heron Lake has held many international competitions in the past, was the UK Waterski National Disabled
training site and is home to many of the world’s best adaptive athletes.
A few months after switching from riding behind a boat to cable, GB adaptive athlete Hannah Tomsett went on to claim gold at the Nationals, silver at Europeans and 4th place at the World Championships. She also achieved a 1st and 3rd place at the Rookie Rumble on her SWAIK and is continuing to develop new tricks.
THE FUTURE
Moving forward, a new SWAIK suspension frame is on the drawing board. It will act as legs to absorb some of the impact from the ramp and on landings. Not an easy process when you think how your legs work; absorption is just one aspect, but a stiffer leg is required for cutting or powering up, which would be difficult to replicate in a shock absorber
and I’m not sure AI technology can help with that just yet!
SWAIK and adaptive cable riding is a growing entity. With competitions now running alongside standing counterparts, this will hopefully attract new interest and raise the level of performance even further.
Thank you to Keir Boissevain at BWSW for the encouraging and supporting this growth.
Sean Rose is a World Disabled Waterski Champion (Overall gold and 2 Team golds). He is also a World Cup Para Alpine Skiing gold medallist (downhill) and a two-time Winter Paralympian.
www.seatedsports.com
www.tessier-adaptive-sports.com/en www.accessadventures.co.uk www.seanrose.co.uk For
contact
IWWF WAKESURF WORLDS
The very first Wakesurf World Championships to be organised by the International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation took place late in 2024. As Team GB members, Millie Whitehouse, Ed Slater and I were eligible to attend the event, which was held at Tai Po Waterfront Park in Hong Kong in November.
The event was sponsored by Nautique and run in conjunction with the Hong Kong China Water-Ski Association (HKCWA). Everything went smoothly and, with 240 competitors, this was a credit to the organisers.
It's good to see how wakesurfing is going from strength to strength around the world and wonderful to see just how many countries are competing under the high standards of the IWWF.
/ Millie Whitehouse
Millie Whitehouse
I really enjoyed the World Championships. It was an amazing experience to compete for Team GB. I loved watching riders from all over the world compete too as it was very inspiring to see such a high level of wakesurfing worldwide.
Christine Bickley
This was a dream come true - I never expected to compete internationally, let alone at the first ever World Championships. I met a lot of pro riders who were happy to have a chat and share coaching tips. To go from Nationals in Northamptonshire to Worlds in Hong Kong was just amazing!
Ed Slater
It was a mega privilege to be involved in the IWWF World Championshipsmeeting and riding with like-minded competitors, growing our sport with such an exciting event.
NEXT STOP FOR WAKESURFING IS THE WORLD GAMES IN CHENGDU IN AUGUST THIS YEAR
Words : Christine Bickley
Photos : @iwwfed
/ Ed Slater
/ Christine Bickley
ince the very first edition in Santa Clara, USA, in 1981, The World Games has become the secondmost important global multi-sport event in the world, bringing together athletes from sports and disciplines that are not in the Olympic Games programme. Like the Olympics, The World Games takes place every 4 years. The next edition will be held from 7-17 August in Chengdu, China, with 2 BWSW athletes competing.
The 11-day event aspires to equal - or even exceed - the importance of World Championships for the represented sports. Many athletes consider it to be the pinnacle of their sporting career. There is no higher goal than to become The World Games Champion.
GB will be represented by Charlotte Millward in Boat Wakeboard and Christine Bickley in Wakesurf Skim. We caught up with them after their selection.
CHENGDU CHINA
What was your route to being selected?
Christine: It all started with the UK Nationals which anyone can enter. Coming second in Female Open Skim last year I became eligible for the first IWWF Wakesurf World Championships in Hong Kong last November. Athletes who competed at those Worlds were then eligible for The World Games. One day I’m competing at Nationals in Northamptonshire, then Hong Kong and now The World Games in Chengdu in 2025.
Charlotte: To be eligible for The World Games you have to jump through quite a few hoops. First, having competed at the UK Nationals a couple of years ago, I was selected for Team GB last season. I was then lucky enough to ride at the IWWF World Championships in Hangzhou, China. My teammates competing in China really helped me as they earned Great Britain a selection spot. Because I competed at Worlds myself, I was eligible within the selection
criteria. Finally, because I was the top ranked eligible athlete (after coming first at the National Championships last year) I was selected by the UK committee to be the wakeboard athlete representing GB. I’d been hoping to get selected for a while, so I can’t describe how happy I was when they finally asked me.
How does it feel being the one Team GB athlete selected in your discipline?
Christine: It’s a huge privilege. It’s also something that I never imagined I would be attending. Whenever I wear my Team GB uniform I feel a big sense of pride in being able to represent my country. I’ve had to pinch myself several times.
Charlotte: It feels pretty unreal. I’ve been competing for a long time and I’m so glad that the time and effort I’ve put in for the years leading up to this has paid off. It’s definitely one of my biggest achievements in wakeboarding and something I’ll never forget.
/ Christine Bickley - Photo : IWWF
Words : Mark Osmond
What are you most looking forward to about this event that makes it different from other competitions?
Christine: I thought World Championships in Hong Kong was pretty cool and now The World Games? It just shows that it’s possible for anyone to follow their sport to the very highest level. Never say never. I recently met ex Team GB Olympic downhill skier, Graham Bell, who has been to World Games and he described it as just like the Olympics.
Charlotte: The World Games is recognised by the International Olympic Committee and is the second most important global multi-sport games after the Summer Olympics, so it’s going to be amazing to see wakeboarding on that kind of a stage and watch all the other disciplines. The opening ceremony sounds like it’s going to be one hell of a show too, so I can’t wait to see that.
What did you learn from going to your respective World Championships in Hong Kong and China in 2024?
Christine: I was very fortunate with travel and didn’t suffer from jet lag to any noticeable extent. I think that’s because I balanced time awake and time asleep on the journey. I hope the same approach works this time. On the first day in Hong Kong the Team travelled to the competition venue to orient ourselves. I would do the same again. Knowing where everything is makes life a lot less stressful. As team captain in Hong Kong, I have experience with how the competition timetable works, attending briefings and how important it is to know where you need to be at any specific time.
Charlotte: China last year was a bit of a culture shock, in the most brilliant way. Thanks to that I’ve still got my travel visa running, the knowledge that I will 100% need phone data, because translating Chinese without it is near impossible and I half know how to get robots there to deliver things to me, which is quite cool.
What will you be planning into your training in the lead up to the event?
Christine: As a more mature athlete it’s important for me to design my training plan to balance corrective exercises with other forms of training. For example, I cycle on a static bike with no resistance for 15 minutes on as many days as possible to pump the fluids in my knees. (Thanks to pro rider and sports therapist Jen Edwards for this training protocol –it’s working very well). I’ll be working on increased agility for the next tricks in my repertoire and planning various runs that play to my strengths. It’s vital to have linked tricks that make the most of the 45 seconds you have for each run.
Charlotte: I’m just going to try to get out on the water as much as I can. It’s always a bit of a balance between training and avoiding injury before a competition nowadays, so a few weeks before I go to China I’ll stop trying anything crazy and just repeat my run over and over to try to get it consistent.
/ Charlotte Millward - Photo : Mark Osmond
/ Charlotte Millward
My board of choice is a wakeboard, but I have occasionally been sighted wakesurfing and I’m always happy to be on a boat spectating or coaching. I have also judged wakesurfing at our National Championships. My knowledge of wakesurf tricks really started escalating when watching Jen and Ant Edwards at LDB Wakeschool and I had fun trying to keep track of the tricks that they were throwing down on the water. You’ll have to watch them to appreciate how tricky that is.
WAKEBOARD & WAKESURF TRICK LISTS
O HHHHHnline wakeboard trick lists have been around for a while. Wakesurf is a more recently established discipline. We formed our first Team GB Wakesurf Squad only in 2023. We asked the squad and found there were no comprehensive wakesurf trick lists publicly available. So I started compiling a list of wakesurf tricks to run alongside our wakeboard trick list.
I looked at what was available online and saw differences in some of the definitions and the terminology used. I could see what was needed, but knew I’d need help as the tricks’ definitions required knowledge above my level of expertise.
At the beginning of 2024, I enlisted the help of Jen Edwards. She and Ant Edwards were very helpful in putting the wakesurf tricklist together.
With them overseas, in Dubai training and coaching, a lot of the drafting was exchanged by message with Jen and I don’t think either of us realised the extent of the task we’d started. It took a lot of time and a large number of iterations to arrive at trick definitions that were unambiguous and a list that was comprehensive. Thank you both. Jeremy Nevill, Wakeboard UK Chairman, knew that the list was
Words : Mark Osmond
being hatched and we put together a plan to put the trick lists onto our websites. Jez developed the tech to add linked pictures and videos.
The wakesurf list was published on the www.wakesurfuk.com website to coincide with the first IWWF Wakesurf World Championships in Hong Kong in November 2024 and it even got a mention in the commentary. We already had a wakeboard trick list started in 2020 and that has now been published to the Wakeboard UK website, www.wakeboard.co.uk.
WHAT THEY SAY
MARK GIRDWOOD
Coach, Loch Earn Wakeschool
This trick list is a great tool for our regular riders and coaches to track progress, set goals and structure training sessions effectively. As a coach, I’ll use it to tailor lessons to each rider’s ability, ensuring they build confidence while continuously progressing. For riders, it’s a clear roadmap to mastering new skills, helping them stay motivated and focused on their development.
There are pictures and videos of Team GB riders logged against the matching tricks and we’ll continue to add tricks from international competition to make the media element comprehensive too.
Take a look and save the links to your devices.
The BWSW Progressive Edge programmes are an existing aid available for those learning our sport and these trick lists will be another invaluable learning tool for participants and coaches.
Photo Mark Girdwood
Wakesurf Trick list Wakeboard Trick list
/ Graham Boardman - Photo : Ben Girdwood
JEN EDWARDS
Professional International Wakesurfer
Anthony and I have been competing in wakesurfing all over the world since 2015. As time went on and the sport grew, we noticed that some of the tricks were getting called differently depending on where you were. This was due to riders from some parts of the world not mixing very often in training or competition, so tricks had different names in different countries. It doesn’t matter too much as it’s just great to see the sport growing, but it does help judges and spectators, if someone is calling tricks, for there to be a general understanding of what each trick is. Mark and I chatted about this dilemma and he suggested the list. As we began putting it together, I messaged pro riders around the world to get their opinions on the different definitions. There were some clashes but we chose to use the most widely agreed terms. We hope people will find it helpful to break down how to do more tricks, see what tricks are out there to learn and be inspired!
WHAT THEY SAY
JEREMY NEVILL
Wakeboard and Wakesurf Team GB Manager
My wish for the trick lists is that they become the go-to location for riders, coaches and judges when they want to find out about a specific trick. Whether you are learning a new trick as a rider or working out the difference between a Rocky Rose and a Black Rose as a judge, we want to help.
/ Photo : Mark Osmond
/ Photo : Mark Osmond
OLLI LODER
Team GB Wakeboarder and Wakeboard & Wakesurf Coach at Xtreme Gene, Spain
From a wakesurfing perspective, the trick list is an invaluable resource for both myself and the people I coach. Wakesurfing blends elements of surfing, wakeboarding and skateboarding. However, certain tricks, especially those inspired by skating, can be difficult to visualise due to the precision required in foot placement, weight distribution and wave control. Having a structured list to analyse and reference makes learning new tricks more effective, allowing riders to track their progression and refine their technique. For coaches, it’s an essential tool to help students break down complex movements and develop a well-rounded skill set. The wakeboarding trick list is incredibly useful too. Learning trick names and their variations involves a lot of time watching videos and riding yourself. Streamlining this process helps riders at every level expand their knowledge more efficiently. Whether you’re a beginner building a foundation or an advanced rider pushing the limits, having a dedicated resource like this makes progression smoother and more accessible.
Chair, IWWF European Wakesurf Committee and International Level 1 Wakesurf Judge
The UK Federation trick list is a very comprehensive and useful tool for those who want to understand more about wakesurf. Small video clips make it easy to visualise the explanation. Thanks for your input in development of this young yet very popular watersport.
/ Photo : Mantis Pro Media
MARIA BULGAKOVA
/ Photo : Mark Osmond
Mark Osmond is a Wakeboard UK committee member, a Team GB wakeboarder, a BWSW qualified coach, and an IWWF 2** qualified wakeboard judge.
Little Canada
Located on the northern coast of the Isle of Wight, PGL Little Canada is one of the UK’s leading outdoor education centres and is accredited by BWSW. Known for its exceptional watersports programmes and vibrant atmosphere, it’s a top destination for children seeking adventure in the great outdoors.
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Founded in 1957 by Peter Gordon Lawrence, PGL has become the UK’s leading provider of outdoor education. With over 65 years of expertise, PGL operates 18 centres across the UK, France and Australia, specialising in school trips and instructor training. The company offers activities from watersports to rock climbing and archery, focusing on teamwork, confidence-building and life skills development. PGL’s goal is to provide safe, exciting environments where participants can push their boundaries and grow.
PGL LITTLE CANADA
Opened in the 1980s, PGL Little Canada quickly became one of the company’s most popular centres. Set in the charming village of Wootton Bridge, it’s not certain how it got the name ‘Little Canada’. Possibly because it was used as a base for training Canadian troops during the Second World War, or maybe from its log cabin inspired accommodation. PGL Little Canada occupies a 22-acre woodland site with breathtaking views of the Solent.
Over the years, the centre has evolved, continually upgrading its facilities to meet the increasing demand for high-quality outdoor education and adventure programmes. While Little Canada offers a variety of activities, it’s particularly renowned for its watersports, including waterskiing, kayaking, sailing and dragon boating. With expert-led sessions and state-ofthe-art equipment, it is an ideal environment for beginners and experienced adventurers alike.
Words : Sally Ratcliffe Photos : PGL Little Canada
WATERSPORTS & OUTDOOR EDUCATION
At PGL Little Canada, watersports are just the beginning. The centre also offers a range of outdoor education programmes focused on leadership, teamwork and personal development. Residential accommodation, combined with adventure activities, makes it a top choice for schools, youth groups, and outdoor enthusiasts.
During the summer months, Little Canada operates as an SBD2 training centre, accredited by BWSW. The centre trains 6 to 10 SBD2 drivers annually, a key part of the watersports department to operate waterski, wakeboard and towed inflatable sessions. These sessions are part of the aqua explorer holiday, which is available over summer, with a watersports heavy programme.
As well as being a BWSW accredited centre Little Canada is also RYA accredited and a registered British Canoeing provider. Between April and October the centre will provide watersports sessions to more than 250 children daily.
UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
With its rich history, prime location and wide range of activities, PGL Little Canada is an exceptional destination for those looking to develop skills, build confidence and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re taking on thrilling watersports or building teamwork with a group, Little Canada promises an unforgettable experience.
Discover the magic of the water at PGL Little Canada.
