Four Wanaka-based locals proudly returned home from the recent 2021 Nautique New Zealand Water Ski Nationals in Whanganui, each having earned medals.

In their first year of competition, 11-year-olds Katrina and Genevieve Wallis won the Girls’ U14 Championship title; Katrina was named the overall winner and Genevieve the runner-up. 

Katrina skied a 12 buoy personal best in the preliminary round to gain her spot in the final and finished the champs with a gold in tricks, a silver in jump and a bronze in slalom to earn the overall title. 

Her sister Genevieve won bronze medals in tricks and jump.

Joining them at the nationals were former NZ Junior Worlds’ representative Meg Harraway and her father Gerald Harraway.

Nineteen-year-old Meg skied a personal best in the preliminary round of the Open Women’s Slalom event and went on to earn bronze in the final.  

The substantial improvement on her personal best was achieved despite a knee injury which has kept her training to a minimum.

“She hasn’t skied in any other competition all year so it was a solid performance in the open,” Gerald said. 

Gerald also won a bronze medal in the Over 45 Men's Slalom final.

The national championship, which was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, was held at Lake Wiritoa this year during Easter (March 30 - April 4).

Heavy rain, followed by wind and cold temperatures, during the championship’s initial days didn’t dampen enthusiasm as the actual skiing conditions were “pretty good for most divisions”, Gerald said.

Lake Wānaka has two water ski slalom courses in Dublin and Parkins Bays. The Wanaka Waterski Club has recently been re-incorporated to maintain the two slalom courses and support and encourage passionate local skiers.

New members are welcome and anyone wanting to join, or learn more about the club, should email Dean Morrison [email protected].

PHOTO: Supplied