Waikato River plays host to boats and skiers
The 29th annual Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Classic will be held this weekend.
The 29th annual Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Classic in Hamilton this weekend includes something for everyone.
Starting tomorrow and running through until Sunday, the Waikato River will play host to a range of speedboats and skiers.
The main event on Sunday at 1pm is an 82km sprint race from Cambridge to Taupiri and back to Hamilton with boats reaching speeds of over 160km/h.
Last year’s winner Colin Eagles, who is entering again this year, said the sport is very challenging on this river for the boat drivers and skiers.
“You have two starts in this race, if any one messes up, your chances [of winning are gone], then you will have to wait for next year.
“You are pitting yourself against your peers and everyone has an equal chance of winning their class.”
Racing will start at 9am on both Saturday and Sunday under Bridge Street in Hamilton’s CBD.
For the first time this year, a ski biscuit race will be part of the event and off the water there will be bath tub races.
The races will be broadcast on screens at Grantham Street boat ramp and the Ann Street Reserve.
Organiser Mike Jamieson said the ski race serves to highlight the sport and attract new competitors.
“Most of the teams competing were introduced to the sport through the Bridge to Bridge.
“The Bridge to Bridge is man and machine versus the Waikato River – a river that has tight corners, long straights, swirling currents, narrow sections, and runs right through the middle of Hamilton.
“People come back to try and gain the often illusive title of Bridge to Bridge Overall Winner,” Mr Jamieson said.
This year’s event is the most popular yet, with the largest amount of boats entered in the main race and about 30 competitors coming over from Australia.
More information and entry forms can be found here.
