Big crowds for champs

By Alanah May Eriksen

The 15th World Water Ski Racing Championships entertained large crowds in Rotorua and Taupo and saw one local competitor take a creditable fourth.

Hundreds of competitors and supporters from around the globe thronged the shores of lakes Rotorua and Taupo over the past nine days for the international event.

The only local competitor, Taupo's Rick Powell, 40, finished third in two F2 races and fourth overall. He is the first senior representative from New Zealand to record podium finishes at the world championships. He was driven by Greg Dutton and observed by Emma Duckworth in Fireworks. The pair also organised the event. Powell will now start training for the 2009 world champs in Belgium.

Other activities held during the championships included pedal boat and Zorb racing and lunchtime Lakeland Queen cruises.