Water sports: Wrong way up is all right

Cole Atkinson in action on the water. Photo / Greg Bowker

Never mind how it looks, Aucklander Cole Atkinson is completely in control of this flip on the Orakei Basin yesterday.

Atkinson, 21, was getting familiar with the water and air currents at the venue of the 50th New Zealand Water Skiing National Championships, which begin today.

He is one of 85 skiers in the competition, which decides who will represent New Zealand in overseas events.

They compete in three disciplines - slalom, trick, and the extreme jump.

Tournament organisers said the number was lower than usual because of the difficulties in accommodating skiers close to the competition site.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the championships, the New Zealand Water Skiing Association will recognise the achievements of past water-skiing greats and name its "Skier of the Century".

Preliminary competition begins at midday today, and the finals run from midday Thursday until Sunday.