Big fields chasing NZ titles

SKIING SKILL: Central Region president and current senior men's 3 slalom champion Iain Bill can't wait for the nationals.

Lake Wiritoa will be a hive of activity at the end of the month as the largest field of water skiers in 10 years will contest the 2015 Water Ski Nationals.

More than 125 entries are confirmed for the full programme of three disciplines - slalom, tricks and jump - which will be hosted by the Wanganui Water Ski Club on March 30-April 1.

A strong contingent of local skiers is among the 19 representing the central region, and two have qualified for the elite Open division.

Nick Bakker enters the Open men's slalom, while Lily Meade - who was selected to represent New Zealand at January's Junior World Championships in Peru - will enter the Open Women's Trickers event for the first time.

Other Wanganui competitors expected to be in the medal hunt are Jerome Tindle, Sara Deroles and Ron Bakker.

Iain Bill, the president of the Central Region Tournament Water Ski Association, said all categories will be tough, especially with 19 entered in the Boys Division.

"Other divisions are also hitting record numbers such as senior men's 2 slalom [45-55 years] with 15 skiers ready to take to the water."

Christchurch's Alex King, No1 in the world in the Under 21 Men's jump division, will be there to put on at least a 55m jump. Joining him is French superstar Nancy Chardin, ranked fifth in the world for jump. Chardin trains in the US with King at the Jack Travers Water Ski School in Florida.