World class waterskiers take to the Cleddau for the UK Race Championships, 2024
Some of the world's leading waterskiers took to the Cleddau on Saturday when the UK Waterski Race Championships got underway in Neyland.
And as well as the skiers, the race attracted some top class Formula 2 boats which were capable of reaching speeds of up to 85 mph.
"It's fantastic to see so many people turning up here, both as spectators but also as competitors," said race organiser Elliot Underwood.
"When we started the championships here in Neyland last year, it was all a bit of an unknown, but the feedback we had from the competitors and the way in which the local people have supported us has been incredible."
Elliot is himself a dedicated waterskier who takes to the Cleddau on a regular basis for his own personal training.
" And this is why I decided to base the championships here in Neyland," he laughs. "It saves me from having to travel to other venues all over the world.
"But seeing some of the world's top class competitors arriving here to take part is tremendous."
These included Jake Frame in Formula 2 who podiumed at the World Championships in 2019, and Kim Manchett who is a three-times female World Champion.
Elliot is now keen to see the UK Championships being held in Neyland on an annual basis.
"It's great for Neyland, it's great for Pembrokeshire, and hopefully this is something which, providing I've got the volunteers, I shall continue to do year on year."
As well as the skiers, the event also attracted some mean machines to the waters, including The Screaming Demon, owned by Rod Hawkins
"This is a purpose-built carbon fibre boat made specifically for waterski racing," Rod told Pure West Radio.
"It's 21-foot long, 300 horse power and tows a skier at speeds of approximately 85 miles an hour. Even though boats like this can be used for recreational purposes, for 99% of the time they're for competition only and are built like this mainly for their speed. So we go for as light and as narrow as possible enabling us to turn quickly." Rod has been driving for over 40 years and is also a competitive offshore power boat racing champion, having won the UK championship last year.
"Coming to Neyland to race is great because of the friendless of the people but also because of the sheltered waters," added Rod. "Even though the wind is blowing quite stiffly here, we can still race."
Meanwhile UK Ski Championship commentator Steve Bird took to the waters himself on Saturday when he competed in the Legend Race after a 15-year break from competitive racing.
"I haven't skied competitively for around 15 years," he said. "But because everyone has been telling me that this is the venue to race in, I decided to put my name down for the Legend race to give it a go.
"Ok, so yesterday the river down here in Neyland was like a millpond and today it's rough, so I'm starting to get quite a few butterflies in my stomach. But getting into the water and taking part is going to be awesome.
"The strength and endurance that a water skier requires is big, and for championship events like this, a huge amount of preparation is involved. A lot of training and a lot of work from the whole team is necessary."
This year's race also attracted a high number of young waterskiers, including eight-year-old Mia Waldman who endured the rough conditions for no less than 15 minutes.
"When you commentate on events such as this year after year, you see the youngsters improve that little bit extra . And there are a few skiers here today who we used to watch competing when they were small kids. This is what makes days like today so special."
World class waterskiers take to the Cleddau for the UK Race Championships, 2024
Some of the world's leading waterskiers took to the Cleddau on Saturday when the UK Waterski Race Championships got underway in Neyland.
And as well as the skiers, the race attracted some top class Formula 2 boats which were capable of reaching speeds of up to 85 mph.
"It's fantastic to see so many people turning up here, both as spectators but also as competitors," said race organiser Elliot Underwood.
"When we started the championships here in Neyland last year, it was all a bit of an unknown, but the feedback we had from the competitors and the way in which the local people have supported us has been incredible."
Elliot is himself a dedicated waterskier who takes to the Cleddau on a regular basis for his own personal training.
" And this is why I decided to base the championships here in Neyland," he laughs. "It saves me from having to travel to other venues all over the world.
"But seeing some of the world's top class competitors arriving here to take part is tremendous."
These included Jake Frame in Formula 2 who podiumed at the World Championships in 2019, and Kim Manchett who is a three-times female World Champion.
Elliot is now keen to see the UK Championships being held in Neyland on an annual basis.
"It's great for Neyland, it's great for Pembrokeshire, and hopefully this is something which, providing I've got the volunteers, I shall continue to do year on year."
As well as the skiers, the event also attracted some mean machines to the waters, including The Screaming Demon, owned by Rod Hawkins
"This is a purpose-built carbon fibre boat made specifically for waterski racing," Rod told Pure West Radio.
"It's 21-foot long, 300 horse power and tows a skier at speeds of approximately 85 miles an hour. Even though boats like this can be used for recreational purposes, for 99% of the time they're for competition only and are built like this mainly for their speed. So we go for as light and as narrow as possible enabling us to turn quickly."
Rod has been driving for over 40 years and is also a competitive offshore power boat racing champion, having won the UK championship last year.
"Coming to Neyland to race is great because of the friendless of the people but also because of the sheltered waters," added Rod. "Even though the wind is blowing quite stiffly here, we can still race."
Meanwhile UK Ski Championship commentator Steve Bird took to the waters himself on Saturday when he competed in the Legend Race after a 15-year break from competitive racing.
"I haven't skied competitively for around 15 years," he said. "But because everyone has been telling me that this is the venue to race in, I decided to put my name down for the Legend race to give it a go.
"Ok, so yesterday the river down here in Neyland was like a millpond and today it's rough, so I'm starting to get quite a few butterflies in my stomach. But getting into the water and taking part is going to be awesome.
"The strength and endurance that a water skier requires is big, and for championship events like this, a huge amount of preparation is involved. A lot of training and a lot of work from the whole team is necessary."
This year's race also attracted a high number of young waterskiers, including eight-year-old Mia Waldman who endured the rough conditions for no less than 15 minutes.
"When you commentate on events such as this year after year, you see the youngsters improve that little bit extra . And there are a few skiers here today who we used to watch competing when they were small kids. This is what makes days like today so special."