Waterskiiing: Ski kids meet world champ

Aug 22 2008 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Friday

YOUNGSTERS at Lochearnhead Waterski Club had a coaching session by one of the sport’s superstars recently.

The Future Stars group met up with Stuart Wood, world slalom champ in 2003 and European slalom champ in 2005.

The youth Cutting Edge event was sponsored by British Water Ski along with support from Active Scotland.

Stuart, who also coaches current world slalom champion Nicole Arthur, delivered an inspiring session covering elements of mono and two-ski sessions. He worked with the skiers on their deep water starts for mono and two skis, viraging confidently behind the wake as well as position and posture.

The club hopes that this will be the start of many similar sessions where youth members can benefit from expert advice and development.

Pictured back row: Stuart Wood (Pro Coach Waterski Scotland) and Matt McGrandles (Club Secretary Lochearnhead Waterski Club). Front row: Francis McWilliams, Francesca Respinger, Angus Leishman, Ellie Goddard, Hannah Laycock.