Wanganui Water Ski Club

It was the jump ramp’s turn to fly today! Out of the water for some overdue TLC and be all set for a big year including hosting the NZ Nationals in 2027!
Thanks to our awesome clubbies for helping on the tools today 🙌

2026 NZ Water Ski Nationals - Lake Kerata

Well that's a wrap! The central region team are travelling home today after an awesome week at Lake Kerata, West Auckland. Huge thanks to the Auckland water ski club for hosting us through varying conditions! 🌧 🌀 🌞

Shout out to the following skiers who represented our region....
Niki England, Charlotte Hagan, Sam MacKenzie, Kyle England, Josh Verhoek, Royce England, Ron Baker, Iain Bill and Trevor Fowler

Central was 7th out of 9 regional teams overall, a few great individual performances and for a small team it was a fab effort in trying conditions!

Special mention to Sammy MacKenzie for bronze in open men's trick with a score of 5600 👏
Both Sammy and Charlotte also skied in the open mens and women's division!

What a week.....now eyes forward for region to host the 2027 Water Ski Nationals in Whanganui!!

Awesome stuff Sammy! All the best from your local club in Whanganui, NZ! Go get em! 💪

Central regional champs at Wanganui water ski club - Lake Wiritoa, 14th & 15th March. Thanks to all who helped this be such a fun and successful weekend of skiing, huge team effort!!
Great skiing by all, here are a selection of the amazing photos taken by Andy Whitney!
Relay photos and videos to come.....

Links to watch Sammy and other NZ competers below!

Sunday club morning complete! Great morning for a ski 🙌👌

Thanks to everyone who joined over the weekend for 2026 club champs! Impeccable timing before the wild weather!

Some great skiing and appreciate the team work to make it all come together 🙌

Here's a a few snaps from the weekend!

With the incoming weather we have managed to complete our Club Champs nice and early, the lake is now open to the public for the rest of the day.

Club Championships to headline busy season for Wanganui Water Ski Club

The Whanganui Water Ski Club will host its annual Club Championships this weekend, 14–15 February, at Lake Wiritoa, providing a key highlight of the 2026 season and an opportunity for locals to watch water skiing in a relaxed, family-friendly environment.

Based at Lake Wiritoa, the Wanganui Water Ski Club attracts skiers from across the lower North Island, offering everything from social skiing through to high-level competitive opportunities. The club is led by President Josh Verhoek and a dedicated committee who coordinate events, coaching, and regular club activities.
This weekend’s Club Championships will see club members of all ages and abilities competing across the three disciplines of water skiing — slalom, trick, and jump. The event reflects the club’s strong focus on participation and skill development, while also showcasing the technical and athletic nature of the sport. Spectators are welcome to attend and enjoy the action from the lake’s edge.

The club works closely with Maritime NZ and Horizons Regional Council to manage lake closures for skiing, and members regularly take part in working bees to maintain the grounds and facilities. This strong volunteer culture helps foster a welcoming and supportive environment for members and visitors alike.

New members are always welcome, whether learning to water ski for the first time or refining their technique behind the club’s Nautique ski boat. Skiers can take part in casual sets or more structured training, with coaching support available from experienced club members. The club also hosts dedicated coaching weeks with paid professional coaches, supporting skill development across all age groups.

Members regularly travel to tournaments hosted by other clubs around New Zealand, and the Wanganui Water Ski Club supports all competitive disciplines of the sport. The club is also represented internationally, including at the Under 17 World Championships in Argentina this year and the annual Aussie/Kiwi Challenge.
Following the Club Championships this weekend, the season continues with the Regional Championships on 14–15 March. Looking further ahead, the club will host the biannual Masters Games tournament for skiers aged 35 and over in February 2027, before taking on one of its biggest events — the New Zealand National Water Ski Championships in March 2027. Hosted only once every six years, the week-long Nationals will bring top skiers from around the country to Lake Wiritoa.
Regular club skiing sessions run on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5pm until dusk, and Sunday mornings from 7.30am to 10am. Anyone interested in joining, sponsoring, or learning more is encouraged to get in touch.

For more information, contact Josh Verhoek on 027 284 9935 or email [email protected], or follow the club’s page, Wanganui Water Ski Club.

A huge congratulations to Charlotte Hagen, Sam McKenzie and Kyle England from WWSC! Three of our club members who were selected for the Aussie Kiwi challenge at Lake Hood last week. So proud of you all and your amazing achievement!

Charlotte 4th in U21 womens Slalom, and Kyle 8th in U21 men's Slalom.

A special mention to Sam McKenzie, winning the U17 boys trick with a score of 5120, and then to also place 1st in the U17 boys overall!
Fantastic effort Sammy!! 💪 🙌