UMBRELLAS and wetsuits seem an unlikely pairing at the beach at this time of the year, but both were in high demand at the New Zealand National Jet Sport Championships at Oriental Bay.
Hosting the competition for the first time, the capital churned out choppy water and horizontal rain, but failed to deter the 60 jet skiers taking part.
The open-class main event was won by Australian Kylie Ellmers, with Cantabrian Michael Carstairs placing second and Hamilton’s Holdin Stockman third.
The nationals are taken very seriously, says jet-ski racer Robyn Luscombe, from the Wellington Jet Sport Club.
Ms Luscombe, who has been racing for the past two years, says she likes the speed and the personal challenge it gives her: “You put in a big effort in to stay on and finish the race.”
But her favourite aspect of being a jet-ski racer is the people: “We’re part of a New Zealand-wide community.”
In the final lap of one of the pole-ski races – where competitors stand instead of sit on the ski – one racer ended up in the water when his machine flipped and started to sink. The racer was not hurt and was brought back to the shore on one of the safety boats.
Cathie Geard, from the Personal Watercraft Centre, says there was a good turnout of riders, despite the typically low number of pre-entries.
“One of the most impressive start lines was the pole skis, with both classes having a full turnout.”
The competition is held once a year in different locations around the country.
Auckland will be host next year.
Picture: Jet skiers on Wellington’s choppy seas for their national champs.
