To say he was “just getting warmed up”. In the final round, Keenan pulled off an impressive run, showcasing his incredible skill and securing his place as the new World Champion.
Waterski & Wakeboard Australia (WAWA) is the top governing body for water-skiing in Australia. With a focus on promoting and developing the sport, WAWA is structured as a sports discipline-based organisation that represents the operation of water-skiing in all states.
WAWA consists of various sports divisions, including Tournament, Barefoot, Disabled, Show Skiing, and Wakeboard. While Knee Boarding is represented in some states, it is not a separate division within WAWA. Additionally, WAWA has a close affiliation with Ski Racing Australia and both are affiliated with the International Water Ski Federation.
With over 3,500 registered competitive participants and approximately 1. 3 million unregistered participants, WAWA aims to promote water-skiing at both grassroots and high-performance levels. Australia has seen significant progress in the high-performance area, placing among the top nations in all disciplines. Development programmes have been implemented to increase participation at entry levels, resulting in improved rankings for junior and senior athletes.
WAWA has also established its presence internationally, participating in events such as the World Games and the Pan American Games. The sport's profile continues to rise through events like the Moomba Masters and the World Cup. WAWA's relationship with Water Ski Racing Australia ensures involvement in major events like the Bridge to Bridge and the Australian Ski Racing Grand Prix.
Volunteers play a crucial role within WAWA, except the Executive Officer and the Office Administrative Assistant. All Directors, Administrators, Judges, and Organisers are dedicated volunteers. The organisation arranges Public Liability Insurance for affiliated water ski clubs, competitions, and training. Members also benefit from Personal Accident Insurance for water ski-related injuries and travel insurance for international events and training.
WAWA works diligently to address water safety, access, and policy matters in partnership with maritime authorities, advocating for the interests of its members and recreational skiers. The organisation takes pride in its inclusive approach and provides administration for Junior, Senior, Masters, Female, Male, Indigenous, and Disabled participants across all disciplines of the sport.
For those interested in WAWA's various divisions and events, the website features a gallery showcasing thrilling moments in tournament, wakeboard, show skiing, barefoot, and disabled skiing. The organisation is supported by partners and sponsors, offering opportunities for advertising and collaborations.
WAWA is proud to celebrate the achievements of its athletes, with recent news highlighting Australian champions Ash Stebbings and Keenan Derry. Ash Stebbings, a true talent in barefooting, secured her record-breaking 5th World Championship title along with gold in Slalom and Tricks. Keenan Derry became the first Australian male to win the World Championships since John Pennay in the 90s, showcasing incredible skill and determination in the final round.
To stay up to date with Waterski & Wakeboard Australia and get involved in this thrilling sport, visit their official website, contact the organisation, or explore the membership options. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a passionate spectator, WAWA welcomes you to join their community and experience the excitement of water-skiing in Australia.