Will Asher - an insight to a World Champion

Having an uncle by the name of Mike Hazelwood must be very special – but without enormous skill and determination, it does not guarantee success in our sport. At just 27 years of age, Will Asher from Lincolnshire in the north of England, has already done both his uncle and family proud. Having taken World Champion titles in Slalom in both China in 2005 and Canada in 2009, he has already reached the pinnacle of success in our sport. At the age of 20 he took the EAME Slalom title and at 18 the EAME U21 title. As an outstanding Slalom World Champion, many may be surprised to know that this World Cup Star is also a very talented three eventer and took the EAME Overall title in 2002.

Will has a unique Slalom style which is admired the world over. He does not often give interviews and we are delighted to have this opportunity to bring you this very interesting Star Monday interview in which he shares with us his strong analytical skills. There are many more Star Monday video interviews lined up for the many Mondays ahead – so make sure you join us here at the start of every week !

Just click on our Video Screen here on our Home Page ……

The Moomba Monday Holiday in Melbourne, Australia, is always a major family day of celebration. In spite of the extraordinary weather patterns of the past week, thousands showed up for today’s special 50^th Anniversary Moomba Masters on the Yarra River.

Moomba Monday Crowds

Historically, the gold medals at this event usually go to the more experienced skiers and regular Moomba visitors – such as Nicolas LeForestier FRA, Chris Parrish USA, Freddy Krueger USA, Anais Amade FRA and Clementine Lucine FRA. This year it was a totally new story with major upsets – and in many cases it was the World Cup stars who triumphed.

More heavy overnight rain brought a new supply of debris to the Yarra River – and this upset some of the competitors routines. In Women’s Slalom, 26 year old Australian National Overall Champion Cathryn Humphrey caused a sensation. She beat two co-holders of the World Record, Regina Jaquess USA and Karina Nowlan AUS and took the title with a score of 2 buoys on the 12m line. In Men’s Slalom, it was the turn of  a worthy World Cup star to shine. The three-time runner-up, 32 year old Aaron Larkin NZL, took the gold medal for the first time with a score of 2.5 buoys on the 11.25m line. To achieve this he outperformed the current World Champion Will Asher GBR and World Record Holder Chris Parrish USA. It was a dream come true for the New Zealander.

Major triumph for World Cup Star Aaron Larkin NZL

In Tricks, there were more surprises. Past World Trick Champion Regina Jaquess USA and past World Overall Champion Clementine Lucine FRA, could not outscore 26 year old Natalia Berdnikova BLR. Her 7750 points were enough to take this 50^th Moomba Masters title. In Men’s Tricks, we had the same upset !  Russell Gay USA, past PanAm Champion, and Javier Julio ARG, the current World Overall Champion, were unable this time to out score the young Czech Republic athlete Adam Sedlmajer who clocked up 9980 points.

World Cup star Natalia Berdnikova BLR

It is hard to believe that exactly the same pattern continued in Jump where the regulars usually take the top places. World Overall Record Holder, Regina Jaquess USA and US Masters Jump Champion June Fladborg DEN could not keep pace with 26 year-old Natalia Berdnikova BLR as she took her second Moomba medal of the day.  The Men’s Jump result was even more spectacular. When 30 year-old Damien Sharman GBR took the European Jump title last year in Denmark, it was his first major title. Today he was pitched against Freddy Krueger USA, Jason Seels GBR, Zack Worden USA and Scot Ellis USA. In fact he tied for first place at 64.7m with Thomas Asher GBR and went on the beat hin in a jump-off. This was an enormous victory for Damien Sharman.

World Cup Jumper Damien Sharman GBR outshines them all

The 2010 50^th anniversary of the Moomba Masters was a roller-coaster of experiences. Weather extremes really tested the excellent organizers, Darren Robertson and the Victorian Water Ski Association. Most of our sports super-stars struggled to compete with the rising talents in all three disciplines. As ever, the Moomba Masters created its own annual magic and helped to continue its reputation of being one of the most spectacular events on our calendar.

In 1960 Max Kirwan OAM established the first Moomba Masters Water Ski Championships on Melbourne’s Yarra River. This grew to be one of the most famous international Water Ski events in the World, bringing the City of Melbourne to the attention of the worlds sporting public. His involvement has continued for the entire fifty years of its history. Today he announced his retirement from the organizing committee. A special presentation was made to him to mark the occasion by Kuno Ritschard, President of the International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation.

For all the results, see : http://www.moombamasters.com.au/results.htm

Will Asher GBR almost catches Chris Parrish in Semi's

Just 24 hours ago, many thought that the 50^th Anniversary Moomba Masters here in Melbourne would be canceled. With sudden 120 kph winds, a frightening and unprecedented hailstone storm, shredded trees, flooded roads and ice accumulations all over the place, it had the air of a calamity Movie. This morning, on arrival at daybreak at the Yarra River site, the floating debris posed a real challenge for the organizers. However, this is Australia and the “can do” attitude will always win. Within 30 minutes or so, a team of volunteers went up river in tiny flat-topped boats to trap the debris before it arrived on site. It worked. What followed was an action packed day – with sunshine – which included the Womens Slalom Semi-Final, Men and Womens Tricks Semi-Finals, Men and Womens Jump Semi-Finals, plus Mens Slalom Semi Finals. Following the life-threatening weather of yesterday, this was an enormous achievement by the 50^th Moomba team.

Moomba crowds return in sunshine

For all the results, go to : http://www.moombamasters.com.au/results.htm

The highlights of the recovery day included the following :

Women’s Slalom Semi-Final – Belgium’s Kate Adriaensen’s top score victory of 2 buoys on the 11.25m line to beat Regina Jaquess USA, Karen Truelove USA and Karina Nowlan AUS.

Men’s Tricks Semi-Final – Adam Sedlmajer’s victory of 9650 points over Ryan Dodd CAN and Timothy Bradstreet AUS

Women’s Tricks Semi-Final – Natalia Berdnikava BLR victory of 8140 points over Michale Briant AUS and Cathryn Humphrey AUS

Men’s Jump Semi-Final – Freddy Krueger USA victory of 66.7m over Damien Sharman GBR and Scott Ellis USA

Men’s Slalom Semi-Final – Chris Parrish USA victory of 5.5 buoys on the 10.75m line over Will Asher USA and Marcus Brown USA

Women’s Jump Semi-Final – Natalia Berdnikava BLR victory of 51.1m over Anais Amade FRA and Regina Jaquess USA

As the day came to a close, the skies again darkened and we can only hope that the very talented Moomba Masters team is not presented with any more extraordinary challenges in the Monday Finals. This has certainly been a 50^th Moomba Masters to remember and with some very impressive performances by the athletes.

Many of our top World Cup Stars are now in Melbourne to compete in this unique 50^th anniversary event and prepare for the World Cup challenges ahead in 2010. The 50^th Moomba Masters competition was always going to create history – and that is exactly what happened today.  In glorious 25C sunny conditions we kicked off at 08.00hrs with a packed Saturday programme. This included  Womens and Mens Tricks, Series 2 and 1 Mens Jump, and Round 2 of Womens Slalom. So far, so good.

WORLD CUP STAR CLEMENTINE LUCINE FIGHTS GRAVITY

The Womens Round 1Tricks event included 13 athletes fighting for 8 places in Round 2. The mixture of very young rising stars and the best in the World, created its own special appeal. Ten year old Anna Gay USA, daughter of World Cup Skier Russell Gay USA, got a well deserved round of applause for her 3770 score. Anais Amade FRA and Catherine Humphrey AUS then raised the scores to 6160 and 7030 points. Unfortunately, World Cup Star Clementine Lucine FRA fell early on her second pass and at 3800 points did not make the cut. Her crash out-the-back yesterday has left her with some bruising. Beyond that point, none exceeded the 7000 level – till the World Record holder and World Cup Star Natalia Berdnikova BLR clocked up 8260 points to close this Round. Last to get through was a delighted Jacinta Carroll. No drama so far. For the full scores, go to : : http://www.moombamasters.com.au/results.htm

WORLD CUP STAR JAVIER JULIO ARG WITH RISING STAR JOSHUA BRIANT AUS

Next came Open Mens Tricks – and conditions on the Yarra River were still perfect. Thibaut Dailland FRA kicked off with a high score of 7340 points to put some pressure on the following 12 skiers. Fourteen-year-old Josh Briant AUS was third out and his performance was sensational for his age. His score of 9320 equaled his Person Best performance and got a great reception from the large crowd of spectators. In fact, although World Cup skiers Ryan Dodd CAN and Russell Gay USA broke the 8000 point barrier, with just two skiers to go, Josh Briant was still in the lead. His parents Wayne and Zuzie were enjoying every moment. Now all the pressure transferred to the new Overall World Champion and World Cup regular, Javier Julio ARG. It was the youth versus experience scenario ! Javier however proved that his World Title and World Cup successes were well earned and posted a score today of 10,040 to lead the pack to the next Round.

Series 2 Mens Jump kicked off in the continuing sunny conditions and by this time, the crowd was really growing fast as only Moomba fans know. Overall, the distances were a little lower than expected. Many from the Northern Hemisphere have had little practice time due to the unusually cold weather at home – and it showed. The most impressive were Thibaut Dailland FRA with 49.8m, Alexander Pollack AUS with 48.1m and Scott McFadden AUS with 49.2m. Timothy Bradstreet AUS competed in the Junior Under 17 Moomba event earlier this week and took the Overall and Tricks titles. He was last off the dock in this Open event – and brought a roar from the crowd for his outstanding 59.7m score – the best of the day so far. He is certainly one to watch for the future and is more than likely to earn a place on the World Cup circuit in the coming season or two.

HUGE HAILSTONES AND 120 kph WINDS POUNT MOOMBA RAMP

Following a lunch break and a Barefoot event, it was time for the Womens Slalom Round 2 part of the afternoon programme. Catherine Humphrey AUS and Jenna Mielzynski CAN had just completed their passes with scores on the 12m line, when the sky suddenly darkened. What followed was extraordinary. In all our 29 World Cup Stops, we have never experienced anything like this. Within minutes, black clouds raced across the Melbourne skyline. It started to rain. Then, with very little warning, ferocious 120km winds also ripped through the site. Spectators and athletes started ran for cover. Before many made it, extraordinary rock hard hailstones the size of golf balls lashed the entire area tearing leaves from the trees, pounding off the roofs of all the structures and hitting the spectators so hard that serious injury was a distinct possibility. In each of the Moomba marquees, the spectators hung from the roofing supports to prevent then from being lifted skywards. Visibility was so bad that nobody ventured away from shelter for about a half hour. Eventually, it eased off to become just heavy rain. The Yarra River was then a fast moving litter and flood drain filled water channel and certainly out of bounds for our Moomba athletes for the remainder of the day.

'AND IT GOT WORSE !

Although it only lasted less than an hour, this was a hail-storm nobody had ever experienced before. As in time of natural disasters, the shared experience raised the spirits of all involved and the revised Moomba schedule will kick off again tomorrow at 08.00hrs.  Our World Cup Stars present have had a solid introduction to this new season !

Our Melbourne Broadband connections have been wiped out by this hailstone lashing so we will get this update to you as soon as we can.

Today we were treated to a first glimpse of which Waterski athletes show real potential to dominate this season in both Slalom and Jump – and our World Cup Stars again played a major role in the results so far..  With several surprises and some outstanding performances, there were times when it felt like Finals day instead of just Round One here in Melbourne!

Regina Jaquess USA in action today

Channel 7 TV broadcast their Sunrise Show live from the Moomba HQ on the Yarra River bank and then the day began with Womens Slalom. Under overcast skies and warm air, the slight tail river current caught a few skiers by surprise.  With 22 athletes chasing 12 places in the next round, the pressure on the Series 2 skiers was too much for some. In Series 1, June Fladborg DEN got stuck at 3.5 buoys on the 13m line and did not make it through – so she had to wait for Jump to make her mark.  An outstanding performance from Regina Jaquess of 1.5 buoys on the 10.75m line put he in the lead at this stage. She was the only athlete to score on the 10.75m line. In spite of her lack of practice time on the cold water back home in Florida, she was in dominant form and was three buoys ahead of her nearest rival and World Cup Star Karen Truelove USA.  Clementine Lucine FRA, Anais Amade FRA and Karina Nowlan AUS also impressed. The battle later this weekend for the six Finals places is guaranteed to be a very tough one but all of these names are likely to make it through on today’s form.

World Record Holder Chris Parrish USA

In the Mens Slalom event, 27 skiers chased 15 places in the next round. The river current had almost disappeared by then and conditions were excellent. In Series 2, four skiers survived to ski another day. However the biggest applause was reserved for Dr Mike Morgan USA  – and for a very special reason.  His last competition here at the Moomba Masters was back in 1983 – 27 years ago. He set a unique record by qualifying again in 2010 – after a 27 year absence. What made the moment even more historic was the fact that Glen Thurlow AUS was the first person in the world to exceed 200ft in the Jump event – at that very same event back in 1983. The Series 1 Skiers were true to form with the slimmer World Record holder and World Cup Star Chris Parrish USA coming out on top with a score of 4.5 buoys on the 10.75m line. World Champion Will Asher GBR scored just 4.0 buoys less and a very impressive Marcus Brown USA was just another half buoy short. The qualifying 15 athletes will be reduced to 8 in the Finals.

In Womens Jump, 12 athletes chased 8 places. This time, World Cup Star June Fladborg DEN compensated for her Slalom disappointment by coming out on top in her favorite event of Jump. Her score of 48.9m was over 2.5m ahead of her nearest rivals, Anais Amade FRA and Natalia Berdnikova BLR. Belgium’s Kate Adriaensen missed out by just 0.1m and will not move ahead. So, at this stage, it looks almost certain that we will see at least some of our World Cup Stars on the Podium when we reach that stage on Monday evening.

Night Jump continues later today and tomorrow, Saturday, we move on to Womens and Mens Tricks, Mens Seeds 1 and 2 Jump and the Womens Slalom Semi Final. The weather forecast suggests that we may have some much needed rain showers over the weekend – after a 10 year drought in this general area of Australia.

For all the results, check out : http://www.moombamasters.com.au/results.htm

Jonathan Travers USA, Natalia Berdnikava BLR and Ryan Dodd CAN

In making the final arrangements for the historical  50^th Moomba Masters today, the team went home tonight with everything ready for an 08.00hrs start here on Friday morning. With the last Skiers and Riders arriving at the Airport from all over the world, the Junior Moomba completed and the Running Order sheets posted, the Open categories had an early night tonight before the battle for titles begins in earnest tomorrow.

Sergio Font and Gustavo Monroy MEX and Javier Julio ARG

There were some late announcements today. World Cup star Jaret Llewellyn CAN will not be with us to defend his Moomba Jump title due to a recurring arm injury. World Tricks Champion, Aliaksei Zharnasek BLR is still in Florida USA awaiting his Australia Entry Visa and is unlikely to make it in time. World Tricks Record holder and World Cup star Nicolas Le Forestier FRA is also recovering from an arm injury and will not appear this year. However, there are also some very special moments ahead. Mike Morgan USA will compete in Slalom tomorrow after an absence of 27 years! This is a remarkable achievement which has never been equaled in Moomba’s long history. Thankfully, Rodrigo Miranda made it safely from the earthquake area of Santiago in Chile. World Cup star June Fladborg DEN jumped 51.0m in the Night Jump event last night and looks to be in great form to defend here Moomba Jump title. Chris Parrish USA has shed a few extra pounds, looks very fit and has returned to defend his Moomba Slalom title.  Organiser Fran Hynes also read a message received from the injured Kyle Eade NZL and all the competitors sent him their best wishes for a speedy recovery. Also defending their Moomba titles will be Anais Amade FRA in Slalom and World Cup star Clementine Lucine FRA in Tricks. Watch our for some new names on the Moomba Podium this year with Aliaksei Zharnasek BLR, Ageliki Andriopoulou GRE, and Jaret Llewellyn Can missing from the Staring List.

Moomba tonight and it all starts tomorrow

The Friday programme will include Womens Slalom Series 1 and 2, Womens Jump Round 1, plus Mens Series 1 and 2 Slalom.

World Record Holder in Shortboard / Tricks, Natalia Berdnikava, is the second in our regular World Cup interview series here in this Star Monday edition. This World Cup star was born in Novopolotsk in Belarus, the city which  also produced World Cup stars Aliaksei Zharnasek and Herman Beliakou. As with World Cup Wakeboard Champion Dallas Friday, Natalia also started her athletic career as a Gymnast. For the perfectionists out there, her family name is Berdnikava in Belarus and Berdnikova in Russia !

Natalia Berdnikava in Star Monday Video

Natalia set the extraordinary World Record record of 9080 points just last season and spends much of her time these days training at the famous Jack Travers Sunset Lakes Ski School in Okahumpka in Central Florida. Natalia is also an outstanding three eventer with Personal Best scores of 53.9m in Jump and 2 Buoys on the 11.25m line in Slalom. Her many great triumphs apart from her World Cup victories include the 2007 and 2008 US Masters titles in Shortboard, the 2008 and 2009 EAME Shortboard titles and the 2008 EAME Jump title.

To get a very personal insight to the real Natalia, check out our exclusive Star Monday video interview here on our home page – and watch out for all the other great Star Monday interviews here at the start of every week !

Just click on our Video Screen here on our Home Page.

It seems just a few days since we received the shocking news from Murray Eade, Kyle’s father, of his accident while training for this week’s 50th Moomba Masters on the Jump Ramp. Since then, almost SIX THOUSAND fans have sent goodwill messages to Kiwi on the CaringBridge site and this just shows how much he is respected and admired around the World.

KIWI SENDS FIRST REPORT

We have tonight received a report actualy written by Kiwi himself – and as you read the details below, you will see that he is already well on the road to recovery, even if it may be a long road.

All in our World Cup team wish Kyle continuing steady progress and we will all certainly be thinking of him at the 50th Moomba Masters in Melbourne next weekend.

REPORT FROM KYLE

Hello everyone,

It has been just over 2 weeks since the jump crash that has caused such a dramatic change in my life and my family’s life.

I know it has been over a week since the last update on my condition and I apologize for not getting word out sooner but I really wanted to type this myself.  I have recently been set up on my computer and got online but navigating around with a track ball by my side has been quite a challenge and typing by pointing and clicking on an on-screen keyboard is painfully slow!

After 8 days at Christchurch hospital in the ICU and the Trauma ward I was moved last Friday to the Burwood Spinal Unit.  The care here has been unbelievable and I have been very comfortable. Physiotherapists come by at least twice a day to stretch and move my arms and legs through various ranges of movement.

Progress is definitely slow but I have been told to be patient … it really is just a waiting game right now.  I am on my back looking at the ceiling for a total of 6-8 weeks to allow time for the fractured vertebrae to heal and the swelling and trauma to my neck and spinal chord to subside.  There are numerous positives already that I am pinning my hopes to … I have sensation everywhere although very altered in places and strength and mobility is returning to my arms and shoulders.

In an earlier update there was mention of a flicker in my toes and while this was true, I was actually really just inducing a spasm in my legs which the doctors weren’t as excited about as I was.  However, I had a good day yesterday when I definitely got a controlled contraction in my upper right leg several times with the head doctor witnessing.  It was the happiest I have seen the doctor for awhile and he mentioned this was a very positive sign.  There were also flickers felt in my left hamstring and calf although nowhere near as prominent as my right leg.  Who knows exactly what this means for my recovery but I cling to every piece of good news and use it to fuel my determination to make more progress each and every day no matter how small.

I have had my ups and downs but my main source of strength keeping my chin up has been my wife, Karyn, and my 2 sons who have been by my side for the past 2 weeks along with my parents, my brother and his family, and my mother-in-law, Pat.

Additionally I have been overwhelmed by the level of support I have received from my friends worldwide and especially the waterskiing community which seems to be united and behind me through each step of my recovery … it is truly appreciated and makes me feel like I am not fighting this alone.  I read each and every message on skifly and caringbridge and try to absorb all of the positive energy that is being sent.  I know it is helping.

Although there are so many people that have done so much to help my family and I through the last 2 weeks, I want to say a special thank you to Scot Ellis and Mel Schoendorf, Rhoni Bischoff and Dan Rini for all their efforts…you are such great friends.

I have a tough road ahead but giving up is not an option. I will get better and I will do my best to share my progress with you all. Thank you for caring so much.

Kyle Eade

a.k.a “The Flying Kiwi”

O.K., so today is Tuesday, but from this week on we will bring you an exclusive interview with some of our greatest World Cup Stars here on our World Cup Home Page – EVERY Monday. This will be a unique opportunity to get some fascinating insights from the very best Athletes in the World in our sport. We selected Monday as this is the day when the greatest number of our World Cup fans check out our latest updates. The World Cup Stars selected include almost all those mega stars we see in the headlines. Some you may never have seen on camera before. All will bring you closer to their great talents and interests. To find out who they are, just bookmark our Home Page here and remember to visit us EVERY Star Monday morning GMT. Global time changes will make that an evening opportunity in the Southern Hemisphere but we still hope that all will remember to visit us on Star Monday EVERY Monday and enjoy the fun.

So we are launching the STAR MONDAY programme mid week today and from next Monday, the regular slot will be scheduled for the coming months. Once released, each World Cup Star interview will be also be available in our World Cup Channel on YouTube.

Nicolas LeForestier on Star Monday

To get us off to a good start, we have lined up Nicolas LeForestier FRA. For those who might not be totally familiar with his extraordinary talents on the water, here are some details :

Born in Nantes in France in 1973

IT Project Manager

Four Times World Tricks Champion

Thirteen Times Europe/Africa/MiddleEast Tricks Champion

Fifteen Times ranked Number 1 in the World

Over Thirty Masters victories around the world

World Tricks Record Holder at 12,400 points

Just after Surgery

In launching our Star Monday programme with Nic, we also wish him a speedy recovery from his second arm injury reported here yesterday. He has only just come out of Surgery – see photo. Thankfully, all went well for him. He will be off the water for about two months but hopes to be back with our World Cup team by mid-year.

We hope you enjoy Star Mondays with us – and please help to spread the word by mailing your friends.

Melbourne, Australia is about to roll out the red carpet for the 50^th Moomba Masters Waterski and Wakeboard  Championships – and what a celebration it promises to be. Launched in 1960 on the downtown Yarra River, this is always a spectacular event against the backdrop of the city Skyscrapers. The action will kick off on Wednesday March 3^rd for the Juniors and the Big Guns will start their battle for the prestigious 50^th medals on Friday, March 5^th.  As ever, the Finals will be on the holiday Monday. We will have a full on-site report and photos for you right here on our Website.

Our World Cup Stars will be in Melbourne in real strength this year, in one of the strongest fields seen for a long time. A total of 27 of our World Cup Men and 12 of our World Cup Ladies are now on the

Aliaksei Zharnasek takes 2009 title

Starting List.  These will include our World Cup 2009 Season Winners, Nick Parsons USA and Karen Truelove USA in Slalom, Aliaksei Zharnasek BLR in Tricks, Freddy Krueger USA and June Fladborg DEN in Jump.  Ageliki Andriopoulou GRE will join our World Cup schedule later as she regains her strength again in that new knee ! The standard will be as high as ever in all events this year. We will watch our World Cup Stars closely for signs of who will wear the red World Cup shirts later on the Podiums around the World Cup Circuit.

One of the great aspects to Moomba every year is often the chance we get for a first glimpse of who is dialed in at this early stage. Certainly our World Cup Stars mentioned above all finished 2009 on a high

World Cup Champ Karen Truelove

at our closing World Cup Stop in Putrajaya, Malaysia, and are expected to be very strong right from the start. The World Cup Champions to watch closely will be Nick Parsons and Karen Truelove in Slalom and Aliaksei Zharnasek BLR in Tricks. Nick will be under enormous pressure in Melbourne from World Slalom Champion Will Asher GBR and past World Champion Thomas Degasperi ITA. Karen will be up against Karina Nowlan AUS, co-holder of the World Slalom Record and very much on home water in Melbourne, and also Regina Jaquess USA, who has now completed her Pharmacy Doctorate and is ready to show why she has amassed no less than 36 World Championship Medals since 1998 and is still just 25 years of age ! For Aliaksei there is a different kind of pressure.  The current World Tricks Record Holder will not make it to Melbourne – see below – but following an extraordinary 2009 season where Aliaksei took both the World Championships and World Cup tricks titles, now he will have to defend these triumphs. Close on his heels will be the enormous talents of Jimmy Siemers USA, Russell Gay USA, Frank Desboyaux FRA and Jaret Llewellyn CAN. All are capable of taking that 50^th Moomba Tricks title.

Nicolas LeForestier injured

We have also heard today that World Cup Star, World Tricks Record Holder and 4 time World Tricks Champion, Nicolas Le Forestier FRA , has injured that arm again and ruptured an upper bicep tendon. Training in the Republic of South Africa, he will now need some surgery but hopes to be back on the World Cup circuit later this season. Take a look at that bent ski handle where his arm was trapped !  Nic, we wish you a speedy recovery.

Bent Handle saved arm

Sadly, the very popular Kyle Eade NZL will miss Moomba this year following his serious Jump crash ten days ago in the South Island while training for the Yarra River event. We all wish Kiwi a speedy recovery in the months ahead and we are certain that he will be following all the scores as they come in and hoping that some day soon he will be back on the water once again.  As a very popular Moomba and World Cup competitor over the past decade, he will be greatly missed by all.