Plenty of action on the Kalgan River in the 53rd edition of the Lower Great Southern Water Ski tournament

Albany Water Ski Club held its annual Lower Great Southern Water Ski tournament at the weekend, with 24 skiers hitting the waters of Kalgan River to compete in slalom and trick competitions. The two-day event was round three of the WA State Series, as skiers came from Albany, Perth, Bunbury, Kojonup and York. Veteran Graham Budd, who is over 80, was there in action and has hit the water in all 53 tournaments since it started, while competitors under the age of 10 also made their presence felt. Perth’s Damon Nottle took out the A-grade slalom event ahead of Jake Duperouzel and Kojonup’s Graham Cavanagh. Lewis Dowding defeated Byron Nottle, son of Damon, in the B-grade slalom competition while Lisa Cavanagh from Kojonup filled third place. In the C-grade slalom event, Kynan Spencer walked away victorious ahead of Thomas Wilson and Bruce Rodgers. Lucas Easton took out the D-grade slalom category as he won in front of Dave McCracken and Michael Hailand. Mackenzie Wilson won the E-grade slalom event ahead of Hamish Butler. Duperouzel won the A-grade trick event while Thomas Wilson turned the tables on Spencer in the C-grade trick category with a round four score of 1580. Damien Wilson won the D-grade trick division in front of Easton and Archie Dowding while Mackenzie Wilson defeated Ruben Rodgers in the E-grade event. Albany Water Ski Club Commodore McCracken said the event was a huge success. “The weather over the weekend was really good with some good skiing conditions which was enjoyed by all,” he said. “There was good skiing by all skiers over the weekend who had a great time with a great atmosphere over the weekend and lots of fun.”