Frostbite waterski race 2012 rerun

Yes it might seem like a typo but it's not. The 2012 Frostbite waterski race was postponed and we only managed to get round to reorganising it in October 2013! Why is it that when we decide to have a ski race the weather turns for the worse? The week leading up to the Frostbite 2012 rerun was particularly grim. The storms were so bad during the week that the Longscar bell was lifted from it's usual position and moved half a mile away, according to Coastwatch. Needless to say that it was impossible to run a race on the sea so a time trial was the only substitute. 

Dave waves for more speed!!

Even within the basin there was quite a swell running along the pier wall making the skiing fairly challenging. The circuit was by no means flat water with waves breaking through the harbour entrance. A standard 3 laps of the basin was the circuit.

Dave Owens posted the fastest time sweeping the competition aside to win by a clear 24 seconds. The times were tight for 2^nd with Geoff, Simon and Lewis being only seconds apart. Rikki had a lightning start on his warm up lap but overcooked it early on to show us all a spectacular fall. Another fall at the bottom end of the course ended his bid for a top time. This was a pity as Rikki has really improved this year and put in some fast laps. Phil was a bit slower than his usual form, probably the cold weather. Micky had a bit of trouble getting up but put in a lap before falling on the bottom turn. I've never seen anyone cartwheel off the start like that before! It was a shame none of the ladies wanted to ski, but who can blame them the way the weather was? Perhaps we should have a mid summer Frostbite?

Flying finish

Results   More photos 

Many thanks to Paul for the loan of his boat for the time trial and to Mac for driving and Mike for observing in foul conditions. Thanks also to Den for risking his equipment to take some great shots again!

Next one is the 2013 Frostbite on 1^st December, 12:00pm.