Hartlepool has a long history of waterskiing in Middleton Bay. From the early days of Hartlepool Yacht Club water skiing has remained an active sport on the waters around the town.
The group ski and board on the sea, but also can be found in the shelter of the 'basin' or 'pond' which we use regularly. This is a nice sheltered area within the outer harbour wall which gives some flatter water. This is ideal for learning and practicing. There is also something of a beach which is black with sea coal, not a luxury beach but is an ideal spot for the group to ski from.
The group ski and board on the sea, but also can be found in the shelter of the 'basin' or 'pond' which we use regularly. This is a nice sheltered area within the outer harbour wall which gives some flatter water. This is ideal for learning and practicing. There is also something of a beach which is black with sea coal, not a luxury beach but is an ideal spot for the group to ski from.
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| Using the sheltered basin. |
Ski Racing was the main competitive activity offshore at Hartlepool and a small group remain active as well as a number of recreational skiers. Hartlepool was one of the clubs to host a first round of the National ski racing championships in 1968 and went on to host European cup races in the 1970's and many National races up to the late nineties. Often in the days when ski racing was a popular it was not unknown to see 60 skiers and boats in a national race at Hartlepool. The water at Hartlepool was renowned amongst the ski racing fraternity as being some of the toughest to race on in the UK. The large swells which are a common at Hartlepool made racing very tough and exciting. Many Hartlepool skiers also went on to compete in European and World Championships.
The group run a series of water ski time trials through the year which are a very simple form of individual competition against the clock as well as a ski racing training series for more accomplished skiers. Time trial results are on the time trial results page
The group run a series of water ski time trials through the year which are a very simple form of individual competition against the clock as well as a ski racing training series for more accomplished skiers. Time trial results are on the time trial results page
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| Skiers on pairs |
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| Slalom skiing |
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| Catching air on the kneeboard |
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| Ski racing from the 1980's |
