Latest News From Ski Racing 

 

SRQ GENERAL MEETING 

 

 

 9th May 2025 

Ski Racing Australia Board Update – Issue 6 

 

The Ski Racing Australia Board (SRA) remains focussed on a return to racing which is only possible with new policy development and significantly enhanced PPE. 

The recommendations coming from the Maritime Special Investigation report, which has been delayed until the middle of May 2025, will also play a key role in defining how we go racing. 

It is intended that this communication will bring everyone up to date with the current situation as it relates to our ability to realise these outcomes. 

1. Proposed Time Line to Return To Racing 

 

Until SRA have received the final report and are in a position to make a decision on what else is required prior to a return to racing, this timeline will continue to be fluid. 

In the meantime, over the next two months, we will have focus in the following areas:- 

May 

 SRA will receive and digest the draft Maritime Special Investigation recommendations. We will have two weeks to provide our response to Maritime and are well placed to achieve this. 

 The Compliance Committee will continue working on the initiatives discussed below. 

 The Racing Committee will continue working with the Compliance Committee to refine the new policies & procedures critical to our return to racing. 

 The Safety Committee will be working on further development of our PPE, with focus moving from wetsuits and towards helmets. 

 The Safety Committee will review our new guidelines on wetsuits, restraints and helmets. 

 The Board will determine any additional projects required and the associated timelines. 

 The SRA Board will next meet on Wednesday 14th May 2025. 

 2023 Annual General Meeting – 7pm - 20th May 2025 

 The Board will make a final determination if an Australian team can be sent to the 2025 IWWF World Water Ski Racing Championships in Belgium. 

 

June 

 Consultation and agreement with Maritime on the path forward to return to racing, ideally from 1 July. 

 The Board expects to finalise the new PPE options or reset the timeline for completion. 

 Finalise the SRA Sanctioning Policy review and Return to Racing Plan. 

 Reset Memberships and agree upon a Return to Racing Calendar, if in alignment with Maritime recommendations. 

 

2. PPE Update – SRA Safety Committee 

 

The SRA Safety Committee is continuing to work hard at developing the best skier PPE possible, specifically in terms of limiting the range of motion of the head and neck to combat upper cervical spinal injuries. 

To date we have developed a number of key changes and additions to the design of wetsuits that have yielded significantly improved performance of anchor points. Regardless of the style/s of head and neck restraint that we ultimately decide upon we need the anchor points that any device and/or tether will utilise to incur minimum displacement under load, whilst permitting the full required range of movement for the skier. We feel we have achieved this and hope to very soon release an updated specification for wetsuits to be used in conjunction with head and neck restraints in upper speed classes. 

We have also been investigating how we can improve the performance of our helmets. Most head and neck restraint designs involve mechanical fastening to the helmet at various points. We arguably need helmets that have a higher tensile strength than we have used to date to ensure that helmet integrity is not compromised by the function of the restraint system being utilised and that the helmet is designed to integrate with the restraint system/s to provide our members with the greatest level of protection. Careful consideration is also being given to helmet fit (both front and rear) and liner design. 

We have also been testing various hardware items (including P-clips, D-rings, carabiners, webbing, and ropes ) to determine which are fit-for-purpose for head and neck restraint system/s. Ultimately there will also be a specification published and a list of approved hardware items that can be used in a head and neck restraint system. 

Several members have put forward alternative head and neck restraint devices and ultimately all of these will be tested, on our test rig, to confirm their performance and reliability. 

We are working hard with our suppliers to ensure that when the time comes, we will have sufficient lead time and production capacity to ensure that everyone can access the new PPE. 

We are working as fast as we can to finalise development of these specifications, components, and systems, and hope to be in a position to confirm these to you all as soon as we can. 

3. New Policy Development – SRA Compliance Committee 

 

The SRA Compliance Committee has also been working hard to achieve the redevelopment of the Policies and Procedures that will underly a return to racing. The SRA Compliance Committee is on track to deliver these and is working collaboratively with the SRA Board, the SRA Racing Committee and SRA Safety Committee to do so. 

The SRACC is comprised of Kelly Lindsell (SRA & Chair), Steve Shipp (MWSC), Josh Tyrell (SRV) and Bobbette McMillan (SRNSW & Region V). Other members who have offered their time to support special projects, which are in progress now, support this core group. 

The following is an update on the priorities they are working on, in addition to other projects that have also been started. 

Sanctioning Policy Review, Event Grading Project & Online Compliance & Safety Management System 

The SRACC is currently meeting weekly with an initial focus on a full review of SRA’s Sanctioning Policy and all requirements that lie therein. 

As part of this process, they have drafted a matrix under which all racecourses and events will be graded going forward for sanctioning purposes. The SRA Race Committee (SRARC) will work with the SRACC on this project, utilising their collective experience to confirm the validity of the proposed assessment guidelines and to determine an initial grading based on a variety of inputs. 

The SRACC is aiming to create a comprehensive document that promotes understanding across all SRA subcommittees about the various aspects of event organization and safety. 

The importance of an online “Compliance & Safety Management System” for our sport's governance has been agreed, emphasizing not just the management of Memberships, but Event / Sanctioning / Risk documentation, Incident reporting, Various registers (e.g., Risk Register, Competency Register, Data Collection, QR Code usage, Automated Alerts and Reminders). It is time to create a central hub of all information and for this to be managed online. 

Sanctioning / Risk / Event Documents 

Discussions were held regarding the current set of documents for SRA Sanctioned Events and it was agreed that whilst waiting for the Maritime Investigation, we would continue assessing the documents used at the World Championships and the 2024 Southern 80. 

The SRACC have held meetings with a Risk Professional to have our risk documents brought up to date for any legislative change and to conduct an audit on our proposed “Compliance & Safety Management System”. This professional has been heavily involved in motorsport risk management and solutions. 

Upon receipt of his quotation, the SRACC will be presenting a proposal to the Board to engage him as an Expert Consultant. 

4. Speed Limits & Training on NSW Waterways 

 

Speed Limits on NSW waterways is a maximum of 60 knots when towing effective from 18th April 2025. 

5. 2025 IWWF Ski Racing World Championships. 

 

Recently a communication was sent to members interested in the World Championship event coming up in August. In the interest of transparency, details of that communication have been repeated in this update. 

IWWF Position 

The IWWF Ski Racing Council have advised that as the official governing body for Water Ski Racing in Australia, Ski Racing Australia (SRA) must endorse all competitors to compete in the 2025 IWWF Ski Racing World Championships. 

The IWWF acknowledge that Ski Racing Australia is currently evaluating several safety measures and is awaiting the conclusions of inquiries being conducted by the Australian authorities. Until these processes are finalised, the IWWF has stated that it is unable to take any further action without potentially exposing itself to significant legal challenges. 

IWWF Rulebook 

The IWWF Ski Racing Council confirms as the official governing body for Water Ski Racing in Australia, Ski Racing Australia (SRA) has the discretion to determine how skiers are nominated for the World Championships. 

This includes the ability to excuse athletes from competing in the National Championship in the 12 months preceding the event. 

This outlines that SRA will not be required to conduct Selection Races and a team may be determined by other means. 

Funding of an SRA Endorsed team 

Should SRA be able to endorse a team there will not be any reasonable opportunity to fund raise for the team. Competitors and teams will be expected to be completely self-funded. 

Ski Racing Australia Position 

The SRA Board are not currently in a position to endorse a team, with the Board in full agreement that any of our members competing in a SRA Sanctioned Event, will be required to wear and comply with our new kit (policy, compliance and PPE). That includes any competition requiring SRA to sign off individuals competing (i.e., World Championships). 

SRA has sought legal advice on this and we have been advised that in circumstances where SRA was to send a team to compete at an event, prior to delivery of the safety improvements, there will be risk if a competitor is injured. Furthermore, we have been advised that a waiver (or an expression of interest process) will not necessarily release SRA from all liability, even where it purports to do so. 

As such, the SRA Board are striving to deliver outcomes urgently in order to provide clarity and confidence to do so with time for boats to head to Belgium. We will be making a decision by late May and acknowledge that the critical date is middle of June and that this is not ideal. 

We ask that if you are interested in competing in Belgium that you nominate your intended team, boat, crew, skier, and class to memberships@skiracing.com.au ASAP. 

Finally, we would like to thank all members for your patience in this difficult time. The Board and our hard working sub committees remain focussed on effecting change that will see us all return to racing in the not too distant future. 

Yours in Ski Racing 

SRA Board 

 

 

 

 

 

 24th February 2025 

 

Ski Racing Australia Board Communications – Issue 5 

 

The SRA Board Update - Issue 4 outlined much of the ongoing work that the SRA Safety Committee and SRA Sanctioning/Compliance Committee have been undertaking while awaiting feedback from the NSW Maritime Investigation Review. This work is ongoing. 

 

The SRA Board continue to focus on the All of Sport Review with implementation of the recommendations a priority to ensure we are ready to return to racing. 

 

The next SRA Board meeting to be held early March, will include an update on the progress of all Committee’s and the All of Sport Review. These updates will be communicated to members after this meeting. 

 

NSW Maritime Special Purpose Investigation Update 

The SRA Maritime Investigation liaison has updated the Board after meeting with NSW Maritime last week. All information has been supplied at this time and clarification around the rulebook and data collected has been provided as they build knowledge and understanding of our sport. 

NSW Maritime have indicated they will be in a position to provide SRA timelines for the completion of the Special Purpose Investigation shortly. SRA have also enquired about the possibility of draft recommendations being made available prior to report finalisation. 

 

Heads of State Meeting and State Forums 

 

A Heads of State Meeting will be held in March with updates provided at this time. 

State based Forums with a focus on the Safety Committee workings will roll out in NSW on the 25th February with a other State Forums to be advised shortly. 

 

Competitor Information 

SRA continue to encourage all competitors to complete the compulsory equipment survey. 

https://wwwsurveymonkey.com/6RBSBR7 

 

If you would like to be part of the journey send your questions to yoursay@skiracing.com.au or reach out to your state delegate. 

 

Yours in Ski Racing 

SRA Board 

 

 

20^th December 2024

 

Ski Racing Australia Board Communications - Issue 4

 

The SRA Board met recently to be updated by the SRA Safety Committee, the new SRA Sanctioning/Compliance Committee and by the Maritime Investigation Liaison on the progress for the Return to Racing plan.

 

SRA Safety Committee

 

Much work has been ongoing by this committee and also the Falls Investigation Team. The work, in particular, which Daniel Cotton, Brock McMillan, Connor Lindsell, and Chris Singleton have undertaken, has been exceptional and will lead to enhanced competitor safety.

 

The testing on helmet restraints and wetsuits has been conducted on a test rig developed by “Cotto” and he has been vigorously performing preliminary static load tests to determine what improvements can be achieved with regard to wetsuit design, restraint anchor point performance, optimal anchor point locations, and determination of suitable hardware for the restraint system.

 

Members of the Safety Committee have also visited Crashlab in Huntingwood NSW. Crashlab is a division of Transport for NSW and is responsible for testing and certification of all consumer helmets (inc motorbike, pushbike, mountain bike, etc). The committee are planning to utilise some of Crashlab’s equipment and expertise to perform some dynamic testing on helmet chin strap buckles to confirm peak release loads, and hopefully some additional tests in the New Year.

 

The next step is to build a new test rig for dynamic testing of wetsuits, restraints, and helmets. This will also include procuring testing equipment for performing dynamic tests on the new wetsuit and restraint designs they have developed. As we compile and build  our data via the dynamic tests we aim to finalise the optimisation of the wetsuit and restraint design. The next step at this point will be to provide our data and the dynamic test rig to an independent professional in the field of human crash and sporting biomechanics for the purposes of having our test procedure and data validated.

 

It should be noted that a number of members have also been working on their own solutions for protecting skier’s necks and all of these members should be commended. Their ideas are promoting discussion and the development and testing of alternative solutions and ideas. Their collaboration is appreciated.

 

In the coming weeks, SRA will launch a series of video’s showcasing the testing that is underway. This will help you to appreciate the rigour which underlies this project.

 

The SRA Board have also agreed that the SRA Safety Committee and the Falls Investigation Team will work together to continue working through the objectives of Project Protect into the future.

 

Competitor Information

 

SRA continue to encourage all competitors to complete the compulsory equipment survey to ensure that SRA has the information to assist the return to racing plan.

 

The survey link is

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6RBSBR7

 

SRA Sanctioning /Compliance Committee

 

This newly formed committee of Kelly Lindsell, Steve Shipp and Bobbette McMillan have drafted their Terms of Reference, which will revolve around:-

 

•      Promoting compliance with the SRA Constitution, SRA Rule Book and SRA Sanctioning Policy;

•      Annually reviewing the Sanctioning Policy and Practices and provide resolutions and recommendations to the Board;

•      Engaging with SRA approved officials, event organisers and the various regulatory authorities to ensure any issues are identified and managed; and

•      Understanding and reporting to the SRA Board opportunities for improvement in the overall compliance of SRA.

 

The review of the Sanctioning Policy and all that is associated with that in this new environment, is the current focus for this team.

 

Maritime Investigation Update

 

The Maritime Investigation team continue to collect information from many sources with SRA continuing to supply information when requested.  The lead time for any feedback remains 1st Quarter 2025.

 

Heads of State & State Forums

 

The SRA Board will be holding a Heads of States and Clubs Meeting in early 2025 with a proposed communication forums concept to be rolled out with an SRA supplied information package.

 

All of sport Review

 

With a renewed focus on reinventing our sport as part of the Return to Racing, we have the following key areas being reviewed:

 

•      The type of racing we return with;

•      Calendar of events;

•      Grading of events;

•      Membership Period;

•      Age Group Period;

•      SRA intent to run a new 150hp Outboard Class; and

•      Marketing

 

We encourage our members to be part of this journey by contributing via email to

Yoursay@skiracing.com.au and letting us know what you would like to see implemented.

 

The SRA Board will continue to update our members as progress is made on our Return to Racing plans, with the 1^st Quarter of 2025 critical in both the Maritime investigation and the SRA PPE development.

 

Have a Merry Christmas and we wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

 

Yours in Ski Racing,

 

SRA Board

 

 

1st November 2024

 

Ski Racing Australia Board  Communications - Issue 3

 

A Tribute to Ski Racing’s ‘1 in a Million’ - Jack Coaldrake 

There are some people who walk this earth and leave an indelible mark on every person they meet. Jack Coaldrake was that person and this has been evidenced by the tributes to him from all over Australia and the World.

The celebration of Jack’s life last Friday was a testament to him. Never have we witnessed an outpouring of love such as this. The thousands of people who attended the service, whether in person or online, were all a part of Jack’s incredible life story.

Jack was not only an exceptionally talented and determined skier, he was a devoted Son, Brother, Partner, Friend and Businessman. Jack was also an active contributor in our sport, participating in various committees, driven to improve safety and he worked tirelessly to help anyone improve their racing, even just giving them a start.

Much has been written about Jack and his achievements on and off water and so, we will honour a gentleman who set goals, worked diligently to achieve them, treated everyone with love and respect, and our sport and our lives are all the better for having had Jack a part of it.

Jack was our 1 in a Million and it is now up to us all to move forward in a way that honours Jack and his legacy, supporting the Coaldrake and Ross families and each other.

Forever 65

Member Update

Suspension of Racing Extension

The path that we have been on to lift our suspension of racing has been one of twists and turns and whilst our journey down this path has certainly slowed since Jack’s passing, we remain committed to bringing racing back safer than ever before.

Our Safety Team and Project Protect Team have remained focussed on their specific areas of contribution, however we are simply not going to be ready with an appropriate evidence based solution prior to the end of March 2025.

Therefore, in consultation States and Clubs and with NSW Maritime, SRA will be extending the Suspension to Racing to 30 June 2025. Doing so will provide valuable time for the SRA Safety and Project Protect teams to continue working on the best possible solutions and importantly, allow the Maritime Special Investigation to be completed without additional noise.

 

 

Maritime Special Investigation

Last week, SRA met Maritime’s initial requirement for information and we stand ready to assist in any way possible.

Member Forums

There is no doubt this is a longer journey than we initially envisaged and the reality is that we are all in it together. As we have said previously, we need your help.

We will now work with each of the States to hold a series of Member Forums, to provide you all with a more in-depth update and give you an opportunity to ask the questions important to you. Details to be announced soon.

Bathurst 1000 - Driving safety forward!

In conjunction with Supercars and Motorsport Australia, NSW Maritime initiated an invite to Ski Racing Australia to attend the Repco Bathurst 1000. The purpose was to observe the management of the event, discuss their use of technology and the safety frameworks that protect competitors, spectators and the public while keeping the spirit of competition alive.

Representatives of our Compliance Committee, Steve Shipp and Kelly Lindsell, represented SRA at this event and have come away with a wealth of knowledge sure to benefit Ski Racing for many years to come.

“When it comes to racing on water or on land, safety is the top priority. These events bring incredible energy and excitement, but they do come with unique challenges that require substantial coordinated efforts” said Mark Scali, Director, NSW Maritime.

“It's not just about rules and regulations, it's about fostering a safety culture across every aspect of these events, from refining technical regulations and embracing new technology to improving control measures and even addressing environmental factors. The expertise from Supercars and Motorsport Australia helps make it possible to cover safety from all angles.”

The Bathurst invitation arranged by Maritime, is representative of the working relationship that we have with them. Maritime are determined to work with SRA to help us through the issues we face and we appreciate their time and experience.

We want to send a huge thankyou to Tim Watsford and Phil Shaw from Supercars, David Stuart from Motorsport Australia and Adam Parker NSW Ambulance for hosting and sharing their expertise.

We also wish to thank Mark Scali (Director, NSW Maritime South), Darren Wood (Director, NSW Maritime North), Nayland Aldridge (Senior Maritime Investigations Officer appointed to the Special Purpose Investigation on Ski Racing), Dion Voyer (NSW Maritime Principal Manager) and Lisa Nott (Senior Special Aquatic Event Officer, Sydney Harbour).

 

 

 

Memberships

In respect of Memberships, we are continuing to work on a solution that acknowledges your support and we appreciate your patience.  The solution will consider a return to a financial year for SRA Memberships.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your state delegate.

 

Yours in Ski Racing,

SRA Board

 

 

  

RESULTS

Queensland State Titles - Sunday 2023 - Results

 

Queensland State Titles - Saturday 2023 Results

 

Richmond River Rush - 29th January 2023 - Race Results

 

Richmond River Rush - 28th January 2023 - Qualifying + Sprint Races

 

SRQMPBC7 - Bundaberg - 19th & 20th November 2022 - No Results

 

SRQMPBC6 - Atkinson Dam - 11th September 2022

 

SRQMPBC5 - Moogerah Dam - 14th August 2022

 

Clarence 80 - Big4 Big River Holiday Park 2nd & 3rd July 2022

 

QLD State Titles - Grafton 11th & 12th June 2022

 

SRQMPBC4 - Moogerah Dam - 29th May 2022

 

SRQMPBC3 - Somerset Dam 8th May 2022

SRQMPBC2 + Classic - Somerset Dam - 26th & 27th March 2022

 

SRQMPBC1 - Moogerah Dam 30th January 2022

 

 

 

Latest News From Ski Racing Australia 

 

https://skiracing.com.au/sports-news/

 

 

 

SRQ General Meeting Minutes 2021/22/23/24/25

 

Minutes from March 2025 General Meeting are available for Download Here

 

Minutes from May 2024 General Meeting are available for Download Here

 

Minutes from August 2023 General Meeting are available for Download Here

 

Minutes from June 2023 General Meeting are available for Download Here

 

Minutes from May 2023 General Meeting are available for Download Here 

 

Minutes from April 2023 General Meeting are available for Download Here

 

Minutes from March 2023 General Meeting are available for Download Here

 

Minutes from January 2023 General Meeting are available for Download Here

 

Minutes from November 2022 General Meeting are available for Download Here

 

Minutes from September 2022 General Meeting are available for Download Here

 

Minutes from August 2022 General Meeting are available for Download Here

 

Minutes from the July 2022 General Meeting available for Download Here

 

Minutes from June 2022 General Meeting are available for Download Here

 

Minutes from May 2022 General Meeting available for Download Here

 

Minutes from April's 2022 general meeting are available now Download Here

 

Minutes from March's 2022 general meeting are available now.
Download here

 

Minutes from February 2022 general meeting.

Download Here

 

                               Minutes from General Meeting January 19th 2022 are available now Download Here.

 

           Minutes from General Meeting December 7th 2021 Click here to download them.

 

 

SRQ ANNUAL General Meeting Minutes

 

Minutes from Annual General Meeting February 2023

 

Minutes from Annual General Meeting August 2021