Competitors from all states and territories, except for the Northern Territory, were in preparation mode from Monday and organiser Peter O'Neill said it was great to be holding the event after coronavirus caused many events to be cancelled last year.
“We're happy to be having it this year,” O'Neill said.
“There's a lot of work that's gone into organising the event with all the COVID-19 regulations, but it's great to have everybody here.”
O'Neill said the youngest competitor was seven, while the oldest was 70.
“There is one round and then finals, so it is very cut-throat and there's not a lot of room for mistakes in this one.
“There is a slalom, trick and jump events and competitors try and get the highest score possible.
“If you score the highest, you get to go last in the final, which is a big advantage in waterskiing.
“It's a risky sport, so if you go too hard you risk falling off, so going last gives you some certainty.”
The highlight of the event will be the night jump on Friday night.
“Barefoot waterskiing is pretty spectacular at the best of times, but under lights it goes to a new level.
“It's like the sport's version of cricket’s Twenty20.
“The night jump is the place to be if you haven’t been to too many (waterskiing events).”
The 2021 Australian National Barefoot Waterski Championships will start on March 17 and culminate with Sunday's finals.
The championships will be held at Max Kirwan Ski Park, Wymess Rd, Mulwala and entry is free.
Food will be available throughout the event and during Friday night's jump the bar will be operating.
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