Nineteen of the world’s best male and female slalom waterskiers, including 5 past World Champions, are in the UK this week for the final stop in the European leg of The Waterski Pro Tour.

The Oxfordshire Pro Am promises to be a great spectacle with the women's and men's finals taking place under floodlights on Saturday night.

Seven British Pro skiers will be on the start dock, including the current Waterski ProTour leader and two-time Men’s Slalom World Champion, Will Asher, who has been in outstanding form so far this season; Rob Hazelwood, who has recently won two Pro events; and the Overall World Record Holder, Joel Poland, who has shown that he is a match for the slalom specialists.

Will Asher winning the 2024 Swiss Pro Slalom. Photo: Tiare Miranda

Unfortunately, the current Men’s Slalom World Champion, Freddie Winter will be absent.  He is out for the rest of the season after breaking his leg in a crash while competing in France at the end of June. We wish him all the best for a speedy recovery.

Among the leading international waterskiers taking part are the two-time Men’s Slalom World Champion and 10-time European Champion, Thomas Degasperi of Italy; the two-time and reigning Women’s Slalom World Champion, Jaimee Bull of Canada; the 2019 Women’s Slalom World Champion, Manon Costard of France.

Manon Costard of France. Photo: Lynn Novakofski

As well as the Pro skiers, 80 amateurs of all ages will compete in teams of four over three rounds of slalom.

Steve Glanfield, who runs Oxford Wakeboard & Ski Club and is the organiser of the event, said: “The Oxfordshire Pro Am is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of waterskiing excellence.  It is a privilege for me to welcome the world’s best waterskiers to picturesque Queenford Lakes. 

“This is a rare opportunity for the public and waterski fans across the UK to see up close these exceptional athletes showcase their talent."

The full list of GB Pros entered is: Will Asher, Rob Hazelwood, Joel Poland, Charlie Emmett, Arron Davies, Ben Turp, Calum Heath.

The Oxfordshire Pro Am takes place on Friday 12^th and Saturday 13^th July at Oxford Wakeboard & Ski Club, Queenford Lakes, Burcot Lane, Dorchester-on-Thames, OX10 7PQ.

Entry is free for spectators who are asked to register their attendance in advance on the Oxfordshire Waterski Pro Am website.

The event will be livestreamed on YouTube by The Waterski Broadcasting Company and the full schedule and live results will be available here.