Nineteen of the world’s best male and female slalom waterskiers, including five past World Champions, will descend on 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 final taking place under floodlights on Saturday night which include seven pro skiers.

This include two Buckinghamshire-based participants in Charlie Emmett (23) from Aylesbury, and Calum Heath (28) who is from Chesham.

The current Tour leader and two-time Men’s Slalom World Champion, Will Asher (41) and his cousin, Rob Hazelwood (25), both from Lincoln, will also take part along, Arron Davies (25) from Bolton and Ben Turp (23) from Gosfield.

A week ago Hazelwood won the second professional competition of his career, beating Asher for the first time.

Joel Poland (25), from Clapham, London, who is the overall world waterski record holder (which involves competing in slalom, trick and jump skiing), is also competing.

Unfortunately, the current Men’s Slalom World Champion, Freddie Winter (34) from Wandsworth in London, 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.

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.

As well as the Pro skiers, 80 amateurs of all ages will compete in teams of four, relishing the opportunity to meet and rub shoulders with their idols.

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 witness to see up close these exceptional athletes showcase their talent in what is an extreme and spectacular sport.”

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

Entry is free for spectators who register their attendance in advance at https://oxfordshireproam.co.uk/spectators
The event will be livestreamed on YouTube by The Waterski Broadcasting Company www.waterskibroadcasting.com