CPL Tommy Osterburg and LAC Marty Matthews finish the single ski freeboard.

On 10-11 March, six teams from Air Force, Army and Navy met at the Hume Dam, in Albury/Wodonga to compete in the Defence Inter-Service Water Ski competition. The team from the RAAF Amberley Water (RAW) Ski Club returned victorious as winner of the prestigious lane race competition.

The lane races involve two relay teams (with four skiers in each team) racing around a figure eight course, with the winner going through to the next round. The competition also included time trials, which involves 12 different types of ski events, and in which RAW Ski Club placed third.

This is the first time in the history of the event that RAAF Amberley has had its own boat 'Bearfoot' at the event, due to the logistics of getting it there. Previous year's competitors from Amberley merely became 'extras' to other teams.

LAC Brett Perkins competes in the wakeboard stage of the time trial relay.

The 15 member Amberley Team contained representatives from both Air Force and Army. OIC of the RAW Ski Club, Flight Lieutenant Karl Matthews, considered that winning the lane race was an impressive achievement given the high standard of skiing and boat driving skills present in other Defence clubs.

Corporal Thomas Osterburg, President of the RAW Ski Club, said that the Amberley team finally had a chance to prove itself to the other Defence clubs, and it was great to see the team do so well. The win was definitely a team effort.

CPL Osterburg said the RAW Ski Club greatly appreciated the support of the Amberley Base Commander, Wing Commander Lawson, and the rations store, camp store, and transport section.

Water skiing has only recently been recognised as an approved inter-Service sport and operates under the Australian Water Ski Association (AWSA). Amberley Caltex Service Station, Dolphin & Reef Wetsuits also proudly support the RAW Ski Club at Sumner Park and C&P Waterski.

RAW welcomes new members, regardless of their skill level. The club operates from their own ski hut on the shores of Lake Moogerah, which has facilities to accommodate 33 people. The cost of a ski with the RAW Ski club is only $3 to $5, and all levels of skiers are welcome to come and enjoy the sport. For more information on the club, contact Tommy Osterburg on (07) 5461 3905 or visit web site http://amb-is1/waterski/ (intranet only)

Story by FLTLT Karl Matthews