A Chichester water-skier on why it is the only sport she's 'stuck at' and aiming to make the British Team

"I will continue to train hard and compete this year all over the UK," says water-skier Willow Skipsey

When we first met you told me how you got into water-skiing just last year through an after school club. What has happened since then? When Chichester Free School introduced the after school club for water-skiing and wakeboarding at Chichester Water Ski I tried it and absolutely loved it.

I started doing trick skiing, learning how to do things like doing turns and spins on one ski. Then as Chichester Waterski closed for the winter, I started training at The Waterski Academy in Lancashire and JB Waterski in Surrey. It was very cold in the water at times – there was even ice and snow in the lake! But I met loads of new friends who share my passion and goals for water-skiing.

Will you tell me about the forthcoming National Championships? You have to qualify, which I have just done. I got double the amount of points I needed to qualify, so I was really pleased. Most of the junior competitors have been skiing a lot longer than I have.

As I have only been trick skiing since August 2022 I’m very happy I have got to this point as quickly as I have. The National Championships mean a three-event competition: jump, slalom and trick.

When I started jump training it was pretty scary the first time, but after that I loved it. I can’t wait to do more!

What’s next for you? My aim in the future is to get on The British Team. I will continue to train hard and to compete this year all over the UK.

A 13-year-old Chichester water skier | Vicky Meets

Are you being well supported in your water-skiing journey? I am really grateful to be supported by Universa Law through sponsorship.

I was also given a grant by the Children’s Naval Charity for equipment. But it can be an expensive sport once you start competing, so my parents have to make a lot of sacrifices, as well as taking me to different places in the UK for training and competitions.

My coaches are really great, too. I am really grateful to Duke Hazzard, Nick Mcgarry and John Battleday for helping and encouraging me.

Had you done much sport previously? I have tried loads of sports in the past, but water-skiing is the only thing I have stuck at. I just clicked with it. I think I’ll always water-ski.

Where can anyone interested in water-skiing locally start? If you live in or around Chichester then Chichester Water Ski will get you going. You can find out more on their website: www.chichesterwaterski.co.uk

An author on making a career out of walking and why it is a relief to release the first of four guidebooks | Vicky Meets

A Barnham café owner on being nominated for a business award and why ‘hard work counts for a lot’ | Vicky Meets