BallOfSpray

Waterskiers held on tight as powerboats pulled them across the 26-mile channel from Long Beach to Catalina Island and back again, during the 62nd annual Catalina Ski Race, July 17.

Each year, large crowds of spectators -- on shore and on the water -- gather to watch the heated competition. This year, spectators lined the docks of Pier J, Queen Mary to see which skier would be the first to cross the finish line. On the water, boaters had a front seat to the high-speed race that had 77 entries this year, an increase over last year.

“It went very well, with one of the closest finishes in history,” said Ken Vaughn, race director for the 2010 Catalina Ski Race.

Todd Haig of Riverside County was out to defend his record of 50:13, but came in second to Australian racer Peter Proctor -- by one-half second. Nine-time winner Haig came in at 55:55.26, and Proctor took the event with a time of 54:54.39.

Join us to watch the 2010 Pro-Am Slalom Tournament at Diablo Shores the upcoming weekend of Sept. 17, 18 & 19 (Fri, Sat & Sun). Bringing over 90 of the top Pro and Amateur skiers from around the globe to the pristine waters of the Diablo Shores Ski Lake located in the midst of a scenic, Brentwood vineyard, less than 15 minutes from Discovery Bay.

Hosted by Greg & Debbie Badal, you will have the chance to watch, mingle and be inspired by some of the world’s top women skiers like April Coble, Karina Nowlan, Regina Jaquess, Jennifer LaPoint, and Karen Truelove.

Men’s Pro skiers include Terry Winter, Thomas Degasperi, Billy Susi, Jeff Rogers, Marcus Brown, Jamie Beauchesne, Chris Parrish, Will Asher and more.

Some of the local favorites include, Richelle Matli, Wayne Bundy, Paul Matthews, Bob Hardeman, Josh Badal, Eric Yamasaki and Greg Badal.

See the Legends of Water Skiing Compete: Bob and Chris LaPoint with fellow retirees.

Action begins with the amateur prelims at 8 AM on Friday, pro-prelims at 8 AM on Saturday and the finals at 9 AM on Sunday wrapping up by 3 PM. Attendance is free for all spectators.

Wear your BAWSC clothing, bring your lawn chairs, cameras, autograph pens and picnic baskets and join many of your fellow BAWSC members who plan to attend the finals on Sunday Sept. 19.

For those who cannot attend, a live, tournament webcast at no charge will be broadcast via the website below.

For more info and directions: http://www.diabloshores.com/