It’s been a big week on the water, but the most spectacular part is yet to come.
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The Lake Forbes Aquatic Centre hosts skiers for the fourth annual Forbes Barefoot Water Ski Tournament.
Skiers of various skill levels have been training with visiting super coaches for the past three days at the Aquatic Centre and Bundaburrah Creek, in the lead-up to the competition.
Forbes barefooter, Jim Cronin, said the coaching sessions were booked out with 78 people ranging from beginners to experienced taking part.
The coaching clinic was run by four well known barefoot skiers including Pete O’Neill, Brendon Chattaway, Giz Halasz and Brendan Paige.
Mr Cronin said the barefoot skiers taking part in the coaching clinic ranged in ages between seven and 45 years old and came from around the region.
As of Tuesday 36 people, ranging from six to 60 years old had signed up to compete in the weekend competition, but organisers are expecting at least 50.
The two-day tournament gets underway on Saturday and sees two of the youngest competitors taking part.
Although the competition then runs all weekend, the best time for spectators will be between midday and 5pm Saturday.
Competitors are scored on their skill level, tricks including tumble turns, one foot, going backwards and jumps and the duration of their ride.
In addition to the competitive action, Peter O’Neill and some of the Mulwala Show Ski Team will be doing demonstrations – including Pete’s popular fly board and wake board - throughout the afternoon.
Coaches and skiers from the Forbes and NSW Barefoot Water Ski clubs will be available to chat about all things water skiing.
There will be a BBQ and ice cream van at the ski dam on Saturday.
The competition continues on Sunday, with spectators invited to attend and cheer on the participants between 8am and 3pm.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting warmer temperatures for the weekend, with Saturday set to reach a top of 34 degrees and Sunday set to reach a top of 28 degrees.
However, the Bureau is also predicting afternoon showers for Saturday and scattered showers on Sunday.
