Imagine the thrill of speeding across the water at 144 km/h, towed by a powerful boat, only to have the entire event abruptly cancelled. That’s exactly what happened to a highly anticipated waterski racing event planned for Lake Bonney in South Australia’s Riverland region. But here’s where it gets controversial: the cancellation wasn’t due to weather, safety concerns, or lack of interest—it was because organizers couldn’t meet the permit requirements. And this is the part most people miss: the event was unsanctioned, according to South Australia’s Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) and Ski Racing Australia, the sport’s governing body.
Organized by Riverland Water Ski Racing SA and promoted on Facebook in early December, the event was set to take place on February 7 and 8. With 17 races scheduled, including high-speed competitions, it promised to be a thrilling spectacle. Entry fees were set at $350 per boat and $300 per participant, and by January 21, 130 participants across 27 boats had signed up. But just weeks before the event, organizers announced its cancellation, citing a ‘late list of permit conditions’ from Marine Safety SA that they claimed were ‘not feasible to meet’ in such a short timeframe.
Here’s the kicker: the DIT was still reviewing the organizers’ application for an aquatic activity license when the cancellation was announced. In a statement, a DIT spokesperson explained that they had requested ‘further clarification and documentation’ from the organizers as part of their assessment process. The department’s goal? To ensure that risks to participants, officials, and other river users were adequately managed. The application, submitted on January 16—just two weeks before the event—fell short of the department’s requirement for a minimum four-week notice.
This situation raises a thought-provoking question: Should event organizers be given more flexibility in meeting permit requirements, or is strict adherence to timelines necessary to ensure public safety? Some might argue that bureaucracy killed the excitement, while others believe rules exist for a reason.
Adding another layer of complexity, Ski Racing Australia is currently reviewing its risk management framework following the suspension of racing events in 2024. The review recommends banning all water ski racing on river courses and imposing a permanent speed limit of 110 km/h for towing activities. These proposed changes could reshape the future of the sport, sparking debates among enthusiasts and safety advocates alike.
In the meantime, the DIT has confirmed that Marine Safety Officers will be present in the Riverland region this weekend to monitor activity on Lake Bonney, enforcing speed limits and other safety requirements. As for Riverland Water Ski Racing SA, they’ve promised refunds for all paid memberships and are working to bring the event ‘back on the water.’
What do you think? Was the cancellation justified, or did red tape go too far? Let us know in the comments—this is a conversation worth having!
