Jet ski racers bring high-speed thrills to Bawsey Lakes

Some of the best jet ski riders in the world brought high-octane thrills and skills to Bawsey Country Park and Lakes over the weekend.

They had travelled to West Norfolk for the final round and title decider of the Jet Sport Racing Association of Great Britain's 2022 championships.

Organiser Steve Bushell said it was “a fantastic venue” and a “great two days of competition.”

Around 80 competitors took part in 12 different categories and classes for juniors and seniors. “Our youngest competitor was seven years old and the oldest was 68,” said Steve.

Steve's son James, a Wisbech lad and holder of 14 world titles, was among racers along with Luke Lucas, from Norfolk. Both were among winners on the day and will now be heading to Arizona for the world finals early in October.

As well as the racing, there were freestyle demonstrations to wow the spectators.

Bawsey was hosting the event for the first time and the park's business development officer, Richard Wilkins was quick to praise the group for their efficiency, slick organisation and safety procedures.

“They were faultless and have left the park spotless,” he said, adding “They were even prepared to pause racing if it was going to affect our resident wildlife.”

He explained that jet skiing is not going to be among the park's regular activities but a one-off high profile event like this was an opportunity to bring more people in to see what the venue has to offer and to raise much-needed revenue which would go straight back into funding the maintenance and improvement of the site.

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