Pedigree points to State success

Eight-year-old waterskier Byron Nottle is hoping to follow in his father’s footsteps as he prepares for the upcoming State championships in Baldivis.

Picture: Byron Nottle with dad Damon, a former State champion slalom skiier, and Heather Bonney, coach and managing director at Bonney’s Waterski Park in Baldivis.

Training at Bonney’s Waterski Park, with managing director and former champion skier Heather Bonney to help him out, Byron comes with a surname synonymous with the sport across WA.

Dad Damon is a former State champion slalom skier, who watches proudly now as his son takes to the lakes in preparation for a potentially great future in the sport.

The State championships will be held at the Baldivis venue from March 2-4.

And with the weightboard nationals two weeks later, it’s a busy time for the venue.

‘‘Byron will be competing in the slalom and tricks events,’’ Bonney said.

‘‘He and his dad went to America to train last year. He’s riding aD3 ski from America, which is very popular. We’ve got big hopes for Byron because he’s got a beautiful style and he’s a very natural skier.’’

With a talented sibling duo, Daniel and Lochie Woodbine, also regulars at the venue, there is plenty of action happening under the watchful eye of Bonney.

Her father, Frank, who owns the ski park, is a 10-times national slalom champion who is still skiing at the age of 83.

Frank’s late wife, Marion, was a State champion back in the early 1960s, while Bonney is a 12-times national champion and multiple Senior Australian champion.