Might as well go jump... in the Basin under lights

Skiers will jump more than 50m. Fans of high-level waterskiing will be in for a something of a treat next weekend.

The Auckland Water Ski Club, which will be hosting the Demon Energy-sponsored NZ Open on Saturday and Sunday, has decided to stage a highly entertaining "Night Jump" display on the Saturday evening.

Featuring up to eight of New Zealand's top ski-jumpers, the Demon Energy Night Jump is likely to be a real crowd-pleaser.

Held, like the NZ Open, in front of the Auckland Water Ski Club's clubhouse on the Orakei Basin shoreline, the Night Jump will see skiers hitting a steep ski ramp at what are described as "phenomenal" speeds.

Illuminated by floodlights, these top skiers are expected to then sail through the air for more than 50m before returning (hopefully still upright) to the water.

In the NZ Open, top skiers will compete in all three tournament waterski disciplines (slalom, trick and jump) and in the open and junior divisions. The action will start at 8am each day and run through to 6pm.

The Night Jump will start at 7pm on Saturday, February 26 and run through to 10pm.

Admission to Orakei Basin for spectators for both events is free. Access to the clubhouse and the surrounding areas with the best views is down a walkway near the end of Lucerne Rd in Remuera.

Limited parking is available along Lucerne Rd and there is also parking on Upland Rd.