Waterskiing: Eade, Cockeram out to make big spray

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Kyle Eade will defend his overall and jump titles and Steve Cockeram will chase an eighth consecutive national slalom waterskiing crown when they compete in this weekend's championships at Auckland's Orakei Basin.

Back from his US base, Cockeram admits he enjoys the chance to compete in his own championships away from the pressure of the world circuit.

New Zealand's most successful waterskier with successive silver slalom medals at world championships, Cockeram said he is keen to add another national title to his collection.

He is using the championships as the starting point to another year on the World Cup circuit which starts with the Melbourne Masters early next month.

Then follow stops in Canada, France, Italy, Austria and the US before the world championships in Barcelona, Spain in September.

The national championships have attracted more than 30 of the country's best including Jarrod Watson, Megan Ross and Christchurch's Craig Rodgers. They will be conducted in two divisions - under-17 and open.

The championships begin at 8am today.