Another long, cold, wet winter is finally coming to an end, and let me tell you, I am glad about that. I did manage to have one winter session on the Barwon River in Geelong over the winter months and, As fresh as it was, it was a great feeling to be back on the water again.

But now the days are getting longer and our lakes and rivers are slowly getting warmer. Believe it or not this is my favourite time to ski; the morning fog slowly lifting off the water at the same rate the sun is rising.

My local ski club is normally quiet and the wind is kept to a minimum, so as I look down the slalom course all I can see is a mirror of glass. I always make sure that I’m first off the doc so that I get to break the ice and get the best conditions. Then I’m the first one back on dry land thawing out around the camp fire.

Although things slow down in Australia during the winter months, there has been plenty of Aussies skiing up storms around the globe. In this issue we will fill you in on all of the international news and tournament results.

You will also find an interesting feature in this issue on how to look like a pro on the water. This is a great lead in to the season, and will give you tips on how to look cool, and stay cool, while you are on the water.

Also fitting in with the theme of getting back on the water after a winter break, our fitness guru Drew Miller has written a great article on how to prepare your body for the up and coming season. And if you check out the Slalom Instructional I have put together, there are plenty of tips on how to best go about dusting off the cobwebs and getting back on the water.

We are looking forward to another huge season of Waterski Magazine. You can enjoy six jam-packed issues coming out regularly every two months.

Our pro team of Emma Sheers, Ryan Green, Brett Sands and Hayden Yates will be contributing their regular columns, and our features will be bigger and better than ever.

We hope that you all get to hit the water sooner rather than later so that you can get the best possible start to your massive season on the water.

Finally, keep all of your great emails flowing because it’s always nice to get feedback and advice.

Ben Wilson.