Glenfyne-based barefoot water-skier Peter Roberts and his son Thomas have their sights set on making the Australian team for the World Barefoot Waterski Championships.
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The Aussie team - which includes eight open skiers, six junior skiers and six senior skiers - will be announced at nationals in Sydney later this month.
Worlds will also be held in Sydney from April 12-18.
The Roberts are competing in a rating competition at Mulwala on Friday night and Saturday to push their case for national selection.
"I'm trying to get my jump score up by .5 (of a metre) to make the worlds team as an individual if I don't make the Australian team," Thomas said.
If the Roberts are not selected for Australia, they can still compete as individuals at worlds if they have the qualifying scores.
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Thomas has already qualified in the trick and slalom categories but is aiming to fly half a metre further this weekend to qualify for jump as well.
It's an exciting 2020 coming up for the 15-year-old who will compete at worlds for the first time.
He's ranked 14th overall in the world in the under 17 men's section.
Thomas is 17th in the world for trick, 17th for slalom and 14th for jump.
Peter, who is ranked 22 in the world in the 35 and over men's, has also qualified for trick but needs to improve his scores to secure a spot at worlds for slalom and jump.
The last few comps, Thomas has been out-jumping me so there's been a bit of a rivalry there.
- Peter Roberts
He said he was keen to improve his jump score given Thomas was starting to beat him in that category.
"The last few comps, Thomas has been out-jumping me so there's been a bit of a rivalry there," he said with a smile.
While Peter and Thomas are thriving in the sport, there is another Roberts that is getting his start.
Harry Roberts is learning from dad Brett, as well as his uncle and cousin.
The eight-year-old is keen to start competition.
"My goal is try and start without the skis out the back and to go barefoot," he said.
Brett has been pleased to see his son's progress.
"The best part of the sport is watching the kids come through," he said.
There will be a training camp at Boggy Creek on March 14-15 for anyone interested in trying barefoot water-skiing.
"We get a few locals to have a go at the sport," Peter said.
He said the camp, not long before worlds, may attract some top water-skiers.
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