Kiwi team heads to the world stage
All eyes will turn to Belgium this August as New Zealand fields a three-skier squad for the 2025 IWWF World Waterski Racing Championships. The event, starting this weekend, running from 23 to 31 August, brings the best in the sport to Europe for four days of high-speed racing.
New Zealand’s team is led by captain Brad Dutton and includes junior representatives Ellison Hollands and Amos Ratuki, alongside men’s F2 competitor Kyle Taylor. Each will be supported by an experienced crew of drivers and observers, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and discipline.
For New Zealand, this is a chance to once again showcase talent on the world stage. With a mix of youthful energy and proven experience, the squad is heading to Belgium with determination and pride.
Ellison Hollands – Junior Girls
At just 18, Ellison Hollands has already carved a place among New Zealand’s most promising skiers. From Tauranga, she enters her second World Championships after finishing 6th in Junior Girls at Gosford 2023.
Her recent record includes winning the Oceania Junior Girls title and claiming 3rd in the Oceania Women’s Open, cementing her status as one of the sport’s brightest rising stars.
Preparation has been intense. “I’ve focused on gym training and plenty of water sessions,” she says. “When I’m racing, I like to keep myself focused and locked in by singing songs in my head. It helps me believe in myself and trust the training I’ve done.”
Hollands admits mental toughness was the biggest lesson from her last Worlds. “I learned that I need to back myself before a race and really put myself first. This time, I’m planning to push harder than ever.”
Inspired by fellow Kiwi racer Jordan Dodwell, Ellison says commitment to the sport is her biggest motivator. “Her dedication reminds me what it takes.”
Amos Ratuki – Junior Boys
From Hamilton, Amos Ratuki is preparing for his second World Championships in the Junior Boys division. He placed 8th at Gosford 2023, and since then has gone from strength to strength, winning U16 and U19 Nationals as well as the Oceania Junior Boys title.
His training has focused on strength and conditioning, with a particular emphasis on mental resilience. “I think about how the race pain isn’t going to last forever,” he explains. “So I just keep pushing through.”
Before competition, Amos keeps his routine simple: stretching, warming up, and listening to music. His go-to pre-race meal? “Apple sauce, electrolytes, and whatever Mum has cooked.”
Ratuki says his biggest lesson from last Worlds was not wasting energy on nerves. “I learned not to stop for stupid reasons because of how much time it wastes. This year, I want to keep pushing all the way.”
Kyle Taylor – Men’s F2
In the men’s field, Kyle Taylor will represent New Zealand in the fiercely competitive F2 division. Backed by driver Jeff Weake and observer Gene Hollands, Taylor will take on some of the sport’s fastest and most experienced athletes in races lasting up to 60 minutes plus a lap.
Taylor’s campaign will be one to watch, as F2 remains one of the most gruelling classes in waterski racing.
When and where to watch
For Kiwi fans, following the action means some late nights and early mornings. Racing will be streamed live and free on the official Waterski Racing Europe Facebook page (look for the blue tick — no other page will carry official coverage).
Race schedule (NZ times):
- Juniors (Ellison & Amos): 8:30pm
- Women’s Open & F2: 12:15am
- Men’s F2 (Kyle Taylor): 1:45am
Each division runs four races across the week, with results combined to determine the world champions.
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Belgium’s waterskiing legacy
Belgium has hosted the IWWF Worlds twice before — in 1995 and 2009 — and has long been known as a hub of European waterski racing. With strong backing from the Flemish Water Ski Federation and the Royal Belgian Water Ski Federation, this year’s edition promises both competitive racing and Flemish hospitality.
For the international ski racing community, it’s a chance to return to the canals and rivers that have produced so many iconic moments. For New Zealand, it’s another opportunity to stamp our presence on a demanding global stage.
Venue changes – Hasselt takes over
The Championships were originally planned to be split between Viersel and Hasselt, but water quality issues forced a late change. Due to the ongoing presence of blue algae at Viersel Water Ski Club, all water-based activities have been suspended, including skiing, jet skiing, and swimming.
As a result, the entire championship will now be held in Hasselt, hosted by the Royal Hasselt Yachting Club.
Eyes on the Kiwis
With Ellison Hollands and Amos Ratuki in the junior categories and Kyle Taylor taking on the men’s F2 field, New Zealand will be represented across key divisions in Belgium.
Team captain Brad Dutton and the full support crew — including drivers and observers Jeff Weake, Gene Hollands, and Greg Dutton — will provide the experience and guidance needed to compete at the highest level.
For Kiwi fans back home, the challenge is simple: tune in, set the alarms, and get behind the black and white.
Looking ahead
What’s next on the waterskiing calendar for New Zealand after the Worlds:
Mercer River Race
Mercer
13th September 2025
Series 1 & 2
Lake Karapiro, Mighty River Domain, Lake Karapiro
4th & 5th October 2025
Series 3
Lake Arapuni, Arapuni Landing, Arapuni Lake Rd
18th October 2025
Bridge Practice Day
Waikato River, Grantham St, Hamilton
19th October 2025
Bridge to Bridge
Waikato River, Grantham St, Hamilton
7th to 9th November 2025
Bryce Newton 100 Miler
Blue Lake, Rotorua
22nd November 2025
Series 4
Whakamaru (near Mangakino)
6th December 2025
