What are Virtually the European Barefoot Water Ski Championships started at Trentham Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent, U.K., on Saturday (23 August).

Over forty competitors from countries throughout the world took part in the first day's competition of the two-day championships.

Although not recognised by the British Water Ski Federation, the barefoot competition has attracted strong sponsorships and skiers of high international standard.

The competition is divided into four classes, start technique, slalom trick and jumping .. all often conducted at speeds in excess of 40 miles per hour (64 kilometres).

Included in the field are Rob Lyne from Australia, who holds the European Jump record, and his countryman Barry Hynes who was the 1974 Australian champion.

The Spanish champion of 1972-73-74, Paco Fernandez is also competing and a great deal of interest has been focused on 11-year-old British lad, Ian Ramsey who is competing for The Netherlands.

From Britain, 1974 U.K. champion Denis Atkins and John Horder, the British and European speed record holder are also amongst the competitors.