Murray River Southern 80 water ski race canceled for 2025 due to investigation into the sport

Organizers of the Southern 80 water skiing event on the NSW-Victorian border say the race will not go ahead next year.

The news comes as the sport’s governing body continues to investigate the event following the tragic death of Victorian skier Luke Wentworth during this year’s February edition of the race.

He was the seventh person to die while competing in the Southern 80 since 1987.

The race is held on the Murray River between Torrumbarry and Echuca.

The participants race at speeds between 80 and 120 kilometers per hour and navigate 120 bends in the river.

Ski Racing Australia announced on Friday it would suspend all water ski racing events until June 2025 as it investigated the sport with NSW Maritime.

Southern 80 organizers posted on Facebook Friday afternoon that next year’s event will not take place.

“NSW Maritime and Ski Racing Australia are currently conducting investigations into our sport, which has led to the unfortunate decision by Ski Racing Australia to suspend all water ski racing events until June 30, 2025,” the release said.

“Unfortunately, this means that the 2025 Southern 80, which we were all looking forward to from March 21 to 23, will not take place.”

‘Big blow’ for region

Moama Water Sports Club chairman Steve Shipp said it was a sad development.

“It’s one of those iconic events that brings Echuca and Moama to life and is great for both the town and the surrounding area,” said Shipp.

“(It’s) a real shame.”

Mr Shipp said the event attracted around 30,000 people to the region and injected more than $10 million into the local economy.

“Not organizing the event means we have to sit on our hands for 12 months,” he said.

Event organizers said the Moama Water Sports Club would host a gathering for ski racers and their families to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Southern 80 on March 22.