WATERSKI enthusiasts will descend on the Murray River at Echuca for next weekend's Southern 80 competition.
The 2012 Southern 80, the largest waterskiing competition in the southern hemisphere, has attracted almost 600 entries, with 1070 individual competitors competing across the weekend.
The 2012 Southern 80 was in danger of being a wipe out due to soaring insurance costs. Ski Racing Australia requested Moama Water Sports Club pay an extra $100,000 in insurance fees and shift the event from the second weekend in February to the last weekend in April.
But the long-distance race will go on with full fields competing in a range of events including the 60mph classes, the social class and the expert class.
The main race begins at 8am on Sunday, with the first boat Rush leaving Torrumbarry Weir followed by 99 Psycho Clowns F1 towing Under 16 boys.
Entry to Victoria Park Boat ramp is $20 per day - or $30 for a weekend pass.
More than 100,000 spectators are expected to watch the fierce competition as crews and skiers race from Torrumbarry to Echuca on the Murray River.
