Making Waves
A world champion in the making…
I was plunged into the water
Lauren Bird, 15, Burnham-on-sea
As I attached myself to my water-skis, I was full of adrenalin and ready to go.
A few weeks earlier, Robin Hanbury-tenison, 79, had asked me to join him in attempting to break the record of the youngest and oldest to complete a water-ski across the English Channel.
Robin was raising funds for Survival International, a human rights organisation that supports the rights of Amazon tribes.
I had only been water-skiing for two years, but this was something I really wanted to do.
In preparation for our attempt, I had been doing a lot of training on the water, as well as land-based exercises, like going for runs, to build up my strength.
Finally, the big day arrived.
With my mum and dad, Cathy and Steve, watching us, Robin and I set off on our skis from the Dover coast at 6am.
The weather conditions weren’t ideal, and the water was very choppy, but I remained positive.
But just three miles into our journey, I was plunged into the water by a strong wind.
It was not only very painful, but also really disappointing.
My ski bindings were broken, and Robin and I were forced to return to shore. I was so disappointed. I really wanted to give it another go, and by 10am, I was begging Dad to let me go again.
He could see how disappointed I was, and he knew how determined I could be, so he knew that he would have to let me try again.
We agreed that it would be safer to sail to France first, and water-ski back to England, so that the wind would be behind me.
After repairing my ski bindings, I was off again. We sailed to Cap Gris Nez, and then I was ready to turn around and water-ski the 20 miles all the way back to Dover.
It was really difficult, and at some points I would think, ‘Why am I doing this?’ I was only used to skiing for 20 minutes at a time, so I had to dig deep and use all my reserves. It took me 54 minutes, but eventually I reached the shore. It was such an amazing feeling and I really enjoyed it. I was aching loads, but I felt on top of the world.
To my delight, I became the youngest person ever to water-ski across the English Channel!
Mum and Dad had watched me the whole way and they were both so proud of me.
I am currently at the top of my age category in waterskiing and I have since been selected to represent Team GB at the World Championships in America in July.
It will take loads of training and hard work, but it will be amazing.
I can’t wait to compete!