THE world of wakeboarding was focused on Carnforth last week, as the national championships came to the Pine Lake resort.

The event, which will feature on TV this Friday, saw major success for local competitors, with Pine Lake riders winning five of the nine events.

Organisers hope it is the first of many major events at Carnforth for what is said to be the world's fastest growing watersport.

Like water ski-ing competitors are pulled by a speedboat, though the boards used are similar to surfboards and snow boards, and the sport itself grew out of surfing, when competitors used speedboats when there was no surf.

Competitors take part in two runs of approximately 30 seconds across the lake, and are marked on intensity, composition and execution.

Louise Moore from Scorton took gold in the women's pro event, with Tim Woodhead taking the open men's title, Robert Moyle, 15, taking the junior national title.

The three will head to the European and World Championships, both of which will take place in Sun City, South Africa.

In the 'rookies' ranks, Johnny Farley won the men's while Nicola Slater won the ladies'.

A minor injury ruled Pine Lakes' coach, David Knight out of the action, but he was still delighted with his team's achievements.

He said: "This was a world class wakeboard event and I'm just so proud that we came away with five gold medals.

"It was a major coup to get the national championships to Carnforth, the whole weekend was thrilling."

David added: "I started wakeboarding about five years ago, having been a waterskier before that. I became really enthusiastic, got some sponsorship and became a pro.

"I've now got hundreds of people from across the north to give the spot a go. We had a tour event last year and, having had the national championships this year, it would be great to bring something like the European Championships here in the future. That's what I'm aiming for.

The event features on Sky Sports 3 at 6.30pm and midnight on September 7. On September 8 Sky Sports cover the action at 5.30am and at 3.00pm Sky Sports Extra feature the Championships.

For more information on wakeboarding or waterski-ing, please contact Pine Lake Watersports on 07850 185150 or check out their website at www.plw.co.uk

pictured is Lancaster boarder Andrew Burrows who came fourth in the Intermediary category