Report on Amber Butterfield Training Event (20th - 22nd September 2024)

24 Sept

Event Overview
The Amber Butterfield Training Event took place from the 20th to the 22nd of September 2024, hosted across two locations in Ireland to increase accessibility for participants. The training was designed for waterski enthusiasts seeking to improve their skills under the guidance of experienced coach and top-class water skier Amber Butterfield. The event was divided into two phases: the first at Cork Powerboat & Waterski Club and the second at Wake n Ski in County Meath.

Day 1: Friday, 20th September 2024 — Cork Powerboat & Waterski Club
The event kicked off Friday afternoon/evening at the Cork Powerboat & Waterski Club. Six participants attended the session. A total of 11 sets were pulled that evening, providing the skiers with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the water and get in some initial practice runs. After the evening session, all participants were provided with dinner and settled down for a night of well-earned rest.

Day 2: Saturday, 21st September 2024 — Cork Powerboat & Waterski Club
Saturday’s schedule began early, with breakfast served at 8:00 AM at Cork Powerboat & Waterski Club. The 10 participants started with a warm-up session on the dock led by Amber to prepare them physically for the day. By 9:45 AM, the training on the water commenced, with Amber coaching from the boat and Barry as the boat driver. The day was packed with skiing, with the team pulling 25 sets in total. The participants had a rolling lunch to ensure the skiing schedule could continue uninterrupted, with only brief pauses to refuel the boat. Training continued until 5:30 PM, after which the group travelled to the next venue, Wake n Ski in County Meath, for the Sunday session.

Day 3: Sunday, 22nd September 2024 — Wake n Ski, Co Meath
The final day began at Wake n Ski with a simulated competition on the water. This simulation was an important exercise, giving participants a chance to experience competition-style skiing, which was extremely beneficial. Amber conducted a pre-ski talk on preparing both mentally and physically for competitions, touching on critical aspects like selecting appropriate start speeds, understanding wind conditions, and analysing other factors that can influence performance. Following the simulation, the participants engaged in another coached training session with Amber, with Eamonn driving the boat. The team pulled a total of 19 ski runs throughout the day. Wake n Ski provided lunch, keeping the participants fuelled for the intensive training.

Event Summary
Overall, the Amber Butterfield Training Event was a resounding success, with a total of 55 sets pulled over the course of the three-day event. Participants gained valuable insights into competitive skiing and received personalized coaching from Amber and her team. The use of two locations made the event more accessible, and the simulation competition added a competitive edge that was both educational and motivating for all involved.

Participants left with improved skills, greater confidence, and a solid understanding of competition preparation.

Barry Galvin
Waterski Officer 2024