Bennett crowned Pond Skim National Champion

Mt Buller’s Corona Extra Pond Skim National Championships made a splash in its 2nd year, attracting a huge crowd and close to 100 competitors.

The wacky event saw skiers and snowboarders attempt to skim across a 30 metre, custom built pond on the resort’s Bourke St run. Competitors were judged on 3 different categories by an expert panel, including The Project’s Peter Helliar. Categories included: best skim, best trick and of course, best costume. The competition was fierce in both the individual and team categories as the ‘Skimmers’ fought it out for more than $5000 worth of prizes.

The title was taken out by Mt Buller local, Andre Bennet who skimmed across the pond in a fetching sequined number all topped off with a front flip to exit. Bennet was in for a successful day, also taking out the team event alongside fellow sequined skier, Tom Lovick.

The Junior Pond Skim National Championships saw another local in first place, with Jack Fergus’ stylish skim seeing him on top of the podium for the first time.

The fun continued when the skimming stopped, with Melbourne based electro-pop due, Client Liaison taking to the stage at the Corona Extra After Party in the Moosehead Bar & Bistro. Playing to sold out crowds at events like Splendour in the Grass earlier this year, Client Liaison has close ties to Mt Buller, shooting the film clip for “Feed the Rhythm” on the mountain last year.

General Manager of Buller Ski Lifts Laurie Blampied said today the event was a huge success.

“After just two years, it’s a pleasure to see the Pond Skim become a staple on our events calendar and one of the most exciting days in September. Once again, it was a huge success and saw the Mt Buller community turn out in droves to catch all the action. With the sun shining and weather warming up, it’s a testament to all the fun there is to be had at Mt Buller in spring,” Blampied said.