The formation of a Water Ski Club at Woodburn in 1954 became the first town outside of metropolitan areas to have such a club.
In a very short space of time this active club produced many skiers who reached national prominence – among these were Jack Matthes, Bill Grenfell, Jim Roder.
Among the top women skiers was Joan Roots who won the Women’s Grand Champion award at the 1957 North Coast Water Ski Championships held at Woodburn. She was also the Australian Slalom Champion.
Jim Roder at one time held the Australian Slalom Championship, the Queensland Slalom title, the North Coast and N.S.W. titles.
Bill Grenfell held the national title for trick skiing, The North Coast title and State title.
Jack Mattes was the N.S.W. Jump Champion and was a member of the State ski team for three years. For a while he held the jump record of 92 Feet (28.04 meters) established at Lake Albert.
The Ski Club conducted a very successful carnival in conjunction with the Mid-Richmond Lions Club in order to raise funds for the Learn-To-Swim-Pool.
When Bill Grenfell and Jim Roder were chosen to represent Australia at the Championships at Cypress Gardens, Florida, in 1957 the district rallied to raise over one thousand pounds for the “Skiers for America Appeal”.
Jack Matthes, a pioneer member of the Woodburn club was also chosen to represent Australia at Cypress Gardens, America, but unfortunately had suffered a knee injury which put him out of the competition.
Although they did not return with any prizes, they came back with experience which was of great benefit to district clubs.
Jim Roder tried with many others for second place in the World Slalom but was unable to win the play-off which went to an American.
