Professional barefoot waterskier and coach Brendan Paige was a guest at Lake Lyell over the weekend where he held a number of barefoot clinics.

Brendan, who hails from Brisbane, is now 23 years of age and spends six months in Australia and six months in America since turning professional three years ago.

Local skiers were privileged to receive first hand tuition by the world’s number two barefoot waterskier on the skills needed for barefoot skiing.

It is the third time Brendan has visited Lithgow who said: “I love the place.

“Everyone is so friendly, Pete and Stacey (Phillips, manager of Lake Lyell) treat me like family.

“It is such a beautiful part of the world and ideal for my sport.

“Over the past three years, I have dedicated my life to pushing the boundaries of barefoot watersking that has never been reached before.

“After a lot of hard work and commitment, I became a professional at the age of 17, which opened up many opportunities and possibilities.

“I now enjoy sharing my passion with others through my clinics.”

Brendan has appeared on dozens of ski magazines all over the world and has built up an enviable reputation after winning events all over the world and throughout Australia that has seen him move up the listings to be number two in the world.

He is currently the Australian trick record holder and the Australian freestyle champion with those titles sitting among a long list of victories that stretch back a number of years.

Lake manager Peter Phillips said it is great to see someone of Brendan’s calibre here at Lithgow.

“Nothing is a trouble to him, his patience with his pupils is excellent and he has had a lot of success with the locals.

“It is a real experience to see his expertise.

“He can do things that most only dream about.”

Persons wanting to know more about this amazing skier can call up his website Brendanpaige.com.au or on Facebook and Instagram @brendanpaige.