Jet skier eyes world title

LET Ashby says he got into jet skiing in 2018 during his Basic Branch training, during a wet Auckland weekend.

“I thought, that looks fun and my Dad has a jet ski in the garage; why not give it a go?

“Since then, it’s been a wide open ride and I’ve never looked back, although at times my bank account would advise me otherwise.”

LET Ashby says he’s had exhilarating times racing around New Zealand in the last six years.

“I’ve been learning from some of the best in the world and I’ve been going toe-to-toe with former world champions.”

So far he’s notched up titles as NZ National Champion, North Island Champion, South Island Champion, NZ Tour Champion, Winter Endurance Champion and Rider of the Year.

This year he claimed third at the New Zealand Nationals, which qualifies him to compete at the 43^rd Annual Short Block Technologies WGP-1 World Finals in Arizona, October 5-14.

“The Royal New Zealand Navy has supported me throughout my racing journey over the last six years, allowing me to attend events on a regular basis while also assisting with transport of my jet ski to the south island when I was posted to HMNZS Canterbury in 2021.

“The RNZN has made the journey of growing as a racer and travelling around the country so easy and I’ll be forever thankful for allowing me to chase my dreams.”