THREE highly talented jet skiers have been testing their skills in the build-up to an international competition.

Women’s European champion Lisa Barsby, former British, European and world champion Jim Goodchild and local rider Ryan O’Connor took to the River Tees to tackle the course. Riders will compete at the Tees Barrage, Stockton, today and tomorrow in the first round of the Jet Sport Racing Association’s British Championships.

One of the most impressive classes will be the freestyle section, where competitors must impress judges with high-speed tricks during a two minute routine.

Ms Barsby, from the association, said: “This is our tenth year of racing at the barrage so it is kind of a special event for us.”

The event will take place from 12.30pm to 5pm today and 9.15am to 5pm tomorrow.