Wimmera Catchment Management Authority and Horsham Rural City Council will assess the suitability, effects and sustainability of controlled skiing on the river.

Wimmera CMA has proposed a short trial to assess bank erosion rates along the river.

Authority chief executive David Brennan said the authority wanted to understand the effect water skiing would have on the river bank.

"We've been talking to Dimboola ski club and Natimuk ski club in regards to further use of the Wimmera River, which the CMA is a big supporter of," he said.

"We are also aware of lakes such as Natimuk and Toolondo, which are drying out, so there is more pressure on ski clubs such as Dimboola, and it is a good chance to explore all areas that have potential for water skiing."

Mr Brennan said having an alternate place for recreational water activities would be good for the region's tourism.

He said historically there had not been skiing on the Wimmera River in Horsham apart from during the annual Kannamaroo festival.

A one-day trial of bank erosion rates will be on Saturday from noon to 4pm.

"We have done theoretical exercises and quite a bit of research into the effect of water skiing boats on river banks," Mr Brennan said.

"We've done as much theory as possible, so now we will calibrate a model to use on the bank, which will indicate whether it is suitable for skiing or not.

"If it is suitable we will then need to look at future outcomes."

Mr Brennan said it would be interesting to see what the community thought of the idea.

"We want people to embrace our waterways and use them to their full potential," he said.

The trial will be in a limited and controlled area between Bennett Road, Horsham, and Stawell Road, Horsham.

Mr Brennan said people should avoid using the river for other activities during the trial.