Announcing the 2024 Wake Canada Council Election Candidates
Wake Canada is pleased to announce the candidates for the Wake Canada Council Re-run Election.
- Tanner Champion
- Marcus Ellis
- Amy Gillespie
- Andy Oke
- Crystal Tost
- Caro Villeneuve
Learn more about each candidate below:
Tanner Champion
Home: Vancouver Island, BC
Tell us about yourself and your connection to the wake community.
- I’m a wakeskater, dad, and lover of all towed watersports. I’ve had a career as a professional wakeskater, coached, officiated, and hosted events. As junior development director at my local club and a Wake Canada council member, I’m committed to growing the sport and supporting future athletes.
What relevant experience (professional, volunteer, or personal) do you bring that would make you a valuable council member?
- I’m a professional wakeskater with national titles in both boat and cable. Beyond competing, I’ve contributed to the sport as a coach, official, and event host, including serving as the chief judge at nationals. Currently, I stay active by competing, hosting events, and running wake clinics. As the junior development director at my local club and a member of the Wake Canada council, I’m passionate about growing the sport and supporting the next generation of riders.
What is your vision for Wake Canada and how do you see yourself contributing to the growth of the sport and the community?
- My vision for Wake Canada is to build a thriving, inclusive community that supports athletes of all levels, from assisting PSOs with the grassroots to helping wake Canada support the elite. I aim to expand sport equality between all towed board sports. As a member of the Wake Canada council, I’ll advocate for athlete needs and ensure the sport evolves while staying true to its core values. My goal is to mentor the next generation, create opportunities for progression, and foster a welcoming community for all.
Describe a time when you successfully worked as part of a team to achieve a goal. How does that experience prepare you for collaborating with the council?
- As chief judge at nationals, I led a team of officials to ensure consistency, uphold standards, and manage tight schedules. Effective communication and delegation were key to our success. This experience taught me how to collaborate under pressure, maintain focus on the goal, and get things done efficiently. It has prepared me to work with the Wake Canada council by fostering teamwork, ensuring all voices are heard, and driving projects forward in a timely manner.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Wake Canada, and how would you address it as a council member?
- One of the biggest challenges facing Wake Canada is ensuring that initiatives and projects are executed efficiently and in a timely manner. As a council member, I would focus on streamlining communication, setting clear timelines, and holding stakeholders accountable for meeting deadlines. I would also advocate for better coordination between committees, clubs, and athletes to ensure that plans are not only well-structured but also swiftly implemented. Timely action will ensure we stay ahead in growing the sport and supporting our community effectively.
Marcus Ellis
Home: Peterborough, Ontario
Tell us about yourself and your connection to the wake community.
- I’m an active member in the wakeboard community. I’ve been competing in wakeboarding almost 20 years from the roots series riding behind the boat to still being active in the Wake Canada cable series.I’ve been around seen the evolution of water sports and would like to give back to our community.
What relevant experience (professional, volunteer, or personal) do you bring that would make you a valuable council member?
- Working for cottage toys for over 10 years running their ski school that includes kids camps, private events, resorts. Teaching watersking, wakeboarding, wake surfing. Also working at the Railyard wakepark for 5 years running their cable and doing private coaching. I’ve been a judge several competitions including the last 2 years at Canadian nationals in cable. I think my knowledge and experience of the various water sports being around the scene makes me a valuable member of the community.
What is your vision for Wake Canada and how do you see yourself contributing to the growth of the sport and the community?
- I’d like to see all water sports grow and to be a good influence on the younger generation. It was some of my old instructors and coaches the reason why I’m so deeply involved today and I’d like to give back to the sport that has given so much to me.
Describe a time when you successfully worked as part of a team to achieve a goal. How does that experience prepare you for collaborating with the council?
- This year my company sponsored the pwl in its first year here in Canada working with railyard I donated supplies to help make sure this year was success for the railyard and there new expansion to get more international riders to ride here in Canada and get to know our parks. Any opportunity to help or judge or support wake sports of any kind I will always lend a helping hand.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Wake Canada, and how would you address it as a council member?
- I’d like to see more advertisement and publicity. Trying to get more companies to sponsor some of the events. The more people we get to the dock to view these events the more newcomers to the sport and the more the sport can grow. This year with live events We saw ppl able to watch a live feed via Instagram brings new eyes to the sport.
Amy Gillespie
Home: Calgary, Alberta
Tell us about yourself and your connection to the wake community.
- I am a semi professional wake surfer based out of Alberta who will surf rain or shine. This year, I represented Team Canada on an international scale. I won a World Championship title in Switzerland and placed within the top 10 in Hong Kong, qualifying Canada for positions in the 2025 World Games.
What relevant experience (professional, volunteer, or personal) do you bring that would make you a valuable council member?
- Besides my athletics, I am determined to furthering the sport of wake surfing in Alberta and Canada. This past summer, I coordinated Canadian Wake Surf Nationals and Alberta/BC provincials. I collaborated with international and local companies including Phase Five and Shuswap Ski and Board to generate swag and prizes for participants. On council, I strive to bring my knowledge about budgeting, event organization, and insight into the athlete perspective.
What is your vision for Wake Canada and how do you see yourself contributing to the growth of the sport and the community?
- Being part of an event supported by the olympic federation in Hong Kong, I saw a glimpse of the opportunity Canadian athletes could have within the sport. I hope to see Wake sports in the Olympics and getting there involves increasing representation and opportunities for Canadians. I believe the greatest impacts begin on a local level. So, in Alberta I collaborate with committee members to plan events across Alberta and training opportunities for athletes. I believe this knowledge could be shared with other Canadian Wake committees to further the wake community across the country.
Describe a time when you successfully worked as part of a team to achieve a goal. How does that experience prepare you for collaborating with the council?
- Teamwork is crucial in the planning and execution of Wake events. Coordinating Canadian Wake Surf Nationals, I collaborated with a driven team and wake organizations to receive discounted or donated prizes. I managed a budget and obtained a comprehensive network of organizations willing to help out with Wake events. During the event, athletes were excited by the prizes they received. I am confident my event organization and collaboration skills will make me a valuable council member.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Wake Canada, and how would you address it as a council member?
- The biggest challenge is facing Wake Canada is accessibility. In Canada, our season for Wake sports is quite limited. So, making those 3-4 months of water time worthwhile is crucial. On council, my goal is to ensure Canadian’s are knowledgeable about where Wake events and opportunities exist. For instance, improving outreach through online communication (social media, website information, email communication). I also believe it is important to consider opportunities to raise funds to support a national team in accomplishing their athletic goals.
Andy Oke
Home: Bayfield, Ontario
Tell us about yourself and your connection to the wake community.
- Owner of Windmill lake cable park for 8 years then changing locations and names to Bluestone Wake park for the last 3 years. System 2.0 cable installer and maintenance technician. Cable operator for world class cable contests around the world.
What relevant experience (professional, volunteer, or personal) do you bring that would make you a valuable council member?
- Cable park owner for 10 years, Toronto International boat show indoor lake organizer for 15 years. Host cable park of Ontario provincial championship 2022, Canadian wakeboard national championship host 2023. Also owner of a construction company for 15 years with 15 employees on staff building 6-10 houses a year, so very organized and hard working.
What is your vision for Wake Canada and how do you see yourself contributing to the growth of the sport and the community?
- Grow the sport of wakeboarding. Better funded national team riders and events. Helping make the wakeboard community’s voices heard.
Describe a time when you successfully worked as part of a team to achieve a goal. How does that experience prepare you for collaborating with the council?
- Toronto boat show wakeboard championships. Helping with the provincial championships at other cable parks and my own along with the national championships. Problem solving issues at Redbull water fire event and Redbull wake the city event in the states.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Wake Canada, and how would you address it as a council member?
- Getting the funding deserved to the Wake community.
Crystal Tost
Home: Calgary, Alberta
Tell us about yourself and your connection to the wake community.
- I’m a Calgary REALTOR® who has been wakesurfing for 10 yrs & fell in love with it. My family competes in events, spending summers on our boat sharing the sport with others. Passionate about growing the sport with more athletes and exposure, I supported Nationals by sourcing sponsors and prizes.
What relevant experience (professional, volunteer, or personal) do you bring that would make you a valuable council member?
- I bring strong board experience, including CREB’s Technology Committee, where I approved tools like MLS software, and RECA, focusing on mentorship and training for new REALTORS®. I also serve on the condo board for our property in Mexico. In the wake community, I’ve co-led prizing, secured sponsorships, and photographed events. I’m skilled in computers, marketing, and problem-solving and always willing to step in where needed, bringing reliability and a collaborative mindset to every role.
What is your vision for Wake Canada and how do you see yourself contributing to the growth of the sport and the community?
- My vision for Wake Canada is to expand accessibility, grow community engagement, and increase awareness of Canada’s competitive wake sports scene. Many in the wake community don’t realize the level of competition here, and we need to find creative ways to share this and grow the competitive side of the sport. I can contribute by leveraging my organizational and marketing skills to enhance events, secure sponsorships, and promote through social media and outreach. I’m committed to fostering inclusivity, supporting youth programs, and stepping in wherever needed to help Wake Canada thrive.
Describe a time when you successfully worked as part of a team to achieve a goal. How does that experience prepare you for collaborating with the council?
- In my real estate business, I work as part of a team daily to navigate the market and achieve goals. I also manage agents, motivating them to reach their professional goals. Additionally, I worked with my condo board in Mexico to solve challenges like managing costs, budgets, and staff. These experiences taught me the value of collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving, which prepare me to contribute effectively to the council and help achieve its goals
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Wake Canada, and how would you address it as a council member?
- The biggest challenge for Wake Canada is raising awareness of competitive wake sports. Many in the wake community don’t realize the level of competition here, limiting athlete participation and growth. As a council member, I’d focus on better outreach through social media, partnerships, and local events to increase visibility. I’d also work to expand access to training and competitions, particularly for youth, while engaging new sponsors to strengthen support for athletes. Collaboration and innovative promotion will be key to overcoming this challenge.
Caro Villeneuve
Home: Originally from Quebec / Currenlty reside in British Columbia
Tell us about yourself and your connection to the wake community.
- I have been involved with Wakesufing in many ways over the years:
- World renown and pioneering legend in the development of recreational and competitive wakesurfing
- Judge, Head judge, Volunteer, Director on multiple board of directors
- Professional Athlete
- Owner/Instructor at H2O School Ltd.
What relevant experience (professional, volunteer, or personal) do you bring that would make you a valuable council member?
- I have been competing professionally since 2007, participated in 92 pro competitions in 7 countries. Results: 75 podiums, including 41 first places, and 24 second places. I attended 11 world championships: making podium 8 times, including a World Title in 2015. I also have multiple National titles.
- I’ve also been the head judge in several events over the years, trained judges and judged in almost every event I’ve participated in.
- Winner of: Wakesurfing Person of Year and Legend Award
What is your vision for Wake Canada and how do you see yourself contributing to the growth of the sport and the community?
- I have served on the Wake Canada Council for the last four years and have been instrumental in integrating wakesurf into the National Team program. During this time I have been an integral member of the organizing committee and head judge / co-head judge for the Canadian Wakesurf Nationals. I have also been the Wakesurf Development Team Coach in BC (WSWBC) for a few years now.
Describe a time when you successfully worked as part of a team to achieve a goal. How does that experience prepare you for collaborating with the council?
- Hard to only single one out. I Have successfully worked as part of a team so many times:
- organizing events
- creating the world ranking system
- director on different boards
- Canadian Coast Guard – Search and Rescue
- Auxiliary Firefighter
- and more…
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Wake Canada, and how would you address it as a council member?
- There are quite a few challenges and a lot of work to do! I believe the biggest challenge will be to try to accomplish as many of the important items in a timely manner. As long as we get our priorities in order and work together, we can accomplish a lot.
- Another great challenge would be to improve our communication with the other organizations we work with (i.e. WSWC, PSOs, IWWF, WWA, CWSA, WSWC, etc). Clear and concise communication is the key to success!
These individuals are dedicated to helping shape the future of the Wake Canada community.
The election will take place from December 16–23, 2024, using the ElectionBuddy platform, chosen for its secure, anonymous voting features and user-friendly design. Election results will be announced the first week of January.
Be sure to check back here, on Wake Canada’s News Blog or follow us on Instagram for updates.