NEW RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: National Calendar & Club/School Directory
We’re excited to announce the launch of two new resources designed to make it easier than ever to connect with the Canadian towed watersports community.
National Events Calendar
Stay up to date with tournaments, events, and competitions taking place across the country. A centralized calendar for coaching courses, clinics, camps, and educational opportunities is currently in development and will be available soon.
The new calendar provides a centralized location for athletes, coaches, officials, clubs, schools, and families to find upcoming opportunities and important dates.
View the Calendar:
https://wswc.ca/wswc-events/
Club & School Directory
Looking for a place to water ski, wakeboard, wakesurf, barefoot, participate in adaptive watersports, or join a show ski program?
Our new Club & School Directory makes it easy to find organizations across Canada and connect with your local watersports community. WSWC’s goal is to help more Canadians discover opportunities to get on the water and stay involved in the sport.
Find a Club or School:
https://membership.wswc.ca/public/clubs
Provincial Sport Organizations
For provincial events, camps, clinics, coaching courses, membership information, and local programming, please visit your Provincial Sport Organization website.
A complete list of Provincial Sport Organizations can be found here:
| Province | Organization | Website |
|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | Water Ski & Wakesports BC | https://wswbc.org |
| Alberta | Water Ski & Wake Alberta | https://www.wswa.ca/ |
| Saskatchewan | Water Ski & Wakeboard Saskatchewan | https://www.wswsask.ca/ |
| Manitoba | Water Ski & Wakeboard Manitoba | https://www.wswm.ca/ |
| Ontario | Water Ski & Wakeboard Ontario | https://wswo.ca |
| Quebec | Ski Nautique et Planche Québec | https://snpq.ca/ |
| Nova Scotia | Water Ski & Wakeboard Nova Scotia | https://waterskiwakeboardnovascotia.com/ |
For provincial events, camps, clinics, coaching courses, membership information, and local programming, please contact your Provincial Sport Organization directly through the links above.
Building a Stronger Community
These new resources are part of WSWC’s ongoing commitment to supporting athletes, coaches, officials, clubs, schools, and recreational participants from coast to coast.
Whether you’re looking for your next event or searching for a local club, these tools will help you stay informed, connected, and engaged in the sport.
We encourage everyone to explore these new resources and share them with friends, family members, and fellow watersports enthusiasts.
Together, we can continue to grow and strengthen the Canadian towed watersports community.
CANADA SENDS TEAM TO FIRST-EVER IWWF WORLD WAKESURF CHAMPIONSHIPS
Canadian athletes set to compete on the world stage and vie to qualify for 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China
CALGARY, AB, OCT 31, 2024 – Wake Canada is thrilled to announce that seven talented Canadian riders will represent the nation at the inaugural International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) World Wakesurf Championships in Hong Kong, China. This historic event, taking place from November 2-10, marks the first time wakesurfing has been included in the IWWF’s world championships, underscoring the sport’s rapid growth and rising global popularity.
Wakesurfing is one of the fastest-growing watersports in the world, with its rapid rise showcased at prestigious events and its upcoming debut at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China. Replacing water skiing at The World Games, wakesurfing will join its sister board sport, wakeboarding, further solidifying its place on the global stage. This momentum sets the stage for exciting competition at the inaugural IWWF World Wakesurf Championships in Hong Kong, China, a crucial qualifier for The World Games 2025.
“It’s an incredible honour to see these athletes represent our country at these championships,” says Denver Rush, Team Captain, Wake Canada. “These riders have trained hard, pushed boundaries, and demonstrated the skill and dedication it takes to compete on a global stage. We are proud to showcase Canada’s wakesurf talent and can’t wait to see what our team will accomplish at this landmark event.”
The Canadian team is set to compete in various divisions, showcasing their skills across both skim and surf disciplines, led by Bailey Rush, two-time CWSA Pro World and Canadian champion in skim and surf disciplines, and the only female rider to ever win both disciplines. Team Canada includes:
- Bailey Rush – Open Women Skim & Surf, Ponoka, Alberta
- Amy Gillespie – Open Women Skim & Surf, Calgary, Alberta
- Bennett Bateman – Grom Boys Surf, Ponoka, Alberta
- Jolene Allen – Veteran Women Skim, Chestermere, Alberta
- Kerry Williams – Jr. Men Skim, Calgary, Alberta
- Lily Anderson – Open Women Surf, British Columbia
- Morgan Bateman – Jr. Women Skim & Surf, Ponoka, Alberta
Hosted at Tai Po Waterfront Park, the event will feature a $30,000 USD prize purse.
The official familiarization runs from November 2-4, allowing athletes to adjust to the venue before qualification rounds begin on November 4. The competition then heats up with Last Chance Qualifiers (LCQ), semi-finals, and finals, culminating in six days of live-streamed action from November 5-10, accessible through IWWF’s YouTube channel.
Wake Canada invites fans and supporters to cheer on the team by tuning in to the live stream and following the action on Wake Canada’s Instagram.
For more information on the event, schedule, and live streaming details, visit the official event page: https://iwwf.sport/world-title-events/iwwfwakesurfworlds2024/
Photos of the athletes for use in publication can be found here.
About Wake Canada:
Canada has a rich history as a leading Wake Sports nation, with Canadian athletes achieving many world titles and podiums across all wake sports genres. The national Wake Sports council of Water Ski & Wakeboard Canada, WAKE CANADA supports the growth and progression of wakesurf, wakeboard, wake park, wakeskate and wake foil, including three annual national championships, Elite National Team athletes and Development National Team athletes representing Canada on the world stage. Follow @wakecanada on Instagram for the latest news on wake sports in Canada.
OVER 60 RIDERS MAKE WAVES AT 2024 CANADIAN WAKESURF NATIONALS
Photo Credit: @wjlphoto
The 2024 Wake Canada National Wakesurf Championships, presented by SWS Marine Group, were held in southeast British Columbia over the weekend.
“We had over 60 riders from across Canada from as far west as Victoria, BC and as far east as Toronto and Perth, Ontario,” says one of the event organizers, Loree Duczek. “From personal bests and new tricks landed to the cheering of the crowd on shore, and the live entertainment as everyone gathered for dinner on the beach, it was an unforgettable weekend and we are so grateful to everyone who participated.”
The youngest rider of the day, Casen Taylor of Calgary, took the gold medal in the boys Junior Division, one of 16 divisions run throughout the day Saturday.
Bailey Rush took first in Pro Women’s Skim, with team riders Caroline Villeneuve taking second and Jolene Allen taking third. Rush, a dominant dual rider, went on to take gold and the National Championship in Pro Women’s Surf. With Ontario’s Timmy McNamee capturing the silver medal and Jolene Allen taking bronze.
It was a battle of the bros in the Men’s Pro Combined Division as 3x Canadian National Champ Ryder Duczek and younger brother Dagen went toe to toe. In the end, the torch was passed as Dagen Duczek took his first Pro Men’s Canadian Championship narrowly edging out Ryder in a tight battle for first and second. Surfer Keegan Hodgson of Olds laid down some huge tricks with a high degree of difficulty on his way to third place and the bronze medal with Kerry Williams of Calgary also putting in a solid run and rounding out the Pro Men’s Combined podium in fourth.
“There were several sets of siblings and entire families riding in this year’s event, which speaks to what it’s all about: having fun, spending time together on the water, and sharing the stoke,” adds Duczek. “We are so grateful to our sponsors who made the entire day possible, to all of the participants, and to their friends, family and the members of the public who came out to cheer them all on.”
The Wake Canada National Wakesurf Championships were held at Koocanusa Village on the shores of Lake Koocanusa and capped off another epic year of riding north of the 49th parallel.
Media Contact:
Loree Duczek
250-919-3489
The professional photos can be found here:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/3xn0ocmw38w9b5iksd04g/AMiTTnXfTW2gUI38svIIy3Q?rlkey=0kjr5ctipk1ze408odgfsplwp&st=n7l0xmxr&dl=0
Credit for the photos and video is as follows:
PHOTOS: please credit: @wjlphoto
VIDEO: please credit: @charlesdr_photography
2024 Wake Canada National Wakesurf Championships – Podium Results
JUNIOR BOYS
- Casen Taylor – Calgary, AB
- Jack Mailloux – Newgate/Baynes Lake, BC
- Benson Hennessy – Victoria, BC
JUNIOR GIRLS
- Amaya Anderson – Golden, BC
- Charley Rodwell – Lacombe, AB
- Payton Thompson – Okotoks, AB
AMATEUR MALE SKIM
- Andrey Gangloff – St. Albert, AB
- Edward Anderson – Golden, BC
- Max Chugg – Edmonton, AB
AMATEUR 1 – FEMALE SKIM
- Makenna Thompson – Okotoks, AB
- Lena Dutton – Calgary, AB
- Georgia Milne – Calgary, AB
AMATEUR 2 – FEMALE SKIM
- Ainsley Hennessy – Victoria, BC
- Carly Reitenbach – Foothills, AB
- Olivia Sombrowski – Fernie, BC
AMATEUR FEMALE SURF
- Carly Reitenbach – Foothills, AB
- Tori Tost – Calgary, AB
AMATEUR MALE SURF
- Andrey Gangloff – St. Albert, AB
- Yangyu Zhou – Toronto, ON
- Alek Dutton – Calgary, AB
MASTERS MALE SKIM / ADAPTIVE
- Jason Williamson – Baynes Lake, BC
- Mike Rouselle – Cranbrook, BC
- Wayne Hennessy – Victoria, BC
MASTERS MALE SURF
- Mark Miller – Perth, ON
- Ashley Chugg – Edmonton, AB
- Tyler Tost – Calgary, AB
MASTERS FEMALE COMBINED
- Jamie Chugg – Edmonton, AB
- Bridget Hennessy – Victoria, BC
- Jo Williams – Calgary, AB
ADVANCED MALE SKIM
- Noah Goulding – Calgary, AB
- Nicholas Jensen – Cranbrook, BC
- Bronson Schmidtke – Nelson, BC
ADVANCED FEMALE SKIM
- Morgan Bateman – Lacombe, AB
- Amy Gillespie – Calgary, AB
- Paige Humphrey – Calgary, AB
ADVANCED FEMALE SURF
- Morgan Bateman – Lacombe, AB
- Amy Gillespie – Calgary, AB
- Hailey Tost – Calgary, AB
PRO FEMALE SKIM
- Bailey Rush – Ponoka, AB
- Caroline Villeneuve – Fernie, BC
- Jolene Allen – Chestermere, AB
PRO FEMALE SURF
- Bailey Rush – Ponoka, AB
- Timmy McNamee – Perth, ON
- Jolene Allen – Chestermere, AB
PRO MALE COMBINED
- Dagen Duczek – Cranbrook, BC
- Ryder Duczek – Cranbrook, BC
- Keegan Hodgson – Olds, AB
- Kerry Williams – Calgary, AB
REGISTER TODAY FOR THE 2024 WAKESURF NATIONALS
After a one year hiatus, the Canadian Wakesurf Nationals are BACK!
Join us September 7th on the shores of beautiful Lake Koocanusa in the southeast corner of BC.
REGISTRATION
To register for the event, please login to your membership profile on Water Sports Connect.
ACCOMODATIONS:
There are no hotels on Lake Koocanusa; however, there are a number of campgrounds for those who are interested in camping (see list below). The closest hotel accommodations are in Fernie (40 min drive) or Cranbrook (one hour drive). You can also look for vacation rentals anywhere in the vicinity of Lake Koocanusa (including Jaffray, Baynes Lake, Tie Lake, Rosen Lake, etc).
Here is the list of nearby campgrounds:
Campgrounds near Koocanusa Village
Englishman Creek
Kikomun Creek Park
Gold Creek Bay
Sunshine Marina
Baynes Lake
Will-O-Bend at Jaffray
FEES
Early Bird: $75.00 ($150 Dual) before August 16th
Regular Fee: $85 ($160 Dual) August 16th-August 30th
Late Fee: $100 ($200) August 31st-September 3rd
LOCATION
The Kove Marina Store
Address: 5QC4+W4, Kragmont, BC V0B 1R0
MORE INFO
Cash prize for pro divisions!
Stay tuned for more information!
Contact info@wswc.ca if you have any questions!
Thank you to our sponsors: SWS Marine Group and Malibu Boats
2023 WSWC MALE WAKESURF RIDER OF THE YEAR
WSWC is excited to announce Keegan Hodgson as the 2023 WSWC Wake Canada Male Wakesurf Rider of the Year!
Keegan showcased his talent throughout the year, securing remarkable placements including 2nd place at the Appalachian Wakesurf Open, 2nd at the Centurion Japan Open, and 7th at the World Championships where he battled through the LCQ to reach the finals.
Notably, Keegan emerged as the top Canadian athlete in the Centurian World Series of Wakesurfing, demonstrating his talent on the global scale. Additionally, he had the honour serving as one of the coaches for the Water Ski and Wakeboard Alberta Team, contributing his expertise and passion to aspiring athletes. Keegan’s highlight of the year was getting to travel to and compete in Japan.
Huge congratulations, Keegan, on an incredible season!
2023 WSWC FEMALE WAKESURF RIDER OF THE YEAR
WSWC is thrilled to announce Bailey Rush as the 2023 WSWC Wake Canada Female Wake Surf Rider of the Year!
Bailey’s achievements in 2023 are truly remarkable:
She secured the title of 2023 CWSA World Champion in both the Pro Skim Division and Pro Surf Division, a feat no other female competitor has accomplished! At the 2023 GVA Wake Tour in Switzerland, Bailey clinched first place in both the Pro Skim Division and Pro Surf Division. She also dominated the waves at the 2023 Nautique European Wakesurf Championships, claiming First Place in both the Pro Skim Division and Pro Surf Division.
Congratulations, Bailey, on an incredible season of dominance on the water!
WAKE CANADA – 2024 SELECTION CRITERIA NOW AVAILABLE FOR ELITE (SENIOR) AND DEVELOPMENT TEAMS
Selection criteria is now available for the 2024 Wake Canada Elite (Senior) Team and 2024 Wake Canada Development Team
CLIQUEZ ICI for Elite (Senior) Criteria
CLIQUEZ ICI for Development Criteria
Should you have any questions, please contact Todd Spalding wakecanadateam@gmail.com
2022 WSWC WOMEN’S WAKESURF RIDER OF THE YEAR – BAILEY RUSH
Congratulations to Canadian Elite Team rider Bailey Rush @baileyrushsurf, Wake Canada’s Women’s Wakesurfer Of The Year (2022)!
The talented 23 year old Gull Lake, Alberta based athlete is among the world’s best in both “surf” and “skim” style wakesurfing! In 2022 Bailey took 2nd in Women’s Pro Surf and 5th in Women’s Pro Skim at the @Centurionboats Wakesurf World Championship. At the 2022 Canadian Nationals, Bailey scored 1st in Pro Surf and 2nd in Pro Skim.
For 2023 Bailey plans to attend a selection of the top pro wakesurf contests, as well as the World Championships. In the summer months, when she’s not training and competing, Bailey coaches at her Gull Lake, Alberta wakesurf school @wakesurfalberta.
Also an accomplished figure skater, Bailey just recently completed her Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Kinesiology degrees at the University of Alberta. – Caro Villeneuve
Bailey is sponsored by @phase5wakesurfers
2022 WSWC MEN’S WAKESURF RIDER OF THE YEAR – RYDER DUCZEK
Congratulations to Canadian Elite Team rider Ryder Duczek @ryder.duczek, Wake Canada’s Men’s Wakesurfer Of The Year (2022)!
Ryder has been collecting titles since he was in the Junior division: 2017 Junior World Champ, 2018 Amateur World Vice-Champ and 2020 Outlaw World Champ. Ryder has been progressing exponentially over the past six years, and now competes as one of Canada’s top pro wakesurfers in “skim” style.
The 18 year old, Cranbrook, BC athlete is the 2022 Men’s Pro Canadian Wakesurf Champion, his third consecutive national pro title. Ryder also took gold in wakesurf and wakeskate at the 2022 BC Summer Games.
Ryder surfs and trains with his younger brother @dagenduczek, a member of the Canadian Development Team. Influential coaches that have helped Ryder include @carowakesurf and @isaac_hockley. During the winter Ryder plays Tier 2 Rep hockey. – Caro Villeneuve
Ryder is sponsored by @phase5wakesurfers and @swsmarinegroup
2023 WAKE CANADA NATIONAL TEAM APPLICATIONS- NOW AVAILABLE
Wake Canada is now accepting applications for the 2023 National Elite Team and 2023 National Development Team. For more information, please review the information below.
For the Elite (Senior) Team selection criteria CLIQUEZ ICI
For the Development Team selection criteria CLIQUEZ ICI
CLIQUEZ ICI for the application
*Applications must be submitted by email to wakecanada@wswc.ca
Deadline for submissions are February 15, 2023.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Todd Spalding at wakecanada@wswc.ca
TORONTO BOAT SHOW: Indoor Wakeboard Canadian Championship
Don’t miss your chance to see Canada’s best Men & Women wakeboarders battle for $5,000 cash on the world’s largest indoor lake!
- Friday Jan. 20 – Pro Practice
- Saturday Jan. 21 – Pro Qualifiers
- Sunday Jan. 22 – Pro Finals
The Boat Show runs through to January 29, showcasing all the new 2023 Wake Boats and Wake Sports Equipment for Wakeboarding, Wakesurfing, Wakeskating and Wake Foiling!
CLIQUEZ ICI for more info
CARO VILLENEUVE & TANNER CHAMPION ELECTED TO WAKE CANADA NATIONAL COMMITTEE*
Congratulations to the newly elected members of the Wake Canada National Committee Caro Villeneuve and Tanner Champion. They will join nine of the most respected and experienced volunteers in wake sports: Steve Jarrett, Sean Fleming, Rick Smith, Isaac Hockley, Erika Langman, Todd Spalding, Dary Znebel, Oli Derome and Michela Phillips
TANNER CHAMPION
CARO VILLENEUVE HONOURED WITH WAKESURF LEGEND AWARD*
For anyone on the competitive wakesurfing circuit, Caroline Villeneuve’s status as a pioneer and legend in the sport are well known, but it is now official as Villeneuve has been presented with the Competitive Wakesurfing Association’s most prestigious award, the “Legend Award”, for her contributions to the sport.
“I can’t even begin to express what an honour this is,” says Villeneuve. “I’ve dedicated the past 14 years of my life to this sport and it has given me back so much in return. Receiving the Legend Award is so deeply meaningful, I am just blown away.”
When you look at the list of Villeneuve’s accomplishments, it’s easy to see how she has earned her reputation on the water as one of the world’s best wakesurfers. Since her first competition in pro women’s surfing in 2007, she has participated in 81 competitions as a professional athlete and has stepped onto the podium an astounding 70 times. Among her achievements, 40 first place finishes and 22 second places. Villeneuve recently represented Canada on the world stage at the Centurion World Wakesurfing Championships – her tenth appearance at the international event. She had a podium finish in 8 out of those 10 outings, including a world title in 2015. “When I look back over the past 14 years at the way the sport has grown and changed, and I watch the new athletes who will continue to shape the future of the sport, I am incredibly proud of the contribution I’ve made and the impact I’ve had,” adds Villeneuve.
As outstanding as these achievements are, Villeneuve’s contributions away from the water are equally, if not more, impressive. She founded the H2O School in 2011, the Rocky Mountain Wakesurfing Association in 2012, and joined the Competitive Wakesurfing Association (CWSA) Board in 2013 as the first international director to serve on the Board, a volunteer position she held for seven years. She was named the Wakesurfing Person of the Year in 2015 for her leadership and involvement in the sport and for her efforts to co-create the current World Ranking System. This ranking system is now used and recognized around the world. She has recently become involved with WSWBC to help develop athletes in BC.
She is known for building grassroots athletes and events and as an event organizer brought the first World Series of Wakesurfing event to Canada. The Koocanusa Wakesurfing Challenge drew athletes from around the globe and has been instrumental to the development of other sanctioned events and the sport in Canada. She has also served as a head judge and pro-level judge at events around the world. Perhaps her greatest legacy in the sport is the way she nurtures, encourages and teaches the athletes she coaches.She has developed wakesurf athletes from Canada, the United States, Europe, Russia, Dubai, Bahamas and Japan. “I am so passionate about the sport, I can’t help but share it. Coaching is not only something I do, it’s something I truly love and being able to share it with others is a bonus,” says Villeneuve. And share it she has, having coached wakesurfing or taught boating lessons to thousands of people since 2007.
Villeneuve, who lives in Fernie, BC when she is not running the H2O School on Lake Koocanusa in the summer months, received the Legend Award as part of the 2020 World Wakesurfing Awards. She joins an elite group of people whose contributions have made a permanent impact on one of the world’s fastest growing sports.
“I’d really like to take the time to thank the sponsors who have supported me without whom I would definitely not have been able to accomplish half of what I have achieved over the years: Centurion Boats, Absolut Watersports, Phase 5 Wakesurfers, Wake Ballast, Wake Canada, H2O School Ltd., Commit Snow & Skate, BB Talkin USA and Shuswap Ski & Board,” added Villeneuve.
by Loree Duczek
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2 ELECTED POSITIONS ON WAKE CANADA COUNCIL NATIONAL COMMITTEE*
Interested in volunteering for the Wake Canada Council National Committee?
There are two elected positions open now for nominations to the Wake Canada Council National Committee. The two elected members will join the nine, existing, appointed members to comprise a National Committee of 11.
Below is the low down on the Wake Canada Council National Committee, what it does, who it is, programs and initiatives, to help you better understand what’s involved to help out as a volunteer Committee member.
Click here for a nomination form if of interest, or email info@wakecanada.ca for more info. Nomination forms due Sunday October 18.
Alternatively, if of interest, Wake Canada Council National Committee also has Sub-Committees who work on various initiatives from Marketing; Sponsorship; Fundraising; Women’s Wake; Wake Parks; Wake Schools; Grow-The-Sport; and more. You can email info@wakecanada.ca to express your interest to help out.
Online voting for the two elected Committee positions is limited to current “active” wake-specific members of their Provincial Sports Orgs. Voting will take place October 21-28 with an announcement of the elected positions expected October 30. If you wish to vote and are not a current 2020 member of your Provincial Sports Org, you can still join by clicking here.
Wake Canada was created in 2010 by volunteer wake sports enthusiasts with the moto of “for riders, by riders” under the umbrella of Water Ski & Wakeboard Canada – “WSWC”, as a wake-specific entity to grow and guide the development of wake sports in Canada while staying true to its board sports culture (alongside surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding) AND to advocate on behalf of the wake sports community.
Wake Canada’s specific objectives are to support, guide and administer everything wake – – wakeboard boat, wake park, wakesurf, wake park (cable), adaptive wake and wake foil – – from National Championships to the National Team programs AS WELL as promotion and support of wake schools, parks, coaching, shops, grassroots growth, women’s participation, adaptive riding. Wake Canada fundraises for all of the above through government sports funding programs AND sponsorship partnerships both within and outside the wake industry!
During the past decade Wake Canada has operated as a National Committee comprised of a who’s who of Canada’s most experienced and respected wake experts, from top riders through to leading school/park operators to top industry experts interested to volunteer their time to give back to support the sport and its culture
WAKE CANADA – – WHO IS IT?
The Wake Canada National Committee aka “Wake Sports Council” by WSWC, is currently comprised of the following 9 appointed volunteers:
Sean Fleming (ON) – Co-Chair
Sean is a past international pro wakeboarder, national champion, wake event commentator and producer. He played a pioneering, leadership role in the development of Wake Canada and served as Wake Canada’s rep on the WSWC Board from 2010-2016, a position he re-volunteered for again last month. Sean was named WSWC Volunteer of The Year in 2016. Sean’s two young sons just tried wakeboarding and snowboarding for their first time this year. Sean works in real estate development and finance.
Steve Jarrett (ON) – Co-Chair
Founder of SBC Media Group (Canada’s snowboard, skateboard, surf, wakeboard magazines), as well as Wakestock World Series (the world’s largest wake sports event 1998-2016), Steve has produced numerous international wakeboard, snowboard, skateboard and windsurf events. Steve is a past national and Olympic windsurfing team athlete. Steve served as the Wake Canada rep on the WSWC Board from 2016-2020. Steve also currently co-chairs the Ontario Wake Series. Steve’s son and daughter are active wake, snow, board sports enthusiasts. His son is ranked among the best in Canada and world in wakeboard.
Rick is the longstanding Wake Rep on the Board of Water Ski & Wakeboard BC and plays the lead organizational role for the BC Wake Series. Two of Rick’s three sons are active wake enthusiasts who are ranked among the best in Canada and the world. Rick runs a major event supply company that has worked on some of the largest scale event productions in the sports and corporate markets including Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.
Isaac Hockley (BC/AB)
Isaac is one of Canada’s top wakesurfers, although these days he prefers to compete for fun. Isaac has taken the lead organizational role with production of the Wakesurf Nationals for the past four years as well as a lead volunteer for the Alberta Wake Tour. Isaac also played a key role in the organization of the 2016 World Wakesurf Championship in Kelowna, BC. Isaac’s wife Gabby is ranked among the best in Canada and the world. In his spare time, Isaac is a Real Estate Broker in Cranbrook, BC.
Erika Langman (ON)
Erika is Canada most decorated female wakeboarder, who most recently represented Canada for he debut of Women’s Wakeboarding at the 2019 Pan Am Games (4th place finish). A pioneering advocate of Women’s wake sports, Erika is also the founder of the very successful Roots Wakeboard Tour in Ontario that paved the way for the current Ontario Wake Series. Erika has also played a lead organizational role in the Wake Canada National Championships for both Wakeboard Boat and Wake Park for the past several years. In her spare time Erika is Events Manager at Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood, Ontario.
Michela Phillips (BC)
A multiple National Wake Park Champion and member of the Wake Canada National team, Michela is one of the country’s of most accomplished wake park riders, ranked among the top in the world. Michela retired following her National Championship Wake Park title wins in 2019 (Full Cable & Straightline Cable). Michela is active with her brother Liam’s Vancouver area wake sports school, Cove Water Sports.
Todd Spalding (ON)
Although Todd grew up in the wakeboard and snowboard industry, active in retail and wholesale, these days he has his hands full managing his Insurance Brokerage business and family of three hyper-active teenage snowboard and wakeboard enthusiasts, two of whom are members of the Ontario Snowboard Team and one a member of the National Snowboard Team. Yes, they are also ranked among the best wakeboarders in Canada and the world! Todd is the Wake rep on the Board of Water Ski & Wakeboard Ontario and co-chairs the Ontario Wake Series. He’s also a perennial Masters podium finisher in National Wake Park events!
Oli Derome (QC)
One of Canada’s most decorated wakeboard boat and wake park pro riders, ranked among the very best in the world, Oli is the quintessential wake sports ambassador. He is not only one of the best riders on the planet, he is also a top international wake event judge, operates a Wake School, the Derome Wake Academy, and is the North American sales rep for Follow Wake. Oli has been at the forefront of wake sports development for the better part of his life. In his spare time, he volunteers as a Wake Canada National Development Team coach.
Dary Znebel (ON)
Dary is an acclaimed wake sports pro, famous for his progressive freeriding in wake films and wake parks. He currently has his own pro model with O’Brien Wakeboards. Dary is also a multiple Canadian Champion in Wake Park and Wakeboard Boat. When he’s not pushing the sport with NBD freeriding, Dary operates his own wake school in Muskoka, Ontario and in his spare time, volunteers as a Wake Canada National team coach.
WAKE CANADA – – CURRENT PROGRAMS, INITIATIVES, SUCCESSES
Wake Canada National Team:
The Wake Canada National Committee’s volunteers select, administer, support and promote the Wake Canada National Team.
Wake Canada also coordinates annual National Development Team Training Camps, typically in conjunction with it’s provincial wake counterparts.
Wake Canada National Championship Series:
The Wake Canada National Committee’s volunteers organizes and produces 4 separate, annual wake sports nationals championships: (1) Wakeboard & Wakeskate Boat Nationals; (2) Wakesurf Nationals; (3) Wake Park Full Cable Nationals; and (4) Wake park Straightline Cable Nationals.
In 2020, the Wake Canada National Series was limited to 3 regionalized events, supported by Nautique Boats and Yanmar Marine.
Wake Canada International Events Initiatives
Wake Canada has supported the hosting of several prestigious international events in Canada during the past four years, including: 2016 WWA World Wakeboard Championship (Toronto); 2017 CWSA Wakesurf World Championship (Kelowna); 2017 WWA World Wakeboard Championship (Toronto); 2019 & 2020 Toronto Indoor Wakeboard World Series. Canadian riders achieved multiple podiums and international recognition at all of the events!
Wake Canada Judgement Video Contest
Recognizing that filming and video content is a big part of wake / board sports culture, Wake Canada created the “Judgement Video Contest” in 2014, sponsored by Rip Curl, to provide a platform to support Canada’s best as well as up-and-coming riders. In 2017 the “The Judgement” garnered the highest number of views for the year on Alliance Wake, one of the world’s leading wake media websites. Some of Canada’s biggest global wake pros have been part of the Judgement over the years, including Raph Derome, Dylan Miller, Ben Leclair, Dustin O’Ferrall, Nick Dorsey, Erika Langman and Dary Znebel. The “Judgement” will adapt to an Instagram format for 2021.
@Wake Canada News via Social Media:
Wake Canada is the leading source of current wake sports news with daily / weekly updates @wakecanada on Instagram (3700 followers) and Facebook.
Wake Canada Schools List:
Wake Canada compiles, updates and promotes a complete list of Canada Wake Schools and Parks, now numbering over 100. Click here for the 2020 Wake Schools/Parks list.
Wake Parks Development:
Wake Canada advocates for and assists with Wake Park development across Canada and contributes to Wake Park Practices with Water Sports Industry Association.
Pass The Handle Day:
Wake Canada annually promotes grassroots participation of wake sports in conjunction with wake schools across the country for “Pass The Handle Day” every July.
Board Shop Day:
Wake Canada supports and promotes local wake sports / board sports shops in conjunction with International Board Shop Day every September.
Water Ways Access Advocacy:
Wake Canada works with the Water Sports Industry Association in support of Water Ways access for wake sports.
NAUTIQUE NATIONAL SERIES SEPTEMBER 2020*
Just announced! Wake Canada Nautique National Series events presented by Yanmar Marine to wrap the season.
September 18 – Nautique Wakesurf National Series, Lake Okanagan, BC
September 19 – Nautique Wake Park Ontario Regionals, Planet Bayou, ON
September 24-25 – Nautique Wake BC Regionals, TBA
Health and safety protocols in place. Entries limited. Stay tuned for more details.