2024 CANADIAN ADAPTIVE NATIONAL WATER SKI TEAM
2023 WSWC FEMALE ADAPTIVE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography
It is with immense pride and honor that we announce Saskatchewan’s Ashley Baerg as the 2023 WSWC Female Adaptive Water Ski Athlete of the Year. Ashley’s journey in the sport is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
After a brief hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ashley rekindled her passion for water skiing and embarked on a remarkable journey of skill refinement and athletic achievement. Her training began in April at our High-Performance Camp in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she honed her abilities on the water. Continuing her rigorous pursuit of success, Ashley further trained in her hometown of Saskatoon at the Saskatoon Water Ski Club, enhancing her skills in preparation for the Canadian Nationals.
Ashley’s dedication to her craft was evident as she joined the High-Performance week-long camp in Lacombe, AB, leading up to Nationals, where she competed in all three events. She solidified her position as a key member of the World Championships Team in Sacramento, California, participating in the pre-worlds camp at Lakeside Ranch and showcasing her skills in a local tournament at Bell Aqua Lake.
At the pinnacle of her achievements, Ashley emerged as Canada’s top female team score contributor at the Worlds, contributing a remarkable 2,411.85 points, representing 22.54% of Canada’s total team score. Her stellar performance included securing the bronze in Slalom, a 5th-place finish in tricks, and an impressive 2nd place in Jump. Additionally, she attained the 2nd position in overall points in the seated women category, solidifying her status as a leading figure in adaptive water skiing.
Beyond her athletic prowess, Ashley serves as an exemplary role model, embodying the values of the Adaptive Water Ski Team through her sportsmanship and fair play. Her dedication to excellence and unwavering commitment to the sport make her a beacon of inspiration for women in sports everywhere.
We are incredibly proud to have Ashley representing Canada in adaptive water skiing. Her contributions to the sport are truly commendable, and we have no doubt that she will continue to leave a positive impact on the water skiing community for years to come.
Congratulations, Ashley, on this well-deserved honor!
WSWC CELEBRATES SUCCESS ACROSS TOWED WATER SPORTS IN CANADA DURING THE 2023 SEASON
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) is elated to share the remarkable achievements of Canadian athletes across towed water sports during the 2023 season. Athletes from Water Ski Canada, Wake Canada, Adaptive Water Ski Canada, Show Ski Canada, and Barefoot Canada showcased their unparalleled talent and dedication, earning accolades on the national and international stage.
Canadian water ski athletes excelled at the 21 Water Ski Pro Events held across the world, amassing an impressive 14 gold medals, 10 silver medals, and 17 bronze medals throughout the year. The 2023 IWWF World Water Ski Championships saw Canada securing four medals and a coveted spot on the Team Overall Podium. Notable achievements include Ryan Dodd of Olds, AB, winning Men’s Jump, Jaimee Bull of North Bay, ON, triumphing in Women’s Slalom, Stephen Neveu of Calgary, AB, securing 3rd place in Men’s Slalom, and Dorien Llewellyn of Innisfail, AB, achieving 3rd place in Men’s Overall.
The 2022 IWWF U17 World Water Ski Championships were held in January of 2023 this year. Team Canada placed 2nd in the Team Overall event and won four individual medals with three of them being gold. Alberta’s Megan Pelkey placed 3rd in Girls Trick and won Girls Overall. Quebec’s Hannah Stopnicki won Girls Trick and Quebec’s Nellie Allard won Girls Jump.
The 2023 IWWF U21 World Water Ski Championships were held in Mexico this year. Canada’s sole medal came from Ontario’s Charlie Ross who won gold in Men’s Slalom.
The 2023 Santiago Pan American Games further showcased WSWC’s success on the water, with Canadian athletes bringing home nine medals in various disciplines. Dorien Llewellyn’s outstanding performance included a victory in Men’s Overall, 2nd place in Men’s Trick and Men’s Jump. Paige Rini of Ontario secured 2nd place in Women’s Overall, 3rd in Women’s Slalom, and 3rd in Women’s Jump. Neilly Ross of Ontario achieved 2nd place in Women’s Trick and 2nd in Women’s Slalom. Wake Canada’s Hunter Smith of Vancouver, BC, claimed 2nd place in Men’s Wakeboard at the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games.
Bailey Rush of Gull Lake, AB, represented Wake Canada with distinction, dominating the 2023 Competitive Wake Surf Association (CWSA) World Championships. Bailey secured 1st place in Pro Female Skim and 1st in Pro Female Surf, marking a phenomenal year for Wake Canada on the global stage.
On the National stage, Wake Canada had the 2023 Wakeboard & Wakeskate Boat Nationals hosted by Wake BC and the 2023 Wakeboard & Wakeskate Wake Park Nationals hosted by Wake Ontario this summer.
The 2023 Wakeboard & Wakeskate Boat Nationals was host to over 60 riders who competed at Deas island Regional Park in Delta, BC. To learn more about the event and for results, CLICK HERE.
The 2023 Wakeboard & Wakeskate Wake Park Nationals featured over 80 riders who competed at Planet Bayou Wake Park in Dufferin County, ON. To learn more about the event and for results, CLICK HERE.
Adaptive Water Ski Canada made history at the 2023 IWWF World Disabled Water Ski Championships by earning Canada’s first-ever team medal at a Worlds, securing a remarkable 2nd place. Additionally, Blake Lamontagne of Wawota, SK, a member of the Adaptive Water Ski Canada team set a World Record in MP3 Men’s Tricks at the World Championships. Team Canada brought home six individual medals, including Ashley Baerg of Dalmeny, SK, achieving 3rd place in Seated Ladies Slalom, 2nd in Seated Ladies Jump, and 3rd in Seated Ladies Overall. Gord Tuck of Lake Cowichan, BC, secured 2nd place in Standing Men Slalom, Blake Lamontagne claimed 2nd place in Seated Men Tricks, and Phil Kerr of Ontario achieved 3rd place in Seated Men Jump.
Show Ski Canada celebrated a milestone by hosting their first-ever Freestyle Jump Nationals this season. This exciting addition to the calendar highlighted the organization’s commitment to innovation and growth within the sport. Furthermore, Show Ski Canada formed a strategic partnership with Splash Blast Canada, enhancing the spectator experience and bringing an extra dimension to the events.
This year, Barefoot Canada sent five competitors on Team Canada to the 2023 IWWF World Open, Under 23 & Junior Barefoot Waterski Championships in Mulwala Australia. Canada also had two officials at the event. During the season, there were multiple events and clinics held throughout Canada. Two barefoot jump clinics were held this summer to continue the development of new jumpers.
WSWC extends heartfelt congratulations to all the athletes and sport disciplines for their outstanding achievements, exemplifying Canada’s dominance in towed water sports globally.
ASHLEY BAERG REPRESENTS CANADA AT THE 2023 IWWF DISABLED WORLD WATER SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS
Adaptive Water Ski Canada is thrilled to announce that Ashley Baerg, one of Canada’s finest water ski athletes, will be representing the nation at the highly-anticipated 2023 IWWF Disabled World Water Ski Championships in Elk Grove, California. The event kicks off on September 14th and continues until September 17th.
ATHLETE PROFILE:
Name: Ashley Baerg
Division: Women’s MP5
Events: Slalom, Trick, and Jump
Personal Bests:
- Slalom: 6@34km
- Trick: 1080pts
- Jump: 17.9m (A standing World Record)
Age: 33
Hometown: Dalmeny, Saskatchewan
About Ashley:
Born with Spina Bifida, Ashley has never let her condition deter her from chasing her passions. Her journey into the world of water skiing began a decade ago, coinciding with her involvement in wheelchair basketball. From that fateful moment, there was no looking back for her. With the lure of the water, the thrill of the speed, and the challenge, Ashley’s commitment to the sport has been unwavering.
Greatest Accomplishments:
Ashley’s exemplary achievements speak for themselves. A 2x Jump World Record Holder, she has etched her name in the annals of the sport with her record-setting feats in 2017 and 2018. Moreover, she has dominated as the World Jump Champion since 2013.
Memorable Moments:
Each ski ride holds a special place in Ashley’s heart, but a few moments stand out. The euphoria of breaking the world record in the jump in 2017 remains unmatched for her, describing it as “the rush, the sheer joy, and the testament to my hard work.” Not to forget her debut at the World Championships, where every ski on the water deepened her connection to the sport and each record she shattered added fuel to her fiery passion.
Future Goals:
For Ashley, the journey is never-ending. She aims to set new benchmarks by attempting to break the world records in both the trick and slalom categories, and she has her sights set on further elevating her standing world jump record.
Fans and enthusiasts can catch the live results and schedule at this link, https://www.iwwfed-ea.org/disabled/23IWWF08/ and the live webcast of the event at this link, https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEKKfDsJOLQKoJmzgUzxGEgCbNWHY69OZ.
About Adaptive Water Ski Canada:
Adaptive Water Ski Canada champions the spirit of inclusive sportsmanship, nurturing and showcasing the talents of adaptive water ski athletes on both national and international platforms.
