2024 CANADIAN ADAPTIVE NATIONAL WATER SKI TEAM
2023 WSWC MALE ADAPTIVE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada is thrilled to announce Saskatchewan’s Blake Lamontagne as the recipient of the 2023 Adaptive Male Athlete of the Year award. Blake’s exceptional dedication, resilience, and passion for fitness truly embody the spirit of a true sportsman.
Throughout the winter of 2023, Blake demonstrated unparalleled commitment to his craft, undertaking rigorous training in the gym to achieve unprecedented levels of strength and endurance. His efforts culminated in an outstanding performance at the AWSC High-Performance Camp in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in April.
Despite facing adversity due to injury during the spring, Blake’s determination remained unyielding. He temporarily paused his workouts and on-water training, returning promptly as soon as physically able.
Blake showcased his remarkable skills at both the Canadian Western Championships in British Columbia and the Canadian National Championships in Alberta, setting personal bests in trick. His relentless pursuit of excellence led him to an intensive training regimen in preparation for the World Championships in August.
At the World Championships, Blake exhibited unparalleled preparation and motivation, ultimately shattering a world record. His exceptional performance in trick earned him a remarkable score of 1440 points, breaking the MP3 Trick record and securing the 1st position among all MP3 competitors at the World Championships and 2nd among seated men. Moreover, Blake significantly contributed to Canada’s overall team success by earning valuable points in both the Slalom and the Jump events, accounting for 17.3% of the team’s total score points, which is the second highest among Canadian Team members. His instrumental role played a pivotal part in Canada securing a historic silver team medal for the first time in its history.
Blake Lamontagne’s outstanding achievements, coupled with his resilience and sportsmanship, make him a worthy recipient of the 2023 Adaptive Male Athlete of the Year award. His contributions to the sport of adaptive water skiing and his historic accomplishments at the World Championships underscore his unwavering dedication to excellence.
Congratulations, Blake, 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.
