GET INVOLVED: JOIN A WSWC DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE!
Water Ski & Wakeboard Canada is inviting interested members to put their names forward to serve on one of WSWC’s Discipline Committees (also known as Sport Committees):
• Adaptive
• Barefoot
• Show Ski
• Wake Sports
• Water Ski
WHAT DO WSWC DISCIPLINE COMMITTEES DO?
WSWC’s Discipline Committees are working committees made up of dedicated volunteers who actively support the management, development and growth of their respective sports across Canada.
Being part of a Discipline Committee is an active, hands-on role. Committee members are expected to contribute their time, knowledge and experience and to participate in the work required to move their discipline’s programs and priorities forward.
For each discipline, committees may be involved in:
- National Team and High Performance programs
• Domestic sport development and programming
• National Championships and other events
• Rules, policies, criteria, fees and competition schedules
• Coaching and athlete development
• Partnerships, sponsorship and fundraising
• Sport promotion and advocacy
• Strategic planning and the future direction of their discipline
Discipline Committees provide an important connection between each sport community and WSWC and give members an opportunity to have a direct voice — and an active role — in the development of their sport.
INTERESTED IN GETTING INVOLVED?
Whether you’re an athlete, coach, official, organizer, volunteer, parent or someone who is passionate about your discipline, we encourage you to put your name forward!
Eligibility
- Be 18 years of age or older
• Be a current member in good standing with your Provincial Sport Organization/WSWC
• Be willing to actively participate in the work of the committee
Interested?
Simply email info@wswc.ca with:
- Your name
• The Discipline Committee you are interested in
• A short note about your interest and involvement in the sport
WSWC will follow up directly if any additional information is required.
Deadline: September 30, 2026
Following the submission period, WSWC will share information about the individuals who have put their names forward and details regarding the next steps.
LEARN MORE
For more information about WSWC’s Discipline Committees, their responsibilities and the election process:
Sport Committee FAQs: Click Here
Discipline Committee – Job Description: CLICK HERE
Discipline Committee – Terms of Reference: CLICK HERE
Get involved. Bring your experience and ideas to the table. Help shape the future of your sport in Canada.
JOIN THE WSWC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Join the Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada Board of Directors
Have you ever thought about how you can contribute to the growth of towed water sports in Canada? If yes, Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) has an opportunity for you! WSWC is responsible for coordinating, growing and developing towed water sports from initiation to high performance across the country, in collaboration with our Provincial Sport Organizations. WSWC leads through proactive advocacy, strengthened partnerships, effective communications and coordinated leadership.
WSWC is inviting all interested persons to apply for nomination to the WSWC Board of Directors. There are three (3) Director-at-Large positions up for election. Nominations will be accepted until September 14th, 2026 at 8pm ET. The election will take place at the WSWC Annual General Meeting on September 29th, 2026 at 8pm ET, held virtually.
Further information regarding the election and the role of the Board of Directors can be found in the WSWC bylaws, available here and in the WSWC Board of Directors Job Description, available here.
WSWC is committed to diverse representation and to including voices that are reflective of Canadian society and of our sport community. We encourage candidates to indicate (voluntarily) on their application if they associate with a representative group. WSWC must ensure a balanced, gender diverse board, respecting the goals of Sport Canada. Please review the information below. Should you have any questions, please contact info@wswc.ca
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTION TIMELINE
Important Dates
- August 15, 2026 – Nominations Open
- September 14, 2026 at 8pm ET – Nomination Period Closes (15 days prior to meeting)
- September 15, 2026 – Nominees Presented to Members (14 days prior to meeting)
- September 29, 2026 at 8pm ET – WSWC Annual General Meeting (Virtual)
Director Eligibility Criteria
- must be a member in good standing with their provincial sport organization
- must be a minimum of 18 years of age
- must have the capacity under law to contract
The questions provided below must be completed in full by both the nominator and nominee, including a resume and jpeg photo of the nominee
Nominee Expectation
It is expected of the nominees that they will:
- Be willing to serve on the WSWC Board of Directors, if elected
- Have read and understood the WSWC Policy Acknowledgement Form, which all individuals will be required to sign if elected
- Have read, understood and agree to the duties and responsibilities as outlined in the Board of Directors Job Description
- Accept the jurisdiction of Abuse Free Sport and sign the required documentation as an Abuse-Free Sport Participant
- Will complete Respect Group Abuse and Harassment training as requested, if elected
How to Nominate
- Nominees must be nominated by a current member who holds an individual membership with their provincial organization.
- Nominations must be made directly to our designated scrutineers.
- Incomplete nominations will not be considered.
To submit a nomination, please email the following information to rwitty@sportlaw.ca, who is acting as the scrutineer in this election.
Please include the following information:
- Nominator’s name and email address
- Nominee’s name and email address
- Nominee’s response to:
- Provide information about the nominee’s occupation and education.
- Why do they wish to run for the WSWC Board of Directors?
- What is their vision for WSWC?
- What specific and/or special skills do they have to offer WSWC and its members that would contribute to the effective leadership and governance of WSWC?
- Discuss their relevant sport and volunteer experience
- Discuss their relevant business leadership/ management experience
- Do they have a support structure in place to support their board duties and contributions to the organization?
- Attach the nominee’s resume and photo.
About WSWC: CLICK HERE
WSWC Board Roles and Responsibilities: CLICK HERE
Electoral Policy: CLICK HERE
Women on Boards: A Guide to Getting Involved (CAAWS): CLICK HERE
For more information, please contact: info@wswc.ca
CELEBRATE EXCELLENCE IN WATER SKI AND WAKEBOARD CANADA: 2023 AWARDS
Award Information & Criteria
It’s that exciting time of the year again when we come together to celebrate the outstanding individuals who contribute to the success of Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC). WSWC is thrilled to announce the commencement of the nomination period for the 2023 WSWC Awards.
Objectives of the Awards
- Honor the Best Representatives: Recognize individuals who epitomize excellence in their respective roles within our sport.
- Stimulate Pursuit of Excellence: Encourage athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers to continually strive for greatness.
- Favor Visibility of Excellence: Showcase and promote outstanding achievements throughout the country.
- Create a Link with Sponsors and the Public: Strengthen the connection between excellence in our sport, our valued sponsors, and the broader public.
Award Categories for Public Nomination
- Steve Bush Coach of the Year
- Official of the Year
- Volunteer of the Year
Eligibility and Nominations
- Nominations are open to WSWC members, including individuals, clubs, schools, and provincial associations.
- Individual nominees must be WSWC members in good standing and Canadian citizens.
- Nominations for each award must be made by a WSWC member in good standing.
Nomination Process
Please complete the nomination form in full to ensure that your nominee is considered for these prestigious awards. CLICK HERE for the nomination form.
Athlete Awards Nomination Details
The 2023 WSWC Athlete Awards will be nominated by and selected through the dedicated efforts of the respective sport councils/committees. This ensures a thorough and comprehensive evaluation, reflecting the excellence and dedication of our athletes.
Contact Information
For any inquiries or assistance with the nomination process, please contact:
Email: taryn@wswc.ca
Deadline for Nominations
The deadline for submitting nominations is December 31, 2023.
Note: Nominations are treated with the utmost confidentiality and are only reviewed by Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada and Selection Committee members.
French Translation | Traduction en français
Information sur les prix et critères
C’est encore cette période excitante de l’année où nous nous réunissons pour célébrer les personnes exceptionnelles qui contribuent au succès de Ski nautique et planche Canada (SNPC). SNPC est ravi d’annoncer le début de la période de mise en candidature pour les Prix SNPC 2023.
Objectifs des prix
- Honorer les meilleurs représentants : Reconnaître les personnes qui incarnent l’excellence dans leurs rôles respectifs au sein de notre sport.
- Stimuler la poursuite de l’excellence : Encourager les athlètes, les entraîneurs, les officiels et les bénévoles à rechercher continuellement l’excellence.
- Favoriser la visibilité de l’excellence : Présenter et promouvoir les réalisations exceptionnelles dans tout le pays.
- Créer un lien avec les sponsors et le public : Renforcer le lien entre l’excellence dans notre sport, nos précieux sponsors et le grand public.
Catégories de prix pour les nominations publiques
- Entraîneur de l’année Steve Bush
- Officiel de l’année
- Bénévole de l’année
Éligibilité et nominations
- Les nominations sont ouvertes aux membres de SNPC, y compris les individus, les clubs, les écoles et les associations provinciales.
- Les candidats individuels doivent être membres en règle de SNPC et citoyens canadiens.
- Les nominations pour chaque prix doivent être proposées par un membre en règle de SNPC.
Procédure de nomination
Veuillez remplir le formulaire de nomination dans son intégralité afin que votre candidat soit pris en considération pour ces prix prestigieux. CLIQUEZ ICI pour obtenir le formulaire de nomination.
Détails de la nomination pour le Prix de l’Athlète
Les Prix de l’Athlète 2023 de SNPC seront nommés et sélectionnés par les efforts dévoués des conseils/comités sportifs respectifs. Cela garantit une évaluation approfondie et complète, reflétant l’excellence et le dévouement de nos athlètes.
Contact
Pour toute demande de renseignements ou d’assistance concernant le processus de nomination, veuillez contacter :
Courriel : taryn@wswc.ca
Date limite pour les nominations
La date limite de dépôt des candidatures est fixée au 31 décembre 2023.
Note : Les mises en candidature sont traitées avec la plus grande confidentialité et ne sont examinées que par Ski nautique et planche Canada et les membres du comité de sélection.|
2022 WSWC GROM GIRL’S WAKE PARK RIDER OF THE YEAR – AYDEN SWAN
Congratulations to Ontario’s Ayden Swan @ayden_swan, Wake Canada’s Grom Girl’s Wake Park Rider Of The Year (2022)!
Ayden grabbed the Super Grom Girls (age 10-13) title at the Wake Park Nationals and first in Grom Girls at the Wake Park Provincials in 2022.
Ayden rides out of @planetbayou and @therailyard.ca wake parks with coaching from some of Canada’s best including @lesliesparkes, @brennangrange, @sydneymchugh and @jordanshapes. She also looks to @danikbrown, @katherineshirriff and @copycatsclub / @sinafux as inspirational influences.
Ayden’s current goals for her wakeboarding progression are Tantrums, 540s and improving her Front Boards. She loves to ride in the summer with @sisterhoodsessions and her @womenofwake.wow friends!
In the winter Ayden is an up-and-coming snowboarder competing in Ontario slopestyle park events and training at @mtstlouismoonstone. She took 1st place in Women’s Slopestyle at the Provincials and is a member of the Ontario Snowboard Team.
Look for Ayden stepping up her game at this summer’s @wakeontario Series and the 2023 Wake Park Nationals. – Steve Jarrett
Content Credit: @caseofwake
2022 WSWC GROM BOY’S WAKE PARK RIDER OF THE YEAR – CONNOR GILBERT
Congratulations to Canadian Development Team rider Connor Gilbert @connor_a_gilbert, Wake Canada’s Grom Boy’s Wake Park Rider Of The Year (2022)!
Connor grabbed the Junior Boys title at both the Canadian National and the Ontario Provincial Wake Park Championships in 2022. He also snagged first in Amateur Wakeskate at the Provincials.
Connor rides out of @bluestonewakepark with coaching from some of Canada’s best including @liam_brearley and @andyokegb. He also frequents @planetbayou and @therailyard.ca wake parks.
In the winter Connor is an up-and-coming snowboarder competing in Ontario park and slopestyle events, training at @mtstlouismoonstone and @beavervalley.snowparks. He took 3rd in Junior (13 & Under) at the 2022 Slopestyle Provincials.
When he’s not busy boarding Connor enjoys painting, illustrating and playing the piano.
Look for Connor stepping up his game at this summer’s @wakeontario Series and Wake Park Nationals. – Steve Jarrett
Connor is sponsored by @boardinghouse.ca.
Content Credit: @jessejarrett_ #planetbayou @brennangrange #bluestonewakepark
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
2022 WSWC WOMEN’S WAKE BOAT RIDER OF THE YEAR – CALLIE ZELLENRATH
Congratulations to Canadian Elite Team rider Callie Zellenrath @callie.zellenrath, Wake Canada’s Women Wakeboard Boat Rider Of The Year (2022)!
The 17 year Toronto-Muskoka, Ontario based athlete is the 2022 Open Women’s Wakeboard Boat National Champion and was a semi-finalist at the 2022 Pan American Wakeboard Boat Championship in Brazil, winning Canada it’s women’s “country spot” for this November’s Pan Am Games.
Callie is also an accomplished wake park rider scoring second in Open Women at the 2022 Wake Park Nationals and 4th in 2021. She has progressed through the Wake Canada Development Team program since 2019, the year she took 1st in Wake Park and 6th in Wake Boat at the @thewwa Worlds, Girls 13 & Under.
Combining a determined focus and strong work ethic with a fun-loving approach to riding, Callie trains in the summers with coach @daryznebel and more recently @erikalangman. For 2023 Callie has her sights set on the opportunity to represent Canada at Pan Am Games in Chile. – Steve Jarrett
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 CLICK HERE
For the Development Team selection criteria CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE 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
JOB POSTING: Water Ski & Wakeboard Saskatchewan
JOB POSTING: Water Ski & Wakeboard Manitoba
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.
SPORT COUNCIL NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
Nominations are now open for any interested person to apply for the Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) Sport Councils. WSWC recognizes the following five Sport Councils:
- Adaptive
- Barefoot
- Show Ski
- Wake Sports (Wakeboard, Wake Park, Wakesurf, Wakeskate)
- Water Ski
The Sport Councils of WSWC represent the stakeholders of each of the five identified sports. The role of the Sport Councils is to support and advance the growth and progression of their sports while staying true to their sport culture.
Developed in consultation with the Sport Councils, the Sport Council Terms of Reference, outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Sport Councils and provides an overarching framework for how the Sport Councils operate within WSWC, in an effort to increase transparency, accountability and engagement. A key component of implementation of the Sport Council Terms of Reference was the restructuring of the Sport Councils to include appointed and elected positions.
Based on this restructuring, the Sport Councils composition is as follows.
As per the Sport Council Terms of Reference, those eligible to vote for the Council elections will be those individuals (18 years of age and older) with a full individual or family membership type with their Provincial Sport Organization, who have identified the sport as their primary discipline.
Nominations are now open for any interested person to apply for the WSWC Sport Councils. Nominations will be accepted thru to October 18, 2020.
To learn more, please see:
Deadline for Nominations: October 18, 2020
For more information, please contact:
Jasmine Northcott, Chief Executive Officer
Toll Free 1-888-526-0685