Canada’s Rusty Malinoski wins 2005 U.S. Pro-Am Wakeboard Championship to cap breakout year

Dec 4, 2005

MARATHON, Florida –Rusty Malinoski of Humboldt, Sask., completed 2005 with one of the biggest victories of his career on Sunday at the Pro Men’s U.S. Pro-Am Championship wakeboard competition held on Sombrero Beach in the Florida Keys.

The 21-year-old Malinoski earned $5,000 as the overall winner plus $2,000 for winning four rounds of the Pro Men’s Skins tournament.

For Malinoski, the win ends the best season of his career which also featured a victory on the Pro Wakeboard Tour and top four finishes at the U.S. National Championships and Pan Am Championships. The win will also places Malinoski in the World Cup rankings’ top-five.

Malinoski took first place in the Pro Men’s division because he came out on top of the most heats this weekend. His heat victories in the Skins format earned him $500 for each heat, or $2,000 total. Parks Bonifay of the U.S., finished second in the event, winning three skins. Defedning champion Andrew Adkison of the U.S., finished third with two Skin victories.

Chad Sharpe of Cloverdale, B.C., was sixth and Aaron Rathy of Nanaimo, B.C., 10th.

Jaret Llewellyn and Whitney McClintock named male and female athletes of the year by Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada

Nov 21, 2005

OTTAWA- Jaret Llewellyn of Innisfail, Alta., and Whitney McClintock of Cambridge, Ont., were named the male and female athletes of the year respectively today by Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada.

Llewellyn continued to be a tower of strength for Canada on the international stage in his 22nd season on the national team. The 35-year-old capped his year with the gold medal in men’s jump at the world water ski championships which were held in China this past August. It was his fourth career world jump crown and he has nine world titles overall. He also claimed the World Cup jump title with two wins this season on the circuit.

“The worlds and World Cups were my main focus and I was happy to do well there after an inconsistent start to the season,” said Llewellyn. “I did more promotional work this year, particularly through videos and it was all a learning experience for me. My preparations for next season are going much more smoothly and I’m putting more and more emphasis on my off-water training. It’s crucial for my on-water success.”

McClintock simply amazed her competitors and fans alike at the senior world water ski championships to win the award for the second straight year. The 16-year-old took fourth spot overall and was also fourth in tricks at the worlds. She is the number-one ranked junior in the world overall as well as in slalom and tricks. She took the overall titles at both the junior Masters and Junior U.S. Open.

“Whitney’s skills are developing a lot faster than expected,” said Canadian national team coach Steve Bush of North Vancouver. “We’re trying to pace it but she just keeps improving by leaps and bounds. A lot of her success has to do with her maturity level as well. She’s turned into an elite athlete very, very quickly.”

McClintock’s father Jeff McClintock and their aunt and uncle Joel and Judy McClintock were all national and international stars in the sport winning world titles in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Joel and Judy were among the first seven inductees in Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada’s Hall of Fame last summer. Whitney’s 17-year-old brother Jason is also a standout national team member, who won the male athlete of the year award last year.

Aaron Rathy of Nanaimo, B.C., was named the junior athlete of the year, his season highlighted by a bronze medal performance in the wakeskate event at the senior world wakeboarding championships. In addition, he earned three victories in junior competition on the Pro Wakeboard Tour including a win at the prestigious Masters event.

“I had a great start to the season on the Pro Tour and got on a streak right off the bat,” said Rathy, 17, who suffered a nasty back injury in July which he is still recovering from. “So that was really big for me because I was trying to breakout on the scene. It was an awesome year for me in exposure and an awesome year in competition.”

Richard Gray of Surrey, B.C. was named as coach of the year. In addition to coaching multi athletes and delivering six barefoot water skiing clinics, he also guided the Canadian barefoot team at the 2005 Barefoot World Junior and Senior Championships, leading the senior team to a fourth place finish in the nation's ranking, which included a first-ever world gold medal for a male barefooter, a gold in tricks by Gordie Croteau.

Official of the year was Shawn Gratzfeld of Darwell, Alta. He judged at numerous wakeboarding competitions throughout 2005, including key roles at the Canadian and world championships, the latter held in Moscow, as well as a world cup event also held in Russia.

The husband-wife combo of Dan and Suzanne Velcic of Calgary were honoured as volunteers of the year. They each played multi roles in the sport, from helping the Predator Bay Water Ski Club expand to twin sport specific lakes, leadership positions with Water Ski and Wakeboard Alberta, as well as helping the national association develop Rip 'n Ride, a new national grass roots program.

Water Ski and Wakeboard Saskatchewan was named province of the year, on the strength of new sanctioned competitions added to the calendar and a 32% membership increase in 2005.

Peter Person of Kelowna, B.C., was named as builder. He served the national association as its president for nine years, is one of the world’s most respected judges, and is still active serving on a variety of international and national technical committees, and acts as the webmaster for waterski-wakeboard.ca.

Clint Ward, formerly of Toronto and now a Hudson, Que., resident, was inducted into the Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada Hall of Fame in the builder category. He was among Canada’s top water skiers in the sixties which included earning the slalom national title in his career opening tournament. In the seventies he was involved in all facets of the sport. He was Canadian team manager at the 1971 world championships highlighted by George Athans’ gold medal. He was also team leader at the 1972 Olympics where water skiing was a demonstration sport. He also served two terms as Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada president and organized the 1967 and 1979 world championships in Sherbrooke and Toronto, respectively.

International Water Ski Federation crowns Jaret Llewellyn World Cup jump champion

Oct 5, 2005

OTTAWA- Jaret Llewellyn of Innisfail, Alta., added more hardware to his overflowing trophy room on Wednesday as he was officially crowned the men’s World Cup jump champion for 2005 by the International Water Ski Federation.

Llewellyn tabulated 752.5 points this season on the circuit in the jump event which included two victories. He finished ahead of arch rival Freddy Krueger of the U.S., in second and Mark Lane of the U.S., in third in the overall jump standings.

It’s Llewellyn’s fourth career World Cup title on the fledging circuit which stopped for two years in 2002 and 2003 and returned last year. He earned $6,500 (U.S.) for the title.

The World Cup title caps another big year for the 35-year-old who completed his 22nd season on the national team. He won his fourth career world jump title in August and now has nine world titles overall to his credit making him one of Canada’s most successful international athletes.

“The World Cup and the world championships were the two biggest events of the year and it was nice to get those titles after a tough start to the season,” said Llewellyn. “I started the year real slow because I was doing work to promote the sport and I wasn’t consistent at all. Plus the main focus was the worlds so it wasn’t as big a deal to come out strong from the start.”

Llewellyn sounds like an exuberant rookie when he talks about the future. Slowing down is not in the plans.

“This year was a real learning experience for me,” he said. “In the next three years we have a plan to continue promoting the sport through videos in particular. And I’m still fired up about the water skiing and chasing the records. And new events, such as the World Cup, bring new blood into what I’m doing so I’m excited about the next couple of years. I’m back in the gym now and my goal is to be in the best shape possible in the new year.”

Llewellyn was also second to Nicolas LeForestier of France in the World Cup tricks standings.

Also Drew Ross of Belleville, Ont., was fifth in the men’s slalom World Cup standings.

BOATEREXAM.COM AND WATER SKI AND WAKEBOARD CANADA TEAM UP

Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada is pleased to announce a partnership with BoaterExam.com to help promote boating safety in towed water sports.

BoaterExam.com is an agent of FNCC, a Transport Canada accredited course provider, and is considered one of Canada’s leaders in boater education and issuer of Pleasure Craft Operator Cards. Their accredited course material, exam, and training manual are approved by Transport Canada.

Their services are particularly timely and practical given that all operators of powered watercraft used for recreational purposes within Canada will eventually require the Card. The following three groups of boaters require the card IMMEDIATELY:

• All operators of any powered watercraft under 4m in length (13.1ft)
• All operators of PWC's (i.e.: sea-doos and jet skis)
• All operators of any powered watercraft born after April 1, 1983

As of September 15, 2009 all boaters are required to have the Pleasure Craft Operator Card in order to operate a powered watercraft for recreational purposes on Canadian waters. There is no grandfather clause or age exemption – this law applies to all boaters.

A feature of the WSWC-BoaterExam.com partnership is a value added benefit to the membership of WSWC. Each member is entitled to a $5.00 discount off the BoaterExam.com online boating exam by entering a special discount code at time of registration -- WSWC6T3P25.

As part of the agreement, BoaterExam.com and WSWC will partner to promote boating safety for towed water sports. Each organization will share and promote specific safety information for water skiing and wakeboarding on respective web pages, collaborate on public service announcements and other educational campaigns.

“WSWC has a strong membership and excellent knowledge in safety for towed water sports. We believe this market to be strong and growing exponentially; in particular wakeboarding. This partnership will help to deliver more boating safety knowledge to WSWC’s membership and provide BoaterExam.com with more safety resources on towed water sports that we can be used when educating our customers in boating safety,” explains Brent McNamee, Principal and VP Marketing of BoaterExam.com.

“The vision of BoaterExam.com for boating safety meshes well with ours” added Dan Wolfenden, Executive Director, Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada. “With their support, we hope to reach the large recreational base of boating enthusiasts who enjoy getting up behind the boat, and who want to be able to do so with the knowledge of specific safety practices for the sport of water skiing and wakeboarding, which quite frankly, are not particularly elaborate in the Transport Canada courses.”

Need an operator’s license? A valued partner for safe towed water sport activity, BoaterExam.com, is your source.

Canada’s Jaret Llewellyn wins Irish Open water ski title

Sep 25, 2005

ENNISKILLEN, Ireland- World champion Jaret Llewellyn of Innisfail, Alta., beat arch rival Freddy Krueger of the U.S., for the gold medal in men’s jump at the Irish Open on Sunday which capped the World Water Ski Tour season.

Llewellyn, who also won the U.S., Open overall title earlier this month, took the gold with a leap of 63.4 metres (208 feet) on his final attempt. Krueger’s best distance was 62.5 (205 feet). Mark Lane of the United States was third with 59.7 (196 feet).

Llewellyn, seeded last jumper of the day, needed to beat Krueger’s 62.5 on his final attempt. On his first of three jumps he went 62.8, only to find out the boat speed was too fast. On his second attempt he was uncomfortable with his set up and opted to pass the jump. When he released the handle he lost control, went up the shore and landed in the Irish bog but was not injured.

“On the last jump I was in a very difficult position,” said Llewellyn. “The pressure was on and my body was not feeling optimal. My experience was a big factor in the end.”

Llewellyn is one of Canada’s most successful international athletes. The 35-year-old is in his 22nd year on the national team and has earned eight world titles including the world jump crown last month in China.

Andrea Andrecyk of Kingston, Ont., wins bronze medal at world water skiing championships for athletes with a disability

Sep 11, 2005

SCHOTEN, Belgium- Andrea Andrecyk of Kingston, Ont., completed a spectacular debut at the world water skiing championships for athletes with a disability on Sunday earning the bronze medal in women’s slalom.

Adelaine Sahey led Britain to a 1-2 finish clearing five buoys at 40 kilometres an hour while Selenia Guadagno took the silver with 2.5 buoys@40. Andrecyk scored 2@40.

“I was absolutely scared to be here alongside these elite athletes,”said Andrecyk, 28, a graphic designer with the Kingston Whig Standard, the city’s daily newspaper. “But I discovered they were just as scared as me. I was able to put together the best runs of my life. I had never slalomed at 40 kilometres an hour before.”

Andrecyk is a paraplegic who lost her ability to walk at age 12 when she was afflicted with a virus in her spinal cord.

“I started water skiing two years ago and it’s been phenomenal,” she said. “I think the more people with a disability learn about it, the more they’re going to love it. It’s a great organisation and being here at the worlds was like being with family.”

Canada’s other entry at the worlds was veteran Chris Bourne of Ottawa. He placed ninth in tricks and seventh in slalom.

“I was pretty disappointed with the results,” said Bourne, who works with the Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability. “At an event like this it comes down to that moment and I didn’t have it. I was also a bit unlucky in tricks when the judges seemed to miss a couple of my tricks which may have put me in the top-four.”

Bourne also chairs Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada’s committee for athletes with a disability.

“We were able to bring two coaches here and they learned a whole lot about water skiing for athletes with a disability this week,” said Bourne. “We want to increase the competitive stream in Canada and bring more athletes to events such as the world championships so they can follow in Andrea’s success.”

Canadian water skiers win three medals at the U.S., Open

Sep 11, 2005

ORLANDO- Jaret Llewellyn of Innisfail, Alta., earned gold and silver medals and Whitney McClintock of Cambridge, Ont., added bronze on Sunday at the U.S., Open water skiing competition.

Llewellyn, Canada’s legendary water skier still at the top of his game at age 35, took the overall title and finished second to arch rival Freddy Krueger of the U.S., in the jump event. Krueger soared 222 feet in the final while Llewellyn cleared 219 feet on his second of three attempts. Ryan Dodd of Olds, Alta., placed fifth in jump

“The conditions were very unpredictable and I was able to only get a hold of one jump,” said Llewellyn, who earned the world title in jump last month. “But to win the overall title is a great way to end the season. I had a rough start because I had so many projects on the go. To get gold at worlds then come in here and win more medals shows I’m still strong.”

In women’s tricks, Mandy Nightingale of the U.S., was the winner while the 15-year-old McClintock continued to amaze the water skiing world with another stellar performance for the bronze despite competing with an injured ankle.

“I did an easier run than usual because of my ankle,” said McClintock, fourth overall at the world championships. “But everything was very clean and I had a lot of speed and that seemed to impress the judges. This is only my second U.S., Open and I never expected to do this well.”

Drew Ross of Belleville, Ont., was the top Canadian in men’s slalom placing 11th and Llewellyn was seventh in men’s tricks while Dodd was eighth.

Few national team coaches can brag about such a successful rebuilding year as Steve Bush of North Vancouver.

“We got a lot of new kids into the program this year and they’ve shown a lot of skills,” said Bush. “Whitney will be a star for years to come and her brother Jason isn’t far behind. The team today got their workout program for the winter today and they are excited about. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a total commitment from everybody. We’re doing the right things and we’ll be a pretty seasoned team by the next worlds in 2007.”

Sunni Anne Ball wins gold medal at wakeboard World Cup event in Russia

Sep 5, 2005

MOSCOW- Sunni Anne Ball of King City, Ont., capped a topsy-turvy trip to Russia with a gold medal in the women’s pro final at a World Cup wakeboard competition which came on the heels of this weekend’s International Water Ski Federation's world championships which were also held in the Russian capital.

Ball, a two-time world junior champion, totalled 53.15 points to get her revenge on Andrea Fountain of New Zealand, who had won the world title a day earlier and totalled 50.24. Denise De Haan of the Netherlands was third at 42.04.

The World Cup competition was the only time on the trip that Ball felt comfortable at the 20,000 seat Krylatskoe Olympic Rowing Arena which was built for the 1980 Olympic Games.

“It was a much nicer day for the World Cup with the sun and warm weather,” said Ball, 20, ranked sixth this year on the pro circuit. “I pretty much rode horribly all week. I didn’t have much confidence. It was freezing and I was uncomfortable on the water.”

Still, Ball posted Canada’s best result at the world championships placing fourth in the women’s open event. Fountain won the gold medal, Louise Moore of Britain was second and De Haan third. Sheena Price of Calgary was seventh.

In the men’s open event at worlds, Jeff Weatherall of New Zealand was the winner, Phillip Soven of the U.S., second and Josh Sanders of Australia third. Rusty Malinoski of Humboldt, Sask., was fifth Olivier Derome of Coteau-du-Lac, Que., seventh while Kyle Rattray of Guelph, Ont., was eliminated in the semifinal

“I came here to do my best riding ever and I think I achieved that,” said Rattray, 20 who has made a strong impression in his first full season at the senior pro level. “I had a very tough semifinal and missed the final (top-eight) by one point.”

In the team standings, the U.S., was first, Belgium second and Australia third. Canada was 11th out of 20.

Gordie Croteau of Sudbury, Ont., wins record fifth Canadian barefoot water skiing title

Aug 22, 2005

HATHAWAY LAKE, B.C.- Gordie Croteau of Sudbury, Ont., won the showdown to become the first five-time overall men’s open champion at the Canadian barefoot water skiing championships.

Croteau, the world champion in tricks and second overall at worlds earlier this year, totalled 2,864.71 points finishing first in tricks and second in jump and slalom.

Don Baker of Winnipeg, who also entered the competition as a four-time champion, took second overall with 2,714.29 points. He won the jump and slalom – two events for which he holds the Canadian records- and was third in tricks.

Don Schwartz of Sheridan Lake, B.C., was third overall finishing third in slalom and jump and second in tricks with a personal best score.

Schwartz put his national team snowboard training camp in Chile on hold as he flew to compete at the barefoot nationals. He is headed back to Chile and is a strong contender to compete in the border cross event at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin.

Robbie Patterson of Deep Cove, B.C., who competed at the water skiing nationals last week in Winnipeg, also had a strong competition winning the three individual events and overall crown in the 13-16 men’s junior category.

B.C.’s Nicole Blackmore won the women’s junior competition scooping up all the gold as well.

Kyle Rattray, Sunni-Anne Ball and Anthony Hollick big winners at Canadian wakeboard championships

Aug 21, 2005

MONTREAL-Kyle Rattray of Guelph, Ont., continued his breakthrough season on Sunday with gold medal performances in the men’s open and men’s 19 and over category to conclude the Canadian wakeboard championships.

Rattray, 20, had already made a strong impression in his first full season as a senior level pro competitor this season capped by a fourth place finish at prestigious Wakestock event last week in Toronto. He is now eyeing nothing less than gold at the world championships next month in Moscow.

“Everything came together for me today and I’m really pumped about being the Canadian champion,” said Rattray. “I followed my plan to a tee and it appears everything for me is going in the right direction. I’m ready to go all out at the worlds.”

In the women’s open event, Sunni-Anne Ball of King City, Ont., reclaimed the title she won in 2003 finishing first. Ball was ranked sixth this year on the Wakeboard Tour ranking.

“I didn’t ride very well but it was enough to win,” said Ball, 20, also headed to the worlds. “If I can land my run properly then I think it is good enough to win at the worlds.”

In the men’s junior final, Anthony Hollick of Regina claimed his first national title.

“I wasn’t sure how I would do but I pulled through,” said Hollick, 19. “I landed my stuff, I was concentrating well and I had fun, which is mot important for me. I had an opportunity to train this year with some big names in the sport this year in Florida and that’s really helped.”

Jaret Llewellyn of Innisfail, Alta., wins gold medal in jump at world water skiing championships

Aug 21, 2005

TIANJIN, China- Jaret Llewellyn of Innisfail, Alta., put a golden touch on a topsy turvy week winning the men’s jump competition on Sunday at the world water skiing championships.

Llewellyn, 35, earned the victory soaring 69.1 metres on his second of three jumps in the final. He finished ahead of arch rival Freddy Krueger of the U.S., second at 66.4 metres and Jason Seels of Britain third at 65.5.

“To come out on top after such an emotional roller coaster ride this weekend is really satisfying,” said Llewellyn savoring his fourth career word jump crown. “It makes the trip worthwhile. But I came into the jump event today feeling very good. I’ve had a habit lately of always leaving the door open but this time I pretty much shut it down with that second jump.”

Ryan Dodd of Olds, Alta., was 10th reaching 62.7 metres.

Llewellyn, in his 22nd year on the national team, also placed fourth in the men’s overall standings Sunday, was 12th in tricks on Saturday and didn’t reach the slalom final earlier this week.

On the women’s side, Whitney McClintock, 15, of Cambridge, Ont., completed an impressive week finishing fourth in the overall event. McClintock, the world junior champion last year, was also fourth in tricks on Saturday, 13th in slalom and 15th in jump with a personal best leap.

In the team competition, the U.S., took the gold while Canada placed sixth with Doug Ross of Belleville, Ont., Breanne Wagner of Surrey, B.C., Jason McClintock of Cambridge, Whitney McClintock, Trent Finlayson of Regina and Thomas Moore of Edmonton.

“Overall the team was solid,” said Canada’s national team coach Steve Bush of Vancouver. “We did better than we expected.”

Drew Ross of Belleville was fourth on Friday in men’s slalom.

Aaron Rathy of Nanaimo and Sheena Price of Calgary win national wakeboard titles

Aug 20, 2005

MONTREAL- Aaron Rathy of Nanaimo, B.C., showed the form that’s propelled him to international prominence on the pro circuit this year on Saturday as he won the gold medal in the men’s pro Wakeskate at the 10th Canadian Wakeboard Championships being held at the Olympic rowing basin at parc Jean-Drapeau.

The 17-year-old Rathy is the reigning world junior champion and posted two victories this season on the Pro Wakeboard Tour circuit this season. He also won a silver medal at the prestigious Wakestock event held in Toronto last weekend.

“It’s a big thrill to win at nationals the competition is always tough here and there’s more and more up and coming riders in Canada,” said Rathy. “I was really pleased to stick a back 780 for the first time in competition and hit the rails and land a couple of tricks. This is one of the best sites ever for nationals.”

Jono Boysen of Markham, Ont., was second and Phil Joyal of Montreal third.

In the women’s 19 and over division, Sheena Price of Calgary took the gold medal as she prepares for the world championships next month in Moscow. Price, 20, hasn’t trained or competed as much a she would like as she pursues her studies in respiratory therapy this summer.

“It was really important for me to get a good competition in before the worlds, it’s been a hectic year for me,” said Price, the Canadian Open champion last year. “I felt really good about my performance and pretty much landed everything cleanly.”

Laura Duke of Mississauga, Ont., was second and Saskatchewan’s Ashley Leugner third.

Canadians Drew Ross and Whitney McClintock fourth at world water skiing championships

Aug 20, 2005

TIANJIN, China- Drew Ross of Belleville, Ont., finished fourth in a close men’s slalom event while 15-year-old Whitney McClinctock of Cambridge, Ont., was fourth in women’s tricks on Saturday at the world water skiing championships.

In men’s slalom, William Asher led Britain to a 1-2 finish defeating Glenn Campbell in a tie breaker. Jeff Rodgers of the U.S., earned the bronze medal while Drew Ross of Belleville, Ont., was fourth. Both tied at 2@10.25 but Rodgers received the bronze for a better first round score.

“Drew worked hard this year on and off the water,” said Canadian national team coach Steve Bush of North Vancouver. “He wanted more but he was only one buoy off the winner.”

In women’s tricks, Mandy Nightingale of the U.S., took the gold medal with 7,490 points with Angeliki Andriopoulou of Greece second at 6,710 and Michale Briant of Australia third at 6,650. McClintock, the reigning world junior champion, earned 6,410 points.

“Whitney shocked the rest of the world today with her performance,” said Bush. “And we’re confident she can show even more in the overall final (on Sunday). We knew she had the ability to post this kind of performance and she went out and did it.”

In men’s tricks, Nicolas Leforestier of France earned the gold with 11,860 points. Ryan Dodd of Olds, Alta., was ninth at 9,330, Jason McClintock of Cambridge 11th at 7,400 and Jaret Llewellyn of Innisfail, Alta., 12th at 5,640.

In women’s slalom, Regina Jacques of the U.S., took the gold while Whitney McClintock and Breanne Wagner of Surrey, B.C., tied for 13th.

In women’s jump preliminaries, Whitney McClintock and Wagner were eliminated placing 15th and 22nd respectively. McClintock leaped a personal best 45 metres.

15-year-old Whitney McClintock of Cambridge, Ont., qualifies for final at world water skiing championships

Aug 18, 2005

TIANJIN, China- Whitney McClintock of Cambridge, Ont., is off to an excellent start at the world water skiing champion as the 15-year-old qualified for the women’s slalom final on Thursday and leads the jump preliminaries.

In women’s slalom, Sarah Green of Britain topped the 31-woman field in the preliminaries finishing ahead of Britta Grebe Llewellyn of Austria and Lori Krueger of the U.S. McClintock, the world junior champion, tied for fifth with Breanne Wagner of Surrey, B.C. The top-12 advanced to the final.

In men’s slalom, Glenn Campbell of Britain and Americans Jeff Rodgers and Christopher Rossi topped the preliminaries posting the same score. Drew Ross of Belleville, Ont., eighth in the event at the last worlds in 2003, tied for sixth spot to gain a berth in the 12-man final.

Doug Ross of Belleville just missed a berth finishing 13th, Jason McClintock of Cambridge, Ont., was 18th, Thomas Moore of Edmonton 20th and Trent Finlayson of Saskatoon 30th.

Whitney McClintock leads the women’s jump preliminaries early on at 45 metres while Wagner stands third at 37.4 while in tricks Wagner stands sixth with a couple of round to go.

In men’s jump with still two groups to go, Jason McClintock stands in second spot soaring 54.5 metres. Three-time world jump champion Jaret Llewellyn of Innisfail, Alta., competes on Saturday in jump and Friday in tricks.

Canada wins two gold at Wakestock wakeboard competition

Aug 14, 2005

TORONTO-Rusty Malinoski of Humboldt, Sask., and Sunni-Ann Ball of King City, Ont., each won gold while Aaron Rathy of Nanaimo, B.C., added a silver in a big day for Canadian riders at the Wakestock event being held this year at the new Toronto Islands site.

Wakestock is the second of six stops on the World Wakeboard Association series and is regarded as the largest wakeboard festival in the world combining sports and entertainment. This year’s event has attracted more than 240 riders this year from around the world.

In the Pro Expression final which combines tricks and railsliding in the same routine, Malinoski earned the victory with Jeff Weatherall of New Zealand second and Brett Eisenhower of Australia third. Kevin Henshaw of Sidney, B.C., the top professional junior rider in the world last year, was fourth, and Olivier Derome of Coteau-du-Lac, Que., eighth.

“I added some tricks which is what you need to do as the competition progresses and I was very happy with my showing,” said Malinoski, who won his first pro event earlier this season on the Pro Wakeboard Tour. “I felt more pressure this week because I was competing at home and I was the last guy to ride. I knew a lot of guys had laid down some good runs. But this my second year at the senior level and I have a lot more confidence this year.”

In the women’s pro final, Ball reclaimed the title she won in 2003 finishing ahead Laura Lohrmann in second and Meaghan McNeil, third, both of the U.S.

“I landed my blind Indy 180 for the first time in competition,” said Ball, who is also scheduled to compete at the Canadian championships August 18-21 in Montreal and the world championships in Moscow in two weeks. “So I had a really great run and I’ve had a great season.”

In the pro railslide final Keith Lidberg of the U.S., was the winner with Rathy second and Colin Harrington of the U.S., third. Kyle Rattray of Guelph, Ont., was fourth.

“Doing the rails is my favourite thing in wakeboarding but this was only the second time I’ve competed in a rail event this year,” said Rathy, the reigning world junior champion and a two-time winner on the Pro Wakeboard Tour this season. “So I was pretty happy with the outcome.”

Jenna Mielzynski wins three gold medal at Canadian water skiing championships

Aug 14, 2005

WINNIPEG- Jenna Mielzynski of Belfountain, Ont., earned three gold medals including the women’s overall title in the open competition which concluded the 2005 Canadian Water Skiing Championships at Lake Shirley.

Mielzynski placed first in tricks with 5,030 points and jump soaring 39.1 and was also second in slalom with 40.50 points to take first overall at 2,976 points. Marie-Josee Cardinal of Cornwall, Ont., was third in slalom and jump and fourth in tricks for second overall at 2,519. Quebec’s Krystal Arvisais of Quebec was third overall.

“I wasn’t totally satisfied with my performances,” said Mielzynski, 17, second overall last year at nationals and third at the world juniors. “The best event for me was in tricks. I slalom I tried some new skis which worked out pretty well.”

In tricks, Mielzynski finished ahead of her younger sister Erin Mielzynski who totalled 4,230 and Quebec’s Marie-Helene Lanthier third at 3,900.

In jump, Sabrina Dobel of Winnipeg took the silver at 37.8 metres while Cardinal soared 36.9. Lanthier won the slalom at 41.50.

On the men’s side, Jimmy Townsend of Belleville, Ont., won the jump event with his second best ever leap at 59.7 metres. Kole Magnowski of Russell, Man., was second at 58.2 and Bryan Melnuk of Toronto third at 57.5. All three jumpers are teammates at Arizona State University in Tempe.

“We were really pushing other and that led us to some big jumps,” said Townsend, who studies construction management. “The conditions were also a bit better today although the wind was still unpredictable at times.”

In slalom, Magnowski earned 45.40 points for the victory with Townsend second at 44.50 and Quebec Alexandre Lallier, the overall champion, third at 39.50.

“My slalom has really improved this year,” said Magnowski. “Today I had to adapt to the changing conditions and I continued to push hard in the water. My positioning in the water has been a lot better all season.”

In tricks, Nova Scotia’s Jeff Flinn was the winner with 7,030 points – the best tricks score of the entire tournament- with Kelvin Melnuk of Toronto second at 6,300 and Lallier third at 2,960.

Competition which started Thursday was also held in various age groups from young boys and girls to masters.

Jimmy Townsend and Marie-Josee Cardinal big winners in senior competition at water skiing nationals

Aug 13, 2005

WINNIPEG- Marie-Josee Cardinal of Cornwall, Ont., earned gold medals in the women’s slalom and jump competitions on Saturday at the Canadian water skiing championships on Lake Shirley.

“It was very windy but I managed to keep my concentration,” said Cardinal, a 19-year-old health sciences student at the University of Ottawa. “I was most pleased with my jump and it is usually my strongest event. The slalom was a bit of a surprise for me.”

Jenna Mielzynski of Belfountain, Ont., was second in both events.

On the men’s side, Townsend earned his first senior title winning the jump event with a 57.3 metre leap on his third and final attempt. He also battled strong winds which have affected the schedule this week.

“In conditions like that there is only a small window of opportunity to land a solid jump,” said Townsend, a construction management student at Arizona State University in Tempe. “You have to time it perfectly.”

Kole Magnowski of Russell, Man., won the men’s slalom event.

Kelvin Melnuk wins gold on borrowed equipment at water ski nationals

Aug 12, 2005

WINNIPEG- Kevin Melnuk of Toronto had a day he won’t soon forget on Friday at the Canadian water skiing championships on Lake Shirley.

The 16-year-old earned a victory in the boys 13-16 age group tricks event using borrowed skis and boots after the keys to his father’s car were lost by hotel personnel preventing him from accessing his equipment. Melnuk raced to the site by taxi and borrowed skis from another competitor. He was forced to wear boots two sizes too small so he could fit into the bindings.

‘’I could hardly feel my feet anymore at the end of my run,’’ said Melnuk, who finished ahead of Robbie Patterson of North Vancouver, also a runner-up in the slalom event on Thursday. ‘’I was really surprised to win.’’

The competition was marred by very high winds which forced some events to be postponed or delayed.

In the girls 13-16 tricks, Erin Mielzynski of Belfountain, Ont., was the winner finishing ahead of Jessica Erb of British Columbia and Amanda Amos of Midland, Ont., in third.

‘’The wind made it very difficult,’’ said Mielzynski, 15, who is eyeing a berth on the world junior team next year. ‘’It made for a rough wake, it was hard to see at times and it really pushed you back. I had some trouble on my passes but overall I was pleased I got the win.’’

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS BEGIN IN WINNIPEG

Aug 11, 2005

Father and daughter win gold at Canadian water skiing championships

WINNIPEG- Karen Stevens of Morrisburg, Ont., and her father Mark Stevens celebrated gold medal performances Thursday to open the Canadian water skiing championships at Lake Shirley.

In the girls 13-16 age group Stevens took the gold in the girls slalom. She is a member of Canada’s national development team and is preparing for the Can Am competition next month in Fort Worth, Texas.

“It wasn’t my best performance but everyone struggled a bit today,” said Karen Stevens, 16. “But I did some good turns and that was the key.”

In the men’s Masters category, Mark Stevens was first in tricks and jump. The 47-year-old dentist is a former Pan American champion in the Masters division.

“My performances were pretty consistent which is what I wanted to do,” said Stevens. “But for me the highlight was to watch my daughter win her first title. She’s in an age group that’s pretty deep in Canada right now and she’s stuck with it.”

One of the closest battles was in the boys 13-16 slalom as Maxime d’Amour of Eastman, Que., prevailed over national development team member Robbie Patterson of North Vancouver in a run off for the gold after they had tied in regular competition. Last year the pair needed a run-off to decide the bronze medal.

“The conditions were pretty tough but I was pleased with my first pass in the run off,” said d’Amour, 16, with his third career Canadian title. “I got a good score and that really put the pressure on Robbie.”

Patterson, 16, is also one of Canada’s top barefoot water skiers and competed at the world juniors in South Africa last year finishing 13th overall.

“This is my first national medal in conventional water skiing so I’m pretty happy about that,” said Patterson. “The run off was pretty intense and I probably cranked it up too much and messed up my first pass.”

Cole Grant of Winnipeg was a double winner with gold in tricks and jump in the 10-12 age group. In tricks the 12-year-old grade eight student posted a personal best 2,590 points.

“I was pretty confident about my tricks routine,” said Grant, who ambitions to be a professional water skier.

Competition continues through to Sunday at the facility built for the Pan American Games which were held here in 1999.

PERFECTPASS SUPPORTS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 25, 2005

Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada is pleased to announce that PerfectPass, makers of marine “cruise” and speed control systems, have agreed to serve as participating sponsor of two upcoming national championships.

Perfect Pass has agreed to continue its supply of speed control systems for the 2005 Canadian Water Ski Championships, and have added further financial support for the staging of the 2nd annual 2005 Canadian Adaptive Water Ski Championships.

“PerfectPass is proud to once again support Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada in funding its many programs”, remarked company co-founder, Gary Allen. “When presented with the opportunity to continue to support the Adaptive Program, we jumped on it immediately. Everyone at PerfectPass was very supportive of this unique program. Most PerfectPass sponsorship dollars go directly to high performance events whereas this program is more for the betterment of the community.”

“PerfectPass continues to support the sport in Canada, ” added Dan Wolfenden, Executive Director, Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada. “Their superb technology allow us to provide optimum pulls to participating athletes, and their financial support enable us to stage such quality national events.”

Bronze medal for Canadian water skier at World Games

July 23, 2005

DUISBURG, Germany- Jenna Mielzynski of Belfountain, Ont., won the bronze medal in the women’s water skiing overall event on Saturday at the 2005 World Games.

Tarah Benzal of the U.S., took the gold medal with 2,869.81 points despite not posting a first place score in any of the three events. Megan Louise Ross of New Zealand, tops in tricks, took second overall at 2,856.04 while Mielzynski, second in tricks, fourth in jump and sixth in slalom was third at 2,812.76. Medals were only awarded for the overall scores.

It was an impressive comeback for Mielzynski after she suffered a concussion last month in the jump event at the Masters Tournament and had only started training again two weeks ago.

“I knew that if I skied well here I’d be battling for a medal,” said Mielzynski. “I’ve put my injury behind me and it didn’t affect my jumping competition. I started the day with a disappointing slalom but that got me fired up for the other two events.”

In men’s competition, Ryan Green of Australia took the overall gold while Kole Magnowski of Russell, Man., was 10th highlighted by the fourth best scores in slalom and jump.

“I’m not an overall specialist so I was just happy to be here and get some experience against a senior field,” said Magnowski, the gold medallist in jump last week at the under-21 world championships. “I put in some decent performances.”

In men’s barefoot water skiing, Paul MacDonald of Milton, Ont., finished fourth overall while Gordie Croteau of Sudbury, Ont., was 10th. In men’s wakeboard Alberta’s Braden Price of was seventh overall.

The World Games is a multi-sport competition held every four years mainly for non-Olympic sports under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee. The 2005 World Games features 3,500 athletes from 100 nations, competing at 27 venues in 40 sports.

Jason McClintock and Kole Magnowski earn Gold at Worlds

July 17, 2005

Jason McClintock of Cambridge, Ont., wins two gold medal and Kole Magnowski of Russell Man., adds another win at under-21 world water skiing championships

FELDBERG, Germany- Jason McClintock of Cambridge, Ont., won two gold medals and Kole Magnowski of Russell, Man., added another win on Sunday to conclude a superb Canadian performance at the under-21 world water skiing championships.

McClintock, 18, totalled 9,580 points which tied a personal best score and placed him well ahead of runner-up Adam Sedlmajer of the Czech Republic who received 8, 840 points. Franc Desboyaux of France was third at 8,530.

The win also enabled McClintock to capture the overall title for his second gold of the day.

“The overall title was my big goal and that’s why I put in all my big elements in the tricks routine,” said McClintock, also the reigning world junior champion. “In the preliminaries I took the risky moves out because I wanted to be sure to qualify. And it was really important for me to do well after my disappointment in the slalom (he placed fourth on Saturday).”

In men’s jump, Magnowski was the last jumper of the day and soared 58.20 metres for the victory. Mitchell Cockburn of Australia was second at 57.50 and Stephen Critchley of Brtain third at 55.60. Jason McClintock was eighth.

It was Magnowski’s first world title.

“There was a lot of pressure on the last jump especially after Cockburn had a big one just before me,” said Magnowski, the Pan Am championships jump champion last year. “My winning jump felt alright considering the conditions. The tailwind pushed you down faster to the water when you got off the ramp.”

Whitney McClintock of Cambridge and Breanne Wagner of Surrey, B.C., were ninth and 11th in women’s jump. On Saturday, Wagner won a silver medal in women’s slalom.

Breanne Wagner of Surrey, B.C., wins silver at under-21 world water skiing championships

July 16, 2005

FELDBERG, Germany- Breanne Wagner of Surrey, B.C., won the silver medal on Saturday in women’s slalom at the under-21 world water skiing championships.

Regina Jaquess of the U.S., took the gold medal with Wagner second and Tara Benzel of the U.S., third. Whitney McClintock, 15, of Cambridge, Ont., was eighth.

“I felt that a medal was a possibility, “said Wagner, 21, savoring her first world championship medal. “The boats over here are different and create a lot more wake. So you have to be really aggressive to go through them.”

“There’s probably a half dozen skiers that can ski better than Breanne here but they couldn’t handle the conditions,” added Canadian national team coach Steve Bush of North Vancouver. “It’s a big day for her.”

In men’s slalom, the Americans were 1-2 with Ian Trapp taking the gold and Billy Susi the silver. Matteo Ianni of Italy won the bronze medal edging out Jason McClintock of Cambridge who was fourth. Kole Magnowski of Russell, Man., was 11th.

“It hasn’t gone well for me in slalom this weekend,” said McClintock, the reigning world junior champion. “I didn’t have good preliminaries so I was second off the dock today. I had no pressure and went out and skied as hard as I could. It was a half decent run but it didn’t hold.”

Magnowski was the top qualifier for Sunday’s men’s jump final while Jason McClintock has qualified for both the jump and tricks finals. In women’s jump both Wagner and Whitney McClintock are qualified for Sunday’s final.

Chad Sharpe of Cloverdale. B.C., wins bronze medal at Kelowna Pro Wakeboard Tour stop

July 4, 2005

KELOWNA, B.C.- Chad Sharp of Cloverdale, B.C., was the lone bright spot for Canada in an otherwise subpar performance for the hosts with a bronze medal in the men’s wakeboard event at the fourth stop on the Pro Tour circuit.

Daniel Watkins led Australia to a 1-2 finish with Josh Sanders second and Sharp taking third spot for his first medal this season on the Tour.

Up to this weekend, Canadian riders were enjoying one of their best seasons on the Tour. Sharpe has had his most successful year ever and was sitting in sixth place in season standings. He has reached finals iat three of the four stops.

Rusty Malinoski of Humboldt, Sask., who won his first pro event at the previous stop in Nevada, Kyle Rattray of Guelph, Ont., and Kevin Henshaw of Sidney, B.C., last year’s junior pro champion, were all eliminated in the quarterfinals.

In junior men’s wakeboard competition, the U.S., swept the medals with Danny Thollander first, Daniel Walden second and Rhett Whatley third.

World junior champion Aaron Rathy of Nanaimo, B.C., who had won the last two Pro stops in Texas and Nevada and finished second in the other, was eliminated in the semifinals finishing fourth in his heat.

Rathy is in his first year on the tour and was the series points leader coming into Kelowna. Rathy may hold onto his lead in the standings because three of the other four riders in the top five also failed to advance on Saturday.

The fifth and final stop on the tour is July 30-31 in Portland, Oregon.

AMALGAMATION OF CAC AND NCCC

July 4, 2005

The Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) and the National Coaching Certification Council (NCCC) is in the final stage of their amalgamation.

The new organization will continue to implement the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) which is the national coach and sports education program designed to suit the needs of all sport participants in Canada. Under a new mandate, the organization’s responsibilities will include standardization of coaching and sport leader education programs, development of resource materials, and certification.

"After so much discussion and debate in recent years, it is gratifying that the process is coming to fruition and with such a positive outcome," said CAC chair Peggy Gallant of Antigonish, Nova Scotia. "There can be no doubt that this exciting development will result in a new direction for coach education in Canada, with a dynamic new culture and expanded partnerships. It is important to note that the amalgamation is supported by the Federal/Provincial/Territorial governments responsible for sport."

"The NCCC has been a major contributor to the decision-making process that led to this very important step for coaching in Canada," said NCCC chair Wendy Bedingfield of Halifax. "We are eager for the implementation to move forward and predict that the impact will quickly and positively be felt across the country. This is indeed a major milestone in the evolution of coaching in Canada."

For more information, please visit the CAC website at www.coach.ca

CANADIAN WATER SKIER JARET LLEWELLYN WINS SILVER MEDAL IN JUMP AT MALIBU OPEN

June 26, 2005

DOUSMAN, Wisconsin - For the second consecutive week Jaret Llewellyn of Innisfail, Alta., was runner-up to arch rival Freddy Krueger of the U.S., at a professional event in the jump competition on Sunday at the $100,000 Malibu Open water skiing meet.

Krueger earned his fourth pro victory this season soaring 68.7 metres on his third and last attempt in the final. Llewellyn, the International Water Ski Federation's male athlete of the year in 2004, was second at 67.3 while Mark Lane of the U.S., and Ryan Dodd of Olds, Alta., tied for third at 65.1.

"Freddy's making it hard on me this year," said Llewellyn, 34, in his 21st season on the national team. "I jumped pretty good all weekend and he barely made it out of the preliminaries. But in the final today I left the door open a bit and you can't do that with him."

In men's tricks, Jimmy Siemers of the U.S., needed a run-off against France's Nicolas Leforestier but won for the second straight weekend. Leforestier was second, Cory Pickos of the U.S., third and Llewellyn took fourth spot. Dodd was eighth.

"My tricks routines were very good all weekend and I posted some of my best scores," Llewellyn said. "I varied the difficulty of my routines for each round and went hard in the final."

Other Canadian results, Doug Ross of Belleville, Ont., was sixth in men's slalom with Trent Finlayson of Saskatoon 22nd and Drew Ross of Belleville 29th.

Breanne Wagner of Surrey, B.C., was 15th in women's slalom and world junior champion Whitney McClintock of Cambridge, Ont., ninth in women's tricks.

CORRECT CRAFT AND WATER SKI AND WAKEBOARD CANADA CELEBRATE NEW PARTNERSHIP

ORLANDO, FL

(June 22, 2005)—A five year partnership has been announced between Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) and Correct Craft, Inc.

As a manufacturer of sport specific boats, Correct Craft, Inc. has agreed to be the exclusive supplier of towboats along with technical support at three different Canadian championships held annually for the duration of the agreement. 

Riders at the Canadian Wakeboard Championships will be pulling off inverts, grinds and some stylish grabs behind the recognized power of the Air Nautique. Medal-vying skiers at the Canadian Water Ski Championships and Canadian Adapted Water Ski Championships will be towed through the slalom, trick, and jump courses by the Ski Nautique model. Boats may also be supplied for other international and regional events.

In addition to supplying the national championships with top-of-the-line boats, Correct Craft, Inc. will also provide the association with welcomed financial support in order to increase the promotion of towed water sports in Canada.

“We are delighted to continue our longstanding partnership with the good people and product of Correct Craft,” said WSWC Executive Director, Dan Wolfenden. “This agreement ensures that our championship competitors receive the highest standard in towboats. The financial investment enables us to stage quality championships and to help develop and grow the sport in Canada.”

“We are extremely pleased to continue our partnership with WSWC for another five years,” said Gary Meloon, vice president of marketing for Correct Craft, Inc. “It’s great to be recognized by the WSWC as building the finest wakeboard and water ski towboats in the world. We look forward to continuing our support in promoting towed water sports in Canada.”

With over 21,000 registered members, Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada is the recognized national sports organization for towed water sports. Canada’s record of success on the world stage is nothing short of impressive: Eighteen world championships gold medals, 51 total medals in the world championships, and 18 Pan Am Games medals since 1995.

Celebrating 80 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft is a family-owned manufacturer of world-famous waterski, wakeboard, crossover and family recreational boats. Correct Craft, Inc., a Florida-based company, is known for leading the industry in technology and innovative hull designs.

2005 IWSF AND WWA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SELECTION CRITERIA AVAILABLE FOR NATIONAL AND DEVELOPMENT WAKEBOARD TEAMS

June 21,2005

Selection criteria is now available for both the national and development wakeboard teams for the IWSF World Championships and the WWA World Championships, also known as the World Series final stop.

Due to the close proximity of our 2005 Canadian Wakeboard Championship from August 19th to 21st, and the IWSF’s World Wakeboard Championships from August 30th to September 3rd in Moscow, Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada’s (WSWC) Wakeboard Committee has established an application process that will enable the team to be selected by mid-July.

In the case of the WWA World Championships, all WSWC members are eligible on a self-funded basis to participate so long as they meet the entry requirements. Taking place between October 13th to 16th in Australia, the 2005 Canadian Wakeboard Championship placements will determine a rider’s eligibility.

Click here to access the selection criteria and the application forms.

NEW NATIONAL OFFICE STAFF

June 13, 2005

The association is pleased to announce the addition of two new staff to the Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada national office.

Joining the association in a full time capacity of Sport Development Manager is Chris Henry. While his priority focus for 2005 will be the association’s continued transition of the National Coaching Certification Program to a CBET (competency based education and training) model, his responsibility areas include grass roots programs (Rip ‘n Ride, SkiAbility), wakeboard, barefoot, adaptive and other domestic programs.

Chris has a water ski and wakeboard background, including having served as an instructor for two summers at the Delawana Inn in Ontario, and a third one at the Inn as watersports director. He has also worked in a watersport retail shop on Georgian Bay, was with the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club, and has a BA (hon) from Queens and a Graduate Diploma in Sport Business Management from Algonquin College. He is functionally bilingual and comes to us from the Bluesfest Festival in Ottawa, where he was serving as their Volunteer Coordinator. Chris may be reached at chris@waterski-wakeboard.ca or 613-526-0685, x3001.

Barry Green joins the association in the 7 month term position of Sport Development Coordinator, where he will help Chris Henry coordinate sport and domestic development activities. He is a recent graduate of Laurentian University's Sport Administration program, and is also a recreational water skier and wakeboarder. Barry has worked in a communications capacity for Athletics Canada and Laurentian’s Athletic Department. He may be reached at barry@waterski-wakeboard.ca or 613-526-0685, x3004.

Welcome Chris and Barry!

A national office organization chart, with a listing of key responsibilities for each staff member, can be viewed at waterski-wakeboard.ca.

Judy McClintock-Messer of Mississauga to be inducted into International Water Ski Federation’s Hall of Fame

June 8, 2005

OTTAWA- Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada is pleased to announce that Judy McClintock-Messer of Mississauga, Ont., is one of five inductees named to the International Water Skiing Federation’s Hall of Fame for 2005.

She is only the third Canadian to be inducted since the Hall was launched in 1989. The other two are George Athans of Montreal in 1993 and Roger Codere of Sherbrooke, Que., in 1996.

“I’m very honoured,” said McClintock-Messer. “I’ve been out of water skiing for nine years so it’s nice to still get this recognition after all these years. I learned a lot of lessons as a water skier including perseverance and achieving your goals through hard work. It also provided me an opportunity to travel the world. I always felt very fortunate to be part of the Canadian national team.”

McClintock-Messer won world titles 10 years apart (1985 in tricks and 1995 in overall and tricks), broke Canadian records 48 times and still holds the tricks mark today. She was on the national team for 17 years (1979-1995) and competed at every world championships during those years - an international record. She also won 30 national crowns and claimed four Masters titles. When she retired in 1996 she was only 33-years-old. McClintock-Messer and her brother Joel McClintock were the first siblings to win world titles and they also helped end the American's 40-year-reign in the team event at the 1991 worlds.

"This is such a well deserved honour," remarked Steve Bush, National Team coach throughout McClintock's career. "Judy was a model athlete for the team, Canada and the sport for so many years. She worked hard, persevered, performed and always represented herself in the way we always hope a Canadian athlete would. Her love of the sport shone through, which is why she was able to compete at the highest international level for so many years."

Today, McClintock-Messer runs a successful fitness business in Northampton, Massachusetts with her husband. They have three children. She is an avid runner and competed in three marathons over the last year including the Boston Marathon this past April.

She will be officially inducted at the world water skiing championships this August in China.

Canada’s Whitney McClintock wins all four events at junior U.S. open water skiing competition

June 5, 2005

SANTA ROSA BEACH, Florida- World junior champion Whitney McClintock of Cambridge, Ont., won the gold medal in all four women’s finals on Sunday at the junior U.S. Open water skiing competition.

McClintock, 15, earned victories in tricks, slalom, jump and overall. The jump event went down to an extra round after McClintock and another competitor tied for first. McClintock soared 132 feet in the jump-off, her final event of the day, to complete the sweep.

“The jump event was a real struggle for everyone and became very frustrating,” said McClintock. “But I was able to put my best one together in the jump-off. I was a lot more patient and it was my fifth jump of the day so I was starting to have some feel for the water.”

Last weekend McClintock won three gold medals including the overall title at the junior Masters competition in Georgia.

“I really didn’t get enough rest in between the two competitions,” she said. “In the middle of the week I was exhausted so I took Friday off. These two meets back-to-back was physically very tough to go through.”

Jason McClintock, Whitney’s older brother, added gold in the men’s slalom.

“I just missed my personal best so I can’t complain about that,” said Jason McClintock, also the reigning overall world junior champion. “There was a cross wind, which is the worst you can have in slalom and that made it very challenging. I really had trouble with it yesterday (Saturday) and today I was more vigilant about it. Slalom is turning into my best event these days, probably thanks to some new skis I have now.”

Canadians win men’s events at wakeboard pro tour event

June 5, 2005

RENO, Nevada- Rusty Malinoski of Humboldt, Sask., earned his first professional victory and Aaron Rathy of Nanimo, B.C., added a second consecutive win in junior competition on Sunday at the third stop on the Pro Wakeboard Tour circuit.

In the men’s pro final, Malinoski defeated Brett Eisenhauer of Australia in the final while Erick Ruck of the U.S., won the bronze medal showdown. Chad Sharpe of Cloverdale, B.C., was eliminated in the semifinal round.

Malinoski was on his game Sunday. In the eight-man final he won his last two duals posting perfect 100 point scores.

“It’s just unbelievable,” said Malinoski, 19, who expects to crack the top-five in the overall tour standings after his win. “I rode awesome all day and I just kept doing the same thing and it worked out. This is only my second year on tour and for most guys it takes longer than that to get their first win. But I’ve been working hard this year and it certainly feels like I was due for a win.”

In the junior men’s final, Rathy, 17, who won the last pro stop in Texas as well as the Masters Tournament last week in Georgia, defeated American Philip Coombs in the final.

The next stop on the circuit is July 8-10 at Kelowna, B.C.

A Learn-to-Ski Initiation Program for Persons with a Disability

June 2, 2005

Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada launches SkiAbility program for people with a disability

OTTAWA- Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) will launch its SkiAbility clinics program this Friday to Sunday in Knowlton, Que. This first session will assemble 24 invited facilitators from across Canada who will be trained to instruct and manage their own clinics across Canada throughout the summer.

SkiAbility is a national standardized program designed to encourage a greater number of Canadians with a disability to learn and enjoy the sport of water skiing. With proper instruction, equipment and access, water skiing has proven to be an easily adaptable, safe and healthy activity for virtually any person with a physical or intellectual disability.

The project is a comprehensive clinic outreach program, whereby trained SkiAbility clinic facilitators will deliver clinics and lessons to skiers of different ages with different types of disabilities. The intent is to have multiple clinics delivered in different locations in every province across Canada. The goal is to serve 480 skiers in the summer of 2005 and 960 skiers in the summer of 2006.

“This program is going to have a fantastic impact at the grassroots level,” said Chris Bourne of Ottawa, a member of the Canadian national disabled team who also works with Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability. “There are a few programs across Canada that specialize in water skiing for people with a disability but nothing this comprehensive and coordinated. We’ll be providing provinces across Canada with training instructors, equipment and knowledge to go out there and introduce the sport of water skiing to people with a disability. And it all gets underway this weekend.”

In partnership with its provincial water ski associations, WSWC also announced it has purchased 11 sit skis for the program across Canada.

There are 3.4 million Canadians with a disability. Currently, this population is under-represented in the sport of water skiing, largely for reasons of limited access, minimal programming and lack of awareness/knowledge on the part of both activity providers and persons with a disability.

WSWC will provide planning, development, administrative and financial support for the program. Provincial water ski associations will also play a key role in the planning and administration of clinics, being responsible for working with it’s member clubs to ensure effective program delivery. Clinics will be delivered through qualified ski clubs and programs.

WSWC’s KanSki program (adapted water ski rental), previous clinics, inauguration of a national disabled water ski championship in 2004 and participation by its National Disabled Team in the 2003 World Disabled Water Ski Championships, has proved that water skiing is ready to go the next step in providing Canadians with a wonderful outlet for their health, recreational and competitive needs.

For more information about SkiAbility, contact Chris Bourne at 1-800-771-0663, ext 26 or chris@ala.ca .

For more photos in higher resolution please contact Tina Shaver, Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada at (613) 536-0685 or tina@waterski-wakeboard.ca

With over 21,000 registered members, Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada is the recognized national sport organization for towed water sports. Canada's record of success on the world stage is nothing short of impressive: eighteen world championship gold medals, 51 total medals in world championships, and 18 Pan Am Games medals since 1995.

Jaret Llewellyn wins silver and bronze at Masters Tournament water skiing competition

May 29, 2005

CALLAWAY GARDENS, Georgia- Jaret Llewellyn of Innisfail, Alta., won the silver medal in men’s jump and the bronze in tricks on Sunday at the Masters Tournament water skiing competition.

In men’s jump, Krueger won the head-to-head final against the Canadian water skiing legend soaring 238 feet on the final jump of the day, a record at a professional event and also a course record. Llewellyn, the event’s defending champion, mustered a 222 leap on his first attempt and 215 on his second.

“I just didn’t jump that great,” said Llewellyn, in his 22nd season on the national team. “The format was different and I felt relief just to make the final four. So I was lot more relaxed but I knew on my second jump I had to get to 230. Unfortunately, I left the door open for Freddy.”

In tricks, Nicolas Leforestier of France defeated Jimmy Siemers of the U.S., in the final. Llewellyn lost his head-to head semifinal to Siemers and took third spot.

“I tricked really good to reach the top-four,” said Llewellyn, last year’s International Water Skiing Federation’s male athlete of the year. “I went with my hard run in the semi but I bobbled it. Still I’m pleased with third place.”

Llewellyn returns to action June 17-19 at the Pro Water Ski Championships in New York City.

On Saturday in junior competition, Canadians sparkled at the Masters with Whitney McClintock of Cambridge, Ont., earning the overall women’s water ski title with wins in tricks and slalom. Her brother Jason McClintock was second overall highlighted by a win in slalom while Aaron Rathy of Nanaimo, B.C., won the junior men’s wakeboard event.

Canadian juniors shine at Masters waterskiing and wakeboard competition

May 28, 2005 CALLAWAY GARDENS, Georgia- World junior champion Whitney McClintock of Cambridge, Ont., earned three gold medals including the women’s overall title while her brother Jason McClintock and Aaron Rathy of Nanaimo, B.C., both battled injuries for wins on Saturday in junior competition at prestigious Masters water skiing and wakeboard competition.

In women’s tricks, the 15-year-old McClintock was the final competitor and rose to the occasion earning a personal best 6,910 points to win the event for a third straight year. Michale Briant of Australia was second at 6650 and Caroline Hensley of the U.S., in third at 4,370.

In women’s slalom, McClintock successfully defended her title with 55 buoys ahead of Clea Dumoutier of France in second at 51 and her compatriot Nancy Chardin third at 50.

Overall, McClintock bettered last year’s second place finish with 2,960 points for the gold. Jenna Mielzynski of Caledon, Ont., was second at 2,398 and Chardin third at 2,380.

“It’s overwhelming for me to win here I really have to pinch myself,” said Whitney McClintock. “The tricks event was the one I was most worried about. It’s an event in which can all be over in a split second and I really put it together today in the final.”

In women’s jump, Chardin earned the gold soaring 139.3 feet with Mielzynski second at 139 feet and McClintock third at 128. Mielzynski, 17, crashed on her final jump and was taken to hospital for observation and released.

In men’s slalom, Jason McClintock bounced back from a slight concussion suffered in Friday’s jump preliminaries to win the gold at 57.5 buoys. Bernardo Graf of Mexico was second at 56 and Jonathan Travers of the U.S., third at 55.

“I had a doctor check me out and underwent some therapy in the morning but I still felt really sore,” said Jason McClintock, 17, the reigning overall world junior champion. “So I wasn’t really sure if I would be able to compete or not. I got through it today and I’m pleased but physically I don’t feel great.”

Thomas Gilbert of the U.S., won the overall title with 2,826 followed by McClintock second overall despite not jumping on Saturday at 2,585. Bryan Melnuk of Vancouver was third overall at 2,445.

The McClintocks continue a strong family tradition in the sport. Their father Jeff McClintock and their aunt and uncle Joel and Judy McClintock were all national and international stars in the sport winning world titles in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.

In men’s wakeboarding, Rathy built on his early season success earning 66.67 points despite a brace on his right knee due to an injury suffered in training a couple of weeks ago. Robert Soven of the U.S., was second at 62.27 and Jimmy Lariche of the U.S., third at 56.10.

“I was first out of the dock with three solid riders still to come and I threw it all down,” said Rathy, 17, the world junior champion, who won his first pro event last weekend in Texas. “I did a couple of new tricks so I’m pretty stoked. Aside from that it was pretty much my basic stuff. There were no sliders here so you had to do a few more tricks off the wake. It was cool.”

Competition ends Sunday with the seniors in action featuring Canadian water skiing superstar Jaret Llewellyn of Innisfail, Alta., a five-time overall Masters champion.

There’s a live video feed of the event with play-by-play at www.masterslive.net

JARET LLEWELLYN’S INSTRUCTIONAL DVD RELEASED

Canada’s own water ski superstar Jaret Llewellyn has officially released his first instructional DVD entitled, Step in the Right Direction.

The first in a series, this video provides over 90 minutes of world class instruction. Its goal is to guide novice skiers and riders step-by-step though various water ski and wakeboard techniques, and allow them to discover the fun and excitement that the sport has to offer.

Jaret, who is currently the World Overall Champion and 11 time world record holder, has imparted much of his knowledge and time into working with H2O Sports Productions to create a video which presents valuable instruction for the entire family.

For more information, to view the DVD trailer, or to order online, please visit www.ridingh2o.com.

Canadian teenager wins pro wakeboard event in Texas

FORT WORTH, Texas- Aaron Rathy of Nanaimo, B.C., earned his first career professional victory on Sunday in the junior men’s division at the second stop on the Pro Tour wakeboard circuit.

The 17-year-old Rathy, the world junior champion last year, was joined on the podium by Austin Hair in second and Philip Combs, both of the U.S.

Earlier this week, Rathy suffered a knee injury which kept off the water and lying on the couch for two days. He was given the go ahead to compete by his doctor but was told to take it easy if he started to feel uncomfortable.

“There was some pain but sometimes you just have to push through it,” said Rathy, second at the season opener three weeks ago in Orlando. “I did pretty much the same runs as the last event but I inserted a couple of new tricks. I’m a little surprised it’s gone this well but I’m training hard.”

In the men’s pro division, Danny Harf won the all American final over Andrew Adkinson.

Chad Sharpe of Cloverdale, B.C., also reached the eight-man final round. Canadians eliminated in second round qualifying were Rusty Malinoski of Humboldt, Sask., Kevin Henshaw of Sidney, B.C., and Kyle Rattray of Guelph, Ont.

The next stop on the circuit is June 3-5 in Reno, Nevada. Kelowna, B.C., hosts the fourth stop July 8-10.

WAKEBOARD NATIONAL TEAM HEAD COACH APPOINTED

May 20th, 2005

Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Saskatoon’s Michael Lieffers as the National Wakeboard Team head coach. The association is delighted that Mike has sought this position with such an extensive background in the sport.

Mike will be providing leadership, coaching and managerial support to the national team program and to team members.

“Michael brings experience and great plans to the position of National Team coach,” said Robert Price, WSWC’s Wakeboard Committee Chair. “We anticipate great things from Michael and wish him great success in his new position.”

Mike is currently completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology (Sport and Exercise Studies) from the University of Saskatchewan. As well as meeting the WSWC’s coaching requirements and criteria, he has served as President of the Saskatchewan Water Ski & Wakeboard Association, and been heavily involved in provincial and regional endeavours as a coach, manager, coordinator, instructor and author of an instructional manual for wakeboard entitled MBL Wake: Board/Skate Workbook. Since his introduction to the sport in 1996, he has also had the opportunity to compete in many provincial, national and international events.

“I look forward to working with Canada’s best athletes as well as a dynamic committee for the pursuit of medals at international events,” said Lieffers.

Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada welcomes Mike to the team and are confident that his knowledge and experience will make a great contribution to the sport. Moreover, we recognize his ability to fulfill coaching and coordinative needs of our national team athletes in their pursuit of excellence.

The association thanks Jeremy Matthews for his past role and commitment to the team, and looks forward to his continued involvement in the community.

Mayor of Sherbrooke, Que., among four inductees to Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada Hall of Fame

May 3, 2005

Mayor of Sherbrooke, Que., among four inductees to Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada Hall of Fame

OTTAWA- Jean Perrault, the mayor of the Sherbrooke, Que., is among four inductees into the Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada Hall of Fame along with Clint Ward of Toronto, Bruce Reid of Selkirk, Man., and Kim de Macedo of Vancouver.

Seven were inducted in 2004, the inaugural year for the Hall.

Perrault was nominated in the Builder category and enjoyed a successful career as a competitor, coach, administrator and organizer in the sport. He competed at four world championships in the 1960’s and coached the national team at two more worlds in the 1970’s.

He founded the Municipal Water Ski School in Sherbrooke in 1968 which still exists today and is one of the longest standing water ski schools in the world. He has also been president of both Water Ski Quebec and Water Ski Canada. He was elected to Sherbrooke’s municipal council in 1982 and became mayor 12 years later.

“It’s wonderful to get this recognition,” said Perrault, who set eight Canadian records in tricks in his competitive career. “It’s a proud moment for me. I learned life skills through water skiing. I was able to reach my objectives as an athlete and it helped me in my studies and in my professional career. I really believe in sport, it’s my base, and I’ve always tried to give back what I’ve learned from sport to my community.”

Ward, now a Hudson, Que., resident, was also nominated in the builder category. He was among Canada’s top water skiers in the sixties which included earning the slalom national title in his career opening tournament. In the seventies he was involved in all facets of the sport. He was Canadian team manager at the 1971 world championships highlighted by George Athans’ gold medal. He was also team leader at the 1972 Olympics where water skiing was a demonstration sport. He also served two terms as Water Ski Canada president.

One of his best memories was organizing the very successful 1979 World Water Skiing Championships in Toronto.

“Those worlds were about as perfect as it gets,” said Ward, also on the organizing committee for the 1967 worlds in Sherbrooke. “The site at the Toronto Islands was ideal for the competitors and spectators and to top it off we had great weather.”

Reid, who learned to water ski on the Red River with the Selkirk Seals Club, won his first Canadian championship at age nine. He went on to compile 19 national titles and competed at six world championships and six Pan Am Championships. He was also inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 1986.

“Being inducted means I finally get to say thank you to everybody and there are a lot of people I want to recognize,” said Reid, an orthopedic surgeon now based in Jerseyville, Illinois near St. Louis. “It was exciting to ski for Canada in the 1970’s we had such a great team and we kept a winning tradition that was started by guys like Clint Ward.”

In the early 1990’s, de Macedo was a big star on the Canadian team. Her career highlight was at the 1993 World Championships where she led Canada to the team gold with a victory in women’s jump and second place overall. In all she won more than 30 Canadian titles, the last one earned in 2000.

“This is something you don’t expect so soon after you retire,” said de Macedo about being named as one of the inductees. “I think what I remember the most about my career is winning the world team titles. I had some great teammates like the Llewellyn brothers and Judy McClintock-Messer (an inductee last year) who was my biggest influence in the sport. I wanted to be as successful as she was.”

De Macedo currently works as an application analyst at the Vancouver Island Health Authority in Victoria.

The induction ceremonies are scheduled for this summer.

With over 21,000 registered members, Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada is the recognized national sport organization for towed water sports. Canada's record of success on the world stage is nothing short of impressive: eighteen world championship gold medals, 51 total medals in world championships, and 18 Pan Am Games medals since 1995.

To see biographies of the athlete inductees, click here.

To see biographies of the builder inductees, click here.

Aaron Rathy of Nanaimo wins silver medal in professional debut in wakeboarding

ORLANDO, Florida- World junior champion Aaron Rathy of Nanaimo, B.C., won the silver medal in the junior men’s division Sunday in his professional debut at the opening stop in the Pro Tour wakeboard circuit.

Jeff House of the U.S., took the win with a 71.22 score. Rathy, who won his world junior crown at this site last year, followed at 66.67 with Philip Combs of the U.S., third at 62.22.

“I rode very good, I was pretty pleased,” said Rathy, 17. “The two guys ahead of me put the heat on with some strong performances and I had to step it up a notch. I’ve got a few new tricks this year and it’s fun to try them out on this circuit.”

Rathy is trying to succeed Kevin Henshaw of Sidney, B.C., as the junior pro champion this season.

In men’s senior pro competition, 15-year-old Philip Soven of the U.S., was the winner at 97.50 with Josh Sanders of Australia second at 92.50. Daniel Watkins of Australia was third and Chad Sharpe of Cloverdale, B.C., reached the four-man final and was fourth.

Henshaw, 19, made his senior pro debut and reached the semifinals. Rusty Malinoski of Humboldt, Sask., was eliminated in the quarterfinals.

The next stop on the tour is May 21-22 at Fort Worth, Texas. Kelowna, B.C., hosts one of the five stops July 8-10.

GET YOUR 2005 COMPETITIVE LICENSES HERE

Apr 4,2005

The season has begun and competitions are almost underway from Florida to South Africa to our Canadian waters. Be a part of the competition by purchasing your 2005 Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada Competitive Licence. This is separate, and above and beyond provincial competitive memberships. National Licence forms are available on our our website.

Check out the benefits of purchasing your 2005 competitive licence:

• Inclusion in year-end 2005 Canadian Ranking List published in “WakeSports Canada” magazine and on the association’s web page (water ski and barefoot) 2 free issues of “WakeSports Canada” magazine
• Access to TowSmart Boat Insurance
• WSWC Athlete Performance booklets
• Upon request, receive your Individual Performance Record from WSWC at the end of the season
• Access to Rule books –can be found at www.waterski-wakeboard.ca
• Eligible to participate in National Championships
• Eligible to participate in Regional Championships
• Eligible to participate in any record capable tournament
• Inclusion on the World Rankings List (water ski and barefoot)
• Eligible to achieve Canadian records
• Receive regular email updates on tournaments, announcements, broken records, “Waterski Online” and much more!

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR WSWC OUTREACH CLINIC GRANTS

Two Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada national committees and programs (barefoot and wakeboard) wish to encourage provincial associations, member clubs and schools, and other groups to stage new and progressive clinics. And there’s some national money available to help!

WSWC invites provinces, clubs, schools and affiliated groups to consider an application(s) to this program. The applicable provincial water ski association must endorse all applications so as to have supervisory control. It is estimated that WSWC grants would be in the area of $200 to $750 for approved clinics, and that there will be more clinic applications than available funding.

Respective program priorities for funding are:

Barefoot

1. Junior initiation
2. Junior skill development
3. Novice skill development

Wakeboard

1. Youth initiation
2. Female outreach
3. Under-represented regional development
4. Youth skill development
5. Novice skill development
6. ‘Newly’ created clinics

Applications must be submitted to the national office (via email, fax or post) by April 28, 2005. Decisions will be announced by mid may so that successful applicants will be provided as much lead time as possible for implementation. Application forms can be found at:
Barefoot Clinic Application
Barefoot Clinic Application en francais
Wakeboard Clinic Application
Wakeboard Clinic Application en francais

We hope groups will be able to take advantage of this WSWC funding assistance in support of outreach and athlete development objectives.

Canadian Officials Appointed to Respective Juries of World EVENTS

Seven Canadians recently received the highest recognition for their craft -- appointment as an official to a World Water Ski Championships. Congratulations! Their, and the full slate of appointments are:

World Ski Racing Championships, Hunstanton, Great Britain, 11-18 June 2005
Chief Judge: Louis Simard, CAN
Assistant Chief Judge: Howard Smith, Wales
Chief Calculator: Josep (Pepe) Escoda, Spain
Judges: Vera Van Den Bossche, Belgium; Paul Cole, Great Britain; Juan Peleja, Spain; Pat Marino, USA; Kelly Ireland, USA; Mario Regimballe, CAN; John Newton, New Zealand; Barbara Osborne, Australia; Fran Hynes, Australia

World Water U21 Ski Championships, Feldberg, Germany, July 14-17, 2005
Chief Judge: Jeff Smith USA
Assistant Chief Judge: Thomas Siebert GER
Homologator: Neils Mozart DEN
Chief Calculator: Diane Maloney GBR
Assistant Calculators: Leon Larson USA, Maritza Concha CHI
Judges: Francine Lion FRA, Chris Owen IRL, Mikhail Padaliak BLR, Mark Kabieschke COL, Jerry Woodard USA, Pat Carroll CAN, Bruce Cockburn AUS Alternate Judges: Roy Collins GBR, Hannu Rintanen FIN Chief Driver: Chris Rathy CAN Drivers: Adrian Asher GBR, Gordon West USA Alternate Driver: Jon Thatcher USA

World Water Ski Championships, Tianjin, China, August 15-21, 2005
Chief Judge: Thomas Ludwig GER
Assistant Chief Judge: Dave Clark USA
Homologator: Eddie Roberts USA
Chief Calculator: Brigitte Raymond FRA
Assistant Calculators: Lori Veenstra CAN, Larry Downes USA
Judges: Emmanuel Lion FRA, Fred Dupanloup SUI, D'Elia Vincenzo ITA, Vern Oberg CAN, Mark Kabieschke COL, Luis Cabellos CHI, Robin Wright NZE, Kevin Wiseman AUS, Dai Sougqing CHN, Mary Gail Holcombe USA
Alternate Judges: Maureen Wright GBR, Werner Schicher AUT
Chief Driver: Ralph Armstrong USA

CLUB & SCHOOL INSURANCE PROGRAM READY FOR 2005-06!

WSWC is pleased to announce that it’s popular club and school development programs are up and ready to go for the 2005-06 season. Through these programs, groups receive multiple benefits, the one touted as the most valued being general comprehensive liability insurance. Over 110 groups participated last season.

Better yet, all program rates remain at last year’s levels! Last year’s coverage period extends from April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2005. To ensure that there are no gaps in coverages for the upcoming year, clubs and schools are encouraged to submit their program applications in the coming weeks.

Complete information on the programs, including application forms, are available on-line as follows:

English
Clubs
Schools

French
Clubs
Schools

All existing program members will receive a hard copy of the materials via post.

PRELIMINARY WORLD RANKINGS LIST POSTED FOR REVIEW

The International Water Ski Federation’s Preliminary World Ranking List (Water Ski), sponsored by Correct Craft, for the period ending 301 October 2004 is now available for viewing at http://www.iwsf.com. Skiers have until 12 February 2005 to advise the IWSF of any errors or omissions.

LLEWELLYN NAMED TO OLYMPIC ATHLETE COUNCIL

Jaret Llewellyn, 11-time world record holder water skier and Canadian flag bearer for the opening ceremonies at the 2003 Pan Am Games, was recently named by the Canadian Olympic Committee to its Athletes Council. The Council provides input to athlete-centered decision making, plans and programs for the association.

Jaret Llewellyn named IWSF MALE Athlete of the Year

Canadian Jaret Llewellyn was recently named as 2004 Male Athlete of the Year by the International Water Ski Federation. Llewellyn had earlier been named as Male Water Skier of the Year. The IWSF had named a Male and Female as top athlete in each discipline of the sport (wakeboard, barefoot, disabled, racing), and then selected from amongst that elite group the best of the best for 2004. Emma Shears of Australia was recognized as Female Athlete of the Year.

Slalom Skier David C. Bentall publishes new book!

David Bentall, a champion Men's 4 slalom skier and British Columbia slalom record holder, has just officially released his first book entitled "The Company You Keep". It is a book that stresses the importance of making time for true male friendship - an insightful look at how friendship impacts our lives and our careers. Despite the inherent benefits that strong relationships bring, research suggests that most males over the age of 40 dedicate little or no conscious effort towards the cultivation of meaningful friendships with other men. Most men make no new friends after high school. They may have a network, but not the kind of friends who will be there when the going gets tough. Men typically feel they are too busy with their careers to invest time with friends. To order a copy on-line, visit David's website at www.nxtstp.net

Llewellyn Finishes on Podium at Russian World Cup

Jaret Llewellyn won silver and bronze medal at the 2004 Water Ski World Cup in Dubna, Russia (July 23-25, 2004). Llewellyn finished second to American Freddy Krueger in men's jump with 63.8m compared to Krueger's 64.9m. In the men's trick event Llewellyn snagged the bronze medal with a score of 10,650 points, Frenchman Nicholas LeForestier won the event followed by American Russell Gay.

Further results and information with regards to the event can be found at: http://www.worldski.ru/

For commentary on the results please see: http://www.planetwaterski.com

Miller wins Bronze at World Senior Trophy

Dave Miller won at bronze at the World Senior Trophy in Mossiac, France (July 21-25, 2004). Miller finished third in Senior 1 Men's Slalom by skiing 1.5/55 kph @ 11.25m.

Further results are available at: http://www.moissac-skinautique.com/world-trophy-finals.html

Quebec water skier wins bronze at prestigious marathon event

LONG BEACH, Calif.- Bruno Ducharme of Granby, Que., overcame a rough start to win the bronze medal in the Stock Day Cruiser division Saturday at the Catalina Ski Race, a 100 kilometre marathon water ski race.

Americans Todd Haig and Marty Wells, the world champion, were first and second respectively under mostly calm conditions. The 38-year-old Ducharme, who ended a 12-year retirement last year, took third. Official times were not available but the race takes about 50-55 minutes to complete with the water skiers travelling at speeds up to 115 kilometres an hour.

More than 80 entries lined up for the mass start and Ducharme was caught in the crunch early on.

''I made up about 40 spots after the start so I'm pretty happy with my result,'' said Ducharme, who didn't fall once during the entire race. ''What really helped me was my conditioning. I felt very strong from start to finish.''

Ducharme was one of Canada's top marathon racers in the 1980's setting several course records but retired in 1991 to focus on his business. He made a return to competition last year and competed at the world championships. He was the top Canadian at the worlds placing sixth in the men's open division.

What's In a Name and Logo?

Well, if you listened to the membership - a lot!! Which is why Water Ski Canada chose to change its name and visual logo to reflect the membership's desire to be an organization that represents and develops all towed water sports.

The new legal name of the organization is Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada. The rationale of the voting delegates at the 2003 Congress was the association needed to be more inclusive of all disciplines. The "Water Ski" of the organization's name comprises 3-event skiers, barefoot water skiers, skiers with a disability, marathon or ski racers, cable skiers; at the same time "Wakeboard" embraces wakeboarders who do not consider themselves water skiers and in the past had felt alienated.

To be consistent with the new name and goal of inclusiveness, the organization's visual brand needed to be re-evaluated. The previous logo featured a pictogram of a classic slalom water skier adjoined to a stylized maple leaf. Again, the popular opinion of our membership indicated it did not identify visually with the discipline-specific logo.

In addition to the new name and logo, the organization adopted a new 'tag line', which reflects the organization's raison d'etre: Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada - Creating a Wake of Success. Simply put, this narrative explains that WSWC's goal is to facilitate participants' pursuit of their own level of excellence.

The challenge of creating a new logo that all members could identify with, which would befit a dynamic and progressive organization and would serve as an important communications tool was taken to Paul Edwards, of Paul Edwards Design in Ottawa. His graphics and design portfolio is impressive, including the widely recognized and renowned Canadian Hockey Association logo.

"I wanted to create an image that represented the commonalities of all the sport's disciplines, with nothing that would be divisive for one group to the next", explained Edwards of his design task. "I attempted to combine an image of the Canadian maple leaf, with as generic as possible an image of a water sport participant, in a crisp, clean and vibrant logo. The maple leaf depicts water, doubling as spray and wake, with representation of a towrope and handle."

Logos are art and as a result there will be a multitude of opinions, interpretations and comments - positive and negative. This is to be expected from a diverse membership, but it is important to note the changes embrace that diversity, not polarize it.

Initial reactions to the name and logo change seem to indicate that both have hit their mark. "I am pleased that Water Ski Canada has evolved to become Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada, expressed Robert Price, current chair of the national wakeboard committee of the association. "It should help make the wake boarders feel more welcome in an organization that has all the members interests at heart. I hope the name change will help foster an "us" mentality that will see all the sports prosper well in to the future."

Echoing that sentiment is Guillaume Pare, SBC Wakeboard magazine editor. "The name and logo change is a step in the right direction towards the development and growth of towed water sports. Wakeboarding has been extremely rejuvenating for the association: it brought, and continues to bring, exciting events and many new participants to the water. An inclusion within the name of the organization was a must in order to include a rapidly growing and very enthusiastic community of wakeboarders. With the association understanding the movement and willing to support it, I'm hoping riders will recognize the importance of being part of it."

Chris Bourne, chair of the WSWC Adaptive committee in his avocation, and Partnerships Manager with the Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability in his real life, weighed in with his take. "It is great to see the national sport organization that represents towed water sports revise their logo and change their name to better reflect the many different disciplines that make up our sport. The new name and logo are something that all water sport enthusiasts can identify with. Regardless of what we do it on, we all have one thing in common -- a passion for getting out for a rip behind a boat."

"The logo is very interesting", chipped in Louis Simard, President of the Federation Quebecoise de ski nautique and WSWC coordinator for marathon skiing. It is inclusive of all disciplines which is a great idea. It is original and catchy, all disciplines can see themselves. It should give a better visibility for the body that governs all disciplines in Canada."

National barefoot committee chair, Paul Macdonald, likes the unification efforts. "As an organization that represents the many facets of waterskiing, the association has done a great job of designing a logo that promotes participation in all avenues of toed (aka 'towed' for non-barefooters… editor) watersports."

From the top, President Peter Person shared his vision. "This is a large step forward. These changes are also more than just a name and pretty face. The WSWC Business plan, its activities, budgets and structures are all evolving to better serve its members. Towed water sports in this country has grown, and like any good organization it must keep with the times, if not be on the crest of that wake."

Welcome to the new Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada!