SkiAbility Ottawa Wins Sports Award

Dec 6, 2006

The celebration of People Awards dinner took place at the Ottawa Congress Centre on Tuesday December 5th, 2006. These awards recognized the achievements of individuals, community groups, businesses large and small, and government organizations that have truly had a positive and lasting impact on people with disabilities.

SkiAbility Ottawa was awarded the Sports Award that is sponsored by the National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA. This organization recognizes a local athlete with a disability, or a team or organization that involves or includes a person with disabilities who has show leadership, courage, and perseverance in their given sport. SkiAbility Ottawa has become a trend-setting program for Adaptive Water Sports in Canada and Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada would like to congratulate SkiAbility on this award.

SkiAbility Ottawa, is part of a national initiative, promoting comprehensive adaptive water ski programs facilitating the participation of people with disabilities in recreational and competitive watersports. Providing certified instruction, adaptive equipment and trained volunteers in a fun and safe learning environment, the SkiAbility initiative demonstrates that anyone can waterski.

The award was accepted by SkiAbility Ottawa Facilitators Chris Holden, Ross Holden and National Adaptive team member Andrea Andrecyk.

Those interested in checking out SkiAbility Ottawa in more detail can visit there website at www.skiabilityottawa.ca

Congratulations SkiAbility Ottawa!

Malinoski, McClintock and Derome named top athletes by Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada

Nov 21, 2006

OTTAWA- Rusty Malinoski of Humboldt, Sask., Whitney McClintock of Cambridge, Ont., and Raphael Derome of Coteau-du-Lac, Que., were named Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada’s top athletes for the 2006 season.

Malinoski enjoyed a phenomenal season on the various professional wakeboard circuits and was named the male athlete of the year. This summer he won the four-stop World Series title, was second overall on the five-stop Pro Tour and third overall in the World Cup standings. Just last month he took the final event of the King of Wake Series to finish second overall. He also earned a silver medal at the world championships.

‘’I came into the 2006 season better prepared physically and mentally than ever before,’’ said Malinoski. ‘’I also had two solid building years behind me and I had gained a lot of confidence. It was really a thrill to be consistently on the podium week-in and week-out and being one of the favorites. Now my goal is to get even better next year.’’

McClintock took the female athlete of the year award for the third straight year after another great season for the 17-year-old phenom. She won two gold medals and a silver at the world junior championships, three gold at the prestigious U.S., Junior Open and two more gold and a bronze at the senior Pan Am Championships.

‘’I was very surprised to win the award because there were times I felt I could have done better this year,’’ said McClintock. ‘’But I was really happy with how I ended the season at the Pan Am championships against such a strong senior field. It gave me a lot of motivation for next season.’’

Derome won the junior athlete of the year award. He took the gold medal in the junior boys competition at the world wakeboard championships as well as the Canadian Open and Quebec provincial crowns. Next season he’ll compete in the junior division on the Pro Tour circuit.

‘’It was my best season so far,’’ said Derome, 14. ‘’I was a lot more consistent this year and I gained a lot of experience. I never expected to win a world title and the Canadian Open. It’s a big thrill to go on the Tour next year and compete against guys as old as 19-years-old. It’s just one step below the pros.’’

Pat Messner of Ottawa was named coach of the year. She was named the head coach of the national adaptive team for water skiers with a disability and guided Canada to a seven-medal performance at the Pan Am disabled Championships.

Jo-Anne Moore of Edmonton was named official of the year. She was appointed as a judge at the water skiing junior world championships in France this year as well as at the 2006 Nationals and Western Canadians, in addition to her work at the provincial level.

Russ Dickson of Calgary was named the volunteer of the year. He is the president of Water Ski and Wakeboard Alberta and is also leading the national association’s long term athlete development project.

Linda Carroll of Winnipeg received a Builder’s Award. She served as Water Ski Manitoba’s president for two terms and has held the role of president or past president for nine years. She has also been on the national board, worked in officiating, with national championship organizing committees and national team committees.

Alberta won the Province of the Year Award. It hosted 27 sanctioned events fielded 51 competitors at the wakeboard nationals and 17 at the water ski nationals, and had a membership increase of 46 percent.

With over 29,000 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: 19 world championship gold medals, 52 total medals in the world championships, and 18 Pan Am Games medals since 1995.

Canada’s Rusty Malinoski wins King of Wake finale wakeboard competition

Nov 6, 2006

MARATHON, Florida- Rusty Malinoski of Humboldt, Sask., put an exclamation point on the best season of his career on Sunday winning the gold medal at the Pro-Am Wakeboard Championships, the final event in the King of Wake Series held in the Florida Keys.

A “skins” format, where riders continue to accumulate points for skins as long as they keep winning, was used this weekend. The rider with the most wins or skins was declared the winner. Malinoski took home four skins to win the event for the second straight year. JD Webb of the U.S., finished second with two skins winning the tie-breaker with third –place finisher and compatriot Shawn Watson who also won two skins.

‘’It was a tough weekend with the weather but I powered through it,’’ said Malinoski. ‘’I just rode more aggressive and did the hardest tricks in the final. It’s a great way to end the season.’’

Tino Santori of the U.S., fourth, Sunday, took home just enough points to win the nine-stop King of Wake season crown and the $10,000 bonus. Therefore Santori is now considered the world’s No. 1 rider for 2006. Santori finished with 1,340 points, just 24 points ahead Malinoski, last year’s overall champ, in second at 1,316. Andrew Adkison of the U.S., was third just one point behind Malinoski.

It’s the fourth major circuit achievement for Malinoski this season. This summer he won the four-stop World Series title, was second overall on the five-stop Pro Tour and was third overall in the World Cup standings.

Chad Sharpe of Cloverdale, B.C., and Kyle Rattray of Guelph, Ont., also competed but didn’t reach the final round.

In the women’s pro final, Emily Copeland-Durham of the U.S., was the winner with Sunni-Ann Ball of King City, Ont., second.

Canada’s Rusty Malinoski completes World Cup wakeboard season third overall

Oct 2, 2006

SINGAPORE- Rusty Malinoski of Humboldt, Sask., achieved his season goal placing third overall in the World Cup wakeboard standings after a fifth place finish in Sunday’s final stop on the circuit.

Seventeen-year-old Phillip Soven won the Singapore World Cup for the third straight year completing an American podium sweep with Danny Harf second while Andrew Adkinson took third spot. Chad Sharpe of Cloverdale, B.C., was fourth.

Malinoski qualified for the final eight in Saturday’s opening round but couldn’t match his outstanding performances this season and lost in a head-to head match up against Soven in the quarters.

‘’I had a bad weekend,’’ said Malinoski, who was tied with Soven for second overall in the World Cup standings entering this weekend’s competition. ‘’Against Philip I fell on my first trick and my second pass was O.K. but it wasn’t enough.’’

Harf maintained his overall lead to take the season crown with Soven second and Malinoski third. It’s the third major circuit achievement for Malinoski this season. He won the four-stop World Series title last month and was second overall on the five-stop Pro Tour this past summer.

On the four-stop World Cup this season, Malinoski posted a win in China at the third stop and a fourth place at the season opener in Qatar. Last month, he also won the silver medal at the world championships.

‘’It was really a breakthrough season for me,’’ said the 22-year-old , who learned to wakeboard as a youngster on Stoney Lake (near Humboldt) behind his father’s small outboard fishing boat. ‘’I just wish I could have made it happen one more time today. That just shows there’s still a lot to learn and lot to improve upon for next season.’’

It was another American sweep in the women’s event. Emily Copeland took the gold, Dallas Friday was second and Meaghan Copeland was third. Friday was immediately taken hospital following her run and was diagnosed with a fractured thigh.

Sunni-Anne Ball of King City, Ont., was eliminated in the first round and places fourth in the overall standings. Friday took the season title with Copeland second.

The women’s qualifying was postponed Saturday due to high winds which made for a busy Sunday.

‘’I’m not really happy with my riding right now,’’ said Ball, who was third at the second stop in France. ‘’I’m just glad to get fourth overall which automatically gets me on the circuit for next season. It's the same for everybody but the season has been really stretched out this year, and coming out here was pretty tiring right after the worlds. I can’t wait to get home.’’

Canadians sweep overall titles at Pan Am water skiing championships

Sep 24, 2006

ACUASKI MORELOS, Mexico- Whitney McClintock of Cambridge, Ont., won the gold medal in women’s tricks en route to the overall title while Jaret Llewellyn of Innisfail, Alta., took the men’s overall crown on Sunday at the Pan American water skiing championships.

The 16-year-old McClintock continued to amaze against senior level competition earning victories in two of three events for 2,946.8 points overall. Mandy Nightingale of the U.S., was second at 2,900.4 and Danyelle Bennett of the U.S., third at 2,864.4.

In tricks, McClintock took the gold with 8,200 points finishing ahead of Nightingale in second at 7,760 and Bennett in third at 7,280. In the jump final, Bennett was first at 45.2 metres, Nightingale second at 45.0 and McClintock third at 43.7. Breanne Wagner of Surrey, B.C., was fourth at 40.7. McClintock won the slalom final on Saturday.

On the men’s side, Llewellyn hung on to first overall despite not winning an individual gold with 2,782.3 points. Jimmy Siemers of the U.S., was second at 2,775.2, Jason McClintock of Cambridge was third at 2,336.3 and Ryan Dodd of Olds, Alta., fourth at 2,191.9.

In the jump final, Freddy Krueger of the U.S., remained unbeaten this season soaring 65.2 metres for the title. Dodd won the silver at 63.4, Siemers was third at 63.2 and Llewellyn, a three-time world jump champion, was fourth at 62.7.

In the tricks final, Siemers took the title at 10,700 points, Sergio Font of Mesico was second at 9.810 and Llewellyn third at 9.520.

‘’Getting the overall title saves the weekend for me,’’ said Llewellyn. ‘’I got most of my points in the preliminaries. Today I tried to push it harder in the finals but it didn’t work out. I tried to increase the difficulty in my tricks run and screwed up and the jumping was just bad today.’’

On Saturday Thomas Moore of Edmonton won the gold in men’s slalom.

Canada’s Rusty Malinoski caps successful season with silver at world wakeboard championships

Sep 24, 2006

FORT WORTH, Texas- Rusty Malinoski of Humboldt, Sask., capped the best season of his career on Sunday with the silver medal in the men’s pro wakeboard event at the world wakeboard championships while brothers Olivier and Raphael Derome of Coteau-du-Lac,Que., added medals in age group competition.

With his medal performance, Malinoski also places first overall in the World Series which also included Wakestock in Toronto, Boardstock in California and the X-Trail Cup in Japan.

‘’It went really good all day until I made two falls in the final,’’ said Malinoski, 22, who learned to wakeboard as a youngster on Stoney Lake behind his father’s small outboard fishing boat. ‘’I don’t like to make excuses but it was definitely windy and that affected my performance. I was second off the dock in the final and I had to put the pressure on the others. I did pretty good in the end.’’

This season Malinoski also earned a World Cup victory and was second overall on the Pro Tour.

‘’I exceeded my goals for sure this year,’’ said Malinoski. ‘’Certainly today I would have liked to walk away with both the world title and world series crown, but I got one of them. I certainly plan to set even higher goals for next season.’’

In the 18-24 age group, Dustin O’Ferrall of Vernon, B.C., and surgery-bound Olivier Derome of Coteau-du-Lac, Que., won gold and silver respectively.

O’Ferrall compiled 71.89 points for the victory with Derome second at 61.00 and Nick Link of the U.S., third at 57.00. Dylan Miller of Saskatchewan was sixth. The 20-year-old O’Ferrall competed for Canada this past winter at the world junior snowboard championships.

Derome tore ligaments in his right knee while training in June and competed this summer with a brace. He now heads home to prepare for surgery. He expects his rehabilitation will take up to six months.

‘’I wasn’t able to go all out because of my injury so I’m pleased to be on the podium,’’ said Derome savoring his first world championship medal in his fourth appearance. ‘’There was a risk to competing but I knew my limitations and I was very careful. I know which tricks my knee can withstand.’’

Derome’s 14-year-old brother Raphael added a victory in junior competition.

‘’It went super well despite the rough conditions,’’ said Raphael Derome. ‘’I had a great pass and won the event outright. Since nationals, I have added a trick, and that made a difference today. I’m really pleased with how I’ve been more consistent this season.’’

Sunni-Anne Ball of King City, Ont., was sixth in women’s wakeboard.

Paul MacDonald wins bronze medal at world barefoot water skiing championships

September 17, 2006

ADNA, Washington- Paul MacDonald of Milton, Ont., became Canada’s first ever male medallist in open competition at the world barefoot water skiing championships on Sunday finishing third in men’s tricks. It was also a big day for Gordie Croteau of Sudbury, Ont., in the men’s 35 and over competition. He won the gold medal in men’s slalom, added a bronze in jump and helped Canada to the team bronze.

MacDonald, 30, set his national tricks record in the semifinal earning 7,960 points.

‘’This is a dream come true for me,’’ said MacDonald, an instructor at the largest barefoot water ski school in the world in Winter Haven, Florida. ‘’Everything I had been practicing came through today. It’s a bit surprising because I had been struggling with my tricks routine until last week. We had a large Canadian team and they really made a difference for me today with their cheering. It got me really determined.’’

In men’s 35 and over, Croteau took the slalom event for his second world title in a row. Two years ago he won the tricks competition in the same age group. He was also third in jump and combined forces with Don Schwartz of Blue River, B.C., and Kim Hall-Bourne of Manotick, Ont., for bronze in the team event.

‘’I was the first one up in the final and I put the pressure on the others with a great run,’’ said Croteau, 39, who lives and works in Arizona. ‘’I relied on my usual strategy: to go clean and fast. The jump medal was a big surprise for me.’’

Croteau was also fifth overall, Schwartz ninth and Cory Rowland of Calgary 13th.

Hall-Bourne was Canada’s only entry in senior women’s competition and was sixth in slalom, tricks and overall.

Canada also fielded a seven-member team for the junior competition. Their best results were: George Weekes of Port Perry, Ont., 10th in jump; Brem Allen of Peterborough, Ont., 15th in all three events and overall; Nicole Blackmore of Langley, B.C., sixth in slalom; Caitlyn Rowland of Calgary sixth in tricks; Danielle Tipping of Victoria was ninth in slalom; Becky Moynes of Belleville, Ont., seventh in tricks; and Kate Godfrey of Georgetown, Ont., 10th in tricks.

Canada’s Jaret Llewellyn wins gold in tricks at U.S. Open water skiing competition

Sep 16, 2006

ORLANDO, Florida- Jaret Llewellyn of Innisfail, Alta., capped a big day at the $100,000 U.S. Open water skiing competition held under the lights at Disneyworld on Saturday with a victory in the men’s tricks event.

Llewellyn, in his 23rd season on the national team, also added silver in the jump competition and was also second overall.

‘’Getting the win in tricks certainly makes me feel better about my day,’’ said Llewellyn, 36. ‘’The others struggled a bit with their passes so I knew that if I could avoid a fall, I had a chance to win. In jump, I felt really good but I was simply was not unable to unleash a really strong one.’’

In the jump, American Freddy Krueger remained undefeated this season soaring 208 feet while Llewellyn, the reigning world champion, finished at 199. Ryan Dodd of Olds, Alta., was fourth in jump at 196.

‘’I messed up,’’ said Dodd, out two and half months with a serious leg injury earlier this season. ‘’I simply went too hard. If I had stayed where I was after the prelims I would have placed higher. I was looking for a better result.’’

In the men’s overall competition, Jimmy Siemers of the U.S., won the gold medal with 2,912.9 points edging Llewellyn in second at 2,871.2 while Julio Javier of Argentina was third at 2,628.9.

Whitney McClintock, 16, of Cambridge, Ont., added a silver medal in women’s tricks finishing second to American veteran Mandi Nightingale.

‘’I messed up a bit at the beginning but I still stood up my passes despite the rough water conditions,’’ said McClintock, a double world junior champion earlier this year. ‘’My whole focus this season was on the world juniors so it was very exciting to compete against these skiers. I was certainly feeling a bit more nervous on the dock than usual.’’

Next week, Llewellyn and McClintock headline Canada’s team at the Pan Am Championships in Mexico.

Quebec’s Derome brothers win gold and bronze at wakeboard nationals

Aug 27, 2006

LEDUC, Alta.- Fourteen-year-old Raphael Derome of Coteau-du-Lac, Que., and his older brother Olivier Derome won gold and bronze respectively on Sunday in the men’s open wakeboard competition at the Canadian wakeboard championships.

Raphael Derome, who rode on a broken toe suffered on Saturday, earned the victory with 79.56 points. He is the youngest ever Canadian open wakeboard champion. Braden Stumborg of Humboldt, Sask., was second at 73.89 and Olivier Derome third at 68.56.

‘’I figured if I rode perfectly I would have a chance to win,’’ said Raphael Derome, who won age group titles at the previous three nationals. ‘’I did ride well but everyone made bigger errors than me in the end. Once I was in the binding my toe didn’t bother me too much. But getting in the binding was difficult. There was a lot of swelling and I’ll probably need to take at least a week off.’’

Olivier Derome, 21, was proud of his little brother’s big accomplishment.

‘’I’m surprised but I could see this coming,’’ he said. ‘’His development over the last year has been phenomenal. We grew up together learning wakeboard and too see him progress so fast is impressive. He’s very determined.’’

In women’s open wakeboard, Sunni-Anne Ball of King City, Ont., earned her third national title in four years with 74.22 points. Sheena Smith of Calgary was second at 62.00 and B.C.’s Katrina Best third at 52.00.

‘’I went big, rode well, so I feel good about the title,’’ said Ball, currently third in the World Cup standings. ‘’I was only able to fly in for the competition this morning but it was well worth it.‘’

Ball and most of Canada’s top wakeboarders are preparing for the world championships next month in Texas.

Other winners Sunday included Brady Price of Calgary in men’s junior wakeboard and Brad Buskas of Edmonton in men’s slider.

B.C.’s James Balzer wins wakeskate competition at Canadian wakeboard championships

Aug 26, 2006

LEDUC, Alta.- James Balzer of Cloverdale, B.C., hopes to be a trailblazer in the wakeskate event and showed why on Saturday with a gold medal performance at the Canadian wakeboard championships being held this week at Shalom Park.

In wakeskate, the competitors ride on a board without binding similar to a skateboard. Balzer, 22, totalled 67.78 points with Jono Boysen of Markham, Ont., second at 62.89 and Alex Shanks of Victoria third at 59.56.

‘’The level of competition here is very strong so it’s a really nice title to win,’’ said Balzer, a veteran international performer. ‘’It’s nice to see it’s getting popular in Canada. I’ve been training a lot this year and putting more emphasis on wakeskating than wakeboarding. I really enjoy wakeskate and I want to get others to like it as well. It’s really free and fun. I love it more than wakeboarding.’’

In the women’s wakeskate, Corrina Stevens of Nelson, B.C., was the winner at 47.56 beating out Tanya Chmilar of Kelowna, B.C., in second at 39.56.

‘’It’s fantastic to get the win,’’ said Stevens, a 35-year-old lifeguard and swimming instructor in her third season of riding. ‘’It was probably my most solid performance of the year.’’

In women’s junior wakeboard, Marie-Lyne Ouellet of Valleyfield, Que., took the gold medal at 49.56. B.C.’s Kelsi Yoxall was second at 33.44 and Alberta’s Nicole Breitkreuz third at 18.29.

‘’I’m extremely pleased and wasn’t expecting to win,’’ said Ouellet, 15, who has been wakeboarding since age nine. ‘’I did really well and reached my goals. I landed all my tricks despite being very nervous. I managed my stress well. The sport is getting more and more popular with girls. I love it because we compete in the summer, in nice weather and have a lot of fun.’’

Competition ends Sunday.

Canada wins seven medals at Pan Am championships for water skiers with a disability

Aug 26, 2006

POLK CITY, Florida- Chantal Fowler and Chris Bourne, both of Ottawa, and Peter Andrews of Saskatoon all won two medals each on Saturday at the Pan American championships for water skiers with a disability.

Fowler, in her third year of water skiing but making her international debut, took silver in slalom and tricks, both with personal best scores. Andrea Andrecyk of Brockville, Ont., took the bronze in slalom and was fourth in tricks. Ronda Jarvis-Ray of the U.S., took the slalom crown and her compatriot Raquel Roney won tricks.

‘’I was most happy with my slalom,’’ said Fowler, 24. ‘’I surprised myself because I feel I’m still learning it. So to go out at a pressure packed meet like this and get a medal and a personal best is a huge accomplishment. Tricks went pretty well too and I was quite happy with my performance.’’

In men’s competition, Bourne, in his fourth season on the national team, was second in slalom and third in tricks. Peter Andrews of Saskatoon took the silver in jump, although he tied for the best jump of the day at 54 feet and was also second overall.

‘’I pushed it to the limit for myself in the jump event,’’ said Andrews, 41, an exercise therapist for people recovering from accidents, ‘’I just started this year to jump so I was really pleased. But I wish I could have done better in tricks and slalom.’’

Benoit Lessard of Waterville, Que., was fourth in tricks and fifth in slalom.

Joe Ray of the U.S., swept all three men’s events and the overall crown.

The same Canadian team will compete at the 2007 World Disabled Championships May 17-20 in Townsville, Australia

The McClintocks win double gold at Canadian water ski championships

Aug 20, 2006

BROSSARD, Que- Brother-sister combo Jason and Whitney McClintock of Cambridge, Ont., won the open gold medals in slalom and tricks in both men’s and women’s open competition on Sunday to conclude the Canadian water ski championships at Bassin La Prairie.

In women’s slalom, Whitney McClintock totalled 46.5 buoys with Jenna Mielzynski of Belfountain, Ont., second at 45.5 and Breanne Wagner of Surrey, B.C., third at 44.5.

In women’s tricks, McClintock dominated the field with 8,090 points followed by Mielzynski in second at 5,050 and Wagner third at 3,590.

‘’It’s a thrill to win both titles,’’ said McClintock, 16, a double gold medallist at the world junior championships last month in France. ‘’In tricks, I didn’t think too much about winning. I just went for a score and I had a solid run. In the slalom, the mist and light rain made it pretty challenging. There were times I couldn’t see anything.’’

In men’s tricks, Jason McClintock took the gold with 9,330 points to upset Jaret Llewellyn of Innisfail, Alta., in second at 9,260. Ryan Dodd of Olds, Alta., was third at 7,100.

In men’s slalom, McClintock won a run-off to determine the gold over Doug Ross of Belleville, Ont. Both totalled 52 buoys in regulation. Drew Ross of Belleville, a World Cup winner last week, was third at 51.

Jason McClintock has battled injuries this season.

‘’This is only my second tournament of the year,’’ he said. ‘’My slalom was actually brutal with the rain and the wind. But I was surprised with how well I did in tricks.’’

The McClintocks are a water skiing institution. Jason and Whitney’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.

Ryan Dodd upsets world champion to win jump title at Canadian water ski championships

Aug 19, 2006

BROSSARD, Que.- Ryan Dodd of Olds, Alta., upset world champion Jaret Llewellyn of Innisfail, Alta., on Saturday to win the gold medal in men’s jump at the Canadian water ski championships being held this week at Bassin la Prairie.

The victory is even more stunning that the 21-year-old Dodd had been out two and half months with a serious leg injury. The former world junior champion returned to competition last weekend at the World Cup in Ireland. Dodd soared 62.50 metres with Llewellyn second at 59.20 and Kole Magnowski of Russell, Man., third at 58.9.

‘’Obviously I’m being cautious at this point but that can be an advantage in an event like jump,’’ said Dodd, injured this past May when he crashed executing a tricks routines in practice. ‘’I was very consistent and didn’t miss anything while Jaret didn’t have his best day. I’m really happy right now with my progress.’’

In tricks, Llewellyn took the gold with 9,810 points followed by Nova Scotia’s Jeff Flynn in second at 7,950 and Kevin Melnuk of Mississauga, Ont., third at 7,380.

In women’s jump, Jenna Mielzynski of Belfountain, Ont., was the winner with her best jump measured at 41.9 metres followed by Breanne Wagner of Surrey, B.C., in second at 35.9. Krystal Arvisais of Gatineau, Que., was third at 33.2.

‘’I didn’t jump to my potential but I was happy with the win,’’ said Mielzynski. ‘’My lift offs in particular where very strong but I just couldn’t seem to get the distance despite the good conditions.’’

In women’s tricks, Wagner took the title with 4,440 points followed by Mielzynski at 3,690. Wagner is also on the comeback trails after an ankle injury.

‘’I’ve only been back on the water for a week so I’m very pleased to get the win,’’ said Wagner.

Ontario’s Amanda Amos notches second victory at water ski nationals

Aug 18, 2006

BROSSARD, Que. Amanda Amos of Midland, Ont., earned her second gold medal in junior competition at the Canadian water ski championships on Friday with a victory in women’s tricks.

Amos compiled 3,660 points in junior tricks to finish ahead of Jessica Erb of Surrey, B.C., in second at 3,270 and Jessica Long of Vancouver in third at 3,260.

‘’I was about 400 points off my personal best but I’m still pretty happy,’’ said Amos, 16, eighth overall at the world junior championships this summer. ‘’I was pleased that despite being a bit shaky at times I fought through it. I was the last to go and I knew what I needed to do to win.’’

In women’s junior jump, Brooke Smith of Naicam, Sask., took the title soaring 35.4 metres with Amos second at 35.1 and Karen Stevens of Morrisburg, Ont., third at 34.0 metres.

‘’I was hoping to jump farther today,’’ said Smith, 17, a member of Canada’s third place team at the world juniors with Amos.

In men’s junior jump, Mats Roberge of Knowlton, Que., competing at his training base, was the winner at 44.2 metres with Robbie Patterson of North Vancouver second at 43.2 and 15-year-old Alex Paradis of Quebec City third with a personal best 42.2.

‘’It wasn’t my best jumping but I took advantage of the good conditions,’’ said Roberge, 18. ‘’It was a nice victory but I know I can do a lot better.’’

Maxime Damour wins national slalom junior title in tie breaker at water ski nationals

Aug 17, 2006

BROSSARD, Que- Some fast thinking strategy helped Maxime Damour of Eastman, Que., successfully defend his junior slalom title on Thursday as the Canadian water ski championships got underway at Bassin La Prairie near Montreal.

Damour and Derek Kirby of Elmvale, Ont., tied for first in regulation at 46.5 buoys apiece. In the run-off to determine the gold, Damour made a quick decision to go first. It was a familiar situation for Damour. He won the gold in a run-off last year and the bronze in a run-off in 2004.

‘’I was one of the last to go in the regulation round so I wanted to get back on the water right away,’’ said Damour, 17, a water skier since age six. ‘’Derek went earlier on and had been waiting around. I knew I was capable of putting together a strong run again and I wanted to put the pressure on him. It worked. I had a great run-off, I was stable and relaxed.’’

Michael Mann of Port Perry, Ont., won the bronze.

In the women’s junior slalom, Amanda Amos of Midland, Ont., took the gold at 40.0 buoys for her first national title. Brooke Smith of Naicam, Sask., was second at 37.0 and Jessica Erb of Surrey, B.C., third at 33.0.

‘’I didn’t ski as well as I had hoped but it felt good to win,’’ said Amos, 16, eighth overall at the world juniors last month. ‘’I focused on the key things I needed to do well. My ultimate goal here is to win the overall title.’’

Both Amos and Smith were members of Canada’s third place team at the world juniors.

‘’I was very happy with my performance,’’ said Smith, 17. ‘’I was only one buoy off my personal best.’’

Belleville’s Drew Ross wins gold at water skiing World Cup

Aug 13, 2006

ENNISKILLEN, Ireland- Drew Ross of Belleville, Ont., won the gold medal in men’s slalom while Jaret Llewellyn of Innisfail, Alta., added a silver in jump on Sunday at a World Cup water skiing competition.

In men’s slalom, Ross posted his first career World Cup victory finishing ahead of Jodi Fisher of England in second and Jamie Beauchesne of the U.S., in third.

‘’The conditions were really tough but thanks to my fitness I adapted really well,’’ said Ross, 36, a 14-year national team veteran. ‘’I was tied for the lead after the first round and was the second to last rider in the final. I knew I had to stay aggressive and I was the only rider to go under 11 metres.’’

In men’s jump, Freddy Krueger of the U.S., continued to dominate the circuit soaring 68.2 metres for the win. Llewellyn, the reigning world champion, was a close second soaring 66.8 metres on his first of three jumps. Ryan Dodd of Olds, Alta., was sixth.

‘’I was upset with myself with how I did on my last jump,’’ said Llewellyn. ‘’I didn’t time it properly. It’s been the story of my whole season. I’ve consistently come up short.’’

In men’s tricks, Llewellyn was sixth and Dodd 12th.

Canadian riders win four silver medals at Wakestock

Aug 13, 2006

TORONTO- Canadian wakeboard riders showed their home fans why they are among the best in the world earning four silver medals at Wakestock which concluded Sunday at Toronto’s Centre Island.

The medals were earned by Sunni-Ann Ball of King City, Ont., in women’s pro wakeboard, Kevin Henshaw of Sidney, B.C., in men’s pro railslide, Rusty Malinoski of Humboldt, Sask., in men’s pro expression and Aaron Rathy of Nanaimo, B.C., in the men’s pro wakeskate

In men’s expression, Philip Soven of the U.S., took the gold medal ahead of Malinoski, Canada’s top international rider this year with a World Cup victory and second overall on the pro tour circuit.

‘’I messed up the whole deal in the final,’’ said Malinoski, the defending champion. ‘’This is an event I really excel in and I wanted the win. But I’m still happy. This was the best Wakestock ever, there’s not a better competition.’’

In the pro wakeskate, Reed Hansen of the U.S., turned the tables on Rathy for the gold. James Balzer of Vancouver was fourth and Nick Harlos of Toronto fifth. On Saturday, Rathy, 18, upset the American star in the best wakeskate tricks competition.

‘’I’ve come a long way to get this far so I’m really pleased,’’ said Rathy. ‘’In the final I felt a lot of pressure and didn’t complete the run the way I wanted. It was a great weekend and a great experience overall.’’

In men’s railslide, Keith Lindberg of the U.S., won the gold with Henshaw second and Rathy fourth. Henshaw is coming back from wrist surgery earlier this summer.

‘’Keith simply showed why he is the best railslider in the world,’’ said Henshaw. ‘’I was just pumped about making it to the final. I did everything I could. The wrist injury set me back over a month but it feels fine now. It didn’t bother me at all this weekend.

In the women’s pro wakeboard, Melissa Marquardt of the U.S., edged Ball for the gold. The 21-year-old Canadian was the defending champion.

Paul MacDonald and Michelle Lillie win national barefoot water ski titles

Aug 13, 2006

NEWMARKET, Ont.-Paul MacDonald of Milton, Ont., and Michelle Lillie of Holland Landing, Ont., won the men’s and women’s overall titles respectively this weekend at the Canadian Barefoot Water Ski Championships at Summerski.

MacDonald, 30, also placed first in tricks and jump with a personal best 22.1 metres distance. He was also third in slalom

‘’Getting a personal best in jump to open the competition definitely gave me a lot of confidence,’’ said MacDonald, an instructor at the largest barefoot water ski school in the world in Winter Haven, Florida. ‘’I played it safe in slalom and my tricking was decent. It’s good preparation for the world championships.’’

Gordie Croteau of Sudbury, a five-time national overall champion, was in a tight battle with MacDonald until tricks, which concluded the competition. Croteau fell on both his passes in his best event.

‘’There’s simply no excuse for what happened, I’m pretty disappointed,’’ said Croteau, 39, who lives and works in Arizona. ‘’I had been working very hard on my tricks routine leading up to the nationals. At the worlds my goal is to win the tricks again and help Canada to the team title.’’

Don Schwartz of Blue River, B.C., was third overall while Don Baker of Winnipeg took the slalom crown.

In women’s competition, Lillie reclaimed the overall crown and also placed first in jump. Kim Hall of Ottawa, the slalom winner and defending champion, was second overall. Heather Mann of Whitby, Ont., took the tricks crown.

Nicole Blackmore of Langley, B.C., set a junior national record in jump leaping 7.6 metres.

The world barefoot water ski championships are September 9-17 in Adna, Washington State.

Nanaimo’s Aaron Rathy wins big at Wakestock

Aug 12, 2006

TORONTO- Aaron Rathy of Nanaimo, B.C., Canada’s young wakeboarding sensation, successfully defended his title in the wakeskate best trick competition on Saturday to earn the $2,500 top prize at Wakestock 2006.

Wakestock, being held at Toronto’s Centre Island, is considered the largest sports and music festival in Canada headlined by the wakeboard competition featuring many of the world’s top riders including Canada’s powerhouse national team.

Rathy, 18, took the winner take all event thanks to a spectacular opening trick. He beat the best in the business including American star Reed Hanson and fellow Canadian James Balzer of Vancouver.

‘’This is huge for me,’’ said Rathy, a world junior champion in 2004. ‘’Wakeskate has come so far since last year, the progression of the riders has been unreal so I can’t believe I won. My trick held up and I’m stoked. It was a ballsy trick and I landed it clean.’’

It was a busy day for Rathy who also advanced to the round of eight in two other events: in the men’s professional wakeskate with compatriots Nick Harlos of Toronto and Balzer and in the pro rail slide with Kevin Henshaw of Sidney, B.C. Rusty Malinoski of Humboldt, Sask., Canada’s top international rider this season, advanced to the final four in the pro expression event.

‘’I’m just going to keep rolling with the confidence I’ve gained today (Saturday),’’ said Rathy.

In women’s pro wakeboard, Sunni-Ann Ball of King City, Ont., the meet’s defending champion, advanced to the final four. She finished second in her heat of four.

‘’I didn’t need to ride my best, I’m saving it for the final,’’ said Ball, celebrating her 21st birthday on Saturday. ‘’I was happy to get back to the dock with dry hair. There’s a couple of tricks I just sketched around and I was lucky not too fall on them. I’m definitely putting more pressure on myself as defending champion.’’

Ottawa ‘s Chris Bourne and Chantal Fowler sweep gold at Canadian adaptive water ski championships

Aug 12, 2006

OTTAWA- Veteran Chris Bourne and newcomer Chantal Fowler, both of Ottawa, swept the gold medals in men’s and women’s competition respectively on Saturday at the Canadian adaptive water ski championships for athletes with a disability.

Bourne, in his fourth season on the national team, finished ahead of Peter Andrews of Saskatoon and Benoit Lessard of Waterville, Que., in slalom, tricks and overall.

‘’A great day for me,’’ said Bourne. ‘’I was really happy with my slalom runs even though I was six buoys off my personal best run. In tricks, I was being careful because I have an injury so I didn’t extend myself especially with the Pan Am championships coming up. It’s been a busy season for me with lots of competitive opportunities.’’

Fowler, who has water skied for three years but was competing at her first nationals, took the gold as well in slalom, tricks and overall. She finished ahead in all three events of Andrea Andrecyk of Brockville, Ont.

‘’I feel really good about my performances especially in tricks,’’ said Fowler, 24. ‘’The training I’ve been doing has really paid off. I was feeling a bit nervous but I was at a tournament last weekend and that helped me a lot.’’

Bourne, Andrews, Lessard, Fowler and Andrecyk were named to the Canadian team for the Pan Am Disabled Championships August 24-26 at Polk City, Florida and the 2007 World Disabled Championships May 17-20 in Townsville, Australia.

‘’I’m looking forward to the Pan Ams, it’s going to be a big challenge,’’ said Bourne. ‘’I’m skiing better than ever, I’ve got the proper equipment so I think I can be a contender for some medals.’’

Canadians Rusty Malinoski and Kevin Henshaw advance to round of 16 in railslide and expression at Wakestock

Aug 11, 2006

TORONTO- Wakeboard riders Rusty Malinoski of Humboldt, Sask., and Kevin Henshaw of Sidney, B.C., both advanced to the round of 16 in the professional railslide and expression events on Friday at Wakestock which is being held for a second straight year on Toronto’s Centre Island.

Wakestock is regarded as the largest festival in Canada combining sports and entertainment. Organizers said crowd-sizes have doubled over last year and the sun and high temperatures are expected to continue all weekend.

In the pro railslide event, five Canadian riders advanced to the round of 16: Malinoski, Henshaw, Aaron Rathy of Nanaimo, B.C., Olivier Derome of Coteau-du-Lac, Que., and Yannick Thibault of Quebec.

In the pro expression which combines railslide and tricks, Henshaw, Malinoski and Chad Sharpe of Cloverdale, B.C., advanced to the round of 16. Malinoski, Canada’s hottest rider this year with a World Cup win last month and second overall on the Pro Tour, is the defending champion in the event.

Earlier Friday, the wakeskate finals were held in the amateur division and three Ontario riders – Matt Sacchitiello, Mark Enns and Reed Watson, swept the medals.

PASSING OF WATER SKIING GREAT GREG ATHANS

Aug 9, 2006

Well before his time

By J.P. Squire
Copyright KelownaDailyCourier.ca
Wednesday, August 9, 2006, 12:32 AM

Greg Athans, a world-class skier on both snow and water, and a member of a Kelowna family of accomplished athletes, has died. He was 51.

Following an illustrious career on the slopes and in the water, Athans became a professional photographer in Vancouver. In recent years, he suffered from severe diabetes, which family members said caused his death.

“I spoke to him before I left for Europe a couple of weeks ago, and he seemed in reasonably good spirits,” said his brother, George, who now lives in Montreal. “He had just finished his last official assignment for Wakefest in Kelowna. He went well before his time.”

One of the things George admired about his brother was that everything Greg did was self-taught. “Although he dropped out of university, he was smarter than all of us in his ability to grasp ideas and succeed at anything he tried,” George said. “He had a good set of values and morals. Everything he did, he tried his best.”

His favorite memories of his brother date back to when all three Athans boys were children. When he was very little, he was full of life, a very mischievous little kid, always playing little tricks. He always did things his way; he marched to his own drummer.”

George has a long list of Greg¹s accomplishments, which include four world championships in freestyle skiing, two world championships in moguls, 20 World Cup victories and 15 national water-ski championships between 1976 and 1982. He was third in the world in water-skiing in 1980.

“When he started in 1976-77, he won the overall mogul and ballet titles and four cars in one weekend,” said George. “He skied in the U.S., Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Yugoslavia, pretty much around the world.”

Greg was also the first athlete to win gold at both the Canada Summer Games, for water-skiing, and Canada Winter Games, for downhill skiing. His parents, Dr. George and Irene Athans, set the benchmark for their sons. Dr. Athans was a British Empire Games champion and Canadian champion in diving. He competed at the Commonwealth Games and represented Canada at two Olympics, his son said.

Irene was a world-class athlete in her own right in synchronized swimming and breaststroke. She once held a share of a world record in relay swimming. George, the eldest of the three sons, became a national water-ski champion at 13, and went on to win three world water-ski titles and induction to the Order of Canada and Canada¹s Sports Hall of Fame.

Gary was a junior Canadian champion in the water and on the snow at age 15. He was selected to represent Canada internationally in both sports, but opted for skiing downhill for Canada for the next eight years, including representing his country at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. Gary still lives in Kelowna and works as a real-estate agent.

Greg leaves behind two daughters, Carly and Zoe. “A private and significant ceremony will be planned to bring Greg back to Kelowna where it all started,” said George.

Canada’s Rusty Malinoski third at Pro Wakeboard Tour final for second overall

July 30, 2006

RENO, Nevada- Rusty Malinoski of Humboldt, Sask., placed third in the men’s professional event Sunday to end the season second overall on the Pro Wakeboard Tour circuit.

‘’It’s really exciting for me to come second overall,’’ said Malinoski, who also has a World Cup win this season. ‘’I can’t believe it. Last year I was 10th overall. I put in a lot of hard work this season, especially in training, and it made a big difference.’’

In Sunday’s competition, Danny Harf of the U.S., won his third competition this year on the five-stop circuit to take the season title. He defeated compatriot Philip Soven in the final.

Coming into the Reno contest, Harf was the overall leader by only 20 points. But after second-place rider Andrew Adkison of the U.S., lost yesterday in the first round, Harf was in good position as long as Malinoski didn’t take home the victory. Harf let his riding decide the championship, beating Daniel Watkins of Australia in the semis and topping Soven for the title.

Malinoski, the winner at the previous stop in Portland, Oregon two weeks ago, lost in the semis to Soven by only four points. Harf finished with 450 points in the final overall standings with Malinoski second at 401. Watkins was third on the standings with 351 points.

‘’I knew the overall title was still within my grasp and I went for it,’’ said Malinoski, in his third season on the circuit. ‘’Philip and I both had great runs and in the end he just edged me out.’’

Chad Sharpe of Cloverdale, B.C., was eliminated in the second round. Charpe eliminated Kyle Rattray of Guelph, Ont., in the first round. Aaron Rathy of Nanaimo, B.C., was also eliminated in the first round.

In women’s wakeboard, Sunni Anne Ball of King City, Ont., was eliminated in the first round.

Two bronze medals for Canada’s Jaret Llewellyn in World Cup water skiing

July 30, 2006

DUBNA, Russia- World champion Jaret Llewellyn of Innisfail, Alta., was happy with one bronze medal and disappointed with the other on Sunday at the fourth of five stops on the World Cup water skiing circuit.

In men’s jump, Freddy Krueger led the U.S., to a 1-2 finish soaring 67.0 metres in the final. Ryan Fitts was second at 65.0 and Llewellyn, a four-time world jump champion, took third at 63.9. Llewellyn topped the field after the semifinals at 65.9 metres.

In the final, Krueger put the pressure on the Canadian after each of his three jumps reaching 63.9, 65.6 and finally 67.0. Llewellyn went 62.0, 63.9 but muffed his last attempt reaching 54.7. The best of three jumps counts as the final score.

‘’I’m not too proud with how I handled the jump final,’’ said Llewellyn, who turned 36 Thursday and is in his 22nd season on the national team. ‘’Freddy landed a big jump and I decided to go all out for the win instead of building on what I had done to that point. This decision potentially jeopardizes my chances to win the overall World Cup jump title.’’

In tricks, world champion Nicolas Leforestier of France was the winner with 11,500 points, Aliaksei Zharnasek of Belarus was second at 10,879 and Llewellyn followed at 10,560. Canadian Richard Abelson also reached the final and placed sixth at 9,750.

‘’I decided to do my easier tricks in the final because a lot of big names were eliminated early on,’’ said Llewellyn. ‘’I did a solid run and the two guys ahead of me had to go all out to get into the medals. But still I moved from fifth to third in the World Cup tricks standings.’’

Drew Ross of Belleville, Ont., was 14th in men’s slalom.

The fifth and final stop is August 11-13 at Enniskillen, Northern Ireland.

PERFECTPASS SUPPORTS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 26, 2006

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

Perfect Pass has agreed to continue its supply of speed control systems and financial support for the 2006 Canadian Water Ski Championships and the 2nd Canadian Adaptive Water Ski Championships.

“Once again PerfectPass is very pleased to continue our sponsorship of both the traditional Water Ski Nationals and Adaptive Water Ski Championships”, remarked company co-founder, Gary Allen. “Supporting water skiing of all forms here in Nova Scotia and throughout Canada is a key priority for all of us at PerfectPass.”

“PerfectPass continues to support the sport in Canada, ” added Dan Wolfenden, Executive Director, Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada. “Their superb technology allows us to provide optimum pulls to participating athletes, and their financial support enables us to provide such national level competition.”

Both championships will be pulled by Correct Craft’s Ski Nautique 196, fully equipped with PerfectPass’ speed control system.

Canada’s Whitney McClintock wins two gold medals at world junior water skiing championships

July 23, 2006

MOISSAC, France- Whitney McClintock of Cambridge, Ont., won two gold medals and a silver on Sunday while Erin Mielzynski of Caledon, Ont., and Stephen Collins of Toronto also reached the podium at the world junior water skiing championships.

McClintock’s wins came in the slalom event and in jump. In the jump competition she was the last skier of the day and soared 39.7 metres to edge Mielzynski who took the silver with a personal best 39.1. Caroline Hensley of the U.S., was third at 38.0.

However, McClintock needed to jump 42.3 metres to successfully defend her overall title won in 2004. Marion Aynaud of France took the overall crown with 2,864.41 points while McClintock was only 10 points behind at 2,853.80. Hensley was third and Mielzynski fourth.

McClintock would have easily taken the overall title but fell in the tricks preliminary competition on Saturday and was eliminated from Sunday’s final.

‘’I’m happy with the gold medals but not getting the overall title is tough to take,’’ said McClintock, 16. ‘’All I needed to do was jump one metre further than yesterday. But what happened in tricks was something I never expected and that put me in a rut. I learned some hard lessons this weekend.’’

Canadian national team coach Steve Bush says McClintock is being too hard on herself.

‘’That’s why she’s so good, she expected to come here and win four gold medals,’’ he said. ‘’Regardless of the results she’s the strongest junior water skier in the world. But sometimes when it looks too easy, that’s when it gets hard. I mean she almost won the overall competing in two and half events. She spent the whole morning plotting her strategy to get the overall title without being in the tricks final and nearly did it.’’

Mielzynski reached finals in all three events and didn’t mind dropping a step on the jump podium to her teammate.

‘’I wanted to go a little farther on my last jump but I’m pretty pleased to leave here with a medal,’’ she said. ‘’I’m a little surprised but I came here believing that anything was possible.’’

In men’s jump, Zack Worden of the U.S., was the winner with Collins soaring a personal best 48.1 metres for the silver and Dakota Peterson of the U.S., third.

‘’I was seeded eighth so I’m pretty surprised to get a medal,’’ said Collins, 16. ‘’But I put more thought and effort into this final that I’ve ever done at a competition.’’

The biggest surprise of the day may have been Canada’s bronze in the team event. France was first and the U.S., second. The other Canadian team members were Amanda Amos of Midland, Ont., Brooke Smith of Naicam, Sask., and Maxime Damour of Granby, Que.

‘’We thought we would get sixth or seventh at best with all new faces on the team,’’ said Bush. ‘'But they improved and put it together when it counted for a triumphant ending here this weekend. I’m still pinching myself.’’

LOOKING for an Athlete Representative… To Join the Executive Board of Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (2006 – 2008)

July 16, 2006

Are you looking for a challenging yet rewarding experience? Do you have an interest in all forms of towed water sports? Are you enthusiastic, talented and committed to improving water skiing, wakeboarding, barefooting, marathon, adapted skiing and cable skiing in Canada? Are you a current high performance athlete, or have retired from that level of competition within the last five years, and is still in touch with athlete needs and issues? If so, you may just be the person Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) is looking for!

WSWC is inviting nominations for the position of Athlete Representative on its Executive Board. The Executive Board manages the business of the association, including planning, budgeting, policy development and implementation.

WSWC is the national governing body whose mandate is to represent, develop and promote all types of water skiing and wakeboarding in Canada. The association is dedicated to the principles of an athlete-centered approach, including the involvement of athletes at virtually every level of decision making.

How does an Executive Board Members contribute to Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada?

The following expectations have been identified for Board members:

1. Communicate and liaise (email, telephone, surveys, at events, etc.) with international level athletes in all disciplines in order to solicit input and feedback, and to learn of collective athlete views, issues and concerns for representation to the Board.
2. Attend Board meetings, whether they are conference call (1 to 3 per year) or in person (2 per year). If it is not possible to attend, advance notice must be given to the Chairperson.
3. Be prepared for meetings. This includes a full written report for the Annual Congress on the Athlete Representative’s area of responsibility so that the report can be circulated with the agenda – specifically, the Athlete Representative is expected to inform the WSWC Board regarding a. any issues arising so that the Board may develop informed positions, responses etc.; b. the status of projects for which a Representative is responsible
4. Submit all information pertinent to the agenda, or request that an item of business is on the agenda, before the relevant Board meeting. This will enable the executive to ensure that the agenda and supporting materials are mailed to the members in advance of meetings.
5. The Athlete Representative should expect to spend an average of two hours per week on related tasks and business in addition to attendance at Board meetings.
6. Submit and manage the annual Athlete Representative budget.

How long is the term of office?
Two years, after which another election must take place.

What is the nomination process?
Candidates may only be nominated by an international level athlete who has represented Canada at an International Water Ski Federation (IWSF) or World Wakeboard Association(WWA) sanctioned international competition (any discipline) in the last five years.

A nomination (form attached) must be received at the WSWC office no later than August 15 and be accompanied by a brief biography of the nominee and a letter signed by the nominee indicating their agreement to fulfill the responsibilities of the job.

A voting ballot will then be circulated to international level athletes by September 15, which would need to be cast by October 15. The duly elected Representative’s first meeting would be the WSWC Annual Congress scheduled for November 17-19, 2006 in Victoria, BC.

Who is eligible to be nominated?
Any individual who:

1. is a WSWC member in good standing; and
2. is at least 18 years of age; and
3. was an international level athlete who has represented Canada at an International Water Ski Federation (IWSF) or World Wakeboard (WWA) sanctioned international competition (any discipline) in the last five years

The Nomination form is available online

For more information, contact Dan Wolfenden, Executive Director, Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada, at 613-526-0685 or at dan@waterski-wakeboard.ca

WSWC Launches Rip ‘n Ride Web Page

July 16, 2006

www.ripnride.ca is the place to click for fun this summer! The website is designed for participants to view about the program and for facilitator’s to use to operate an enjoyable and supply the proper fundamentals to instruct the wonderful sport of towed water sports.

Rip ‘n Ride is Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada’s new national standardized grassroots program. "Rip 'n Ride is an amazing program that introduces novice athletes to towed water sports, providing a progressive approach to all disciplines.  This program will really help expose these sports to all Canadians." Ian Harder, WSWC grassroots committee member.

Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada hopes that all provincial associations, clubs, camps and schools will use this program to attract and teach individuals the fundamental skills and to continue to forge interest in towed water sports. www.ripnride.ca or www.bravelavague.ca are key tools to help sell the program nation wide.

“www.ripnride.ca makes it easier for the provincial associations, ski schools, camps and individuals to learn about our program and get kids involved.  The website is informative and reflects what we as the national towed water sports association is trying to achieve…. to get more Canadians participating in our sport!!  The participants love the reports cards and certificates and the feedback from our program has been extremely positive!”    Suzanne Velcic, WSWC grassroots committee chair.

So go and surf at www.ripnride.ca!

Canada’s Rusty Malinoski wins gold on wakeboard Pro Tour circuit

July 16, 2006

PORTLAND, Oregon- Rusty Malinoski of Humboldt, Sask., pocketed $7,000 (U.S.)., Sunday as he earned his first victory this season on the wakeboard Pro Tour circuit by topping the men’s professional competition.

Malinoski defeated American star Philip Soven 96.0 to 94.0 in the head-to-head final. Malinoski, seeded second, had finished second and third respectively at the last two stops in Minnesota and Kelowna, B.C.. But this weekend he beat top-seed Andrew Adkinson of the U.S., in the semifinals en route to the gold.

‘’It’s been a weird year for me with so many seconds and thirds but today I got through,’’ said Malinoski, who did win a World Cup competition last month. ‘’In the final Philip rode really but I knew if I landed my tricks I would win. The water conditions were ideal and that gave the opportunity to show what I can do.’’

Chad Sharpe of Cloverdale, B.C., lost to Malinoski in the quarterfinal while Kevin Henshaw of Sidney, B.C., and Kyle Rattray of Guelph, Ont., were eliminated in the first round

Danny Harf of the U.S., who lost to Soven in the semis, remains first in the Tour standings with a 20-point lead over Adkinson. With the win, Malinoski moves into third spot with the fifth and final stop scheduled in two weeks at Reno, Nevada.

‘’I still have a shot at the overall title,’’ said Malinoski. ‘’I’ve always been a consistent rider and I got a lot of hard tricks. I’m confident that if I do them well I can win.’’

In the pro wakeskate, Aaron Rathy of Nanaimo, B.C., and James Balzer of Cloverdale, B.C., were eliminated in the semifinals.

Canadians win two medals at wakeboard Pro Tour stop in Kelowna

July 9, 2006

KELOWNA, B.C.- Aaron Rathy of Nanaimo, B.C., and Rusty Malinoski of Humboldt, Sask., each won a medal on Sunday at the annual Wakefest event, which is also the third stop on the professional wakeboard Pro Tour.

Rathy, 18, earned his first career professional medal with a silver in the men’s wakeskate event on Lake Okanogan finishing behind George Daniels of the U.S.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic to get on the podium,” said Rathy, a world junior champion. “George went first in the final and put down a great run to win the gold hands down. Because I’m seeded pretty low as a rookie I had some tough heats to get to the final so this should help my ranking next weekend.”

In the pro wakeboard competition, Danny Harf of the U.S., was the winner with Shane Bonifay of the U.S., second and Malinoski, who won a World Cup gold medal last month in China, third.

“I definitely expected more of myself but it is still nice to be consistently on the podium this season,” said Malinoski, a silver medallist at the previous tour stop last month in Minnesota and also second at the Masters Tournament in May. “The water conditions were very rough which made it tough to be consistent. But I had a good weekend for sure.”

Chad Sharpe of Cloverdale, B.C., was eliminated in the second round while Rathy, Kyle Ratttay of Guelph, Ont., and Kevin Henshaw of Sidney, B.C., were eliminated in the first round.

Wakeboarding is popular water towing sport combining snowboarding and waterskiing skills. Riders slide across the top of the water on a single board executing plenty of flips, twists, and aerial stunts trying to impress a judging panel. Wakeskate features skills closely related to skateboarding..

The fourth stop on the circuit is next weekend in Portland, Oregon.

Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada names Hall of Fame inductees for 2006

July 5, 2006

OTTAWA- Kreg Llewellyn of Innisfail, Alta., Susi Graham of Kitchener, Ont., Steve Bush of North Vancouver and Peter Person of Kelowna, B.C., were named Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada’s Hall of Fame inductees for 2006.

Llewellyn was a dominant force on the national and international water ski scene for 20 years excelling in particular in tricks and jump. He helped Canada to three world team titles in the 1990’s and was an individual triple medallist at the 1991 worlds. He set 24 national records during his career.

‘’It’s something you don’t think about in your competitive years but it is sure nice to get that recognition,’’ said Llewellyn, whose younger brother Jaret is currently one of the biggest stars in the sport. ‘’It’s a great opportunity to thank everyone that helped you along the way. Water skiing can be an individualistic sport so for me my fondest memories are winning the world team titles for Canada.’’

Graham starred on the Canadian team in the 1990’s. She was a slalom specialist who won four world championship medals, five U.S. Open titles and two World Cup crowns. She broke the world record four times and still holds the Canadian mark.

‘’It’s a dream come true,’’ said Graham, who lives in Lake Hamilton, Florida where she raises exotic birds. ‘’The key advice I can give to young water skiers is that you need determination to get to the top. The sport has to be among your top priorities. And there are tough challenges on that road and crucial decisions that need to made. But I was glad I stuck with it.’’

Graham and Llewellyn were inducted as athletes while Bush and Person are being honoured as builders.

Bush has been the national team coach for 28 years and counting. He has built Canada into one of the world’s superpowers in the sport. He’s guided Canadian athletes to 11 world titles, eight Pan Am Games gold medals and 11 world junior crowns.

‘’It’s a real thrill to get this award,’’ said Bush. ‘’I always feel like I’m doing my job and the best thing I’ve done is surrounded myself with great people. My recipe for success has been in planning and making sure our athletes are also great citizens.’’

Person has been involved in organized water skiing at every level as a competitor and volunteer both at home and abroad. A provincial and national champion he was also president of the B.C., Water Ski Association from 1989 to 1995 then named president of Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada, a position he held until 2004. He has been on numerous international official and technical committees.

‘’I’m very surprised and honoured,’’ said Person, an electrical engineer. ‘’I certainly find myself in pretty fine company. I’ve enjoyed my volunteer work that I’ve been able to put in. It’s been very rewarding. I see a lot of positive growth in the sport and the emergence of wakeboarding and its integration into our sport has been very exciting.’’

Glenn Bowie, president of WSWC says the four inductees helped put Canada in the international spotlight.

“Our sport is blessed with so many special people”, said Bowie. “To be able to recognize these four people in this way almost seems small for what each of them have done for our sport, and the positive image they have presented of Canada around the globe. We honour them as Canada’s best, on the water and behind the scenes.”

Graham, Llewellyn, Person and Bush will be enshrined into the Hall of Fame on August 19th in ceremonies at the 2006 Canadian Water Ski Championships set for Brossard, Que.

For more biographical information on inductees, as well as a complete list of all honourees visit www.waterski-wakeboard.ca

Canada’s Aaron Rathy fifth at Wake Games wakeboard competition

Jun 25, 2006

LAKE ELSINORE, Calif.—Aaron Rathy of Nanaimo, B.C., was fifth in the men’s pro wakeboard competition on Sunday at the Wake Games wakeboard competition.

Andrew Adkinson led a U.S., medal sweep with the gold with Tino Santori second and Trevor Hansen third. Rathy, a world junior champion, was fifth and Canadian champion Kyle Rattray of Guelph, Ont., took 11th spot.

Rattray was involved in a controversy in his quarterfinal which potentially cost him a chance to advance after the boat malfunctioned halfway through his run.

‘’They had a lot of problems with the boats all weekend,’’ said Rattray. ‘’I argued my case but probably not hard enough. It was the first time in my career that I was involved in that sort of thing so I’ll just chalk it up as experience. I had a really good time this weekend and enjoyed my first trip to California.’’

In wakeskate competition, Stef Tor of Niagara Falls, Ont., won bronze in the women’s pro event while Rathy was fourth on the men’s side.

Rattray and Rathy are among several Canadians scheduled to compete at the third stop on the wakeboard Pro Tour set for Kelowna, B.C., July 7-9.

Canadian Rusty Malinoski wins World Cup wakeboard gold

Jun 25, 2006

BEIJING- Rusty Malinoski of Humboldt, Sask., upset heavy-favorite Philip Soven of the U.S., in the quarterfinal and beat his American roommate in the championship showdown to win the gold medal in the men’s wakeboard competition at the third stop on the water ski and wakeboard World Cup circuit.

Malinoski continued an excellent early-season defeating American Danny Harf in the final after surprising Soven, last week’s World Cup winner in France. World champion Jeff Weatherall of New Zealand was third. Chad Sharpe of Cloverdale, B.C., was eliminated in the quarterfinal.

The victory was sweet revenge for Malinoski who lost to Harf in the final at the Pro Tour stop in Minnesota a couple of weeks ago and the Masters Tournament last month in Atlanta.

In women’s wakeboard competition, Sunni-Anne Ball of King City, Ont., a bronze medallist last weekend at the World Cup, placed fourth. She was eliminated by Dallas Friday of the U.S., who went on to win the gold.

Wakeboarding is wildly popular water towing sport combining snowboarding and waterskiing skills. Riders slide across the top of the water on a single board executing plenty of flips, twists, and aerial stunts trying to impress a judging panel.

In World Cup as well as pro competition, the riders are paired off but each performs their maneuvers individually and the one with the best score advances while the other is eliminated.

In men’s water skiing, Nicolas LeForestier of France won the gold medal in tricks with Aliaksei Zharnasek of Belarus second, Javier Julio of Argentina third and Canadian veteran Jaret Llewellyn of Innisfail, Alta., fourth.

There are traditionally three events in water skiing: tricks, jump and slalom, but tricks was the only event contested here this weekend.

Llewellyn, a 22-year national team veteran and one Canada’s most successful international athletes, was grumpy with the judges who didn’t recognize one his tricks which cost him about 500 points and second place in the tournament.

‘’I’m a little disappointed, I came here to win,’’ said Llewellyn. ‘’I went with my big run and there was split decision from the judges on my first trick. I argued my case and hopefully they understand where I’m coming from.’’

Llewellyn will spend the first two weeks of July back home in Alberta and provide coaching tips at several local clubs. He’ll also make an appearance on Canada Day weekend at a water skiing competition in Edmonton.

The five-stop World Cup series provides $780,000 in prize money this season. The next stop is July 28-30 in Dubna, Russia.

2006 Junior Worlds Team Named

Jun 23, 2006

Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada is proud to announce that the 2006 Junior Worlds Team has been selected. Two independent skiers will be competing for Canada as well. Maxime Damour, first on the IWSF World Ranking List for junior boys, will be competing in Moissac, July 20th to 23rd, as well as Whitney McClintock, first overall in the junior girls’ category on the World Ranking List.

The team will consist of Amanda Amos, Coldwater, ON; Stevie Collins, Toronto, ON; Erin Mielzynski of Caledon, ON and Brooke Smith, Naicam, SK.

Karen Stevens (Morrisburg, ON); and Brett Dobel (Winnipeg, MB) have been selected as alternates to the team. In the event an athlete is unable to compete at the Jr Worlds, Karen and Brett may be selected to compete in France next month.

The team will be coached by Steve Bush and Matt Rini, and will travel to Lacanau, France (located near Bordeaux) for a short training camp, on July 13th. The Junior Worlds will be held in Moissac, France from July 20th to the 23rd. For more information on the event, please visit the information page.

Canada’s Sunni-Anne Ball wins bronze medal at wakeboard World Cup

Jun 19, 2006

ENGHIENS-LES-BAINS, France- Sunni-Anne Ball of King City, Ont., won the bronze medal at the second stop on the World Cup wakeboard circuit before more than 22,000 spectators who lined the Casino Promenade just outside Paris.

Meaghan Major of the U.S., won the women’s event finishing ahead of world champion Andrea Fountain of New Zealand in second. Ball, ranked sixth in the world at the end of last season, placed ahead of American star Emily Copeland Durham.

In men’s competition, Philip Soeven of the U.S., topped world champion Jeff Weatherall of New Zealand for the gold medal while Danny Harf of the U.S., the winner at the opening stop in Qatar last month, was third.

Chad Sharpe of Cloverdale, B.C., and Rusty Malinoski of Humboldt, Sask., cracked the final eight.

There are seven stops on the wakeboard and water ski World Cup circuit with more than $780,000 cash prizes up for grabs.

Canada’s Rusty Malinoski wins silver medal at Pro Wakeboard Tour event

Jun 11, 2006

SHOREVIEW, Minnesota - Rusty Malinoski of Humboldt, Sask., won the silver medal on Sunday in the men’s pro event to conclude the second of five stops on the Pro Wakeboard Tour.

Malinoski lost the championship final to Danny Harf of the U.S. Harf, seeded third, upset top-seed Andrew Adkinson of the U.S., before defeating Malinoski. Malinoski reached the final with victories over Erik Ruck of the U.S., in the second round, Daniel Watkins of Australia in the quarterfinals and J.D. Webb of the U.S., in the semis.

Chad Sharpe of Cloverdale, B.C., lost a close battle to Jeff Weatherall of New Zealand in the second round. In the opening playoff round, Kyle Rattray of Guelph, Ont., lost to Webb and Aaron Rathy of Nanaimo, B.C., fell to Harf.

After a qualifying round on Saturday, the top-32 were seeded and paired off in knock-out format.

‘’I had one my best ever runs and I just fell short of advancing,’’ said Rattray, who has won three professional medals this season. ‘’I was super pumped for my run and I put a lot of pressure on him (Webb). I didn’t try any new tricks for this event. Right now I’m just trying to be consistent in my performances.’’

The next stop on the Pro Tour is July 7-9 in Kelowna, B.C., the only Canadian stop on the circuit.

Triple gold for Whitney McClintock highlights seven-medal performance for Canada at U.S. Open water skiing competition

Jun 4, 2006

OKAHUMPKA, Florida- Whitney McClintock of Cambridge, Ont., earned three gold medals while Kole Magnowski of Russell, Man., added a victory in men’s jump on Sunday at the junior U.S., Open water skiing competition.

Canadians made seven trips to the podium overall on the day.

McClintock, who is tuning up to defend her world junior overall title this summer, posted victories in slalom and jump and added a silver in tricks to successfully defend her overall crown at the event. She also won the overall title last week at the junior Masters.

‘’I was really happy about my jump victory,’’ said McClintock, 16. ‘’I was fourth heading into my final jump but I stayed focused on the task at hand. The slalom was a lot closer than I expected and I had to lay down a strong run to win it. In tricks, I went with my big routine and kind of messed it up.’’

In men’s jump, Magnowski soared a personal best 206 feet for the victory. He was the second to last jumper of the day.

‘’I knew I had to go big on my last jump and the last guy wasn’t able to match it,’’ said Magnowski, who reclaims the title he won two years ago. ‘’I had been training really well leading up to this event so I was confident I could do well. The big difference this year is my approach is a lot better and I’m in digging in all the way through the ramp.’’

Thomas Moore of Edmonton took the silver in men’s slalom. His final run was interrupted a few minutes due to rain but he said it didn’t bother his concentration.

‘’I’ll settle for silver as long as the Oilers win the Cup,’’ said Moore, 21, also an avid hockey fan. ‘’I did a bit better yesterday in the preliminaries but I was happy with my toughness in the final.’’

Brooke Smith of Naicam, Sask., took the bronze in women’s jump for her first major international medal. The 17-year-old made her international debut last week at the Masters.

‘’I’m surprised,’’ she said. ‘’I jumped 134 feet in the final which is only two feet off my personal best. My timing was right on today.’’

Other top Canadian performances: Amanda Amos of Midland, Ont., was fourth overall; Breanne Wagner of Surrey, B.C., was fourth in women’s slalom; Stephen Collins of Toronto fourth in men’s jump and Erin Mielzynski of Caledon, Ont., fifth in women’s tricks.

WSWC NAMES NATIONAL ADAPTIVE TEAM AND DEVELOPMENT COACHES

Jun 2, 2006

For the first time in its history, Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada has appointed not one, but two coaches to work with Canada’s high performance and developing athletes with a disability. The association is pleased to announce that Pat Messner of Ottawa and Chris Holden of Kars, Ontario are the highly qualified individuals have taken on the positions of National Adaptive Team Coach and Development Coach, respectively.

As the National Adaptive Team Coach, Messner will play a leadership role in designing and implementing the National Team program, selection processes and its related activities. She will liaise with athletes and their individual coaches to help them prepare a yearly training plan for optimum preparation, coordinate National Team training camps, and guide the team into international competitions.

As Adaptive Development Coach, Holden’s role will be to lend his enthusiasm and expertise to developing athletes with a disability. He will identify and nurture athletes who have aspirations to compete in national and international competitions, serve as a resource for respective coaches, and will help coordinate regional athlete development clinics that are being planned by WSWC.

WSWC President Glenn Bowie is excited to welcome Pat and Chris on board. “I’m ecstatic that Chris and Pat have graciously volunteered their time and services to further develop Canada’s high performance athletes. I am extremely confident that they will motivate and inspire our athletes to become the best that they can be, and continue to lead the team to many more successes in National and International competitions.”

Both Messner and Holden have extensive experience in coaching and working with athletes living with a disability. In fact, they were both present at the 2005 World Disabled Water Ski Championships that took place last September in Belgium when adaptive skier Andrea Andrecyk won a bronze medal for Team Canada. At the time, they were there as individual coaches for Andrecyk and fellow team member, Chris Bourne. The experience was definitely beneficial to their future in coaching the adaptive national team. “We were able to bring two coaches [to Belgium] and they learned a whole lot about water skiing for athletes with a disability this week,” said Bourne, who is also the chair of WSWC’s committee for athletes with a disability. However, Holden and Messner are no stranger’s to the sport.

Messner has the prestigious distinction of being one of Canada’s most successful water skiers; in many ways she set the standard for Canadian women in the sport. She has the distinction of being Canada's only Olympic medalist in water skiing (she won the bronze in women's slalom during the 1972 Games when water skiing was a demonstration sport). She won four world championship medals, including the gold in women's slalom in 1979, a feat no other Canadian woman had accomplished until then. Furthermore, she was the first Canadian woman to win gold at the Masters Tournament, finishing first in slalom in 1978. Over the years Messner collected 18 national titles in all, the first in 1964, and she broke 19 Canadian records along the way. She was also a member of the national team in 1972 and from 1975-80. Messner was Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada’s Athlete of the Year in 1979; in 1981 she became a Member of the Order of Canada; was inducted into the Greater Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame in 1984; and in 2004 she was one of the first inductees into the WSWC Hall of Fame. From 1987-91 Messner served on WSWC’s national coaching committee; and since 2003 she has served on the WSWC Adapted Towed Water Sports Committee.

Similarly, Holden has had many successes in both his personal and his professional life. A graduate of the University of Waterloo (with a bachelor of Environmental studies) he is without a doubt a motivated individual who get’s the job done. Over the past decade he has worked as a system developer for a multitude of companies, and has acquired valuable skills that will benefit developing athletes and their coaches. With 20 Years of experience volunteering, assisting, instructing and coaching disabled alpine skiers as a certified member of the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing (CADS), Holden has a proven track record as a motivator and facilitator. He implemented a successful SkiAbility Program in Ottawa, extending the program in its second year from one to two tow boats and from 16 skiers to a sign up list of more than 40 interested participants. He believes that the best method of success is to have a big-picture view, but execute in small manageable steps. With over 30 years of waterskiing experience and over 15 years of coaching experience, WSWC is certain that Holden will bring growth and achievement to our high performance adaptive program and to the organization as a whole.

Congratulations and thank you to Pat and Chris!

Canada’s Drew Ross ties for second at WaterSki Magazine Pro Slalom Shootout

Jun 1, 2006

WINTER GARDEN, Florida- Thirteen-year national team veteran Drew Ross of Belleville, Ont., capitalized on home water advantage to tie for second spot with three other water skiers in the men’s slalom on Thursday at the inaugural WaterSki Magazine Pro Slalom Shootout.

Terry Winter of the U.S., won his first pro title with a personal best of 3 buoys at 41 feet off to clinch the title and collect more than $5,000 in earnings.

U.S. athletes Jamie Beauchesne, Wade Cox and Nick Parsons, along with Ross, tied for second place with 2 buoys at 41 feet off. Britain's Glenn Campbell (1 at 41) and U.S. athletes Chris Rossi (4 at 39-1/2) and Seth Stisher (1-1/2 at 39-1/2) rounded out the eight-man field.

It was the second time this week that Ross reached a pro final. At the U.S., Masters on Sunday near Atlanta, the 36-year-old law graduate, made the four-man final. He trains at the Winter Garden venue.

‘’It’s definitely coming together for me,’’ said Ross, on the event’s webcast. '' I’ve put in a lot of hard work this spring and I’m being rewarded with strong results. I just love it right now and I’m feeling good.’’

Ross also raced for Team Malibu in two other events. Team Malibu defeated Team MasterCraft in the head-to-head slalom competition, while MasterCraft got the best of Malibu in the Big Spray event.

More than $20,000 in cash prizes were awarded.

Silver Sunday for Llewellyn and Malinoski at Masters water skiing and wakeboard tournament

May 28, 2006

CALLAWAY GARDENS- Jaret Llewellyn of Innisfail, Alta., took silver in the men’s water skiing jump event and bronze in tricks while Rusty Malinoski of Humboldt, Sask., added a silver in the men’s wakeboard event Sunday at the Masters tournament.

In men’s jump, world record holder Freddy Krueger of the U.S., successfully defended his title defeating Llewellyn in a head-to head final. Krueger soared 228 feet in the final while Llewellyn reached 220.

‘’I couldn’t get the timing down in the final,’’ said Llewellyn, who has broken world records 11 times in his 23-year career. ‘’It just wasn’t a good finish for me and I didn’t jump consistent this weekend. Freddy left the door open and I messed up. I thought I was jumping well heading in.’’

In men’s tricks, Jimmy Siemers of the U.S., was the winner defeating Nicolas Leforestier of France in the final. Llewellyn took the third place match-up.

In men’s wakeboarding, Danny Harf of the U.S., earned 66.45 points for the gold while Malinoski took the silver at 65.11.

‘’I’m really happy, the gold medal match went down to the wire,’’ said Malinoski, 23, who won his first pro event last season. ‘’I was first off the dock and I had to set the pace. I rode consistent and didn’t fall. I had a win last weekend at a tournament so I’m happy with the start to my season. I’m training harder and it’s paying off.’’

Drew Ross of Belleville, Ont., was fourth in men’s slalom.

On Saturday, world junior champion Whitney McClintock of Cambridge, Ont., successfully defended her overall and tricks junior titles.

McClintock, 16, totalled 2,952 points for the overall title placing first in tricks, third in slalom and third in jump. Nancy Chardin of France, the jump winner, was second overall at 2,569 and Caroline Hensley of the U.S., third at 2,492.

‘’I’m very excited about winning the titles again,’’ said McClintock, who’ll look to successully defend her world junior crown this summer. ‘’Today I stepped it up for the finals. I’ve just felt strong in my skiing this weekend. My trick run is a lot more difficult now especially for this early in the season.’’

Canada’s Whitney McClintock successfully defends Masters’ title

May 27, 2006

CALLAWAY GARDENS, Georgia- World junior champion Whitney McClintock of Cambridge, Ont., successfully defended her overall and tricks junior titles on Saturday at the 47th Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard Tournament.

McClintock, 16, totalled 2,952 points for the overall title placing first in tricks, third in slalom and third in jump. Nancy Chardin of France, the jump winner, was second overall at 2,569 and Caroline Hensley of the U.S., third at 2,492.

‘’I’m very excited about winning the titles again,’’ said McClintock, who’ll look to successully defend her world junior crown this summer. ‘’Today I stepped it up for the finals. I’ve just felt strong in my skiing this weekend. My trick run is a lot more difficult now especially for this early in the season.’’

McClintock hopes that with two junior overall Masters titles in her pocket she can compete against the senior field next season.

‘’I’m confident enough I can go in the open competition next season and challenge for the medals,’’ she said.

In senior competition, Jaret Llewellyn of Innisfail, Alta., qualified for the men’s jump and tricks finals and Drew Ross of Belleville, Ont., advanced to the slalom finals.

Llewellyn is in his 23rd season on the national team and once again appears to be at the top of his game after Saturday’s performances.

‘’They only take four to the final in tricks so I had to do my big run,’’ said Llewellyn, who posted the fourth best score in tricks. ‘’I had a few bobbles but got through it all and neared a personal best score. I’m really close to the top guys so I’m in good shape for the finals.’’

Ross cracked the top-four in slalom in a tight competition ranking fourth in qualifying.

‘’I went out there aggressive and now I’m fighting for the lead at the Masters, you can’t ask for better than that,’’ said Ross. ‘’I knew what I had to do to get in the final and I layed it on the line.’’

Competition ends Sunday. The event is also being broadcast on the internet www.masterslive.net/thanks.htm

Title

May 9, 2006

No top-three finishes for Canada at Wakeboard Pro Tour season opener

ACWORTH, Georgia- Andrew Adkinson of the U.S., knocked off the number-one seed in the semifinals and took the final as well to win his first career wakeboard event on the Pro Tour while Canadian riders couldn’t crack a top-three finish.

Canadians eliminated in the round of 16 were fourth-seed Chad Sharpe of Cloverdale, B.C., and fifth-seed Rusty Malinoski of Humboldt, Sask., while Aaron Rathy of Nanimo, B.C., bowed out in the opening round.

There is a change in this season’s pro men format with each rider qualified in the round of 32 placed into two 16-seeded brackets. Each is then seeded from the current rankings and competes in a knock-out format.

Canadian champion Kyle Rattray of Guelph, Ont., Brad Buskas of Edmonton and Olivier Derome of Cotea-du-Lac, Que., were eliminated in the opening rounds.

In women’s competition, Sunni-Ann Ball of King City, Ont., a World Cup winner last season, and Saskatchewan’s Ashley Reugner were eliminated in their opening heats while in junior men’s Saskatchewan riders Adam Burwell and Dylan Miller and Alberta’s Matt Bibby all didn’t get past the first round.

In the pro wakeskate event, Rathy, a two-time ProTour winner last year, reached the final eighth while Stef Tor of Niagara Falls, Ont., James Balzer of Cloverdale, B.C., and Jesse Page were all out in the opening heats.

As in 2005, the Pro Wakeboard Tour will be comprised of five stops in 2006. Tour stops will include a return visits to Lake Okanagan in Kelowna, B.C., July 7-9.

Water skiing McClintocks finalists for Canadian Sport Awards’ junior athlete of the year honours

March 21, 2006

OTTAWA- For the second straight year, water skiing sensations Jason McClintock and his sister Whitney McClintock of Cambridge, Ont., are respectively finalists as the country's top male and female junior athletes of the year for the 33rd Canadian Sport Awards, scheduled on March 31 in Toronto.

Whitney McClintock, 16, placed fourth overall and was also fourth in tricks at the senior world championships held in China. She ended the season ranked as the number-one junior in the world in overall, tricks and slalom.

‘’It’s pretty exciting to be nominated two years in a row,’’ said Whitney McClintock currently attending a training camp with her brother during the school spring break in Florida. ‘’I’m a bit surprised. It’s nice that they took into account that some of my best performances were against senior competition.’’

Short track speed skater Kalyna Roberge is the other finalist for the award.

Jason McClintock, 18, won the overall and tricks titles at the under-21 worlds in Germany last year and, combined with his performances at the junior worlds the previous year, he now holds five world titles.

‘’I’m also surprised, I figured you could only get nominated once,’’ said Jason McClintock. ‘’I did a lot of competitions last year and the under-21 worlds were the highlight.’’

Figure skater Patrick Chan and long track speed skater Denny Morrison are the other finalists for the male junior athlete of the year award.

Succcess in water skiing is a family tradition with the McClintocks. 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. Joel and Judy were among the first seven inductees in Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada’s Hall of Fame in 2004.

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: 19 world championship gold medals, 52 total medals in the world championships, and 18 Pan Am Games medals since 1995.