Search Results

Applications are now being taken for the 2026 BC Wakesurf Team! This is your chance to ride alongside other passionate youth from across BC, push your progression, and learn from some of Canada’s top wakesurfers. Whether you’re looking to level up your riding, connect with a crew that shares your drive, or start building toward the 2026 BC Summer Games, this is where it starts. To be eligible, riders must be 18 or under as of January 1, 2026. What being part of the team looks like: You’ll get access to training opportunities throughout the season You’ll be riding with a supportive, motivated group of athletes at all levels You’ll learn from experienced coaches and mentors You’ll score some Team BC gear You’ll set goals, track progress, and develop your skills all season long And most importantly — you’ll have an incredible time doing it What we’re looking for in team riders: Commitment to training, especially team sessions (including a two-day camp over the July 3-5 weekend in the Lake Koocanusa area). A goal of attending Provincials and/or Nationals A willingness to learn, take feedback, and improve A positive, team-first attitude We’re currently locking in dates, but you can plan for a Team BC camp happening the weekend of July 3-5 at Lake Koocanusa. More training opportunities will be added throughout the summer as details are confirmed. Provincials are set for August 14-16. Dates have not yet been finalized for Nationals. If this sounds like your kind of summer, don’t wait — apply and be part of it. Applications must be submitted by 5pm on April 30, 2026 and can be completed online here: https://wswbc.typeform.com/to/CIqW2lCw

WSWBC is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of our wakesurf athletes during the 2025 season. These riders demonstrated competitive excellence, personal growth, and a strong commitment to the sport both on and off the water. Wake Surf Achievement Award Dagen Duczek earned the Wake Surf Achievement Award after an exceptional 2025 season. He placed 2nd at Provincials and captured 1st place at Nationals in the Pro Division, marking his second consecutive National Championship. As a member of the BC Team, Dagen also played a key role within the team’s leadership and mentorship core, making a lasting impact beyond competition. Most Improved Male Wake Surf Award Noah Goulding received the Most Improved Male Wake Surf Award in recognition of his outstanding progression this season. Noah demonstrates exceptional drive and passion for wakesurfing and is highly coachable, consistently applying feedback with focus and intent. His dedication has led to remarkable improvement, including successfully landing complex tricks. Off the water, Noah is always the first to help and eager to learn — from judging to absorbing advice alongside fellow riders — further fueling his growth as both an athlete and teammate. Most Improved Female Wake Surf Award Ainsley Hennessy earned the Most Improved Female Wake Surf Award after two seasons of impressive dedication and growth in the sport. As a committed member of the BC Wakesurf Team, Ainsley makes the most of every training opportunity and is always eager to learn from coaches and teammates. She continues to build both her trick repertoire and confidence on the water. Following a Provincial and National Championship win in Female Amateur 2 Skim in 2024, Ainsley carried that momentum into 2025, earning silver at Provincials. Her commitment and passion for wakesurfing are evident every time she rides.

WSWBC is proud to recognize the officials whose dedication, leadership, and service played a vital role in the success of the 2025 competition season. Their commitment behind the scenes helps ensure the continued growth and integrity of our sport. Peter Person Waterski Official of the Year Troy Perras earned the Peter Person Waterski Official of the Year Award in recognition of his outstanding service at both the provincial and national levels. Throughout the season, Troy travelled to Winlock and Kamloops to support events as a senior judge and driver. He was instrumental in setting up the WRL Tournament in Kamloops and served as a key organizer and Chief Judge for the Provincial Championships in Campbell River. While in Campbell River, Troy also focused on developing future officials by encouraging young athletes to learn and participate in judging. Mike McComb Wakeboard Official of the Year Tanner Champion received the Mike McComb Wakeboard Official of the Year Award for his exceptional contribution to the sport. Tanner leads junior development at Sproat Lake, coaches the BC Team, and has volunteered to serve as Chief Judge for both the 2026 Provincial and National Championships. A dedicated mentor, Tanner actively supports the next generation of wakeboard judges by sharing his knowledge and experience. Wake Surf Official of the Year Ryder Duczek earned the Wake Surf Official of the Year Award following a strong season of officiating. Ryder served as Co–Chief Judge at Provincials and was a key official at Nationals. In collaboration with Caro Villeneuve, Ryder completed an entire judging sheet for the first time, with Caro assisting in shaping and reviewing the sheet — a great example of growth, teamwork, and commitment to excellence.

WSWBC is proud to recognize the coaches and clubs whose dedication, leadership, and commitment made a lasting impact during the 2025 season. Club of the Year Award The Campbell River Eagles Waterski Club earned the Club of the Year Award after hosting an outstanding Provincial Championship — and doing so under challenging conditions. The club undertook a complete site reconfiguration to accommodate the event, resulting in one of the most well-organized and efficient setups seen at a provincial competition. Their teamwork, planning, and execution were exceptional, and they truly delivered a first-class event. Coach of the Year Award Jake Chambers received the Coach of the Year Award in recognition of his professionalism, dedication, and commitment to developing youth skiers across the province. While balancing his own elite training for the U21 World Championships and Pan American Games, Jake continued to lead and coach multiple camps throughout the summer. Congratulations to Jake on a remarkable season, including earning Pan American Bronze Medals in Jump and Overall. Junior Coach of the Year Award Grayson Wright earned the Junior Coach of the Year Award for his ability to connect with young athletes and inspire their passion for waterskiing. Grayson consistently creates a positive and engaging environment, helping athletes discover what the sport has to offer while keeping the experience fun, motivating, and rewarding.

Gord Tuck earned the Adaptive Skier Achievement Award in recognition of his exceptional accomplishments in adaptive waterskiing. An outstanding competitor, Gord continues to push his limits and improve upon his personal bests at record-capable tournaments. Beyond his competitive success, he is deeply committed to creating inclusive and supportive environments for fellow adaptive skiers in his community and is always willing to mentor and assist other athletes. Currently chasing a world record, Gord is skiing at an exceptionally high level and continues to set the bar for excellence in adaptive waterskiing.

WSWBC is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our wakeboard and wakeskate athletes during the 2025 season. These riders demonstrated resilience, progression, and excellence on both the national and international stage. Jeff Heer Wakeboard Achievement Award Hunter Smith earned the Jeff Heer Wakeboard Achievement Award following an impressive 2025 season. After rehabbing an injury, Hunter returned to top form, finishing 17th on the Pro Wakeboard Tour. He also captured 1st place in both Men’s 1 and Open divisions at the 2025 Canadian Nationals, showcasing his determination and elite-level performance. Most Improved Male Wakeboard Award Jakob Taylor received the Most Improved Male Wakeboard Award after a standout year of competition. Jakob proudly represented Canada at the Junior Pan American Games, where he placed 5th, and also competed at the Nautique World Championships in Florida. He currently holds the title of Junior Men’s National Champion, reflecting his continued growth and competitive success. Most Improved Female Wakeboard Award Ava Collins was honoured with the Most Improved Female Wakeboard Award. Throughout the 2025 season, Ava pushed herself to new levels and showed steady progression in her riding. Her hard work paid off with multiple strong performances and podium finishes at events throughout the year. James Balzer Wakeskate Achievement Award Tanner Champion earned the James Balzer Wakeskate Achievement Award after an outstanding season on the wakeskate. Tanner captured 1st place in Open Wakeskate at both the Provincial and National Championships. His consistency, style, and drive continue to set him apart — the guy just keeps ripping on the skate!

We are proud to recognize three outstanding athletes whose dedication, resilience, and performance defined the 2025 waterski season. Kim DeMadeco Skier Achievement Award Kate Pinsonneault delivered an exceptional season, highlighted by a Gold Medal victory at the Junior Pan American Games in Paraguay. This remarkable achievement secured her qualification for the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. Kate’s hard work and competitive excellence continue to set a high standard for our sport—congratulations on this well-deserved honour! Most Improved Male Waterski Award Logan Wright earned the Most Improved Male Waterski Award following an inspiring comeback season. After overcoming serious injuries in 2024, Logan returned to competition stronger than ever, showing significant improvement across all events. His determination and perseverance are a true testament to his character and commitment to waterskiing. Most Improved Female Waterski Award Madison Savory’s dedication and work ethic earned her the Most Improved Female Waterski Award. Her commitment to training paid off with strong performances at both the Provincial and National Championships. Madison’s progress this season reflects her passion for the sport and her drive to continually improve.

Recognizing the dedication and hard work of individuals who contribute behind the scenes is essential to the success of any community or organization. For the 2025 season, the WSWBC proudly honors Teri Taylor with the Curtis McDonnell Memorial Award. This award celebrates Teri’s exceptional commitment, particularly her outstanding work managing registration for both the Provincials and Nationals events. Her efforts ensured these events ran smoothly despite numerous challenges.

The 2025 BC Wakesurf Provincials, presented by SWS Marine Group, will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Koocanusa Village on beautiful Lake Koocanusa in southeast BC. The event will be open to riders of all ages and skill levels. From junior to senior riders, everyone is welcome. There will be fun, prizes, and an awesome surf community! REGISTRATION: Registration is open now through August 11, 2025 Now through August 2: $60 August 3 - 11: $75 There will be NO late registrations , so share this far and wide and encourage people to get registered no later than August 11. Here is the registration link: https://wswbc.typeform.com/25surfprovs DIRECTIONS TO KOOCANUSA VILLAGE: The nearest airports are: Cranbrook (approx. 1 hour from event site)  If you are landing in Cranbrook Airport, follow the driving directions toward Cranbrook and when you cross the bridge just before entering Cranbrook, follow the signs to head east toward Fernie. Calgary (approx. 4 hours from event site) Follow directions from airport south to Fernie, BC via Crowsnest Pass/Highway 3 DIRECTIONS  ​ From Cranbrook: Drive East on Hwy#3 towards Fernie Turn Right at Kikomun Creek Rd. Follow the road straight down (past the provincial park) to the bridge across the lake. Go across the bridge, past Koocanusa Campsite and Marina and take the first LEFT onto Kikomun Newgate Road.  Follow the road for 12 kilometres and turn LEFT onto Marcer Road (you’ll see signs for Koocanusa Village and The Kove store) and go down the hill. Turn right at the "T" at the bottom of the hill and proceed into the gravel parking lot at the store/marina. DIRECTIONS: From Fernie: Drive West on Hwy#3 towards Cranbrook Turn Left at Kikomun Creek Rd. (Right after the 3 and 93 Intersection/Dairy) Follow the road straight down (past the provincial park) to the bridge across the lake. Go past Koocanusa Campsite and Marina and take the first LEFT onto Kikomun Newgate Road.  Follow the road for 12 kilometres and turn LEFT onto Marcer Road (you’ll see signs for Koocanusa Village and The Kove store) and go down the hill Turn right at the "T" at the bottom of the hill and proceed into the gravel parking lot at the store/marina. ACCOMMODATIONS: There are no hotels on Lake Koocanusa. The closest hotel accommodations are in Fernie (40 min drive) or Cranbrook (one hour drive).  In Fernie, we recommend Park Place Lodge. You can also look for vacation rentals anywhere in the vicinity of Lake Koocanusa (including Jaffray, Baynes Lake, Tie Lake, Rosen Lake, etc).  For those interested in camping, there are a number of nearby campgrounds.   Here is the list of nearby campgrounds: Newgate Sandy Shores Campground – RV sites – Leave message or text 1-587-317-5842 Campgrounds near Koocanusa Village Englishman Creek Kikomun Creek Park Gold Creek Bay Sunshine Marina Baynes Lake Will-O-Bend at Jaffray If you require assistance with lodging, please let me know and we will do our best to help find you something that fits your needs.

https://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/sports/penticton-teen-named-canadas-junior-water-ski-athlete-of-the-year-8008831

It is hard to believe the 2025 Wakesurf Season will soon be underway and that the BC Wakesurf Team will soon be recruiting for the 2025 Team. Last year’s team had an incredible season.  Things kicked off with a two-day camp in early July were almost all team members were able to attend for 2.5 days of riding, hanging out and making memories as first-time tricks and new goals were unlocked. The fun continued in late July as several members of the BC Team joined over 2200 other athletes across multiple sport disciplines to compete in the 2024 BC Summer Games in Maple Ridge. Coached by Ryder Duczek, the BC Zone 1 team (all of whom were also on Team BC) captured several medals – and took home the Silver medal for aggegrate points. Team rider Dagen Duczek took home gold in Surf and Wakeskate and Bronze in Wakeboard. Team BC swept the podium in Surf as team riders Edward Anderson and Bronson Schmidtke took home Silver and Bronze respectively. Edward also took home the bronze medal in Wakeskate. It was an awesome experience for all the athletes. Next up, it was the BC / Alberta Provincial Wakesurf Championships, which were held on the beautiful shores of Lake Koocanusa in southeastern BC.  Our BC Team riders were incredible ambassadors for the sport – both on and off the water – as they not only put in some incredible rides, but helped volunteer doing everything from set up to clean up, helping with registration, and acting as officials.  BC Team Riders had several podium finishes at Provincials, including: Junior Boys – Maxwell Abougoush (Silver) Amateur Male Skim 2 – Nick Jensen (Bronze)   Amateur Female Skim 2 – Ainsley Hennessy (Gold), Olivia Sombrowski (Silver) Outlaw Male Skim – Noah Goulding (Silver), Bronson Schmidtke (Bronze) Pro Men’s Combined – Ryder Duczek (Gold), Dagen Duczek (Silver), Kerry Williams (Bronze) As the fall colours started to turn to gold and yellow, the Canadian Nationals got underway in early September and once again, Team BC riders had a tremendous showing: Junior Boys – Casen Taylor (Gold) Amateur Male Skim – Edward Anderson (Silver) Female Amateur Skim 1 – Georgia Milne (Bronze) Female Amateur Skim 2 – Ainsley Hennessy (Gold), Olivia Sombrowski (Silver) Advanced Male Skim – Noah Goulding (Gold), Nicholas Jensen (Silver), Bronson Schmidtke (Bronze) Pro Mens Combined – Dagen Duczek (Gold), Ryder Duczek (Silver) Two BC Team riders - Kerry Williams and Olivia Sombrowski - also competed on the Competitive Wakesurfing Association tour in 2024, and Kerry Williams competed with other Canadian team riders at the World Wakesurf Championships in Switzerland, bringing home the silver medal. Williams’ competitive season was not done yet as in October he and several other representatives represented Canada at the IWWF World Wakesurf Championships in Hong Kong.  This marked the first inclusion of wakesurfing in the IWWF World Championships, and served as a qualifier for the 2025 World Games.  Williams finished 4th in U18 Male Skim and Team Canada finished in the top four. Needless to say, it was an incredible season for all of our team riders. Beyond the podium finishes, and perhaps more important, every single member of the team learned many new tricks and took their riding to the next level. Members of the BC Wakesurf Team and Coach Caro at the 2024 Canadian National Wakesurf Championships.

We can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store and are now taking applications for the 2025 BC Wakesurf Team.  The application deadline is March 25, 2025  and the application form can be filled out here: https://wswbc.typeform.com/to/TbyRuaue It takes less than 2 minutes to apply. This is an amazing opportunity to ride with other youth from around BC who share your passion for wakesurfing, while learning new skills and riding with some of the top riders in Canada.  Whether you are looking to meet new friends, enhance your skills or train to prepare for the BC Summer Games in 2026, don’t miss out on this opportunity. Applicants must be 18 or under as of January 1, 2025. What You Can Expect from the Team Experience: At least two training opportunities A team of like-minded riders of all skill-levels committed to taking their surf game to the next level Amazing mentors and coaches Some team swag To learn something new and set goals for the 2025 season And…to have FUN. What Is Expected of BC Team Members: You would participate in training – particularly team events You would strive to attend Provincials and/or Nationals You would be open to receiving instruction You bring a fun, positive attitude to the team While dates are being finalized, there will be a Team BC camp the weekend of July 5-7 in the Lake Koocanusa area. There will be additional training opportunities throughout the season and more details will be announced soon as dates and locations are finalized. Provincials will be held the weekend of August 15-17, and Nationals will be held in early to mid-September (the date has not yet been finalized), also at Lake Koocanusa. Get in on the fun and apply to be part of our team! Some of the members of the 2024 BC Wakesurf Team, along with the one-and-only Coach Caro during the team training in July.