News

The team is UNLIKE any other WSWO TEAM we've had TO DATE! Every single one of these exceptional kids competed in at least two tournaments in 2024 to secure their spots on the team. You're looking at 25 of the most DEDICATED young athletes in our PROVINCE, our COUNTRY and our SPORT. We can't wait to witness their incredible abilities on the water this summer!

See more about the WSWO Traditional Team here!

Check out all the latest news from WSWO in the 2024 Wakes Mag, available here!

Also available is the (tentative) traditional 3-event tournament schedule for 2024, available here!

The tournament schedule for 2023 has been updated! You may find it here. At the time this updated schedule has been posted, wsconnect has not been updated with some of the changes described within. Please note of the top of the document where the changes are noted.

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we share with all of you the news that Micky Geller, from Ontario, has died suddenly.

Micky was a valued member of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Water Ski Team, and the Ontario skiing community and he represented Water Ski Canada on many occasions including the U17 IWWF World Championships, the Jr. US Masters Water Ski Tournament, and the 2022 Pan American Championships.

As skiers and all the members of our community begin to mourn this great loss, many will acknowledge his amazing work ethic, unending passion, humour, athleticism, and charisma. During this difficult time, let us come together as a community to support one another and cherish the memories we have of Micky. The University of Lafayette at Louisiana will be flying their flags at half mast today to honour Micky and his contribution to the school and their Water Ski Team.

We invite you to share your memories by sending photos and memories that will be shared with the family. You can send the memories to Kyle (WSWC). We will continue to update you on the ways we can all pay respect to Micky's memory.

The family has provided obituary and funeral details that can be viewed here. Photos of Micky to share with the family can also be uploaded to this site.

The Geller family would like to create an award in Micky's memory and WSWC will work with them on a suitable way to remember Micky's wonderful contribution to our sport and everyone in it. If you wish to support the award, you can donate through the WSWC website here.

Should you need to reach out for support please email us and we will gladly share some resources to help your healing journey.

We are excited to announce that WSWO is again a receipient of the Ontario Amateur Sport Fund (OASF). As per the linked information packate, if you are a recognized school, coach, official or athlete of WSWO that holds a valid membership in good standing, you may be eligible to receive funding to support your sport programs. Additional information, including a link to the funding application form, may be downloaded by clicking here.

Check out all the latest news across all our disciplines in the 2023 Wakes Mag, available here!

The Annual General Meeting will be held on April 3, 2023 @ 7PM EST. This PDF has some additional details regarding this year's meeting. Further information such as the call in / WebEx information for the meeting will be shared here at a later date.

Should you wish to nominate someone for a position on the board, please use the member nomination form. You may use the same form should you wish to volunteer with the organization. To allow someone to act on your behalf during the AGM because you are unable to attend, please use the AGM Member Proxy Form.

Questions about the event may be directed to the office.

We are excited to announce the 2023 Ontario Water ski teams have been selected! Huge thanks go out to all applicants!! Please click here to view the new team members!

The tournament schedule for 2023 has been announced! You may find it here. Note that as always, this is only a tentative schedule at this time and is subject to change.

Please see this important notice from Hockey Opportunity Camp for Water Ski Summer Camp! More details are available on their website.

WSWO is hosting a Membership Social to celebrate all of YOU, our amazing members! Our organization is made up of the most talented, dedicated and supportive individuals and for that we want to thank you in-person.

Join us during the return of the Toronto International Boat Show and meet your fellow members and WSWO Board of Directors on Saturday January 21st from 5:30pm – 7:30pm in the Toronto Boat Show Executive Suites (above the show floor), room C2.

Come stop by and say "hello", enjoy some appetizers and beverages and chat about the latest news in towed watersports.

If you plan on dropping by, please send a quick email to office@wswo.ca letting us know for planning purposes.

We can't wait to see you!

Happy New Year to our WSWO community!! We are pleased to announce that membership registration/renewal is now open online through Water Sports Connect for 2023. WSWO is offering the FIRST 100 Personal Members (Active Adult, Active Single OR Camp, Club or School) a free ticket to the Toronto International Boat Show (a $22 value) with your WSWO membership registration! The complimentary ticket is valid for one entry into the show, date of choice, from January 20th – 29th, 2023.

2023 WSWO Membership registrations must be completed by January 19th in order to be considered in this offer. *Please note that anyone who has already purchased their 2023 membership will also be included in this giveaway!

Now get to it and register today! WSWO will email the lucky individuals with next steps in order to obtain your free Toronto Boat Show admission ticket through Canadian Boat Shows Inc.

We thank you for your continued support with the organization over the years and we look forward to everything that 2023 has in store. Hope to see you at the Toronto International Boat Show!

Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario is pleased to announce the criteria for the 2023 Ontario Water Ski Team. Here you will find information on different team levels and the team selection process. It is our hope that we will continue to give our competitive water skiers an opportunity to push themselves further, with hopes of one day competing on the Junior, U21 and Elite Canadian National Water Ski Teams.

As part of a training plan for the Ontario Water Ski Teams, formal training camps have been set up and will be regulated by the current Ontario Provincial Team Coach (PTC), Jason McClintock, in order to provide continual professional training to our athletes and help them achieve their own personal goals within our sport. Athletes are not required to attend these team training camps, but are encouraged to seek out quality training from an NCCP Competitive Certified Water Ski Instructor if they are unable to attend.

Click here to check out how the funding works and apply today!

Attention Membership: WSWO is happy to announce the 2023 coaching courses well in advance of their scheduled dates. Stay tuned here for the registration links which will be posted when available!

Wake Canada has finanalized the Wake event schedule for the 2022 season. It may be found here.

Click here to see the 2022 Hall of Fame Nominees!

Click here to see the 2022 WSWO Wakes Magazine!

The 2022 Ontario Water Ski Teams have been announced! The full announcement may be found here. Congratulations to all who made the team - we are looking forward to witnessing all of their accomplishments on the water this summer!

Please see this 2022 programs fund announcement! If you have any trouble accessing the funding application link within the document, please click here.

The Annual General Meeting will be held on March 7, 2022 @ 7PM. The following PDF has some additional details regarding this year's meeting. Further information such as the call in / WebEx information for the meeting will be shared here at a later date.

Should you wish to nominate someone for a position on the board, please use the member nomination form. You may use the same form should you wish to volunteer with the organization. To allow someone to act on your behalf during the AGM because you are unable to attend, please use the AGM Member Proxy Form.

What?

Join us at Spray Lake for a special Women's Day Coaching session with Chantal Singer. Enjoy a pizza lunch, flexibility clinic, and one-on-one coaching with one of Canada's best!

Lunch

Pizza lunch will be available from 12pm-2pm.

Flexibility Clinic

The flexibility clinic will be led by Spray Lake's very own boat staff Maia Goldberg. Maia is specialized in Aerial yoga, and will be providing tips and expertise on how to increase your current flexibility. Bring a yoga mat.

When?

August 20.

Who?

Meet Chantal Singer, a 3-time Pan American Champion, 8th in 2019 World Championships in Putrajaya, Malaysia, and 4th time NCWSA All-American.

She is currently a member of the Canadian National Waterski Team for 2021, and is a Canadian National Slalom and Tricking Champion.

RSVP

To book an appointment please call Spray Lake at 647-728-7935 or send us an email to Spray Lake.

Participants MUST be registered with the WSWO and will have to present their registration upon arrival.

Familiarization: Book through Spray Lake 647.728.7935

Spray Lake has a no pet policy and will not permit pets of any kind on-site.

Please respect Spray Lake rules: no glass bottles if possible, life jackets mandatory for all on water activities including swimming, paddleboard, aqua park.  (Trick event excepted)

There is no camping available at Spray Lake. Please make your own accommodation arrangements.

A Spray Lake waiver form must be completed by all who enter the site. Wrist bands will be issued to all officials, skiers and family members once this is completed. This will avoid the general admission fee normally charged to visitors.

Registration payment on-site, by cheque (payable to WSWO) or cash please.

Please respect the rules of the site and be prepared for a great Eastern's.

Deadline for registration, via wsconnect is Tuesday July 20, 6PM. There will be no extensions.

Schedule of Events:

• Friday July 23: familiarization – book through Spray Lake Office # - 647.728.7935 www.spraylake.ca
• Saturday July 24 8am: Slalom, followed by Trick, followed by Pick and Choose Trick
• Sunday July 25 8am: Jump, followed by Pick and Choose Jump, followed by Pick and Choose Slalom

The 2021 Eastern's will be pulled exclusively by the MasterCraft ProStar 6.0.

Please see this important announcement from WSWC regarding funding of Women on the Water in 2021!

Women on the Water Program Support

The revised tournament schedule for the 2021 season is now available online.

Registration for each event must be made through wsconnect. Please consult the wswo website for updates as to when registrations are open for each tournament.

All participants, family and spectators will be expected to wear suitable masks and respect social distancing guidelines as recommended by the Ministry and as set down by the tournament host in keeping with Covid 19 safety protocols.

It is strongly recommended that all persons 18 years of age and older arriving at the site have been vaccinated with at least one dose of a Covid 19 vaccine.

WSWO is hosting the 2021 coaching foundations courses at the following times. Use the links below to find additional information about the course, including how to register.

Coaching Foundations: June 12

Coaching Foundations: June 26

Waterski Wakeboard Ontario had planned on hosting our Annual General Meeting on April 22 at 8pm via Zoom. Regretfully, our board of directors has elected to delay this meeting until Tuesday May 18th at 8pm. This is due to awaiting our fully audited year end financials from our accounting firm. As we get closer too this date, the information for attending will be provided to the membership. We thank you for your patience and understanding for this delay and look forward to seeing you at the AGM!

Sincerely,
Andrew Bergman
President, Waterski Wakeboard Ontario

As the climate surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve and WSWO works to prepare what our yearly instructor courses will look like, we need your help! Please find below a link to a survey regarding this season's courses. Your participation will allow us to adequately prepare to serve our membership better.

Please click here to take the survey and provide your feedback to this important issue!

In March 2020 Team Canada traveled to beautiful Mulwala, New South Wales, Australia to compete at the 2020 IWWF World Water Show Ski Tournament. Team Canada only had 3 days on the water before the tournament was cancelled due Covid 19, however; the team had a great experience and used our time to practice and make the best of a situation beyond our control. Taking 17 Canadian show skiers to Australia is no easy task. This could have not been possible without the commitment and leadership of Todd Hounsome, Charlie Newlands, Jordan Long, Jeff Wait and Krista Mackenzie. The team owes a debt of gratitude to our sponsor club at the tournament, the Western Australian Water Ski Show Team who helped Team Canada with equipment and personnel. In Canada, our team trains and skis with Summer Water Sports and Fern Resort and we are very grateful to them for supplying the equipment and training sites for the Canadian team. Lastly, we would like to thank both Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario and Water Ski Wakeboard Canada for their continued support.

The summer of 2020 was not what we or anyone expected. Due to the nature of show skiing we are a very "hands on" sport, so performing shows and practicing our acts was cancelled due to Covid 19 protocols. This was the first summer in many years that most of our lakes were not the backdrop to some epic ski shows, and we can not wait to get back out there together! Our skiers certainly made the best of the season with lots of time on the water practicing individual acts and enjoying the time spent focusing on personal skills. It was never more prevalent then the summer of 2020 to remind us why we love to be on the water so much.

Show Ski Canada has now selected a preliminary roster list consisting of 48 names from which we will be selecting a final roster of 35 team members to compete at the 2022 World Water Ski Show Tournament. Development team skiers (more info below) are also eligible for a spot on the final roster. With only two summers to prepare, the next World Show Ski Tournament is in Winter Haven, Florida in October 2022. Beginning in summer 2021, the team will be hosting preliminary roster practices, where the selection committee will assess team member progression. Following this, the selection committee will name a final roster consisting of 29 skiers, 3 drivers, 1 announcer, 1 pick-up boat driver, 1 sound technician plus an additional select few alternate athletes that will have the option of travelling with the team to the 2022 Worlds Tournament.

DEVELOPMENT TEAM

New this year, Show Ski Canada has named a junior and senior development team. This is the first step in building a sustainable program to expand and develop show ski talent from coast to coast. The Show Ski Committee has hand-selected this group of promising athletes to sharpen their water ski skills and introduce them to the world of show skiing. We will host development team practices starting in the summer of 2021 where we will focus on both individual and show ski team disciplines. As the skiers' progress, they have the potential to secure a spot on the 2022 Canadian Waterski Show Ski Team.

Show Ski Canada Council
Sandy Becher
Lindsay Mackenzie
Charlie Newlands
Jordan Long
Todd Hounsome

Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario is a recipient of the Ontario Amateur Sport Fund, supported by the Ministry of Heritage, Tourism, Sport and Culture for 2020. The objective of this provincial grant is to provide financial support to designated provincial sport organizations, who strategically align their sport programming with the three pillars of success in sports development; Participation, Development and Excellence. This year, WSWO will be taking applications for funding within our membership community, who plan to offer programs that meet the criteria listed here.

Examples of programs that have received funding in the past are: Sisterhood Sessions (Ranch Wake Park), Ontario Provincial Water Ski & Wake Team athlete support to attend events (Worlds 2019), Provincial Water Ski & Wakeboard Team training camps, Women's Surf Retreat (Wake Institute), Pass the Handle Day, Provincial & National Championship events, Girls clinics at various wake parks & water ski venues and advanced coaching clinics at various wake park venues.

If you are a recognized school, coach, official or athlete of WSWO that holds a 2020 membership, you may be eligible to receive funding to support your sports programs. Programs must be held between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021, inclusive. Financial support allotments will be based on your program's ability to meet the needs of at least one (1) of the strategic pillars of success, alignment with WSWO's strategic goals, and the number of participants in your program. Applications will carefully be considered by the WSWO Board of Directors upon receipt. There will be no official deadline for applications, given that the programming falls within the 2020-2021 grant year, however, funding support is limited and priority will be considered to applications on a first-come-first-served basis, given they meet the above objectives.

• All applications must be a member, school, club, coach or official in good standing with WSWO.
• All participants in the supported program must purchase at minimum, a recreational membership.
• All programs must show a certificate of insurance for a minimum of five million in general liability naming Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario as additionally insured for the program.

Application: Please respond with the following information to Office

1. Name of the program, program objective & description.
2. List of individuals and locations involved with the program (coaches, venues, organizers etc.).
3. Outline of how your program meets at least one (1) of the 'Game On' strategic pillars (participation, development, excellence).
4. What stage(s) are the participant(s) at in the LTAD model? Reference: Long Term Athlete Development.
5. How will the program measure success?
6. What is the start and completion date of the program?
7. How many participants do you expect within your program?
8. How have you adapted your program to meet the provincial and federal guidelines during the COVID-19 crises?
9. Any other relevant information or social tags you may want to share.

The season that almost wasn't ended up to be a success. Despite numerous cancellations, several tournaments were organized resulting in a lot of fun and many personal bests.

The season kicked off with another Ibuprofen Open at McClintock's. Staged with social distancing and masks, this non-sanctioned opener put the pandemic out of mind for at least a day. With WSWC not issuing any sanctions until late in June, the scheduled tournaments for late June and early July were cancelled. With the granting of sanctions for late July and August we were able to salvage some of the summer. Fortunately, these events were staged before new and more stringent provincial lockdowns were mandated.

A late season decision to stage an RC/WRL slalom and trick tournament at the new site in Carp gave the Ottawa region claim to the title "Slalom Capital of Canada". With the expertise of the WSWO "A-Team" of Jeff McClintock, Ted Collins and Steph Collins, the Carp site was dialed in and confirmed as one of the best ski sites in Canada. The Carp Debut tournament, held despite some sketchy weather, could not have run more efficiently. With the help of Ken Rule in the water, and with members of the Ottawa Water Ski Club led by Ross Mirski preparing the on-shore facilities and helping with the many details in running the event, the results were unprecedented. Combined with the expert mentorship of Chief Judge Harold Townsend, the Carp Debut was an enormous success.

The 2020 season saw many members move into the ranks of rated officials, and several were promoted to level 3, now eligible to judge at RC/WRL events. The new level 3's certainly eased the burden on the existing officials. In order to continue developing officials we will need to reduce the number of RC/WRL tournaments in the future. Striking a satisfactory balance between Class 1 and RC /WRL tournaments will be a priority for 2021.

2020 was the first season that WSWC authorized the use of the Emanuel Lion scoring system, and despite some growing pains the system was enthusiastically accepted. With only a handful of rated RC calculators in Ontario, we will be stepping up efforts to train members on the Lion system. The role of the calculator is critical to running quality tournaments. Those interested in learning this essential role need to step up for 2021.

WSWO will continue to dominate the Traditional scene in Canada. Recognized as the WSWC Province of the Year again for 2019 (WSWC awards are issued a year behind the calendar!!) We will continue to lead the country with the strongest athlete development programs (run efficiently by Jason and Jaime McClintock), and more organized tournaments and clinics than any other province.

Moving forward, the 2021 season schedule as published will remain uncertain until the Covid pandemic "all clear" is announced by the province. Dates and locations have been scheduled and hopefully all will go off as planned. One new highlight for 2021 is the addition of a jump at T's Pond, Port Colborne, making this a full three-event Record Capable site. While WSWO membership fees will remain unchanged in 2021, those wanting their RC/WRL scores downloaded to the IWWF ranking list may find themselves faced with a new IWWF fee. WSWC is expected to announce the IWWF policy later this spring.

For 2021, Traditional will have a significant upgrade in Technical equipment (cameras, computers, wireless) purchased with the help of Ministry funding secured by our BoD Grants champion Wendy Durigon. With over ten sites now capable of hosting an RC/WRL tournament in Ontario, WSWO will remain the national leader. More support equipment is likely to be added prior to the start of the 2021 season.

The success of WSWO Traditional would not be possible without the dedicated contributions of Jeff McClintock and Ted Collins. Their work behind the scenes and on the water is beyond description, miles above and beyond the call. A mere thank you just doesn't seem adequate. Together with the continued support of the WSWO BoD it is assured that WSWO Traditional will remain the number one discipline in the country.

Looking forward to seeing you in 2021. Stay safe, be well!

Steph Collins,
Chair, Traditional

WSWO and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport are thrilled to offer a Mental Performance workshop series by Canada's foremost authority on Sports Psychology, Dr. Peter Jensen. Peter has attended 9 Olympic games as a member of the Canadian Olympic team. He has helped countless numbers of athletes achieve high performance under intense pressure, including four consecutive medal winning Women's Olympic Hockey teams.

Peter has a deep understanding of towed watersport. Early in his career, Peter worked with the Canadian National team leading up to the 1985 Waterski World Championships in Toulouse France.

Peter is also author of several acclaimed books on mental performance, including:

• The Inside Edge: High Performance Through Mental Fitness
• Ignite the Third Factor
• Thriving in a 24/7 World

Dr. Jensen is going to be doing a 3 part workshop series for the athletes and coaches of WSWO this month.

• Thursday March 11 @ 7 pm, Part 1: Perspective
• Thursday March 18 @ 7 pm, Part 2: Energy Management and Imagery
• Thursday March 25 @ 7 pm, Part 3: Mental Preparation

If you are interested in improving your performance on the water this season, then don't miss out on these workshops. Space is limited, so please reply to the WSWO Office to reserve your spot.

The Meeting Minutes and Employment (ie summer jobs!) pages have been updated with the AGM meeting minutes for the previous 3 years and a number of new water sports related positions at ski school and camps in Ontario respectively.

Check the Events page over the next month or so to find out when 2021's clinic's are happening! These include Women on the Water, Adaptive, Officials training and much more!

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a time of unprecedented uncertainty and change in recent weeks and we hope you are managing well through these challenging times. You may be wondering what WSWO is doing on your behalf and we wanted to update and send the information we have to date.

Premier Doug Ford announced on May 14th, 2020 that marinas, seasonal businesses and outdoor recreational are able to open under the Tier 1 Framework WSWO is thrilled to see the lifting of the mandates for our clubs and schools and for our members.

Our clubs and schools are focused on providing a positive and safe sport experience, are required to comply with all according legislation and are working to implement measures to mitigate the risk of spread of COVID-19 and support social distancing. Please call or email your club or school to learn more about their projected opening dates and to get more information.

This is a collective effort on everyone’s part to continue to #flattenthecurve – for more information and resources on COVID-19, please see the WSWC Resource Hub WSWC. Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario (WSWO) and Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) continued to work closely to provide information as it becomes available and support a safe return to sport.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the WSWO office. Be Safe and Have Fun!