2008 Canadian Wakeboard Nationals
For the first time in the history of the sport, Regina played host to the 2008 National Wakeboard Championships, August 14-17th in the heart of the Queen City. The spirit of Saskatchewan shone through and set the bar for future National and International events.
The competition started in overcast conditions but as the 100 plus riders from six provinces began to descend on Wascana Lake the clouds lifted and for the rest of the weekend riders had ideal conditions to thrill the crowd and impress the judges.
More than 5,000 spectators packed the shore of Wascana Lake just to catch a glimpse of the athletes they usually only get to read about. With some of the top Canadian riders in attendance including Aaron Rathy, Kyle Ratray, Oliver Derome, Raphael Derome, Dustin O’Ferrell and Ashley Leugner the field was set for a great weekend of competition.
Starting off the final day of competition was the Women’s Open Final. Sheena Smith the defending National Champion, had a great ride and earned her spot on the podium. This years runner up was Erika Langman who linked great amplitude with smooth rail riding to earn second place. Taking the top spot was Saskatchewan’s own Ashley Leugner who threw down by stomping a tootsie roll at the end of her pass. This will add great confidence to Ashley’s riding as she continues her chase for the top spot in the women’s wakeboard world.
One of the most exciting events of the weekend was the Jump.ca Rail Jam. After the qualifying rounds were complete the stage was set for an all Quebec final including, Didier Godbout, Oliver Derome, Dan Mavery and Raphael Derome. First off the dock was Dan Mavery who set the bar extremely high, tearing each rail apart and navigating through the Carnival style Rail Course. Second off the dock was Oliver Derome who was able to continue his reputation as one of Canada’s top rail riders and grabbed the third spot on the podium. At this point there was a huge task ahead for the remaining two riders. Raphael Derome was up to the challenge, throwing tech tricks and sliding to the end of almost all the rails. Last off the dock was Didier Godbout, who had just witnessed some of the most progressive rail riding to this date. As Godbout left the dock, the crowd came to their feet to witness one of the best performances Canada has ever seen on rails. Didier took top spot earning the Jump.ca Rail Jam Title.
Bringing the National Wakeboard Championship to a close was the MD Ambulance Mens Open Final. Stepping up his pass for the finals, Dustin O’Ferrell was able to use his great style and snowboard influence to earn the third spot. Placing second was defending National Champion, Raphael Derome who came off the dock with a great list of tricks to claim his spot on the podium. Coming off a win at the Malibu Team Challenge Aaron Rathy was ready to add a Canadian National Championship to his list of accomplishments this season. Rathy threw down, stomping a backside 720 and a stalefish roll to blind on his way to victory in the MD Ambulance Open Mens Final.
Throughout the weekend spectators and riders were treated to great riding, motocross and skateboard demos, making this one of the best nationals to this date. Adding to the success of the events were the headlining bands Headly and Seether which drew huge crowds and entertained spectators of all ages. Capping off each days events were After parties at some of Regina’s hottest night clubs, keeping the event going into the wee hours of the night. Thanks to all the sponsors and organizers for making this such a great event. A big thanks to Doug and Danny Elder at Off Axis, Barbara March-Burwell and Sheri Seiferling at Water Ski & Wakeboard Saskatchewan. This years Nationals was a showcase of the extremely great talent Canada has to offer and a building block to continuing success of our sport.
By Adam Burwell
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