Yesterday was a sight to be seen.
The 2012 Canadian Cable Championships took place in the unique environment that
is “le Beach Club”, Canada’s first full sized cable park.
Upon my arrival I was quickly
overwhelmed with all the faces I recognized on the dock and on the water.
Mavrey, Dustin, Tibo, Savoie, Kelsey, Dylan, Robbie, Andy, Drew, Braden, Ally,
Erika, Balzer, Oli, Ben, Trudel, Vince, Joe, Christian, Jono, and countless
others. Never have I seen the number of riders outnumber enthusiastic partygoers
at the Beach Club! Woah.
Not sure if the organizers
anticipated such a big turnout, but Canadian cable riding was alive and well.
And although time was not on our side this day, we cannot lose sight of what
was accomplished.
First off, let’s give it up for
Drew Austin who split his cheek open in practice after taking his own knee to
the face. Although the subsequent trip to the hospital forced him to pull out
of the men’s expression session qualifiers, he returned only to prove his worth
in the obstacles only round.
Speaking of the obstacles only
category, the Derome brothers were there and participated in the pro division.
It was a real treat for all those in attendance to see these boys ride.
Watching Braden Ioi become
Canada’s newest wakeskate champion was pretty special and capped off what was
surely a breakout season for the 19 year-old who started wakeskating on his own
just a few years back with only a winch to his name.
On the women’s side, it was again
the youth leading the way with 18 year-old Carmelle Côté-Ouellett becoming
Canada’s first female national cable champion. In stomping a backside three off
the kicker, Carmelle had sent the ladies packing with some homework to do.
But I think the crowning moment
was the men’s expression session final. As the sun was setting on this
beautiful day, after spectators and ravers were long gong; all there remained
were all the boys on the dock ready to show each other up. It was a great mix
of youth and experience with Tibo, Mavrey, Ben, Christian, Jesse, and Jordan in
the final
Tibo had his best run of the day,
stomping a huge cab 9, and a stylish front roll to fakie tail grab, to claim
his second consecutive national title. To do it in style like that on his home
turf is an experience that I’m sure he’ll never forget, and nor will I. The
smile on his face and sense of accomplishment was all but infectiously
glorious.
Unfortunately I was unable to
stay for the celebration that was sure to follow. On the drive home with my
brother Justin, we excitedly discussed the events of the day only to arrive at
the conclusion that it was all in all a great day both on and off the water.
The 2012 Canadian Cable
Championships achieved a benchmark for the sport. It showcased tremendous growth
since last year’s inaugural event and a new generation of Canadian riders. I
can only hope that this will be a sign of things to come.
from www.wake2wake.ca
