BRADEN IOI

Braden Ioi is keeping things rolling this spring with a fresh new Toronto winch edit to help us all get back into the swing of things. It's been one hell of a year for Braden after taking home the 2012 National Wakeskate Title, placing 4th at the Worlds, helping resurrect Levelthirtn wakeskates,  and most recently being named the 2012 Ontario Cable Rider of the Year. And I don't think he's done yet folks. Enjoy!

The National Aftermath.

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

Wake2Wake's TORONTO road trip! - new video -

Some days ago, or a month ago already, I travelled to Toronto with Wake2Wake, Guillaume Pare, Joe Ferguson, and Yan Lecomte to film the third episode of their new tv series, "D'une vague a l'autre". The trip was well documented in words and photos by yours truly, but now watch as those words finally come to life.

It was really cool to see the end product of this project. Joe did an amazing job bringing Guillaume's vision to fruition.

Wake2wake - D'une vague à l'autre - Saison 2012 - Épisode 3 from WOLFPACK on Vimeo.

And for my english speaking team, I hope that you all can dig my french skills! HA!

SHOT x Alija Bos

Last month during my trip to Toronto with Wake2Wake, photographer Alija Bos was on hand to capture some of the winching madness. Check these bawss (no pun intended) shots of Yan Lecomte and Braden Ioi hitting the humber river spillway!