The prairie provinces are probably not the first that leap to mind when one thinks of jet ski racing, but the sport of Watercross is alive and growing in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Steve Chestolowski, president of the Western Canadian Watercross Association (WCWA) describes the sport as “addictive” and reports that there are “lots of new riders coming out.” “Lots of us have kids that are getting into the sport now, they’ll be the next generation”. The association has beginner, novice, expert and pro classes, with race categories for 10-12, and 13-15 year olds.
Nineteen time World Champion Mike Klippenstien, along with Mike Delaire, who has won the World Championship twice, are founding WCWA members and respected pioneers of the sport. Chestolowski recommends coming out to see these “phenomenal riders” compete if one has the chance.
The Watercross association will hold a number of events this summer and welcomes everyone to come out and watch the action.
Upcoming races:
The Icebreaker
When: June 14, 15, 16th 2013
Where: Water Ski Pond, Saskatoon, SK
River Lights Festival-A spectacular night race not to be missed!
When: July 26,27,28, 2013
Where: South Saskatchewan River, River Landing, Saskatoon, SK
Fort MacMurray Races
Location: Gregoire Lake
Dates: August 10, 2013
August 24, 2013
A great deal of time, effort and money go into putting on the races, and the association encourages everyone to come out and enjoy them. Steve hopes that spectators will take the time to check out the race sponsors, without sponsorship, the WCWA, a non-profit organization, could not hold competitions.
“Sponsors like Rivard and Fisher Powerlines, among others, are essential,” says the association’s president.
Chestolowski hopes to recruit some new association members and riders to the sport of Watercross. “It’s a great summer sport for snowmobilers”, he says,” you get almost the same feeling as going through really deep powder on a sled.”
For more information on the Western Canadian Watercross Association and its events, visit http://www.wcwa-online.com
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