Get Ready for Summer 1996! Paul Jurbala Although you'd never know it looking out the window (unless you're reading this in the sunny south) the summer of 1996 is fast approaching- and it promises to be exciting! The Ontario Water Ski Association is continuing to develop new programs, deliver successful existing ones, and work with our clubs who will host some great tournaments and events this summer. Here's an advance look at the program! Slalom Challenge What if you liked to slalom, or thought you would, but felt entering a sanctioned tournament was just a little extreme? Maybe you used to compete, but you don't have the time to practise or travel to the events. Maybe you would like to compete but want to get your feet wet. Either way, the OWSA's new Slalom Challenge program should be just the thing. For $ 20 (includes $ 15 OWSA Regular Membership) you can register in the program at your nearest participating club or ski school. Then try the course- the half-course if you're a beginner, full course with no gates if you're improving, up to the full course as you progress. Could you be the next Susi Graham or Andy Mapple? Find out! In August, we'll host the first "Cottage Cup" recreational championship tournament, open to all registered Slalom Challenge participants. Look forward to low-hassle rules, lots of fun and some great prizes courtesy of our sponsors. When the season's done, we'll issue everyone a Rating Card showing their best performance, and print the results in Ontario Water Skier. To date, the following have signed on as host sites: Bond Lake in Richmond Hill; Bush's Water Ski Centre in Bala; McClintock's Ski School in Cambridge; Rini's Ski School near Kingston; Safari Lake near Hamilton. We're expecting more- look for our Water Ski Ontario 1996 Handbook this spring with complete details. Water Ski Pro Clinics Back again by popular demand is our Pro Clinic program which will continue to "bring a water ski school to your lake" in 1996. We come out with a ski boat, all the gear from skis and boards to ropes and PFDs, and two professional instructors to put on a day of great skiing at your site. Get youngsters up for the first time, learn a new skill, or try out the latest equipment from your own dock! This program is a proven winner with groups of friends and relatives, company picnics, and at marinas and town recreation centres (if there's a lake). In 1995 the Pro Clinic team did 29 stops in July and August, and we have three 1996 dates booked already! Don't miss out- call the OWSA office now to book a Pro Clinic for the summer. Wakeboard/Kneeboard Madness Last year was the first year of our Wakeboard/Kneeboard Series, which hit six sites in the province culminating in the first ever Ontario Championships. How to top 1995? Easy- we're working on the first Canadian Wakeboard/Kneeboard Championships for 1996! The basic Series will follow the successful 1995 format- a morning clinic followed by an afternoon fun tournament and evening BBQ and awards presentation. The emphasis is on fun with instruction, "second chances", music and prizes. We'll be building on '95, which saw some great events including the largest at Cleveland's House where 39 participants took part. The Canadian Championships will be a full day of competition, run to a tighter standard reflecting its status. The site is planned for the Muskokas (final site TBA) in August. Interest from the western provinces is strong, and we're hoping the top Canadians like Jeremy Kovak and Jeff Heer will be out looking for the title! Canadian Masters After a crazy 1995 Ontario's taking a bit of a breath (were two National Championships too much?) but the biggest event of all, the Canadian Masters, will be back at Skier's Place near Orangeville this July. The '95 event brought a who's who of water skiing to Peter Heenan's site, including such greats as the Mapples, the Llewellyns, the Nevilles, Susi Graham, World-Champions-to-be Patrice Martin and Judy McClintock Messer...well, you get the picture. Next summer's event should be no different, with Correct Craft again demonstrating their committment to top-level water skiing by supporting the event. If you love great water skiing and want to see the world's best in action, don't miss this one! And Much More... We'll be back with many more of our successful programs in 1996 as well. Summer campers can look for the Water Ski Awards Program, sponsored by O'Brien, which provides skill standards and award crests for all water ski disciplines. Speaking of summer camps, our Ontario Water Ski Instructors' Course will run in late June for the 35th time, certifying the instructor coaches who go on to work with up to 10,000 skiers at camps and ski schools each year. We're continuing to distribute our great Water Ski Pro Guide full of tips on how to enjoy safe water skiing while developing new skills. And for competitors, this is Ontario Summer Games year- this year the Games are in London, and are an addition to our busy tournament calendar. See you on the water in 1996!