The 2025 BC Wakesurf Provincial Championships, presented by SWS Marine Group, brought 34 athletes to Koocanusa Village on Saturday (Aug.16), for a full day of competition.
Despite rainy skies, spectators lined the shore and boats gathered on the water to cheer on riders.
Competitors ranged from first-time participants to some of the province’s top wakesurfers, with several East Kootenay athletes stepping onto the podium.
In Pro Women’s, Fernie’s Caroline Villeneuve claimed gold, edging out Koocanusa’s Emily Agate in second and Cranbrook’s Randall Savarie in third.
Pro Men’s saw Cranbrook brothers Ryder and Dagen Duczek battle closely, with Ryder finishing just half a point ahead. Calgary’s Noah Goulding placed third in his pro debut.
Local riders also made their mark in youth and amateur divisions.
Cranbrook’s Hudson Tily and Kimberley’s Colten Gauer, both age six, finished second and third in Junior Boys 2.
Fernie’s Olivia Sombrowski captured the Amateur Female title, while Oliver Pogubila of Fernie earned his first championship in Amateur Men’s 1. Cranbrook’s Lauren and Nicholas Jensen also celebrated their first podium finishes.
In the Masters categories, South Country’s Jason Williamson and Matt Boehm took first and second in Masters Men’s, while Wardner’s Cindy Salter placed third in her debut event.
Adding to the competition, the course featured an inflatable moose buoy as a playful final challenge.
Riders attempted to land on it after their runs, with father-and-son duo Matt and Casen Taylor tying for “best dismount.”
“From seeing brand new riders in their first event to incredible runs from top athletes, and the spirit of camaraderie on and off the water, it was another stellar event,” said Waterski and Wake Sport BC Wake Surf Committee member Loree Duczek.
The Provincials set the competition for the Canadian Wakesurf and Foiling Nationals, scheduled for September 6–7 at Koocanusa Village, which will welcome competitors from across the country.
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