Wakesurfers test skills, try tricks on Cold Lake

Surfers were hanging loose and catching the waves of Cold Lake on Saturday. 

Waterski Wakeboard Alberta held one its four surf stops at Kinosoo Beach over the weekend showing off the thrills of wakesurfing. 

It was the tour’s first ever stop in Cold Lake, invited by a resident to see the gem of the beach. 

“There’s two different styles of wakesurf, there’s a skimboard and a surfboard,” said Christie Becker, board member for Waterski Wakeboard Alberta. 

“They ride their board behind the boat and when they get to the point in the competition, they have to let go of the rope. It’s based on balance, based on tricks, skill level. They execute what they can do.”

The boat goes about 11 kilometres an hour as participants get themselves situated on the Cold Lake Barge and hooked in to show off their skills. 

To allow viewers the best angles to watch, a camera is set up on the back of the boat and connected to a TV under one of the shaded areas. A commentator updates the viewers on who is up next and what tricks they are attempting. 

From juniors aged 6-12, to amateurs from 13-35, masters 35 plus, and semi-pros to pros – it’s an all ages and skill levels sport. Judges then grade their performances afterward. 

Roughly 40 hit the waters on Saturday.

“The thing with surfing is that it’s for anybody and everybody. It doesn’t matter your skill. We have surfers today who’ve only been on the board a couple of times, but they can throw the rope – and that’s exciting. That’s what we want to see. So we encourage everybody from beginner to pro-level,” said Becker. 

Some of the tour’s semi-pros travel to the US to compete as well. 

Surfers from as far as Fort McMurray to Calgary travelled to Cold Lake to ride the waves. 

The tour hits different stops in Alberta throughout the summer. 

“I hope we get the opportunity to come back. This has been a fantastic experience, fantastic location, and very welcoming,” she said. 

“The community itself has been welcoming to us. Lots of shoutouts to the people who’ve helped throughout this. We couldn’t do it without the volunteers.”