Getting Extreme at Ontario Place
Many if not all of us involved in action sports despise the word “Extreme.” However, there are also a large majority of us that also rely on the income from action sports to continue to allow us to enjoy the sports that we love. As we mature in the sport we need to find ways to continue to be involved and also find the money to pay the bills. In many cases, being “Extreme” helps us bridge the gap between playing action sports and living action sports.
For watersports enthusiasts that grew up in Toronto, the idea of waterskiing or wakeboarding in the city is something special. The idea of getting paid to do it is even better. This dream became a reality again at Ontario Place with the Ontario Place Extreme Wake Series (OPX).
There was a waterski at Ontario Place during the CNE from 1950 to 1997. The Wake Series is the new school version of this waterski show. The new school is a celebration of the “Extreme.” High speed barefooting, high flying wakeboarding, technical wakeskating and spectacular hydrofoyling. All of these put together form an action packed 15 minute show.
This is an exciting time for waterskiers and wakeboarders in Ontario. These events are the beginning of a new movement in professional show skiing. There has only been one company in Canada running professional shows since 1997. Summer Water Sports has been the only company continuing the show skiing legacy in Canada. OPX is so important to this movement because is the beginning to new school show skiing. This new school is the “Extreme” aspect of the event. This aspect gets away from traditional ballet style show skiing and moves towards high flying action and excitement. More importantly it celebrates the activities we really enjoy. This means that wakeboarders can do what waterskiers have been doing for years. They can get paid to participate in the sport they love. Show skiers for years have laughed all the way to the bank, pulling in big money to ski every day. The “Extreme” culture that the media has created now allows wakeboarders to ride and get paid. This event is open to all waterskiers and wakeboarders in Ontario. It is meant to be a showcase of everyone’s abilities. If you would like to participate please email teamfunwatersports@gmail.com
Check out these EXTREME pictures from the Ontario Place events so far.
Photo credit: Andy Campbell
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