BEAVER LAKE – Wake surfing enthusiasts from across Alberta, including a few from the Lac La Biche area, made plenty of waves while competing in the Alberta Wake Tour.
The event was held at the Beaver Lake Provincial Park campground beach on July 19 and featured about 25 competitors.
Peter Kennedy, the treasurer for Water Ski and Wake Alberta (WSWA), said the Alberta Wake Tour, which is put on by WSWA, is a grassroots event for entry into wake surf, wakeboard, wake skate, and wake foil competitions.
“We typically hold between three to four events each summer and try to host at various lakes across the province,” Kennedy said.
The events for the Alberta Wake Tour include five main categories - Juniors (12 and under), Amateur, Outlaw (Semi-Pro), Pro, and Masters (35 and older). Competitors are separated into male and female categories and are also divided based on the board type for wake surf, which, according to Kennedy, is either skim style or surf style.
During the competitions, riders get two 60-second passes to perform their tricks and are allowed two falls on each pass. On July 19, competitors rode behind a boat were there were three judges who assessed their runs.
Prizes vary per event and are based on sponsorships and riders.
“All podium participants will receive a prize, and we do try to hand out prizing for all the competitors,” he said.
The Alberta Wake Tour has been going on for over 10 years.
One of the benefits of the wake tour, he said, is that it brings together the members of the towed watersports community and help grow the sports.
“We really put a huge focus on the grassroots initiatives to invite new members to come try a competition, meet members, and help push the boundaries of their riding to keep progressing,” explained Kennedy. “We are a very inclusive environment and recommend for everyone who is interested to come try the event.”
The Lac La Biche stop on the 2025 Alberta Wake Tour was sponsored by several different businesses and organizations, including Lac La Biche County.
Chenee Miller, the special events coordinator for Lac La Biche County, who also competed in the event, said the idea to bring the Wake Tour to Lac La Biche was sparked after she attended some of the tour stops in northern Alberta over the past few years.
“When I saw it take place in Cold Lake, I couldn’t help but think, ‘Why not Lac La Biche?’ Having grown up doing water sports on Beaver Lake and now getting my own kids involved, this truly feels like a full-circle moment,” said Miller.
The Alberta Wake Tour, Miller explained, provides a boost to local tourism and supports small businesses, as visitors stay in the area, dine at restaurants and fuel up in the area.,
The event also promotes the Lac La Biche region by showcasing Beaver Lake and the provincial campground, which Miller says positions the community as a prime destination for water sports and summer recreation.
“Lastly, it fosters community pride - giving local youth the chance to see high-level athletes in action. This can inspire greater involvement in water sports and active living,” she said. “Hosting a provincial or national event also strengthens community spirit and encourages residents to participate as volunteers or enthusiastic spectators.”
Plamondon resident Nathan Tredger, who has been has wake surfing for about five years, also got on a board to showcase his skills during the Lac La Biche leg of the 2025 Alberta Wake Tour.
“With it being right next to us, I figured it was a great time to come and give it a try,” Tredger said.
Results from the Lac La Biche stop on the 2025 Alberta Wake Tour are:
Junior Female Surf
1. Charley Rodwell
Masters Male Skim
1. Isaac Hockley
2. Peter Kennedy
3. Brad Cowley
Masters Male Surf
1. Nohlan Ringuette
2. Ashley Chugg
3. Todd Adams
Amateur Female Skim
1. Lena Dutton
2. Sloan Becker
3. Tori Tost
Amateur Female Surf
1. Tori Tost
2. Morgan Eberhardt
Outlaw Male Surf
1. Alek Dutton
2. Bennett Bateman
Outlaw Male Skim
1. Max Chugg
2. Zack Lee
3. Bennett Bateman
Pro Female Skim
1. Amy Gillespie
2. Morgan Bateman
Pro Female Surf
1. Amy Gillespie
2. Morgan Bateman
3. Gabby Hockley
