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 Nova Scotia Waterski Association

Message from the President of NSWSA

                                                          2009 Annual Report

Nova Scotia enjoyed a relatively solid year. Highlights are:

Claudia Currie broke the National Women’s 5 Records in all three disciplines at the National Championships. Congratulations Claudia!

The Provincial Water Ski School operated full time throughout the summer at various locations.  Each weekly session saw as many as nine enthusiastic participants.

Nova Scotia selected its first Junior Team in many years. These nine young athletes met weekly for coaching with Claudia Currie and other guest coaches. The Junior Team is an integral part of the plan to rejuvenate the sport in our Province. 

Four sanctioned tournaments were held in the Halifax area including a first ever, very successful event on Miller Lake. 

 In September, new fully Record Capability Slalom & Jump Courses were installed on Lake Banook in the center of Dartmouth. The installation was undertaken by Ed Brazil from the United States with funding provided by the Government of Nova Scotia. This premier spectator site has hosted numerous water ski events including the 1998 National Championships. This past summer, the World Canoe Championships were held here which resulted in significant upgrades to this part of the city.

Membership for 2009 lists approximately 200 individuals.

Our financial position remains strong with approximately $16,000 in the bank on September 30, 2009. In addition to our cash position and no debt, the Association owns a 2006 Moomba boat.

I want to thank our hard working executive for their efforts this past year. In particular thanks to Claudia Currie and Ken Flinn who have stepped down from the executive following many years of service. I am pleased that both will remain actively involved in supporting our organization in other ways.

A big thanks to WSWC President Glenn Bowie for his leadership on our national board and support for water skiing here in Nova Scotia.

In closing I want to thank everyone for supporting our organization in 2009.

Gary Allen                                                                                   October 30, 2009

President


2008 Annual Report

Nova Scotia had a relatively busy and productive year. Below are the highlights:The Association operated a full time “ski school” using its 2006 Moomba boat. From July 1st through to the end of August, approximately fifty skiers at six different locations participated. The Rip n Ride program was a key component of this school.

 In June, Shannon Bowie held a Level One Coaching Clinic with six participants. Nova Scotia has over 30 accredited Level One coaches.

A new NSWSA Web Site was launched together with a new communication strategy to keep our members better informed. Jan Josey did a stellar job in keeping our web site current. In August, the Association hosted a one week “developmental camp” with eight young athletes that have demonstrated a keen desire to improve their skills. We were very pleased that Claudia Currie was kind enough to act as lead coach on this project which closely followed the LTAD program.

Claudia Currie joined the National LTAD and Rip N Ride committee. Claudia is very passionate in her desire to see more participation at all levels of the sport and we very much appreciate her involvement.

The Association hosted four sanctioned competitions in 2008, two of which featured a newly designed “novice division” which were extremely well attended. This satisfied one of the goals of the executive this year which was to encourage more grass roots participation.

Two Ski Ability Clinics were held thanks to many volunteers led by Shannon Bowie. One of the Clinics was featured on Breakfast Television and is available for viewing on You Tube.Video Here!

In August, a water ski show was performed on Lake Banook during the City’s annual Natal Day festivities.

Our Provincial Championships were held in late August to better align ourselves with the LTAD program.

We saw twenty participants in a new “Ladies Only” ski school held on Lake Charles. Of the twenty, eight were new members of NSWSA.

In August, three athletes attended the National Championships and brought home two medals.

Members of our executive are currently working with engineering representatives with the City of Halifax regarding the placement of a permanent slalom & jump course in Lake Banook, site of many major competitions including the 1998 National’s. The challenge to hosting tournaments at this prime temporary venue is the lack of a permanent, surveyed course. The lake is currently being drained and significantly upgraded for the upcoming World Canoe Championships in 2009. The approval process with Government agencies is lengthy to say the least, so it is difficult to determine whether our efforts will be successful.

Our financial position at September 30th is extremely strong with approximately $14,000 in cash and no debt.I would like to thank our executive team along with everyone in Nova Scotia who volunteered at our many events.

 Respectfully submitted,

Gary Allen, President

Nova Scotia Water Ski Association

  
   


July 2008

 

Well the weather thus far in July has been absolutely spectacular and this has resulted in lots of hours being put on the provinces many ski boats.

 

The Water Ski School has been in full operation since June 30th. There is still the odd empty space available so if you have a child that would like to attend please check the ski school link and contact Natalie Vincent. This is a great way to introduce someone to skiing in a casual, fun environment.

 

In early August we are hosting a Competitive Ski Clinic for young athletes that are interested in competing and show the desire to take their skiing to a new level. There is only room for eight skiers in this “invitation only” clinic which is being led by Claudia Currie. If you feel your child may be interested, please contact Claudia at communication@nswsa.com

 

The first tournament of the season was held in early July at the home of Eric and Nancy Horton in Fall River.  The weather gods blessed us with warm temperatures and calm water. Thanks to the Horton’s for the “high tech” viewing area and warm hospitality!

There are several more upcoming competitions including an opportunity for novices to join in. Please check the schedule and come on out.

 

The Water Ski Association has agreed to perform a short water ski show on Lake Banook as part of the Natal Day festivities. If you would like to help out, please drop me a line at 466-3492.

 

Best regards,

 

Gary


President's Message  December, 2007

 

Following an eighteen year sabbatical, I am delighted to be back on the executive in the Presidents position.

 

This year we enjoy another strong executive team with only a few new faces. I am pleased to welcome Jeff Flinn (Secretary), Lindsay Clark (Vice President) and Claudia Currie (Public Relations/ Communications) to the Board of Directors. Each of these individuals brings enthusiasm and unique skills to the board and is highly regarded in the water ski community.

 

This past summer was somewhat of a “rediscovery of the sport” for me following a nine year absence from tournament skiing. Thanks to a new found interest in skiing from my sixteen year old son Greg, I rediscovered the joys of slalom skiing and even competed in a few local competitions.

 

Although competing again with old friends was most enjoyable after all those years, it became immediately clear that the majority of the registered skiers were well known to me. The lack of new faces and young competitors is a major concern of mine and should be troublesome to all of us. While there are significantly more ski boats and skiers on our area lakes than ever before, the number participating in tournament events continues to decline.

 

I view 2008 as a year to slowly start rebuilding our base from the grassroots up. We need to better connect with our members, improve communication and come up with creative ways to boost participation at our official sanctioned events. We have great talent on our Board and in the water ski community. This combined with our strong financial position is all we need to make great things happen.

 

In closing, I endeavor to keep you up to date on our activities and welcome any suggestions on how we can build a better organization.

 

Best Regards,

 

Gary Allen