There are plenty of farmers’ fields in the rural northeast end of Port Colborne.
But tucked in the middle is T’s Pond, a 1,800-foot, man-made lake sitting on a 12-hectare property, the headquarters of Greater Niagara Water Ski Club, which hosted a tournament Saturday with close to 20 people from all ages and skill levels.
The Niagara Regional Slalom Championships draws people from across southern Ontario, many travelling from outside Niagara, said Teresa Wiwchar, the club’s owner and one of the competitors Saturday.
The club is in an ideal location for a couple of reasons. It seems to be sheltered from high winds that can sometimes put action on hold, but it’s also placed far away from any other homes.
“The good thing about a private lake like this is we don’t have any neighbours,” she said moments after going for her first run of the day Saturday.
Training or hosting events on a Great Lake or Niagara River is out of the question, unless there is “some kind of alcove” where the water is smooth and suitable for competition.
“You need calm water. You can’t stick a slalom course on the river,” said Wiwchar.
She purchased the Forkes Road property about eight years ago and at the time, the south end of the lake already existed as a result of land that used to sit there being used as infill for the construction of the nearby Highway 140 overpass in the 1970s.
About three years ago, she acquired a permit from the City of Port Colborne and brought a contractor in to extend the body of water because it wasn’t long enough to hold a proper water ski course, she explained.
“When I bought the property it had half a lake, a large pond,” she said.
Saturday’s slalom tournament didn’t involve any prize money.
“It’s not really a money-making sport,” she said, estimating there are about 10 people in the world who earn their living entirely on water skis – without having another job on the side.
In the more advanced categories Saturday, it’s required to be a member of Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario, an organization that scores and officiates the event.
The current tow boat is a 2020 Ski Nautique and course skiers are pulled through a surveyed, Canadian record capable slalom course, said the club’s website.
Wiwchar said the speed travelled by each athlete varies, such as males aged 16 to 35 maxing out at 58 km/h, and younger kids not going any faster than 28 km/h.
Males older than 35 usually hit their maximum speed at 55 km/h, said Wiwchar, adding that she tries to hit 52 km/h as her top speed.
The club will host its season finale event Sept. 10 and 11.
It also offers lessons and water ski sessions. For more informnaton, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Kris Dubé is a reporter for the Welland Tribune. Reach him via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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