2022 Canadian Nationals Event Recap

The 2022 Canadian National Wakesurf Championships were held September 10-11th and several Phase 5 team riders stomped their runs en route to podium finishes.

The event was held at Moyie Lake and featured over 50 riders from Vancouver Island to Ontario. With unseasonably warm weather, calm winds and perfect conditions, it was an epic day of riding in southeastern British Columbia.

It was a “battle of the bros” in the Pro Men’s Skim division as Phase 5 team riders Ryder and Dagen Duczek took to the water. Ryder stomped out two strong passes, en route to the gold medal and his third consecutive Pro Men’s National Championship. Younger brother Dagen showcased his intensity and power throughout both passes, finishing with the silver medal in second.

Team rider Bailey Rush had two incredible runs and showed that her diversity and talent know no bounds as she took first place in Pro Womens Surf and second place in Pro Womens Skim. Fellow team rider Caroline Villeneuve showcased her consistent, strong riding style through both passes on her way to the Bronze medal in Pro Women’s Skim. At the event, Villeneuve announced her retirement from competing. Through 89 competitions, she had 72 podium finishes, including 40 first places, 23 second places, and 9 third places. Among her accomplishments are 8 podium finishes at the World Wakesurfing Championships, a World Title in 2015, and winning the very prestigious Legend Award. She will continue to inspire up-and-coming athletes through her example and as a coach and mentor at her H20 School on Lake Koocanusa.

For the first time, this year’s event featured a Foil Division and spectators were treated to competitive foil rides that showcased both the skill of pumping and freestyle. Moyie’s Isaac Hockley had some huge airs on his way to the Gold medal in the Foil division.