This year’s May Open is dedicated to “Big Al” Wagner, who always looked forward with passion to Canyon Lake’s first tournament of the year. Photo provided by Debbie Sacks.The Canyon Lake Ski Club kicked off its 2022 season with the May Open. The tournament attracted skiers from across the country, including USA’s top-ranked jumpers, trickers, and slalom skiers.
“We had a phenomenal turnout, represented by east coast and west coast skiers, with a great contingency from recently graduated college students,” Tournament Director Rick Jacob said. “We Pulled over 170 rides over the two-day tournament, which may well mean that the sport of skiing is alive and well!”
The May Open had many firsts this season, with several competitors who skied their very first tournament and got on the scoreboard. The May Open was the first tournament for Canyon Lakers Blake Rose, Jason Rose, and Gretchen Painter. Another first-timer, junior slalom skier Jacob Kerber, took his first tournament trick ride after some dry land coaching from Erik Larson.
Twelve-year-old Liam Brady jumps 61 feet, 11 feet past his personal best. Photo by Diana Sue Parker.This year’s May Open is dedicated to “Big Al” Wagner, who always looked forward with passion to Canyon Lake’s first tournament of the year. Al was both a regional and national champion into his 70s and 80s and someone the ski club has memorialized with a plaque at the Ski Pavilion on Vacation Drive. Al was family to three generations of skiers, including son Dave, grandson Mark, and granddaughter Tiffany.
Members of the Ski Club and other Canyon Lake watersports clubs will be performing in the Fiesta Day Ski Show on Saturday, May 28, at 2 p.m. at Sunset Beach. A banner marking the 100th year anniversary of water skiing will be displayed on the beach during the show. The Ski Clubs invites residents to use the banner for photo ops.
