Former resident Tressa Main, who now lives in Winnipeg, and her team of wakeboarders, the “Freeriders,” will be holding a clinic on the upper river tomorrow from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
“We’ve been talking about doing something in Fort for such a while,” Main had said in an interview with the Times earlier this summer.
“I love the town and it has huge potential.” she added. “We just want to spread the love and open the doors of wakeboarding to Fort Frances.”
Sixteen participants, ranging in age from nine-19 and varying in experience, will be involved in Fort Frances’ first-ever wakeboarding clinic. A tent filled with merchandise from Bonafide Clothing and O’Brien will also will be set up.
With more than three million enthusiasts worldwide, wakeboarding is one of the fastest-growing sports on the planet. It also is recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
“It’s about being involved, getting people involved, and inspiring people to get involved,” said Main, who has won numerous provincial wakeboarding championships in Manitoba and also has done well nationally.
“It’s definitely becoming trendy. The masses are getting involved and I don’t think it will ever go away,” she remarked. “The sport will always evolve just because it’s becoming more accessible to people.
“And I want to offer the chance for the kids to try it out. I’m from Fort Frances and I want to give back.”
“Come down to the waterfront [by the Harbourage] and see what wakeboarding is all about,” said Nicke Baird of Fort Frances, who is helping organize the clinic.
“It’ll be a fun day and we want people to come down.”
The “Freeriders” also will be demonstrating tricks for the public around 6 p.m. tomorrow so “come out and enjoy,” Baird added.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
