IJSBA has received the following bulletin from the Western Canadian Watercross Association. The WCWA is the IJSBA Affiliate in Western Canada:
This season marked the beginning of a new chapter for the WCWA. We transitioned from our previous Saskatchewan incorporation to become an Alberta-registered non-profit society and established our formal Board of Directors. We also implemented new bylaws, updated our rulebook and race procedures, strengthened our Event Safety Plans and Emergency Response Plans, and made a significant effort to improve the overall organization and professionalism of our events.
A major focus throughout this process has been strengthening our alignment with the IJSBA and ensuring that the WCWA continues to provide organized, safe, and competitive watercross racing in Western Canada.
2026 Racing Season
On the water, we successfully completed a six-round championship season.
We welcomed new racers and families, experienced strong participation in our Beginner and Vintage classes, expanded opportunities for Junior racers, and saw several competitors progress into higher levels of competition.
One of the most encouraging things we saw this year was families participating together. We had parents and children, siblings, new racers, and experienced competitors all sharing the same race weekends. We believe developing these new and younger racers is critical to the long-term future of watercross in Western Canada.
2026 WCWA Season Champions
After six rounds of racing, we are proud to recognize our 2026 champions:
- Beginner Fourstroke: Alexandre Gates — 226 Points
- Beginner Runabout: Ian Stafford — 671 Points
- Beginner Ski: Lincoln Maki — 639 Points
- Fourstroke Lites: Bryn Mallard — 620 Points
- Junior Ski Lites (Under 16): Hudson Merrills — 694 Points
- Novice Ski Lite: Emery Burton — 708 Points
- Novice Ski Open: Emery Burton — 668 Points
- Pro-Am Open Ski: Casey Merrills — 692 Points
- Pro-Am Runabout: Ian Stafford — 422 Points
- Pro-Am Ski Lite: Casey Merrills — 661 Points
- Sport Spec: Kim Richardson — 708 Points
- Veteran Ski Open: Casey Merrills — 671 Points
- Vintage Ski: Hudson Merrills — 647 Points
Congratulations to all of our champions, podium finishers, and every racer who competed with the WCWA this season.
The close racing, new competitors, growing classes, families racing together, and sportsmanship we saw throughout the year give us a great foundation heading into 2027.
Looking Ahead
There was also a tremendous amount of work completed behind the scenes this year. Our volunteers, race officials, safety crews, EMS personnel, Board members, sponsors, host venues, racers, and families all contributed to making the season possible.
Heading into 2027, our focus will be to continue growing participation, particularly within our Beginner, Junior, Vintage, and Pro-Am classes, while continuing to improve event safety, race procedures, equipment, volunteer resources, and our overall organization.
Scott, I also want to personally thank you for the communication and support you have provided to us this year. Having an open line of communication with you and the IJSBA has been extremely valuable as we work to strengthen the WCWA and ensure we are moving in the right direction.
We are proud of what was accomplished in 2026, but we also recognize there is always more we can improve. We look forward to continuing to work with you and the IJSBA as we prepare for an even stronger 2027 season.
Full 2026 season standings and results are available at www.wcwa-online.ca.
