Finnian O’Keefe’s goal was to qualify for the Western Canadian Water Ski Championships, starting today at Shalom Park in Leduc, Alta.
The Vernon 13-year-old made the grade, but is instead staying home as his mom, Sue, readies to give birth to her fifth child.
O’Keefe, entering Grade 9 at Fulton Secondary this fall, placed fourth in Boys 3 level slalom and tricks at the provincial championships last weekend at Alber Dyck Lake in Abbotsford.
“I missed a gate and was disqualified at the B.C. Summer Games in Nanaimo so I really wanted to redeem myself in Abbotsford and qualify for the Westerns,” said O’Keefe.
“I’m new to trick skiing and I finished in a three-way tie for fourth. My best trick is the 720 and I’m working on tricking on one ski. In slalom, I had personal bests and I reached 32 miles per hour. My tourney personal best was one buoy at 34 miles per hour. At 34, I don’t feel in control yet.”
O’Keefe lives on Okanagan Lake and his dad, Rod, operates the boat. He also gets help from a few veteran water skiers.
“I’ve got private coaching at Sunset Ranch in Sacramento twice (spring and fall) and I’m hoping to train in Florida this winter,” said Finn, who will give up hockey for downhill skiing this coming season.
He spent last year at the Pursuit of Excellence Hockey academy in Kelowna.
