The 2015 Canadian Wake Championships presented by Monster Energy and Nautique arrives in Abbotsford on Thursday, Aug. 20 at Valley Wake Park (31515 Walmsley Ave.).

Already confirmed to attend the national event are 50 participants which, according to organizer and wakeboarder James Balzer, may balloon to 80 competitors.

There will amateur riders from across Canada competing, along with a currently unknown number and class of men’s and women’s wakeboarders who will be participating in the open invitational, which will close out the event on Sunday.

“I’m feeling pretty good about everything,” Balzer said. “This is the first time I’ve hosted an event.”

Balzer is a seven-time Canadian national wakeboarding champion and will also be participating. Winners of this national event will advance to the 2015 World Wakeboarding Association’s World Series, which are being held Sept. 16-19 in Portugal.

“I am just trying to open doors for amateur wakeboarders,” Balzer said.

Bringing the event to Abbotsford will give local and out-of-province riders an opportunity to reach greater heights, he explained.

Wakeboarding is a judged sport. For the national championships there will be two events – one which involves a cable with rails and obstacles for riders to take advantage of, and the other is a free pass around the lake, allowing riders to perform freestyle tricks.

Balzer said spectators should expect to see some high-flying stunts like 900s (where rider rotates two-and-a-half turns) and double back flips.

For more information on the event go to wakecanada.ca.