Protest of new rule brings out CL water sports fans

BY Ariana Shah

Canyon Lake kids Hank Hauger, 8, Mason Brown, 7, and Wyatt Brown, 5 kayak in the North Ski Area as part of the protest event against the Canyon Lake POA’s rule prohibiting wake surfing in that part of the lake. 

Over 150 Canyon Lakers with their boats, kayaks, skis and wakeboards showed up to the North Ski Area Saturday to protest a new Canyon Lake POA rule (LM.9.28,) according to organizer Kelly Hauger. The new rule prohibits wake surfing in the Slalom Course area, located in the front section of the North Ski Area north of the causeway.

The Canyon Lake POA said it implemented the new rule to prevent routinely-occurring damage due to the large wakes required for wake surfing.

“This new rule is not fair, and we showed up on Saturday to make sure our voices were heard,” Kelly said. “We can’t practice wake surfing in other areas because when the water isn’t deep, there is no optimal wake. It’s unfortunate because this is a growing sport, and a lot of our kids in this community love this sport as well.”

Hank Hauger, 8, skis Saturday amid a turnout of about 150 Canyon Lake residents who showed up to express opinions about the Canyon Lake POA’s new rule for the North Ski Area.

The event was not affiliated with the Canyon Lake Wakeboard Club or any other club, but was held by a group of concerned Canyon Lake water sports enthusiasts, Kelly said.

“The rally was just wonderful. We had people from all kinds of backgrounds come and rally in their support,” he said. “From skiers to those from even the equestrian center dropped by. Everyone was respectful and followed the rules as well. We had a great time and a great turnout.”

The group was able to collect over 550 signatures and is hoping to reach 650, Kelly said.

“We have reached our five percent requirement to submit the petition to the POA, who will check and verify the signatures,” he said. Those who would like to sign the petition can contact Kelly at Kellyhauger@yahoo.com.

13-year-old Ava Hymas wake surfs in the Back Water area of the North Ski Area Saturday during an event to protest the Canyon Lake POA’s new rule prohibiting wake surfing in the slalom area of the North Ski Area. Wake surfing in the Back Water is in compliance with the new rule. Photos by Kelly Hauger