Kendra wins gutsy slalom event; skiing in Masters

It all came down to one last national ski tournament in order for Canyon Lake’s Kendra Nathan to somehow qualify for one of a handful of slots at the world’s most prestigious water ski event, the Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard Tournament.

Kendra needed to finish in one of the top two spots in the slalom at the Sunset Lake Cup last weekend or her dreams of the Masters was dashed. An elated Kendra finished in first place and is skiing this weekend at the Junior Masters.

Kendra Nathan is all smiles after winning the Sunset Lakes Cup last week, which was her last chance to qualify for the prestigious Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard Tournament this weekend. Photo provided by Tom Nathan

To earn a spot in the Masters Tournament, skiers must first achieve minimum performances at record-capability tournaments during the past year.  Kendra had qualified earlier at these tournaments to ski in slalom in the Junior Girls division. Skiers then must participate in qualifying tournaments in hopes of earning one of the few spots available.

Kendra had not yet finished high enough in the qualifying tournaments to get to the Masters. There were two “Last Chance Qualifier” tournaments where only the top two girls earned invitations to the Masters.

The first Last Chance Qualifier tournament was held May 14-16 in Winter Garden, FL at which Kendra competed, but earned 4th place, two places behind those who earned Masters invitations.

The 17-year-old’s final opportunity was last weekend where she finished first and is headed to Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia, which is about 75 miles from Atlanta. The Robin Lake site at Callaway, built specifically for the Masters, boasts an expansive pavilion with covered stadium seating, judges’ tower and media area. The action can be seen clearly from the beach and picnic areas. The immaculately-maintained gardens, lakes, resort and attractions at Callaway provide a tournament venue like no other in the world.

An invitation to compete in the Masters is universally considered an honor and an acknowledgement of achievement for reaching the pinnacle in a given watersports discipline – only the world’s most elite athletes compete at the Masters. This tournament is IWWF/USA Water Ski and WWA sanctioned.

The 28th Junior Masters Tournament features the world’s finest junior waterskiing and wakeboarding athletes. In lieu of prize monies, junior competitors receive trophies.

Callaway’s Robin Lake is nestled in a serene and beautiful atmosphere. Spectators are treated to thrilling competition while lounging in a remarkable natural setting. The event attracts thousands of spectators.

Kendra’s father, City Councilmember Tom Nathan, is headed to the tournament to be with his daughter for one of the singular events of her young life. Kendra has been training in Florida for the last three months.

The Juniors Masters competition will take place today, Friday. First, the preliminary rounds in the morning and then, if Kendra qualifies, the final rounds will take place where the Slalom champion will be crowned.