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Risto
The “Family of Water-Ski Clubs
As one of Canada’s longest-running water-ski clubs, British Columbia’s Victoria Aqua Ski Club (many of whose members share the last name Leech) operates out of the northern part of Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island. Jim Leech, the only original living member of the club, introduced skiing to his four sons long ago, and now their love for the water has been passed down to a gaggle of third-generation skiers. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see as many as eight Leech family members on the running order at one of the summer tournaments. “We have a lot of fun skiing here on Shawnigan Lake,” says Gene Leech. “There are 20 family members who all ski behind a 1977 MasterCraft.”
The club’s modest $175 membership fee allows open access to the slalom course, a jump and a place to store your boat. Besides the tournaments the club hosts each year, it
also runs a summer camp that helps develop the skills of Canada’s future talent. “My parents got me hooked at a young age,” says Jessica Erb with a smile, “and I’ve been spending their money ever since.”
