By Jessica Annable

(Photos by Nikki Yedor)

On Saturday, June 17, the Lake Arrowhead Water Ski Club (LAWSC) hosted their first races of the summer season, followed by the second races of the season on June 24.

For the first night of racing on Lake Arrowhead, there were a total of seven skiers, four observers and four race drivers who took part in two races: one Sprint and one Double-Up Choice.

In the Sprint, a single skier is behind each boat for the duration of two laps around the course, giving it their all to win. In a Double-Up Choice race, skiers choose their partner and ski with them behind the same boat, on equally measured 80- to 90-foot lines. The team skis for the duration of three laps around the race course, working together to come in first.

In the Sprint race, Team 915 came in first. Driver Bryin Yedor and observer Carl Johnson pulled Jesse Johnson across the finish line. Team 915 did not start out in first place, but they earned it by speeding up and passing Team 001 in the second lap and racing for the finish line. Shortly after 915 passed and took the gold, Team 001 with driver Brian Hopkins and observer Matt Carricaburu pulled Madison Meares in for second place. In third came Team 70 with driver Jim Choura, observer John Harich and skier Clayton Smith behind the boat. Pulling up the rear was Team 12 with driver John Marshall, observer Collin Peckham with skier Randy Lewis.

Winners of the June 17 Double-Up Choice Race: Sean Davison and Madison Meares with Brian Hopkins driving and Matt Carricaburu observing.

Team 001 took first place in the Double-Up Choice. Driver Brian Hopkins with observer Matt Carricaburu pulled Madison Meares and Sean Davison to victory. Shortly after, Team 915 came across the finish line. Driver Bryin Yedor with observer Carl Johnson and skiers Jason Davison and Ryder Tovatt came in at a close second. In third came Team 70; behind driver Jim Choura and observer John Harich were skiers Jesse Johnson and Randy Lewis.

The Lake Arrowhead Water Ski Club would like to congratulate Ryder Tovatt, Jason Davison and Sean Davison for skiing the Small Boat Long Beach to Catalina race the very morning of the races mentioned above. These three skiers have shown great dedication to their sport. Bryin Yedor and Carl Johnson (long-time LAWSC members) also came up to support the races after driving in the Catalina race, so many thanks to them. Additionally, some of these same skiers as well as a few others from Lake Arrowhead will be competing in the Big Boat Long Beach to Catalina ski race in about five weeks, so keep your eyes peeled.

The Lake Arrowhead Water Ski Club dedicated this first night of racing to the Ski Queen herself, Linda Peckham. Linda, who passed away last year, changed Lake Arrowhead forever. She was an incredible mother, a supportive grandmother, a loyal and dedicated friend, a valued mentor, impressive skier, fabulous pickleball playing game queen. She touched the lives of countless people and continues to do so today with her legacy. This season and always, we ski for you Linda.

LAWSC held the second night of races on July 24. The lake was horrible and choppy – some even said worse than ocean conditions – but the skiers raced on! There were a total of three races, all Double-Up style.

Eight long-time veteran members of the LAWSC returned to the water. Not only did they come to show the new kids how it’s done, these members played a crucial role in paying tribute to someone who was very special to us all – Gary “Doc” Anderson.

Kyle Cummings and Greg Anderson came in first in the first race on June 24.

In the first Double-Up race, the returning members gave the new generation a real run for their money. Coming in first place were skiers Greg Anderson and Kyle Cummings, towed behind legendary driver John Cummings with Glen Anderson observing.

In second place were spectacular up and coming skiers, the Tovatt brothers, Parker and Ryder. They skied behind Team 915, with driver Bryin Yedor and Doug Eckoff observing. Rounding out the podium, Jason Davison and Stevie Davis (another long-time LAWSC member) took third behind Team 70, with driver Jim Choura and Justin Soller observing.

For the second Double-Up, the tables turned and the young boys came back in the lead.

Ryder Tovatt and Gage Goldsmith flew into first place, skiing behind Team 915, with driver Bryin Yedor and Doug Eckoff observing. Coming in second was Andy Anderson and his brother Glen, skiing behind driver John Cummings with Kyle Cummings observing. Last but certainly not least on the podium came Cole Harper and Randy Lewis. They skied behind Team 70, with driver Jim Choura and John Harich observing.

Andy and Glen Anderson came in second in the second Double-Up race on June 24.

The final Double-Up race of the evening was the roughest of them all, but Andy Anderson and Steve Davis still managed to take first place! These vets were pulled behind Team 70, by driver Jim Choura and Justin Soller as their observer! In second came Cole Harper and Jason Davison with Matt Carricaburu driving and Katelin Wendt observing. Rounding out the race was Gage Goldsmith and Sean Davison behind Team 915, with Bryin Yedor driving and Doug Eckoff observing.

This night of racing was dedicated to a pillar of the water ski community, Gary “Doc” Anderson, who recently passed on. Gary started coming up to Lake Arrowhead in the 1940s with his cousin, John Cummings and his family. He joined the Waterski Club in 1978 and his passion for the sport soared as he quickly became the favorite driver of many – including his sons. Gary was a truly incredible man, leaving a mark everywhere he went. His love for his family and the water truly shined in every moment he lived.

Additional thanks from the LAWSC go out to all other skiers, drivers, observers, ALA personnel, Village Pizza Deli, volunteer chase boats and supporters. Of course, we cannot go without thanking the head of our club, Nikki Yedor, for running the show and making sure the races continue year after year! Community is why the LAWSC continues to thrive.

There will be two more races this summer – on July 29 and Aug. 5. If you are interested in joining, get more information by scanning the QR code. We always look forward to welcoming new faces!