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CRYSTAL LAKE – For Michael Gende, 52 of McHenry, it’s very simple.
“Every day on the water is a holiday,” he said.
That very well could be the sentiment of the Crystal Lake Water Ski Association as well. Gende, although not a member of CLWSA, competed in the group’s slalom qualifier Sunday on Crystal Lake, and he shares many of the passions of the group.
“It’s neat to meet other skiers and test yourself,” Gende said. “It’s a sport that takes good coordination and you get a great workout. It’s an adrenaline rush.”
The group, led by president and founder Rick Ridenour, set up buoys where water skiers were expected to navigate using only one ski. The buoys were placed 37 feet from the center line that the boat follows at a preset speed.
Participants ranging in age from 9 to 59 joined in what couldn’t be characterized as a set competition, because a main mission of the group was to have fun.
“For me living on the lake, water skiing is addicting,” Ridenour said. “We couldn’t be happier with our relationship with the local government agencies who help put events like this on.”
Founded in 2004, CLWSA has held a slalom qualifier every year since the group’s inception.
It currently has 27 members, is affiliated with USA Water Ski and has taught skiing to groups such as Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association and the Boy Scouts of America.
Ridenour, 48, and a former Marine, has been skiing since age 7 and takes pride in bringing people to see the sport that has become his passion.
“We’re a low-key group,” Ridenour said. “We just love getting more skiers involved.”
It’s also a family affair, as all of Ridenour’s family is involved in some way with the sport.
The same can be said for Will Lamonica, the group’s events coordinator, who participated in the slalom qualifier with his 17-year-old son, Joe.
“The majority of the fun is just tying up boats and hanging out,” Will said. “Our meetings are more like social events. Everyone’s involved in giving everyone else little tidbits to become better skiers.”
Lamonica, who joined the group five years ago, will help put together the group’s water ski show that will perform Aug. 18 during Crystal Lake’s annual Blast on the Beach celebration. The group has performed at the event for the past eight years, but this year will have a heroes versus villains theme.
“The villains will be in black and the heroes will be in capes,” Ridenour said. “We will be giving an exhibition, not just on slalom, but also other skiing types like barefoot and small pyramid.”
Gende, who participated with friend Ed Figel of Crystal Lake, skis 2 or 3 times a week on the Fox River with about seven friends. For him, water skiing is alive and well in the area.
“It’s great to be out with you’re friends,” Gende said. “The skiing community is small but it’s the friendliest people you’ll meet. Everyone’s good people.”