Saskatoon blind, deaf water skier ready to make waves at world championships
A Saskatoon water skier who is blind and deaf has partnered with a well-known artist to fundraise for the national adaptive water ski team.
Ryan Riehl began losing his vision at age nine as a result of a tumour growing on his optic nerve. In recent years he has also lost his hearing, but he hasn’t let it get in the way of doing what he loves.
“I feel the rush go through my body, just feeling the wind, the water, the spray; there’s nothing like it,” he said.
The 39-year-old has competed in several water skiing competitions over the years. He set a Canadian record in 2012 with a 14.3 metre jump, according to his website.
He competes in three categories including tricks, jumps, and slalom.
“How many blind people do you know in the world that go over a ski jump at 35 miles an hour,” said David Wassill, Riehl’s coach.
Wassill communicates with Riehl by writing letters on his hand.
“He trains hard, his routine is dialed in, he can do it in his sleep,” Wassill said.
Wassill communicates with Riehl by writing letters on his hand. (Stacey Hein/CTV News)
Riehl is gearing up to compete on the national team at the World Disabled Water Ski Championships in Australia next spring.
To help fundraise for the team, he partnered with Saskatchewan artist Glen Scrimshaw to create and sell a painting.
“I was just amazed that someone blind wanted to do a collaboration with me, and I followed through with it,” Scrimshaw told CTV News.
He painted the northern lights, while Riehl painted the trees.
Saskatchewan artist Glen Scrimshaw painted the northern lights, while Riehl painted the trees. (Stacey Hein/CTV News)
Copies of the painting are sold on Scrimshaw’s website.
“We have 14 disabled athletes with all the equipment and so it’s a cost, and I just wanted to be able to help out the team,” Riehl said.
He told CTV News he wants to turn his silver medal into a gold one at the upcoming competition.
He said he hopes to inspire others with disabilities. “I hope they are interested in starting water skiing.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trudeau considering his options as leader after Freeland quits cabinet, sources say
Chrystia Freeland, Canada's finance minister, said in an explosive letter published Monday morning that she will quit cabinet. Here's what happened on Monday, Dec. 16.
'We're not united': Liberal caucus meets, as PM Trudeau faces fresh calls to resign in light of Freeland's departure
The federal Liberals called an emergency caucus meeting Monday night, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced renewed calls from some members of his party to resign. As MPs emerged, the message was mixed.
'Eventful day,' Trudeau says after Chrystia Freeland quits cabinet, LeBlanc tapped to replace her
In a stunning move, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced her resignation from Justin Trudeau's cabinet on Monday, after the prime minister told her he no longer wanted her in the top economic post. After hours of turmoil, Dominic LeBlanc, was sworn-in as her replacement in the finance portfolio.
Feds deliver fall economic statement with $61.9B deficit for 2023-24, amid political turmoil
Amid the news that Chrystia Freeland has resigned from her cabinet position as finance minister, the Department of Finance on Monday unveiled the long-anticipated fall economic statement, which reports a deficit of $61.9-billion for 2023-24.
W5 Investigates Connecting the dots on a landlord scam: how clues revealed a prolific con artist at work
In part one of a three-part investigation, W5 correspondent Jon Woodward reveals how a convicted con artist bilked dozens of people in a landlord scam.
Judge rules Trump does not have presidential immunity protections in hush money conviction
Donald Trump's felony conviction in the New York hush money case should not be tossed out because of the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity.
Canadian hero Terry Fox being featured on next $5 bill
The federal government is paying tribute to Canadian hero Terry Fox by featuring him on the next $5 bank note, officials revealed Monday.
Wisconsin school shooter who killed teacher, student was 17-year-old girl, police say
A teenage student opened fire with a handgun Monday at a Christian school in Wisconsin, killing a teacher and another teenager during the final week before Christmas break. The shooter also died, police said.
Travel risk: Which countries does Canada recommend avoiding?
Canadians planning to travel abroad over the holidays should take precautionary steps to ensure they're not unintentionally putting themselves in harm's way.