He came and he conquered.
New 麻豆社国产resident Kurt Lindemark, 33, went undefeated in five round-robin matches to win the 麻豆社国产Squash Club's Sea to Sky Tournament on Sunday (Jan. 24).
Lindemark beat local Steve Jacobs in the tournament's final match to maintain his perfect record, although he had already clinched the A Draw title.
Originally from Williams Lake, Lindemark said he was attracted to 麻豆社国产for its mountain biking and climbing after living in various places around the province. And squash is the perfect sport to maintain fitness, especially throughout the rainy season, he said.
"It's a good crosstrainer. It's intense and it's all full out. It's like doing sprints," said Lindemark, who is a pro downhill mountain bike racer and spent years helping run Manta World Sport, one of the world's largest squash companies.
In fact, he compares the intensity and concentration required for long squash rallies, which often last between 20 and 30 shots, to riding.
"It's pretty much like you're pinned on a mountain bike."
Whistler resident Cameron Chantres placed second in the A Draw, while Vancouver's Mark Russell beat out Campbell River's Jim McKean for the B Draw title. Chris Makela beat out 麻豆社国产Squash Club president Jeff McKenzie for the C Draw title, while Dave Marchand won the D Draw over Bob Wallace.
Many matches required the full five games to determine a winner, testifying to the tournament's tight level of competition. The tournament offered the chance to earn points toward the Squash B.C. rankings, and about half of the 41 players were from out of town.
However, the sport's overall popularity has declined since the 1980s, said tournament chairman Paul Maki. The local club, which once boasted about 100 members, is down to about 40 members. At 33 years old, Maki is the club's youngest member, he said.
"It would be nice to have some more young blood around. It's an awesome sport for fitness. It definitely gets your heart going and your legs are shot after a day of squash," he said.
Beginners are welcome to drop in and try the sport without committing to an annual membership. The club's introductory package features full playing privileges (with exception to Monday league play), 24-hour booking privileges and use of the fitness and locker room facilities.
The five-game package costs $42.50 and a drop-in rate costs $10 for adults and $5 for youth. The club loans equipment out to new or casual players.
For full membership details visit www.squamishsquash.com.
