Wayne Wong

Wayne Wong is a Canadian  pioneer of freestyle skiing, and an inductee into both the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame and the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. Born in Vancouver, BC, Wong is considered one of the most influential skiers of the 20th century, according to both SKI and Powder magazines. He is the inventor of the famous “Wong Banger” and starred in countless skiing movies.

Professional Accomplishments (Wikipedia)

1971: 3rd place in the inaugural National Championships of Exhibition Skiing

1972: Skiing magazine Freestyle Skier Of The Year

1972: Achieved a Level 4 Certification with the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance

1972–76: Member of the K2 and Salomon Freestyle Ski Teams

1973: Europa Cup Freestyle Champion

1973: Featured in a national TV ad for Pepsi Cola

1974: Rocky Mountain Freestyle Skiing Champion

1975: Member of the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance Interski Team

1975: Japan International Freestyle Skiing Championships

1984; 1986; 1987: World Powder 8 Champion

1999: Recognized in Skiing Magazine’s 50th Anniversary Issue as one of the 25 Most Influential Skiers Of All time

2000: Voted by Ski Magazine as one of the Top 100 Skiers Of All Time

2002: Olympic Torch Bearer for the 2002 Olympic Games

2004: Receive the Guardian Angel Award for his dedication to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

2006: Named in Powder Magazine’s 35th Anniversary Issue as one of the Top 48 Greatest Skiers Of Our Time

2008: Received the Frances Williams Preston Award for his dedication to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Research Center

2008: Appeared in Fred Ashman’s Imax movie, “Proud American”

2009: Inducted into the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame^[3]

Any discussion about the early years of “Hot Dog” skiing must include the iconic name of Wayne Wong. Handsome and charismatic, Wong was highly marketable, and an engaging character. He personified the look and style of the Hot Dog movement, and helped develop many of the freestyle moves, including the famous “Wong Banger”, that propelled him into the limelight. His signature tricks on the snow, great smile and personality made him a cultural icon of the early freestyle era. Both SKI and Powder magazines have named him among the most influential skiers of the 20th century.

After years of competing at a world-class level, Wong remained on the ski scene. He is one of the few who parlayed his fame into becoming a true ambassador for the sport. Being recognized at the international level, he continues to maximize the value of his storied career. Whether it’s coaching Olympic hopefuls, or skiing with corporate executives, his purpose remains the same: to share what he loves.

On the snow, Wong is an absolute technician, not only in style and technique, but he understands gear science and design. He is considered one of the best ski testers of his time, and is a true living legend of the sport. For him, it’s always about his passion for skiing. The tools of his life are his skis and you can always find him spreading the joy of skiing through the tools of his trade. Source: U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame.

For more on Wayne Wong’s life story: From Powder Magazine | August 15, 2011 By John Clary Davies
‘Doubt They Had More Fun Than I Had’ | Reflections of an early freeskier, Part III, with Wayne Wong.

Please Note: The ski information gathered here is compiled from a number of sources; it may not be inclusive of all accomplishments. Copyright © 2021, Canadian Ski Museum. For Personal/Educational use only. All Rights Reserved.