Afonso (again!), Peckham take ’26 NESS titles

For the third-straight year, and the fourth time in five, Chris Afonso is the Northeast Slalom Series presented by Radar Skis season champion.

Chris continued his dominance of the event and mastery of skiing under the lights to take down runner-up Erin Peckham to earn the adult division win.

On the junior side, Evelyn Peckham topped relative newcomer Embry Gladstone – who was the last skier added to the finals after an injury – to cap a successful weekend for the Peckham family.

Many thanks to all the skiers, officials, volunteers and sponsors (more on that below) who made the 2026 NESS season such a huge success. Plan on the finals to be held again at Pangaea under the lights in 2027, and a wide open field of 16 adult finalists with no automatic bids for past champions.

The 2026 NESS season was sponsored by Radar Skis, h2oproshop/Fogarty’s Lake Flower Marina, New England Water Ski Collective, Zmetra Clear Spans, Avon Old Farms Skiers, Pangaea Puddle, D3 Skis, FTI Coach, Cadillac Builders, Hinman Builders and an anonymous past series winner. Special thanks to Radar Skis and D3 skis for awarding a ski to the adult and junior winners, respectively.