Canadian athletes set to compete on the world stage and vie to qualify for 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China
CALGARY, AB, OCT 31, 2024 – Wake Canada is thrilled to announce that seven talented Canadian riders will represent the nation at the inaugural International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) World Wakesurf Championships in Hong Kong, China. This historic event, taking place from November 2-10, marks the first time wakesurfing has been included in the IWWF’s world championships, underscoring the sport’s rapid growth and rising global popularity.
Wakesurfing is one of the fastest-growing watersports in the world, with its rapid rise showcased at prestigious events and its upcoming debut at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China. Replacing water skiing at The World Games, wakesurfing will join its sister board sport, wakeboarding, further solidifying its place on the global stage. This momentum sets the stage for exciting competition at the inaugural IWWF World Wakesurf Championships in Hong Kong, China, a crucial qualifier for The World Games 2025.
“It’s an incredible honour to see these athletes represent our country at these championships,” says Denver Rush, Team Captain, Wake Canada. “These riders have trained hard, pushed boundaries, and demonstrated the skill and dedication it takes to compete on a global stage. We are proud to showcase Canada’s wakesurf talent and can’t wait to see what our team will accomplish at this landmark event.”
The Canadian team is set to compete in various divisions, showcasing their skills across both skim and surf disciplines, led by Bailey Rush, two-time CWSA Pro World and Canadian champion in skim and surf disciplines, and the only female rider to ever win both disciplines. Team Canada includes:
- Bailey Rush – Open Women Skim & Surf, Ponoka, Alberta
- Amy Gillespie – Open Women Skim & Surf, Calgary, Alberta
- Bennett Bateman – Grom Boys Surf, Ponoka, Alberta
- Jolene Allen – Veteran Women Skim, Chestermere, Alberta
- Kerry Williams – Jr. Men Skim, Calgary, Alberta
- Lily Anderson – Open Women Surf, British Columbia
- Morgan Bateman – Jr. Women Skim & Surf, Ponoka, Alberta
Hosted at Tai Po Waterfront Park, the event will feature a $30,000 USD prize purse.
The official familiarization runs from November 2-4, allowing athletes to adjust to the venue before qualification rounds begin on November 4. The competition then heats up with Last Chance Qualifiers (LCQ), semi-finals, and finals, culminating in six days of live-streamed action from November 5-10, accessible through IWWF’s YouTube channel.
Wake Canada invites fans and supporters to cheer on the team by tuning in to the live stream and following the action on Wake Canada’s Instagram.
For more information on the event, schedule, and live streaming details, visit the official event page: https://iwwf.sport/world-title-events/iwwfwakesurfworlds2024/
Photos of the athletes for use in publication can be found here.
About Wake Canada:
Canada has a rich history as a leading Wake Sports nation, with Canadian athletes achieving many world titles and podiums across all wake sports genres. The national Wake Sports council of Water Ski & Wakeboard Canada, WAKE CANADA supports the growth and progression of wakesurf, wakeboard, wake park, wakeskate and wake foil, including three annual national championships, Elite National Team athletes and Development National Team athletes representing Canada on the world stage. Follow @wakecanada on Instagram for the latest news on wake sports in Canada.