At the heart of Canadian show skiing stands a name synonymous with excellence, passion, and dedication: Charlie Newlands, the recipient of the 2024 IWWF Male Show Skier of the Year award. With a lifelong devotion to advancing the sport, both on and off the water, Charlie continues to inspire the water sports community in Canada and beyond.
Leading the Way in Show Skiing
Hailing from Toronto and Port Carling, Ontario, 39-year-old Charlie Newlands has carved a path as both a world-class show skier and a leader. As co-owner of Summer Water Sports (SWS), Canada’s largest water sports entertainment company, Charlie has been instrumental in fostering the growth of Show Ski Canada. Since 2012, SWS has supported the national team’s preparation for major international events, including the upcoming 2025 World Show Ski Championship in Australia.
Highlights of 2024
This year has been a landmark for Charlie and the sport of show skiing in Canada:
- Toronto International Boat Show: Kicking off the year, Charlie and SWS brought the thrill of show skiing to the world’s largest indoor lake in January. This showcase introduced thousands of attendees to the sport, expanding its fan base and inspiring potential participants.
- SWS Tuesday Night Ski Shows: Throughout the summer, these weekly shows consistently drew over 2,000 spectators. Supported by a collaboration between SWS, Show Ski Canada, Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC), and Splash Blast, these performances not only entertained but also funded the national team program, providing essential resources for their journey to the 2025 World Championship.
- Aquarama Ski Show at the CNE: In August, Charlie helped reintroduce the legendary Aquarama Ski Show to the waterfront at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE). As the show director, lead skier, and organizer of a team of professional international skiers, Charlie’s efforts captivated audiences at Canada’s largest annual fair, attended by over 1.5 million people.
Champion on the Water
In addition to his contributions behind the scenes, Charlie excelled in competition this year, earning:
- Canadian National Freestyle Jump Champion – Intermediate (1st place)
- Ontario Wakefoil Championships – Men’s Open (1st place)
As a member of the Show Ski Canada Council and the IWWF Show Ski Council, Charlie also plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sport at the national and international levels.
Driving the Future of Show Skiing
Charlie’s leadership and tireless commitment have made 2024 a banner year for show skiing in Canada. From thrilling performances to strategic partnerships, his work has elevated the sport to unprecedented heights. As Canada prepares for the 2025 World Show Ski Championship, Charlie’s vision ensures that show skiing will continue to grow, inspiring future generations of athletes and fans alike.
Congratulations, Charlie, on this well-deserved recognition! Your dedication to show skiing is unmatched, and your impact will be felt for years to come.
Stay connected with Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada to follow Charlie and the entire Show Ski Canada team on their journey to Australia in 2025.
