Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada is honoured to announce the induction of Claudia Currie into the WSWC Hall of Fame, class of 2024. Born on August 2, 1955, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Claudia’s journey in water skiing began in the late 1960’s as a member of Larry’s Dolphins show ski team at Grand Lake, Nova Scotia. By the early 1970’s, she joined the Sunset beach team, which later evolved into Water Ski Nova Scotia. In 1972, she became part of Nova Scotia’s national-level competitive team.
As an athlete, Claudie Currie has an impressive record. She was the 1984 Canadian Open Trick Champion and held multiple Canadian records in senior age classes across all three events from 1984 to 2014. She achieved notable success at the Pan American Water Ski Championships, securing a silver in tricks and a bronze in slalom in 2006, and finishing fourth in tricks at the 2010 35+ World Championships. Her crowning achievement came in 2014 when she became the World Trick Champion and set a world record in the 55-60 age category.
Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Claudia’s contributions as a builder and pioneer have had a lasting impact on the sport. She has been a dedicated coach for Water Ski Nova Scotia from 1977 to 2023, serving as an NCCP Master Coach Developer, Master Evaluator, and Learning Facilitator across various levels. Claudia has been instrumental in developing the long-term athlete development program and the coaching curriculum in Nova Scotia, emphasising not only athletic excellence but also personal growth.
Claudia’s pioneering spirit extends to her work with adaptive skiing. She co-created the adaptive skiing program with Paul Bowie, significantly improving the lives of many individuals. In 2023, she launched the first integrated able-bodied and adaptive program, promoting inclusivity and mutual understanding. Her efforts also include bringing water skiing opportunities to Ukrainian refugees through immigration programs.
For over 55 years, Claudia Currie has been the matriarch of water skiing in Nova Scotia, coaching and inspiring countless athletes. Her legacy of dedication, innovation, and inclusivity has profoundly shaped the sport. Congratulations to Claudia, a true champion and visionary, on her well-deserved induction into the 2024 Hall of Fame.
