Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada is proud to announce the induction of Harold Townsend into the 2024 WSWC Hall of Fame, honouring his exceptional contributions as a builder in the sport of water skiing. Born on January 26, 1948, in Kingston, Ontario, Harold’s remarkable journey in water skiing began in 1959 at his family cottage. He quickly transitioned from show skiing to competitive three-event skiing, and eventually took on roles in coaching and officiating.
Harold’s deep involvement in the sport started with his foundational role in the Collins Bay Water Ski Club in 1936, where he performed in ski shows until 1963, where he performed in ski shows until 1969. His show skiing career included performances at the Kirks Kove Ski Show in 1965, where he won the Barefoot Tournament, and at the Toronto CNE Ski Show in 1970 and 1971. He also skied in the Puslinch Lake Water Ski Shows from 1970 to 1974.
Harold entered his first three-event tournament in 1964 at Little Lake, Peterborough. He went on to win the Ontario Overall Championship in the Senior Men’s Division for ten consecutive years, from 1983 to 1992. Harold holds the Canadian Longevity Record, having competed for 59 consecutive years.
As a coach, Harold’s impact has been profound. He began coaching at the Collins Bay Water Ski Club in 1967 and, by 1968, had developed five skiers to compete at the Toronto Long Pond National Championships. In 1970 and 1971, he led the Ontario Water Ski Association Travelling Clinic, teaching countless new skiers across the province. Harold also contributed to the success of the McClintock Family and coached future champions Matt and Dan Rini. His coaching legacy extends to his own children, with his daughter Sara and son Jim winning numerous medals at Canadian Championships. Jim continued his success at Arizona State University, helping their ski team win the NCWSA National Championship in 2021.
In addition to his coaching, Harold has made significant contributions as an official. He became a Pan Am Judge in 2001, judging at the World Championships in Recetto, Italy, that same year. Harold has been the Chief Judge at four National Championships and numerous Ontario and Eastern Canadian Championships over the past 25 years. His involvement in the WSWC Technical Committee for the past decade has further cemented his status as a true builder of the sport.
Throughout his career, Harold has received numerous accolades, including being named Quinte Secondary Male Athlete of the Quarter Century (1954-1979), induction into the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame (1998), and the Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario Hall of Fame (2014). His legacy continues through his son Jim, who has followed in his footsteps as a coach and official, and even his grandchildren, who are becoming involved in the sport.
Harold’s dedication to water skiing is a testament to his passion and commitment, and his contributions have profoundly shaped the sport in Canada. Congratulations to Harold Townsend on his well-deserved induction into the 2024 Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada Hall of Fame.
