CANADIAN ATHLETES MAKE FINALS AT U17 WORLDS

Kate Pinsonneault Jump Skis during the 2024 IWWF U17 World Waterski Championship Girls Jump Prelims 

Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography 

The 2024 IWWF U17 World Waterski Championships have reached an exciting juncture at Lakes of Kastyn Stone, hosted by Predator Bay Water Ski Club and Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada in Calgary, AB. Following the conclusion of the preliminary rounds, Team Canada celebrates as four of its athletes secure coveted spots in the finals, set to take place tomorrow, Sunday, August 4, 2024.

Penticton, BC’s Kate Pinsonneult emerges as a strong contender, currently positioned 3rd in the Girls Jump Finals with an impressive leap of 40.8m/134ft. Bragg Creek, AB’s Sofia Pelkey joins her in the finals with a solid performance, achieving 31m/102ft. Montreal, QC’s Sophie Lahaie achieves a personal milestone, jumping 100ft for the first time, securing her place in the finals with a new personal best jump of 30.8m/101ft. 

Representing Saskatoon, SK, Enzo Kristian will be competing in the Boys Jump Finals, securing his position with a jump of 46.6m/153ft in the Boys Jump Prelims.

For comprehensive results and the event schedule, please visit https://iwwfed-ea.org/classic/24IWWF02/. 

To watch the finals live, tune in to the webcast at, https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLM3-mBhqIdiV0_B2fQUzxCAZiELbOx7X4&si=lG5im9_U-PFAhSJT. 

In other thrilling news from the event, Jaeden Eade from the USA set a new U17 World Championship Record in Boys Slalom during the preliminaries, securing the top seed for the finals. Additionally, Matias Gonzalez from Chile broke his own U17 World Championships Record in Boys Trick, only to be surpassed by USA’s Jake Abelson, who set a new record and claimed the top seed for the Boys Trick Finals.

Sophie Lahaie Jump Skis during the 2024 IWWF U17 World Waterski Championship Girls Jump Prelims Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography
Sofia Pelkey Jump Skis during the 2024 IWWF U17 World Waterski Championship Girls Jump Prelims Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography
Enzo Kristian Jump Skis during the 2024 IWWF U17 World Waterski Championship Boys Jump Prelims Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography

2024 IWWF U17 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: LIVE COVERAGE & INFORMATION

We’re excited to announce the 2024 IWWF U17 World Waterski Championships, taking place at the Predator Bay Water Ski Club in Calgary, Alberta from August 1-4, 2024! This event will bring together the best U17 water skiers from around the world for an unforgettable competition.

Live Webcast: Catch all the live action through TWBC’s webcast. Tune in here: TWBC Live Webcast

Event Schedule, Running Order & Live Results: Stay updated with the schedule, running order, and live results at the official IWWF event page: IWWF Event Information

Official IWWF Website: Click here.

Predator Bay Water Ski Club Website: Click here.

Directions and Important Information: For directions to the lake, please click here. Please adhere to the following lake rules: no dogs, no outside alcohol, and drive slowly on the premises.

Parking On-site: Parking is free, but you will need to sign up for a parking pass. Please fill out the form for the parking pass here.

Registration and Check-In:Registration and check-in will take place on-site at Predator Bay Water Ski Club from Monday, July 29th to Wednesday, July 31st. Registration must be completed before official familiarization. 

  • Monday, July 29th, registration is open 2pm – 6pm 
  • Tuesday, July 30th, registration is open 7am – 12pm & 2pm – 6pm   
  • Wednesday, July 31st, registration is open 7am – 12pm 

Familiarization & Tournament Schedule: Official familiarization begins Monday, July 29th – to view the schedule, click here. For the tournament schedule and results once the event begins, click here. The running orders will be posted within the next few days.

Opening Ceremonies: Join us for the opening ceremonies on-site at Predator Bay Water Ski Club on Thursday following the day’s skiing events. There will be a Taste of Calgary ‘Pancake Breakfast’ starting at 4:30pm followed by the Opening Ceremonies starting at 7-8pm on-site.

Food Trucks and Merchandise: Food trucks will be available on-site during lunch, offering a variety of delicious options. Athletes and officials will receive a lunch ticket for each day. On August 1st & 2nd there will be a coffee truck on-site in the morning. Additionally, multiple types of customisable event merchandise will be available for purchase on-site.

Health Advisory: Please be aware of the local weather conditions and potential smoke in the area. Participants with asthma or inhalers are advised to take necessary precautions and carry their medications.

Photography by Johnny Hayward: Johnny Hayward will be on-site capturing memorable moments throughout the event. If you’re interested in purchasing photos, please contact Johnny directly at johnny@johnnyhaywardphoto.com or message him on Instagram @johnnyhayward_photo ahead of the event to arrange your purchase and payment.

Social Media and Hashtags: Remember to tag @teamcanski and @iwwfed in your social media posts during the event and use #U17Worlds2024 to share your experiences with the world.

Calgary Tourism: We are thrilled to host you in Calgary! While you’ll be busy with the championship, we encourage you to explore the city with the Calgary Explore More 2024 Pass, which offers exclusive discounts for various attractions and activities around the city. For more information about visiting Calgary and all it has to offer, check out the 2024 IWWF World Under 17 Waterski Championship X Tourism Calgary website.

Join us in celebrating the future stars of water skiing as they compete on the world stage in Calgary!

 


 

Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography

Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada is proud to be hosting along with Predator Bay Water Ski Club the 2024 IWWF World U17 Waterski Championships, set to take place at Lakes of Kastynstone, in Calgary, Alberta. The event will showcase the world’s top Under 17 water skiers competing in Slalom, Trick, Jump, and Overall disciplines from July 29th to August 4th, 2024.

Athletes from over 20 countries will come to Calgary, including a strong contingent of 11 Canadian athletes representing six provinces. Official practice will commence from July 29th to 31st, 2024, followed by the exhilarating competition days starting on August 1st through August 4th, 2024. The Championships promise captivating action and memorable performances as young athletes compete for top honours in their respective disciplines.

The Canadian team, led by a talented group of young athletes, includes:

6-Person Team:

  • Samson Clunie, Saskatchewan
  • Easton Graves, Nova Scotia
  • Enzo Kristian, Saskatchewan
  • Sophie Lahaie, Quebec
  • Sofia Pelkey, Alberta
  • Kate Pinsonneault, British Columbia

Individual Athlete:

  • Jaret Goulah, British Columbia

Wild Card Athletes:

  • Louis Cuilleret, Quebec
  • Sebastian Hron, Ontario
  • Reuben Mednick, Ontario
  • Maxwell Strilchuk, Saskatchewan

“We are thrilled to host this event in Calgary and welcome athletes from around the world to showcase their skills at the incredible Lakes of Kastynstone,” said Russ Dickson, President at Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada. “It’s an honour for Canada to host the 2024 IWWF World U17 Waterski Championships, and we look forward to an exciting competition.”

ONTARIO’S SEB HRON SET TO COMPETE AT THE 2024 IWWF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Water Ski Canada is proud to announce that Sebastian (Seb) Hron will be competing at the 2024 IWWF U17 World Waterski Championships in Calgary, Alberta, from August 1-4, 2024. Seb is one of 11 talented Canadian athletes representing the nation at this major international event.

Hailing from Ottawa, Ontario, Seb will be competing in the Slalom event. Despite having only been competing for two years, Seb has already made significant strides in his water skiing career. His favourite memory is overcoming the challenge of running 16m (22off) for the first time, a milestone that marked a major achievement.

Seb dreams of skiing professionally and competing against the world’s best athletes. Beyond water skiing, Seb is a multifaceted individual with interests in both online car racing, facilitated by his car simulator at home, and Karate, in which he also excels.

Excitement is building as Seb looks forward to experiencing the heightened pressure of international competition, enjoying time with friends, and meeting some of the top skiers in the world. This will be Seb’s first international event, marking a significant milestone in his budding career.

The 2024 IWWF U17 World Waterski Championships promises to be a great event, bringing together the best under 17 athletes from around the world. Water Ski Canada is thrilled to support Seb and the entire Canadian team as they strive for excellence on the world stage.

For more information on the Championships, including schedules and live streaming details, please visit, https://wswc.ca/2024-iwwf-u17-world-waterski-championships-live-coverage-information/. 

JARET GOULAH TO COMPETE AT THE 2024 IWWF U17 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Water Ski Canada is thrilled to announce that Jaret Goulah, a talented young athlete from Shawnigan Lake, BC, will be representing Canada at the 2024 IWWF U17 World Waterski Championships. The event will take place in Calgary, Alberta, from August 1-4, 2024, and will feature top young water skiers from around the globe.

Jaret Goulah, one of the 11 Canadian athletes competing at the Championships, will be competing in the Jump event. Jaret qualified for the Championships as an individual athlete off the world ranking list, demonstrating his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.

Jaret has already made significant achievements in his waterskiing career. He holds the U14 Canadian Jump Record and won a bronze medal in the U14 Boys Jump at the Pan Am Championships. Despite his parents’ initial attempts to steer him towards slalom skiing, Jaret found his true passion in jumping after attending a water ski camp where he first saw a jump ramp. Since then, Jaret’s love for jumping has only grown, and he is excited to compete on the world stage.

In addition to his water skiing talent, Jaret is also known for his creativity and ingenuity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he built a mini race boat, showcasing his versatility.

Water Ski Canada is proud to support Jaret as he competes against the best in the world. His dedication, talent, and passion for the sport are an inspiration.

The 2024 IWWF U17 World Waterski Championships promise to be an exciting event, and we invite everyone to cheer on Jaret and the rest of the Canadian team as they strive for excellence.

REUBEN MEDNICK SET TO COMPETE AT THE 2024 IWWF U17 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Water Ski Canada announces that Reuben Mednick from Toronto, ON, will be representing Canada at the 2024 IWWF U17 World Waterski Championships. The event will take place in Calgary, AB, from August 1-4, 2024, with Reuben among the 11 talented Canadian athletes competing.

Reuben, a seasoned competitor with six years of experience, will showcase his skills in the tricking event. As a five-time undefeated Canadian Trick Champion, Reuben has consistently demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication. His remarkable journey includes being part of the U14 Team at the last Pan Am Championships. 

Reflecting on his achievements, Reuben shares that his favourite water ski memory is landing his first flip, a testament to his hard work and passion for the sport. Looking ahead, Reuben aims to continue improving his trick and slalom skills, driven by his commitment to excellence.

In addition to his impressive water skiing career, Reuben is pursuing his concert level ARCT in piano, highlighting his diverse talents and dedication to both his athletic and artistic pursuits.

Reuben is eager to meet new friends and enjoy the exciting atmosphere of the World Championships. Water Ski Canada is proud to support Reuben and all our athletes as they compete on the world stage.

For more information on the Championships, including schedules and live streaming details, please visit, https://wswc.ca/2024-iwwf-u17-world-waterski-championships-live-coverage-information/. 

EASTON GRAVES TO REPRESENT CANADA AT 2024 IWWF U17 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Water Ski Canada is thrilled to announce that Easton Graves, a promising young athlete from Nova Scotia, will be competing at the 2024 IWWF U17 World Waterski Championships in Calgary, Alberta. The event will take place from August 1-4, 2024 at Predator Bay Water Ski Club.

Easton Graves is among the 11 talented Canadian athletes participating in this year’s Championships and is one of the six elite skiers representing Canada in the quest for the Overall Team Title. This marks a significant milestone for Easton, as it will be his first major international competition.

Graves will showcase his skills in both Slalom and Trick events. His recent performance at the 2024 Junior Canadian Open highlighted his talent, where he secured 2nd place in both the U17 Boys Slalom and U17 Boys Trick events.

The IWWF U17 World Waterski Championships will feature some of the best U17 talent from around the globe, and Easton’s participation underscores Canada’s strong presence in the sport.

MAX STRILCHUK REPRESENTS CANADA AT THE 2024 IWWF U17 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Water Ski Canada is proud to announce that Max Strilchuk, a dedicated waterskier from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, will be competing at the 2024 IWWF U17 World Waterski Championships, taking place from August 1-4, 2024, in Calgary, Alberta.

Strilchuk, one of 11 talented Canadian athletes participating in the Championships, will be competing in the jump event. With 7 years of competitive experience, Max has already made a significant mark in the water skiing world. He placed 3rd overall at the 2023 Canadian Nationals and achieved impressive results at the 2024 Junior Canadian Open, securing 3rd place in both the U17 Boys Jump and U17 Boys Overall.

Max’s standout moment in his water skiing career came when he jumped 100 feet for the first time, a memory he cherishes. This season, Max aims to push his limits further with a goal to jump 170 feet. Beyond his water skiing achievements, Max is also an avid hockey player during the off-season and enjoys quading in his spare time.

Looking forward to the Championships, Max is excited about the opportunity to witness the competitive spirit from around the globe and to see how athletes from other countries perform.

Water Ski Canada extends its best wishes to Max and all Canadian athletes participating in the 2024 IWWF U17 World Waterski Championships.

For more information on the Championships, including schedules and live streaming details, please visit, https://wswc.ca/2024-iwwf-u17-world-waterski-championships-live-coverage-information/. 

SOPHIE LAHAIE TO REPRESENT CANADA AT 2024 IWWF U17 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Water Ski Canada is thrilled to announce that Sophie Lahaie will be competing in the 2024 IWWF U17 World Waterski Championships, taking place in Calgary, Alberta from August 1-4, 2024. As one of 11 talented Canadian athletes participating, Sophie is also a member of the 6-person Canadian Team competing for the Overall Team Title.

Sophie, hailing from Montreal, Quebec, will be skiing in the Slalom, Trick, and Jump events, as well as competing in Overall, which combines scores from all three disciplines. This marks her debut in international competition, and she is excited to represent Team Canada on the world stage.

In her two years of competitive water skiing, Sophie has achieved notable success. At the 2024 Junior Canadian Open, she secured 2nd place in U17 Girls Slalom, Trick, Jump, and Overall. Her standout accomplishment is making the Canadian Team for the U17 World Championships, a testament to her dedication and skill.

Sophie’s favourite water ski memory is the thrill of her first jump, and she is eager to build on that excitement at the upcoming Championships. An interesting fact about Sophie is her involvement in alpine skiing, showcasing her versatility as an athlete.

Water Ski Canada extends its best wishes to Sophie and the entire Canadian team as they prepare for a competitive and exciting event in Calgary.

For more information on the Championships, including schedules and live streaming details, please visit, https://wswc.ca/2024-iwwf-u17-world-waterski-championships-live-coverage-information/. 

 

ENZO KRISTIAN TO REPRESENT CANADA AT THE 2024 IWWF U17 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography 

Water Ski Canada is thrilled to announce that Enzo Kristian will be competing at the 2024 IWWF U17 World Waterski Championships, set to take place in Calgary, Alberta, from August 1-4, 2024. Enzo is one of 11 Canadian athletes participating in this prestigious event and one of six on the Canadian Team aiming for the Team Overall Title.

From Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Enzo has been passionate about waterskiing for six years. He will be competing in both the Slalom and Jump events at the Championships. Recently, Enzo demonstrated his exceptional talent by winning both the U17 Boys Slalom and U17 Boys Jump events at the 2024 Junior Canadian Open.

Enzo’s favourite waterskiing memory is running the slalom course for the first time, a moment that marked the beginning of his journey from a novice to competing at the World Championships. Looking ahead to the event, Enzo aims to make it to the jump finals, a goal that reflects his drive and determination.

Enzo is excited about the opportunity to compete on the world stage and is eager to represent Canada with pride. His enthusiasm and preparation are sure to make a significant impact as he competes against the best young waterskiers from around the globe.

Water Ski Canada wishes Enzo Kristian and all Canadian athletes the best of luck at the 2024 IWWF U17 World Waterski Championships.

For more information on the Championships, including schedules and live streaming details, please visit, https://wswc.ca/2024-iwwf-u17-world-waterski-championships-live-coverage-information/. 

SAMSON CLUNIE TO REPRESENT CANADA AT THE 2024 IWWF U17 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography 

Water Ski Canada is thrilled to announce that Samson Clunie will be representing Canada at the 2024 IWWF U17 World Waterski Championships, taking place from August 1 to 4, 2024, in Calgary, Alberta. Samson is among the 11 Canadian athletes competing in this prestigious event and is one of six members of the Canadian Team vying for the Overall Team Title.

Hailing from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Samson is set to compete in the Slalom and Jump events. This marks his debut at an international title event, making this a significant milestone in his skiing career. With seven years of competitive experience under his belt, Samson has already made a name for himself as a provincial jump champion and is currently ranked in the top 10 globally for U17 Boys Jump.

Samson’s connection to the sport runs deep. His father, Jim Clunie, was a member of the Canadian National Team and a professional skier, inspiring Samson to pursue his own path in water skiing.

One of Samson’s standout memories is his first successful 160-foot jump, a feat that remains a highlight of his career so far. As he prepares for the World Championships, Samson’s goal is to advance to the jump finals, demonstrating his dedication and skill on an international stage.

Water Ski Canada extends its best wishes to Samson and all the Canadian athletes as they compete at the 2024 IWWF U17 World Waterski Championships.

For more information on the Championships, including schedules and live streaming details, please visit, https://wswc.ca/2024-iwwf-u17-world-waterski-championships-live-coverage-information/. 

LOUIS CUILLERET TO COMPETE AT THE 2024 IWWF U17 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography 

Water Ski Canada is thrilled to announce that Louis Cuilleret will be representing Canada at the 2024 IWWF U17 World Waterski Championships in Calgary, Alberta, next week. Louis will be competing in the Slalom and Jump events.

Hailing from Montreal, Quebec, Louis has been dedicated to the sport of water skiing for the past five years. His impressive track record includes placing 2nd in U14 Boys Slalom and 3rd in U14 Boys Overall at the last Pan Am Championships. Currently, Louis holds the title of U17 Boys Overall National Champion.

When asked about his favourite water ski memory, Louis fondly recalls finishing 2nd at the Pan Am Championships. His goal for the upcoming U17 World Championships is to have fun and enjoy the experience to the fullest.

In addition to his talent on the water, Louis is also an accomplished alpine skier, showcasing his versatility and dedication to sports. He is eagerly looking forward to reconnecting with friends from around the world during the championships.

Water Ski Canada is proud to support Louis Cuilleret and wishes him the best of luck as he competes on the world stage. We invite everyone to join us in cheering for Louis and the entire Canadian team as they strive for excellence in Calgary.

SOFIA PELKEY TO COMPETE IN THE 2024 IWWF U17 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography 

Water Ski Canada is thrilled to announce that Sofia Pelkey, a talented young athlete from Bragg Creek, Alberta, will be competing in the 2024 IWWF U17 World Waterski Championships. The event will be held in Calgary, Alberta, from August 1-4, 2024, bringing together the best young waterskiers from around the globe.

Canada will have 11 athletes competing at the event, with Sofia being the youngest at just 12 years old. Sofia is part of the 6-person Canadian Team, which will be vying for the prestigious Team Overall Title at the Championships. Despite her young age, Sofia has already made a significant mark in the waterskiing community. She has been competing for only two years, but her dedication and talent have propelled her to the top of her age group.

Sofia will be competing in all three events, Slalom, Trick and Jump as well as Overall which scores all three events together. Her greatest accomplishment to date is making the U17 Worlds Team, a testament to her hard work and passion for the sport. One of her favourite water ski memories is the exhilarating moment she got up on one ski for the first time.

Sofia’s recent achievements include sweeping the U17 Girls categories in Slalom, Trick, Jump, and Overall at the Jr. Canadian Open this summer. These victories have solidified her reputation as a rising star in Canadian water skiing.

Sofia is excited to represent Canada on an international stage at her home club and meet new people from around the world.

Water Ski Canada invites fans, supporters, and the local community to come out and cheer for Sofia and the rest of the Canadian Team as they strive for excellence at the 2024 IWWF U17 World Waterski Championships.

CANADA HOSTS 2024 IWWF WORLD U17 WATERSKI CHAMPIONSHIPS

Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada is proud to announce the hosting of the 2024 IWWF World U17 Waterski Championships, set to take place at Lakes of Kastynstone, Predator Bay Water Ski Club in Calgary, Alberta. The event will showcase the world’s top Under 17 water skiers competing in Slalom, Trick, Jump, and Overall disciplines from July 29th to August 4th, 2024.

Athletes from over 20 countries will come to Calgary, including a strong contingent of 11 Canadian athletes representing six provinces. Official practice will commence from July 29th to 31st, 2024, followed by the exhilarating competition days starting on August 1st through August 4th, 2024. The Championships promise captivating action and memorable performances as young athletes compete for top honours in their respective disciplines.

The Canadian team, led by a talented group of young athletes, includes:

6-Person Team:

  • Samson Clune, Saskatchewan 
  • Easton Graves, Nova Scotia
  • Enzo Kristian, Saskatchewan
  • Sophie Lahaie, Quebec
  • Sofia Pelkey, Alberta
  • Kate Pinsonneault, British Columbia

Individual Athlete:

  • Jaret Goulah, British Columbia

Wild Card Athletes:

  • Louis Cuilleret, Quebec 
  • Sebastian Hron, Ontario
  • Reuben Mednick, Ontario
  • Maxwell Strilchuk, Saskatchewan

“We are thrilled to host this event in Calgary and welcome athletes from around the world to showcase their skills at the incredible Lakes of Kastynstone,” said Russ Dickson, President at Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada. “It’s an honour for Canada to host the 2024 IWWF World U17 Waterski Championships, and we look forward to an exciting competition.”

Predator Bay Water Ski Club. Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography
Thank you to our wonderful supporters and sponsors!

SCHEDULE POSTED: WESTERN CANADIAN WATER SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS

Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography 

The 2024 Western Canadian Water Ski Championships will take place at Shalom Park in Edmonton, Alberta from August 8-10, 2024.

The schedule of events is now available. CLICK HERE to view.

To register for the event, CLICK HERE.

NEILLY ROSS FINISHES 2ND AT SWISS PRO TRICKS

2024 Swiss Pro Tricks Women’s Podium
1st: Erika Lang (USA)
2nd: Neilly Ross (CAN)
3rd: Anna Gay Hunter (USA)
Photo Credit: Waterski Pro Tour Facebook

Water Ski Canada proudly announces the outstanding performance of Neilly Ross from Ontario at the first Waterski Pro Tour event of the 2024 season, the Swiss Pro Tricks. Neilly delivered a stellar performance, securing a remarkable 2nd place finish at the event.

Neilly demonstrated her exceptional skill and determination throughout the competition, punching her ticket into the finals by scoring an impressive 10,610 points in the preliminary rounds. In the final, Neilly continued to shine, tricking a score of 10,370 points, earning her a coveted place on the podium.

Sharing the podium with Neilly were Erika Lang from the USA, who claimed 1st place, and Anna Gay Hunter, also from the USA, who secured 3rd place.

Water Ski Canada also celebrates the achievements of Quebec’s Hannah Stopnicki, who delivered a commendable performance, securing the 7th place, and Alberta’s Sean Kraus, who demonstrated his talent, finishing in 12th place.

The Swiss Pro Tricks, which took place this past weekend in Clermont, Florida on April 21, 2024, marked an exhilarating start to the 2024 season. Water Ski Canada congratulates Neilly Ross, along with all its athletes, on their outstanding performances, and looks forward to continued success throughout the season.

Event results, https://iwwfed-ea.org/competition.php?cc=T-24USA020&page=women_tricks_results   

Broadcast, https://www.youtube.com/live/ju–0UqAZLQ?si=4G5GHCC54q2G8_7y 

Waterski Pro Tour, https://www.waterskiprotour.com/