JACOB KUNTZ UNABLE TO COMPETE AT THE U17 WORLDS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jacob Kuntz Unable to Compete at 2026 IWWF World U17 Waterski Championships
March 29, 2026 – Conestogo, ON — Jacob Kuntz will be unable to compete at the 2026 IWWF World U17 Waterski Championships after sustaining an injury during training leading up to Team Canada’s departure for Argentina.
Kuntz, 16, had been selected as a Wild Card athlete and was set to compete in the Slalom and Jump events at his first World Championships. Despite the setback, he will still travel with the team to Córdoba to support his teammates throughout the competition.
The Championships will take place April 1-5, 2026, at Lago Ahumada Nautical Stadium, bringing together more than 110 athletes from over 18 countries to compete in slalom, trick, and jump.
Kuntz has been competing for five years and has achieved strong results at both the provincial and national level. His accomplishments include a Canadian silver medal in Overall, along with multiple Ontario gold medals in Overall and Jump. He holds personal bests of 2 buoys at 13m (32 off) in slalom and 103 feet in jump.
He was introduced to the sport through his family. “My sister got me into it when I was younger. I always loved wakeboarding, and after both siblings started it, I decided to start too,” he said.
Some of his favourite moments in the sport come from time spent training close to home. “Training with my friends at our cottage,” he shared.
Although he will not be competing, Kuntz remains part of Team Canada’s presence at the event and is looking forward to supporting the team and spending time with teammates in Argentina.
He will be joined at the Championships by his brother, Ethan Kuntz, marking one of two sets of siblings representing Canada at the event.
Team Canada wishes Jacob a smooth recovery and looks forward to seeing him back on the water.
For more information, including event details, start lists, and results, visit:
Event Website: https://ahumadaesquinautico.com/
IWWF Event Page: https://iwwf.sport/world-title-events/u17worlds2026/
Start Lists & Results: https://www.iwwfed-ea.org/classic/26IWWF02/
Media Assets/Photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12QdBU0-Hnz_WK6DUHTztNe4GFrin4UZq?usp=sharing
JACE TOWNSEND TO REPRESENT CANADA AT THE U17 WORLDS
Photo by Johnny Hayward
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jace Townsend to Represent Canada at 2026 IWWF World U17 Waterski Championships
March 28, 2026 – Arizona / Ontario — Jace Townsend will represent Canada at the 2026 IWWF World U17 Waterski Championships, taking place April 1-5, 2026, in Córdoba, Argentina. He will compete in the Slalom and Trick events and contribute to Canada’s Team Overall standings.
The Championships will be held at Lago Ahumada Nautical Stadium and will feature more than 110 athletes from over 18 countries competing in slalom, trick, and jump. Following familiarization on March 30-31, competition begins April 1.
Townsend, 11, is the youngest Canadian skier competing at this year’s event and is one of six athletes selected to represent Canada in the Team Overall competition.
From Arizona with family ties to Ontario, Townsend comes from a strong water ski background. His father, Jimmy Townsend, is a former National Team athlete, and his grandfather, Harold Townsend, was recently inducted into the Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024. He will also compete alongside his sister, Reese Townsend, who is representing Canada in all three events.
A National Champion, Townsend has already shown strong progression in the sport, particularly in trick, where he holds a personal best of 3,180 points.
His participation, alongside his sister, marks one of two sibling pairings on Team Canada at the 2026 U17 World Championships.
For more information, including event details, start lists, and results, visit:
Event Website: https://ahumadaesquinautico.com/
IWWF Event Page: https://iwwf.sport/world-title-events/u17worlds2026/
Start Lists & Results: https://www.iwwfed-ea.org/classic/26IWWF02/
Media Assets/Photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12QdBU0-Hnz_WK6DUHTztNe4GFrin4UZq?usp=sharing
REESE TOWNSEND TO REPRESENT CANADA AT THE U17 WORLDS
Photo by Johnny Hayward
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Reese Townsend to Represent Canada at 2026 IWWF World U17 Waterski Championships
March 28, 2026 – Arizona / Ontario — Reese Townsend will represent Canada at the 2026 IWWF World U17 Waterski Championships, taking place April 1-5, 2026, in Córdoba, Argentina. She will compete in Slalom, Trick, and Jump, and contribute to Canada’s Team Overall standings.
The Championships will be held at Lago Ahumada Nautical Stadium and will feature more than 110 athletes from over 18 countries competing across all three events. Following familiarization on March 30-31, competition begins April 1.
Townsend, 13, is a three-event skier and one of six athletes selected to compete for Canada in the Team Overall competition, where combined scores across slalom, trick, and jump determine the overall team standings.
Originally from Arizona with family ties to Ontario, Townsend comes from a strong water ski background. Her father, Jimmy Townsend, is a former National Team athlete, and her grandfather, Harold Townsend, was recently inducted into the Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024. She will also compete alongside her brother, Jace Townsend, as part of Team Canada.
A National Champion, Townsend has already established herself as a well-rounded competitor across all three events. Her personal bests include 2 buoys at 12m (35 off) in slalom, 4,450 points in trick, and a jump of 22.7 metres.
She is one of two siblings representing Canada at the event, highlighting a unique family connection within the Team Canada roster.
For more information, including event details, start lists, and results, visit:
Event Website: https://ahumadaesquinautico.com/
IWWF Event Page: https://iwwf.sport/world-title-events/u17worlds2026/
Start Lists & Results: https://www.iwwfed-ea.org/classic/26IWWF02/
Media Assets/Photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12QdBU0-Hnz_WK6DUHTztNe4GFrin4UZq?usp=sharing
ETHAN KUNTZ TO REPRESENT CANADA AT U17 WORLDS
Photo by Johnny Hayward
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ethan Kuntz to Represent Canada at 2026 IWWF World U17 Waterski Championships
March 27, 2026 – Conestogo, ON — Ethan Kuntz will represent Canada at the 2026 IWWF World U17 Waterski Championships, taking place April 1-5, 2026, in Córdoba, Argentina. He will compete in the Slalom and Trick events as a Wild Card athlete.
The Championships will be held at Lago Ahumada Nautical Stadium and will feature more than 110 athletes from over 18 countries competing in slalom, trick, and jump. Following familiarization on March 30-31, competition begins April 1.
Kuntz, 14, is a three-event skier who has been competing for six years but will focus on slalom and trick at this event. He brings strong results into his first World Championships, highlighted by a personal best of 3.5 buoys at 13m (32 off) in slalom and 2,800 points in trick. His accomplishments include holding the U14 Boys Canadian National Slalom Record, earning bronze in U14 Boys Slalom at the Pan American Championships, and being a five-time Canadian National Slalom Champion.
One of his most memorable moments in the sport came at the 2025 Canadian National Championships, where he broke the U14 Canadian slalom record.
Kuntz was introduced to water skiing through family. “My sister first tried it and I thought it was cool so I tried it and loved it,” he said.
Looking ahead, he has set long-term goals across all three events, including running 11.25m in slalom, scoring over 3,200 points in trick, and jumping over 30 metres.
At the U17 Worlds, Kuntz is focused on making the most of the opportunity. “The experience and meeting other skiers,” he shared.
Originally, Ethan was set to compete alongside his brother, Jacob Kuntz, but Jacob is now unable to compete due to injury.
Outside of water skiing, Kuntz enjoys alpine skiing, football, and racing.
For more information, including event details, start lists, and results, visit:
Event Website: https://ahumadaesquinautico.com/
IWWF Event Page: https://iwwf.sport/world-title-events/u17worlds2026/
Start Lists & Results: https://www.iwwfed-ea.org/classic/26IWWF02/
Media Assets/Photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12QdBU0-Hnz_WK6DUHTztNe4GFrin4UZq?usp=sharing
ANNA WHEELER TO REPRESENT CANADA AT U17 WORLDS
Photo by Darwin Mulligan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Anna Wheeler to Represent Canada at 2026 IWWF World U17 Waterski Championships
March 26, 2026 – Thornhill, ON — Anna Wheeler will represent Canada at the 2026 IWWF World U17 Waterski Championships, taking place April 1-5, 2026, in Córdoba, Argentina. She will compete in the Slalom and Trick events and contribute to Canada’s Team Overall standings.
The Championships will be held at Lago Ahumada Nautical Stadium and will feature more than 110 athletes from over 18 countries competing in slalom, trick, and jump. Following familiarization on March 30-31, competition begins April 1.
Wheeler, 15, brings nine years of competitive experience into her first World Championships. A four-time National Champion in slalom, she has also represented Canada at two Pan American Championships. Her current personal bests include 1 buoy at 12.00m (35 off) in slalom and 1,280 points in trick.
She is one of six athletes selected to compete for Canada in the Team Overall event, where combined scores across all three disciplines determine the overall team standings.
Wheeler’s introduction to water skiing began at an early age, influenced by her family’s deep connection to the sport. “My grandfather and grandmother on my dad’s side were Canadian and world level water skiers, which sparked the interest within my family,” she said. “I started skiing on my small lake at my cottage with my family at the age of two and started competing at around six or seven years old.”
Some of her favourite moments in the sport come from time spent on the water close to home. “I think some of my favourite water ski related memories are skiing at sunset in the middle of the summer or on cold mornings in mid-October at my cottage,” she shared.
Heading into the event, Wheeler is focused on making the most of the opportunity. “Some of my goals are to put as much effort in as I can and do my absolute best. I’d love all the hard work I’ve put in to pay off. Also, I’d love to meet new people and make great memories.”
At the U17 Worlds, she is looking forward to both competition and connection. “I’m looking forward to having hard work pay off, I’m looking forward to spending good time with the team and to making new friends and great memories.”
Outside of water skiing, Wheeler competes in downhill ski racing during the winter, specializing in Ski Cross.
For more information, including event details, start lists, and results, visit:
Event Website: https://ahumadaesquinautico.com/
IWWF Event Page: https://iwwf.sport/world-title-events/u17worlds2026/
Start Lists & Results: https://www.iwwfed-ea.org/classic/26IWWF02/
Media Assets/Photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12QdBU0-Hnz_WK6DUHTztNe4GFrin4UZq?usp=sharing
MATTHEW BAXTER TO REPRESENT CANADA AT THE U17 WORLDS
Photo by Rob Baxter
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Matthew Baxter to Represent Canada at 2026 IWWF World U17 Waterski Championships
March 26, 2026 – Burlington, ON — Matthew Baxter will represent Canada at the 2026 IWWF World U17 Waterski Championships, taking place April 1–5, 2026, in Córdoba, Argentina. He will compete in the Slalom event as a Wild Card athlete.
The Championships will be held at Lago Ahumada Nautical Stadium and will feature more than 110 athletes from over 18 countries competing in slalom, trick, and jump. Following familiarization on March 30–31, competition begins April 1.
Baxter, 15, is a three-event skier who has been competing for six years, but will focus solely on slalom at this event. He holds a personal best of 4.5 buoys at 14.25m (28 off) and is the 2024 Canadian National Champion in Boys U14 Overall.
He was introduced to the sport at a young age through his family. “My dad got me into water skiing by using ice cream to persuade me when I was eight,” he said.
One of Baxter’s standout memories in the sport comes from the jump event. “Feeling a headwind for the first time off the jump,” he shared.
Looking ahead, Baxter has set long-term goals across all three events, including running 35 off in slalom, jumping 150 feet, and scoring 5,000 points in trick. At his first World Championships, he is most looking forward to the experience off the water as well. “Spending time with friends,” he said.
For more information, including event details, start lists, and results, visit:
Event Website: https://ahumadaesquinautico.com/
IWWF Event Page: https://iwwf.sport/world-title-events/u17worlds2026/
Start Lists & Results: https://www.iwwfed-ea.org/classic/26IWWF02/
Media Assets/Photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12QdBU0-Hnz_WK6DUHTztNe4GFrin4UZq?usp=sharing
RYAN CRESSWELL SET TO REPRESENT CANADA AT THE U17 WORLDS
Photo By Gary Jones
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ryan Cresswell Set to Represent Canada at 2026 IWWF World U17 Waterski Championships
March 26, 2026 – Brooklin, ON — Ryan Cresswell will represent Canada next week at the 2026 IWWF World U17 Waterski Championships in Córdoba, Argentina, where he will compete in the Slalom event and contribute to Canada’s Team Overall standings.
The Championships will take place April 1-5, 2026, at Lago Ahumada Nautical Stadium, bringing together more than 110 athletes from over 18 countries. Following familiarization on March 30-31, competition will get underway on April 1, featuring slalom, trick, and jump events.
Cresswell is one of six athletes selected to compete for Canada in the Team Overall event, where combined performances across all three disciplines determine the overall team standings.
At 16 years old, Cresswell brings over eight years of competitive experience into his first World Championships. A member of the Ontario Waterski Team and a former Provincial and Eastern Champion, he continues to progress in slalom, with a personal best of 2 buoys at 12m (35 off).
Cresswell’s introduction to water skiing came early. Growing up at his family’s summer cottage on Go Home Lake, Ontario, he started skiing at just two years old under the guidance of his father. As a third-generation water skier, the sport has been a consistent part of his life, both on and off the water.
Reflecting on his time in the sport, Cresswell shared, “I’ve had too many tournaments, recreational experiences, and fun with amazing people to pick just one.”
Heading into the event, Cresswell is focused on maximizing the experience. “Put my best effort forward at both training opportunities and the competition itself. I hope to take what I gain from my experience at worlds into competing again this summer back home in Canada,” he said.
He is also looking forward to connecting with other athletes and experiencing a new environment. “At the U17 Worlds I am looking forward to meeting with people from other countries that have the same interest as me. I am also looking forward to experiencing a new country with friends I’ve grown up skiing with.”
For more information, including event details, start lists, and results, visit:
Event Website: https://ahumadaesquinautico.com/
IWWF Event Page: https://iwwf.sport/world-title-events/u17worlds2026/
Start Lists & Results: https://www.iwwfed-ea.org/classic/26IWWF02/
Media Assets/Photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12QdBU0-Hnz_WK6DUHTztNe4GFrin4UZq?usp=sharing
BULLETIN 1 RELEASED FOR THE 2026 IWWF WORLD OVER 35 WATERSKI CHAMPIONSHIPS
Photo by Johnny Hayward Photography
Bulletin 1 is now available for the 2026 IWWF World Over 35 Waterski Championships, which will take place July 19 – 26, 2026 at Lakes of KastynStone, Predator Bay Water Ski Club, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Bulletin 1 provides preliminary information, including competition details, key date, and important notes for athletes, officials, and federations planning to attend.
All athletes, including foreign athletes planning to compete in Canada are required to hold a Water Ski & Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) membership.
CLICK HERE FOR WSWC MEMBERSHIP FOR FOREIGN ATHLETES
Additional event information will be shared as planning continues toward the 2026 Championships.