WSWC NAMES 2026 CANADIAN NATIONAL WATER SKI TEAM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada Names 2026 Canadian National Water Ski Team
World Champions and international medalists headline Canada’s national team roster
CALGARY, AB – MARCH 19, 2026 – Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) has announced the athletes selected to the 2026 Canadian National Water Ski Team. These athletes earned their selection through strong performances at national and international competitions and will represent Canada throughout the upcoming season.
The Canadian National Water Ski Team program recognizes athletes from across several tiers based on competitive results and international rankings. The 2026 team features multiple world champions, record holders, and rising international stars.
“Canada continues to produce some of the best water ski athletes in the world, and this year’s national team reflects both the strength and depth of our high-performance program,” said Kyle Hunter, High-Performance Director & Sport Coordinator for Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada. “We are proud of the performances these athletes delivered last season and look forward to supporting them as they represent Canada on the international stage throughout 2026.”
Several athletes delivered standout performances during the 2025 season.
Jaimee Bull of North Bay, ON, continued her dominance in Women’s Slalom, becoming a three-time and three-peat World Champion. Bull also secured the Waterski Pro Tour Championship in 2025.
Ryan Dodd of Olds, AB, a five-time World Champion and current world record holder in Men’s Jump, placed second at the 2025 IWWF World Waterski Championships. Dodd also recently captured the 2026 Moomba Masters Men’s Jump title, adding another major victory to his career.
Dorien Llewellyn, originally from Lake Worth, FL, with family roots in Innisfail, AB, is the reigning Men’s Overall World Champion. At the 2025 IWWF World Waterski Championships, Llewellyn also earned bronze in Men’s Jump.
Charlie Ross of Winter Garden, FL, who trains in Muskoka, ON during the summer, continued his rise in Men’s Slalom in 2025. Charlie is the two-time and reigning U21 World Champion, finished second in Men’s Slalom at the 2025 IWWF World Waterski Championships, and is the U21 world record holder. Most recently, he captured his second consecutive Moomba Masters Men’s Slalom title.
Neilly Ross, Charlie’s sister, also from Winter Garden, FL, and training in Muskoka during the summer months, is the reigning Women’s Trick World Champion. She recently finished second in Women’s Trick at the 2026 Moomba Masters.
Several other athletes on the 2026 team have also achieved significant success on the international stage. Whitney McClintock-Rini of Cambridge, Ontario is a nine-time World Champion and multiple-time Pan Am Games medalist. Hannah Stopnicki of Montreal, Quebec is the reigning U21 World Champion in Women’s Trick. Cole McCormick, originally from Dundee, Florida with family roots in Kitchener, Ontario, placed third in Men’s Slalom at the 2025 Masters, after winning the event the previous year. Stephen Neveu of Calgary, Alberta is a multiple-time professional event podium finisher, Pan Am Games silver medalist, and World Championships bronze medalist in Men’s Slalom. Paige Pigozzi, from Florida with family roots in Kingston, ON, is a multiple time Pan Am Games medalist and professional event podium finisher.
The 2026 Canadian National Water Ski Team reflects both experienced international competitors and emerging athletes who continue to elevate Canada’s presence on the world stage.
The athletes selected to the 2026 Canadian National Water Ski Team are:
Tier 1
- Jaimee Bull – North Bay, ON
- Ryan Dodd – Olds, AB
- Dorien Llewellyn – Lake Worth, FL (family from Innisfail, AB)
- Charlie Ross – Winter Garden, FL (trains in Muskoka, ON during the summer)
- Neilly Ross – Winter Garden, FL (trains in Muskoka, ON during the summer)
Tier 2
- Whitney Rini – Cambridge, ON
- Paige Pigozzi – Clermont, FL (family from Kingston, ON)
Tier 4
- Olivia Chute – Fall River, NS
- Cole McCormick – Dundee, FL (family from Kitchener, ON)
Tier 5
- Hannah Stopnicki – Montreal, QC
Tier 6
- Thomas Daigle – Saint-Hippolyte, QC
- Carter Lucas – Saskatoon, SK
- Stephen Neveu – Calgary, AB
These athletes will compete at major national and international competitions throughout the 2026 season, representing Canada at professional tour stops and international championships.
About Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) is the national governing body for towed water sports in Canada. WSWC supports athletes from grassroots participation through high-performance competition and oversees national teams representing Canada at international events.
Charlie Ross to Compete for Canada at the 2025 IWWF World U21 Waterski Championships
Photo by Johnny Hayward
Water Ski Canada is thrilled to announce that Charlie Ross, from Winter Garden, FL, who spends his summers skiing in Minette, ON, will represent Team Canada at the 2025 IWWF World U21 Waterski Championships. The event will take place from July 31 to August 3, 2025, at the Predator Bay Water Ski Club at Lakes of Kastynstone in Calgary, Alberta.
Charlie, who has been competing for 10 years, will participate in Slalom. He is the reigning U21 World Champion and will be a strong competitor in the Slalom event at the upcoming championships. He is the U21 World Record Holder and Canadian Record Holder, with a long list of impressive achievements:
- 2023 Under 21 World Champion
- Youngest to ever run 41 off
- 2025 Moomba Masters Champion
- 2025 Monaco Pro Champion
- 2x Jr. Masters Champion
- IWWF U17 World Record Holder
- IWWF U21 World Record Holder
- Current #1 in Under 21 Men’s Slalom and #2 in Open Men’s Slalom
- Canadian National Record holder and the only Canadian to ever run 41 off
Charlie’s favourite water ski memory is winning the 2025 Moomba Masters in Melbourne, Australia, calling it “a special place to have a first pro win.”
Charlie’s goals include setting the Open World Record, winning Masters, securing another Under 21 Worlds title, winning the World Championships, and, potentially, earning an Olympic Gold Medal – if water skiing makes it into the Olympics.
Charlie comes from a long line of family skiers, including Drew Ross, Doug Ross, Clay Neill, Eddie Neill, and sister, Neilly Ross, all of whom have influenced his journey in the sport.
Currently a student at Rollins College, Charlie is pursuing a double major in economics and math, a combination he believes allows him to balance academics and skiing effectively.
At the 2025 U21 Worlds, Charlie is looking forward to reconnecting with friends from around the world. Charlie is part of the 6-person team representing Canada at the 2025 IWWF World U21 Waterski Championships, competing for the Overall Team Title. A total of 12 Canadians will compete at the event, with each athlete bringing their best to the competition.
Thank You to Sponsors and Supporters:
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada would like to extend its sincere thanks to all sponsors and supporters who have made this event possible. Special thanks to the Government of Alberta, Tourism Calgary, Shuswap Ski and Board, Nautique Boats, IWWF, and Masterline for their continued support.
Charlie Ross to Compete at the 2025 Nautique Masters
Photo by Johnny Hayward Photography
Water Ski Canada is proud to announce that Charlie Ross, an elite water skier from Winter Garden, FL, who spends his summers in Muskoka, ON, will compete at the 65th Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament from May 24-25, 2025, at Robin Lake, Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, GA.
Charlie, who skis for Canada, is the current U21 Men’s Slalom World Record holder. He secured his spot at the Masters with his impressive win at the 2025 Nautique Moomba Masters earlier this year. In addition to his Moomba Masters victory, Charlie set a pending U21 World Record and the Canadian Open Record in recent months, solidifying his position as one of the top young talents in the sport. This will be Charlie’s return to the Masters, where he has previously earned two Jr. Masters Championships.
The Masters Tournament, held annually since 1959, is regarded as the pinnacle of waterskiing and wakeboarding competition, bringing together only the world’s best athletes. Charlie’s recent successes and his track record at previous events have positioned him as a strong contender for this prestigious competition.
Water Ski Canada wishes Charlie the best of luck as he competes on the world stage.
Follow the Action:
- For event updates, athlete list, and full tournament schedule, visit the official Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament website.
- View live results: Masters Results
CHARLIE ROSS SETS U21 WORLD RECORD
Photo by Johnny Hayward Photography
Charlie Ross Sets U21 Men’s Slalom World Record at Masters Qualifying Series 1
Water Ski Canada is proud to announce that Charlie Ross has set a new U21 Men’s Slalom World Record with an impressive score of 5@10.25m/41off. This remarkable achievement took place in May at the Masters Qualifying Series 1, Round 2, held at Lake Ledbetter in Winter Garden, Florida.
The record-breaking performance not only secured Charlie a place in history but also earned him a spot at the prestigious 2024 US Masters, a major milestone in his competitive water skiing career.
The International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) has officially approved the world record, further solidifying Charlie’s position as one of the sport’s brightest rising stars.
Water Ski Canada congratulates Charlie on his incredible accomplishment and looks forward to watching his continued success in the sport.
CANADIAN ATHLETES SHINE AT MOOMBA
2023 WSWC MALE JUNIOR WATER SKI ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) is delighted to announce Charlie Ross as the recipient of the 2023 WSWC Male Junior Water Ski Athlete of the Year Award. This award recognizes Charlie’s exceptional talent, dedication, and outstanding achievements throughout the 2023 season. Charlie’s passion for the sport and unwavering commitment to excellence have set him apart as a true standout in the water skiing community.
Charlie’s season started off at the Jr. Masters, where he secured victories in both the Jr. Masters Slalom and the Jr. Masters Head-to-Head Slalom at Callaway Gardens. This achievement marked Charlie’s second consecutive Jr. Masters Slalom Championships, showcasing his dominance in the sport.
Charlie continued to shine on the international stage, representing Team Canada at the 2023 IWWF Under 21 World Waterski Championships. Charlie’s performance at the Worlds crowned him the U21 World Slalom Champion.
In addition to his international success, Charlie competed at the Canadian Nationals where he competed in both the Men’s Elite division and the Men’s Open division, finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Charlie’s season finished off at the 2023 IWWF World Waterski Championships where he qualified and competed against the best in the world.
Charlie’s consistency showed by running into 10.25m/41off 25 times this season. He is currently ranked number one on the U21 World Ranking List. His consistency this season
Congratulations to Charlie Ross on this well deserved award!
2024 CANADIAN NATIONAL WATER SKI TEAM
Professional Headshots: Johnny Hayward Photography
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada is pleased to unveil the 2024 Canadian National Water Ski Team. These 13 extraordinary athletes span across 6 provinces around the nation.
Meet the team representing Canada:
Jaimee Bul, ON
Olivia Chute, NS
Ryan Dodd, AB
Taryn Grant, MB
Dorien Llewellyn, AB
Whitney McClintock-Rini, ON
Cole McCormick, ON
Stephen Neveu, AB
Conley Pinette , BC
Paige Rini, ON
Neilly Ross, ON
Charlie Ross, ON
Hannah Stopnicki, QC
A huge congratulations to each member of the team! Your dedication, skill and passion for water skiing inspires us all.
CANADIAN WATER SKI ATHLETES SHINE AT THE 2023 IWWF WORLD WATERSKI CHAMPIONSHIPS
Team Canada at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2023 IWWF World Waterski Championships. Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography
The Canadian Water Ski Team has left a lasting mark at the 2023 IWWF World Waterski Championships, which unfolded from October 10 to 15 at Sunset Lakes in Groveland, Florida. The extraordinary dedication and exceptional skill of Canada’s 18 athletes were on full display, resulting in a haul of 10 top 5 finishes, 2 gold medals, 2 bronze medals, and the highly coveted Team Overall silver medal. Every athlete made their nation proud in this thrilling competition.
6-Member Canadian Team:
The 6-Member Canadian Team was on full display as the team not only secured second place behind Team USA (with France taking third), but also participated in eight finals across the slalom, tricks, and jump events.
Ryan Dodd (AB) demonstrated his talent in the Men’s Jump event. During the preliminary round, he jumped 69m/226ft, securing the top seed. In the Men’s Jump Finals, Ryan delivered a breathtaking first jump of 69.9m/229ft, which earned him the coveted title of World Champion. This remarkable victory marked Ryan’s fifth consecutive World Title, reaffirming his status as a legendary water ski champion.
Dorien Llewellyn (AB) showcased unshakable determination, battling through a foot injury that had kept him sidelined for the majority of the season. Against all odds, he not only qualified for the Men Tricks Finals but also secured a bronze in Men Overall.
Neilly Ross (ON) showcased her exceptional abilities in both Women Slalom and Tricks, securing a respectable 4th place in each event. In the Slalom Finals, she ran 2@10.75m/39off, which tied her for 3rd place but ultimately led to a well-deserved 4th position.
Paige Rini (ON) made an unforgettable debut in the World Jump Finals. Paige also secured a 5th place finish in Women Tricks and a 4th place finish in Women Overall.
Conley Pinette (BC) left his mark in Men’s Jump, earning a finals spot and finishing in the 9th position.This achievement marked Conley’s highest Worlds placement and is a testament to his dedication and growing expertise.
Whitney McClintock Rini (ON), despite an unfortunate early fall in the finals, played a pivotal role in ensuring Team Canada’s overall placement, demonstrating her commitment to the team’s success.
Canadian Individual Athletes:
Jaimee Bull (ON) entered the competition as the reigning World Champion in Women Slalom and added another feather to her cap by securing the back-to-back World Championship Title.
Stephen Neveu (AB) exhibited his finesse in Men’s Slalom, earning his first World Medal with a Bronze and achieving an impressive score of 3@10.25m/41off.
Cole McCormick (ON) marked his debut in a Worlds Final with a remarkable performance in Men Slalom, securing the 4th position with a score of 3@10.75m/41off.
Olivia Chute (NS) showcased her skills by reaching the Women Tricks Finals, marking her first appearance in a World Finals and finishing in the 9th position.
Hannah Stopnicki (QC) made a remarkable impression during her first Open Worlds. She exceeded expectations in the preliminary rounds, setting a personal best with a score of 7260 points, the first time she tricked over 7000. This achievement secured her a spot in the Women Tricks Final, where she finished in 10th place.
Megan Pelkey (AB) marked her inaugural World Championships, showcasing the bright future of Canadian water skiing.
Dominique Grondin-Allard (QC) was a force in Women Jump, entering the finals as the second seed, her jump measuring 51.9m/170ft.
Thomas Daigle (QC) made an impactful debut, jumping an astounding 61.1m/200ft in Men Jump – a personal best and first time jumping 200 feet.
Carter Lucas (SK), on his first World Championships appearance, leaped 57.7m/189ft in Men Jump prelims.
Charlie Ross (ON) in his second World Championships appearance scored a commendable 3.5@10.75m/39off in Men Slalom.
Jamie Calhoun (ON), in his second World Championships, scored 3@10.75m/39off in Men Slalom.
Bradley Gibbons (AB), a fresh face in the Men Slalom event, made his mark at his debut World Championships.
Water Ski Canada commends every athlete for their unwavering commitment, resilience, and exceptional skill. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to future generations and reinforce Canada’s position as a dominant force in the world of waterskiing.
About Water Ski Canada
Water Ski Canada is the national governing body for water skiing in Canada. Our mission is to promote, foster, and develop the sport of water skiing in all its forms throughout the country. We support athletes at all levels, from grassroots to high performance, and work to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.
Thank you to MyFamily Pets Canada and MyFamily Pets for the Team Canada Uniform sponsorship.
Compete Results, https://www.iwwfed-ea.org/classic/23IWWF13/
More photos of skiers are available on Getty Images, https://www.gettyimages.ca/search/photographer?photographer=Johnny%20Hayward
WSC ANNOUNCES ATHLETES FOR THE 2023 IWWF WORLD WATER SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS
Professional Team Canada Headshots: Johnny Hayward Photography
Water Ski Canada is elated to announce the selection of its national athletes who will compete in the highly anticipated 2023 World Water Ski Championships. The world-class event is set to take place from October 7 to October 15, 2023, at the iconic Sunset Lakes in Groveland, FL.
Canadian Team Athletes (6 Persons):
- Ryan Dodd (AB) – Specialty: Jump
- Dorien Lewellyn (AB) – Specialties: Slalom, Trick, Jump
- Conley Pinette (BC) – Specialties: Slalom, Trick, Jump
- Paige Rini (ON) – Specialties: Slalom, Trick, Jump
- Neilly Ross (ON) – Specialties: Slalom, Trick
- Whitney McClintock Rini – Specialty: Slalom
Individual Athletes:
- Jaimee Bull (ON) – Specialty: Slalom
- Jamie Calhoun (ON) – Specialty: Slalom
- Cole McCormick (ON) – Specialty: Slalom
- Stephen Neveu (AB) – Specialty: Slalom
- Charlie Ross (ON) – Specialty: Slalom
- Olivia Chute (NS) – Specialties: Trick and Slalom (Wild Card)
- Hannah Stopnicki (QC) – Specialty: Trick
- Dominique Grondin-Allard (QC) – Specialty: Jump
Wild Card Athletes:
- Thomas Daigle (QC) – Specialty: Jump
- Carter Lucas (SK) – Specialty: Jump
- Megan Pelkey (AB) – Specialty: Trick
- Bradley Gibbons (AB) – Specialty: Slalom
Water Ski Canada is proud to have Kyle Hunter on board as the Team Manager for the championships, ensuring our athletes receive top-tier support throughout the competition.
This stellar lineup of athletes represents the talent, dedication, and passion in the world of water skiing in Canada. The country will undoubtedly be watching with immense pride and anticipation as our athletes showcase their skills on the global stage.
About Water Ski Canada
Water Ski Canada is the national governing body for water skiing in Canada. Our mission is to promote, foster, and develop the sport of water skiing in all its forms throughout the country. We support athletes at all levels, from grassroots to high performance, and work to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.
Professional Team Canada Headshots: Johnny Hayward Photography
WSC ATHLETES’ COMPETE IN MASTERCRAFT PRO EVENT ON THE WATERKI PRO TOUR
National Team Athlete, Cole McCormick. Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography.
Water Ski Canada Celebrates its Athletes’ Participation in the MasterCraft Pro Event of the Waterski Pro Tour
Water Ski Canada, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to the elevation and celebration of water skiing, is thrilled to acknowledge the participation of Canadian athletes in the Waterski Pro Tour’s forthcoming MasterCraft Pro event. The competition is slated for September 8-9, 2023, and will take place at the renowned Ski Fluid in Florida.
Flying the Canadian flag high at the event are:
Open Men Slalom:
Charlie Ross (ON)
Cole McCormick (ON)
Stephen Neveu (AB)
Open Women Slalom:
Paige Rini (ON)
Whitney McClintock Rini (ON)
Jaimee Bull (ON)
Open Men Jump:
Conley Pinette (BC)
Dorien Llewellyn (AB)
These athletes, through their passion and commitment, have chosen to participate in this high-profile event, making the Canadian waterskiing community immensely proud.
“Water Ski Canada is always proud to recognize and celebrate the achievements of our Canadian athletes. Their dedication and enthusiasm for the sport are commendable. As they glide into the MasterCraft Pro event, we stand behind them, cheering them on and relishing in their accomplishments,” comments Water Ski Canada Spokesperson.
For those eager to follow the event, the Waterski Broadcasting Company will be webcasting the competition in its entirety.
About Water Ski Canada:
Water Ski Canada has passionately championed the sport of water skiing in the country. With a rich legacy of events, training programs, and community engagement, the organization remains a pivotal force in the sport’s evolution and growth in Canada.
Live webcast: https://www.youtube.com/@waterskibroadcasting
Schedule of Events & Live Results: https://www.iwwfed-ea.org/classic/23USA090/
For more photos of athletes: https://www.gettyimages.ca/search/2/image?family=creative&phrase=johnny%20hayward
MID-WEEK PRO SLALOM EVENT WITH 5 CANADIANS COMPETING
Skier: Neilly Ross. Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography.
We’ve got a mid-week pro slalom event happening on Wednesday! 5 Canadians will be at the Monaco Slalom Cup. This is the 4th Slalom Stop on the Waterski Pro Tour and the beginning of many pro events in Europe this summer. This weekend, after the Monaco Slalom Cup, the athletes will be headed to Lacanau, France for the Malibu Open Lacanau.
The Monaco Slalom Cup will consist of two rounds of Slalom followed by the Finals. Canada has 5 skiers competing in the event, all from Ontario.
Pro Women Slalom:
Neilly Ross (ON)
Paige Rini (ON)
Jaimee Bull (ON)
Whitney McClintock Rini (ON)
Pro Men Slalom:
Charlie Ross (ON)
For schedule and results follow the link below.
https://www.iwwfed-ea.org/classic/23MON001/
7 CANADIAN SKIERS WILL BE COMPETING IN AUSTRALIA AT THE 2023 MOOMBA MASTERS
Water Ski Canada is pleased to announce seven water skiers going to the 2023 International Moomba Masters Invitational in Melbourne, Australia from March 9 – 13, 2023.
Moomba Masters is an annual event held on the Yarra River at the same time as the Moomba Festival in Melbourne, Australia. Water skiers and wakeboarders will take to the water to perform in front of spectators that line the shore of the Yarra River.
The Moomba Masters will kick off with the Junior Moomba competition on March 9-10, 2023, followed by the Moomba Masters March 11-13, 2023. The banks of the Yarra will be packed with people watching as the skiers on the water battle it out to become the next Moomba Masters Champion.
Canadians have been known to have great success at the Moomba Masters. Neilly Ross is the reigning Moomba Masters Women’s Tricks Champion and Women’s Slalom Silver medalist. Ryan Dodd is the reigning Moomba Masters Men’s Jump Champion. Whitney McClintock is the current Moomba Masters Women’s Slalom Record Holder.
It’s a family affair with Ontario’s sibling duo, Neilly and Charlie Ross who will both be competing on the Yarra River. Charlie will compete in Junior Boys Slalom and Men’s Slalom while Neilly will be competing in Women’s Slalom and Tricks. Family members, Whitney McClintock Rini and Paige Rini will also be competing alongside each other at the event.
The seven Canadians who will compete in the event are:
Charlie Ross (ON) competing in Junior Boy’s Slalom and Men’s Slalom.
Whitney McClintock Rini (ON) competing in Women’s Slalom.
Paige Rini (ON) competing in Women’s Slalom, Tricks and Jump.
Neilly Ross (ON) competing in Women’s Slalom and Tricks.
Taryn Grant (MB) competing in Women’s Slalom and Jump.
Dorien Llewellyn (AB) competing in Men’s Slalom, Tricks and Jump.
Ryan Dodd (AB) competing in Men’s Jump.
Moomba Masters Website: https://www.moombamasters.com.au/
Junior Moomba Live Results: https://www.iwwfed-ea.org/classic/23AUS064/
Moomba Masters Live Results: https://www.iwwfed-ea.org/classic/23AUS065/
Live Webcast: https://www.moombamasters.com.au/webcast-2023/