WSWC NAMES 2026 JUNIOR CANADIAN NATIONAL WATER SKI TEAM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada Names 2026 Junior Canadian National Water Ski Team
Rising Canadian athletes selected to represent Canada in U21 and U17 competition
CALGARY, AB – MARCH 19, 2026 – Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) has announced the athletes selected to the 2026 Junior Canadian National Water Ski Team. These athletes earned their selection through strong performances at national and international competitions and represent the next generation of Canadian athletes competing on the world stage.
The Junior National Team program recognizes top Canadian athletes in the Under-21 (U21) and Under-17 (U17) divisions, supporting their development as they progress along Canada’s high-performance pathway. Many of Canada’s top senior national team athletes first represented the country through the Junior National Team program.
Several athletes on the 2026 roster delivered standout performances during the 2025 season. Nellie Allard placed third in Jump at the 2025 IWWF U21 World Waterski Championships. Jacob Chambers earned bronze in Jump and Overall at the 2025 Jr. Pan Am Games, marking the first time water skiing was included in the Jr. Pan Am Games. Kate Pinsonneault won Jump at the 2025 Jr. Pan Am Games and also placed third in Jump at the 2025 Jr. Masters.
The 2026 Junior Canadian National Water Ski Team reflects both experienced junior athletes and emerging competitors who continue to strengthen Canada’s presence internationally.
The athletes selected to the 2026 Junior Canadian National Water Ski Team are:
U21 Athletes
- Nellie Allard – Saint-Donat, QC
- Carly Bonham – Calgary, AB
- Jacob Chambers – Victoria, BC
- Easton Graves – Halifax, NS
- Evan Kraus – Edmonton, AB
- Enzo Kristian – Saskatoon, SK
- Darah Lachance – Hammonds Plains, NS
- Megan Pelkey – Bragg Creek, AB
- Kate Pinsonneault – Penticton, BC
U17 Athletes
- Matthew Baxter – Burlington, ON
- Ryan Cresswell – Brooklin, ON
- Asher Dixon – Kamloops, BC
- Ethan Kuntz – Conestogo, ON
- Jacob Kuntz – Conestogo, ON
- Sophie Strilchuk – Lloydminster, AB (represents Saskatchewan)
- Jace Townsend – Ontario
- Reese Townsend – Ontario
- Anna Wheeler – Thornhill, ON
All nine U17 athletes will be making their World Championships debut next month at the 2026 IWWF World U17 Waterski Championships, marking an important milestone in their development on the international stage. The event will provide these athletes with the opportunity to compete against the world’s best junior competitors while representing Canada internationally.
“These athletes represent the future of Canadian water skiing, and the 2026 Junior National Team reflects the strength of the talent coming through our high-performance pathway,” said Kyle Hunter, High-Performance Director & Sport Coordinator for Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada. “We are proud of what this group has already accomplished and look forward to supporting them as they represent Canada this season.”
These athletes will compete at major national and international events throughout the 2026 season, representing Canada at junior championships and other leading competitions.
About Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) is the national governing body for towed water sports in Canada, including water skiing, wakeboarding, and wakesurfing. WSWC supports athletes from grassroots participation through high-performance competition and oversees national teams representing Canada at international events.
Enzo Kristian to Compete for Canada at the 2025 World U21 Waterski Championships
Photo by Johnny Hayward
Water Ski Canada is proud to announce that Enzo Kristian, from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, will represent Canada at the 2025 IWWF World U21 Waterski Championships. The event will take place from July 31 to August 3, 2025, at Predator Bay Water Ski Club at Lakes of Kastynstone in Calgary, Alberta, where over 100 athletes from 20+ countries will compete in multiple events.
Enzo, who has been competing for 6 years, will participate in both the Slalom and Jump events. Enzo’s accomplishments include skiing for Canada at the 2024 IWWF World U17 Waterski Championships, as well as qualifying for this event.
Enzo’s water skiing journey started at a young age when he began skiing recreationally with his parents. One of his favorite memories is watching Ryan Dodd, Canadian and world record holder, jump from inside the boat when Enzo was just eight years old.
Looking ahead to the 2025 IWWF World U21 Waterski Championships, Enzo is focused on increasing his personal bests and hopes to place higher than his current seeding. He’s excited to compete at a higher speed in Jump and in a new age category.
When not on the water, Enzo enjoys mountain biking, fishing, and spending time outdoors.
A total of 12 Canadians will compete at the 2025 IWWF World U21 Waterski Championships, with Enzo representing Canada in the Slalom and Jump events. The competition promises to be an unforgettable experience, with high-speed action and remarkable athleticism on display.
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.
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.
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/.