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.
Evan Kraus to Represent Canada at the 2025 IWWF World U21 Waterski Championships
Photo by Johnny Hayward
Water Ski Canada is pleased to announce that Evan Kraus, from Edmonton, Alberta, will compete for 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, with over 100 athletes from 20+ countries competing in a range of events.
Evan, who has been competing for 14 years, will participate in the Slalom and Trick events. His accomplishments include:
- Competing at the Malibu Open and Jr. Masters.
- Representing Team Canada.
- Achieving a 3.96 GPA in University, balancing academic success with athletic pursuits.
- Being part of the Kraus family, with his grandad, Ken Nelson, being the developer and owner of Shalom Park in Edmonton, a place central to Evan’s water skiing roots.
Evan’s favorite water ski-related memory is participating in the Malibu Open, his first pro event, where he competed alongside some of the best in the sport.
Evan got his start in water skiing with his mom, dad, and grandad at Shalom Park, a place that has become a central part of his family’s legacy in the sport.
Looking ahead to the U21 Worlds, Evan is excited to compete with the best in the world and continue to pursue his goals. In addition to his passion for water skiing, Evan aims to become a lawyer, build a great family, and enjoy skiing as a life-sport.
A total of 12 Canadians will compete at the 2025 IWWF World U21 Waterski Championships, and Evan will be among the talented athletes representing Canada on the world stage. The event promises to bring thrilling competition and showcase the best in young waterskiing talent.
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.
2024 CANADIAN JUNIOR NATIONAL WATER SKI TEAM
Professional Headshots: Johnny Hayward Photography
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada is excited to announce the 2024 Canadian Jr. National Water Ski Team. This team is composed of 11 exceptional athletes from 6 provinces.
Introducing the 2024 Canadian Jr. National Water Ski Team:
Nellie Allard, QC
Carly Bonham, AB
Jacob Chambers, BC
Sean Kraus, AB
Evan Kraus, AB
Darah LaChance, NS
Carter Lucas, SK
Megan Pelkey, AB
Lucas Pinette, BC
Kate Pinsonneault, BC
Ben Wheeler, ON
Congratulations to these remarkable athletes for their hard work and determination in earning their spots on the team.