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.
Kate Pinsonneault to Compete for Team Canada at 2025 World U21 Waterski Championships
Photo by Johnny Hayward
Water Ski Canada is thrilled to announce that Kate Pinsonneault, from Penticton, BC, 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, where over 100 athletes from 20+ countries will compete in various disciplines.
Kate, who has been competing for 6 years, will participate in Slalom, Trick, and Jump, with her individual scores contributing to the Overall competition. Kate’s notable accomplishments include:
- Overall Champion in U21 at the 2024 Pan American Waterski Championships
- Jump Champion in U17 at the 2024 Pan American Waterski Championships
Kate’s favourite water ski-related memory is skiing with her dad at home, which ignited her passion for the sport. She first got started in water skiing through her dad, who introduced her to the sport at a young age.
Despite living in Penticton, BC, where the closest water ski ramp for practice is two hours away, Kate has continued to excel in the sport and is focused on achieving her goals at the 2025 IWWF World U21 Waterski Championships. Her goals for the event include making the finals and enjoying the experience of competing in her home country.
Kate is part of the 6-person team representing Canada in the Overall Team Title competition. There are a total of 12 Canadians who will compete at the 2025 IWWF World U21 Waterski Championships. The event promises to be an exciting showcase of talent and determination from the best young water skiing around the world.
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.
KATE PINSONNEAULT EARNS 3RD AT THE 2025 JR. MASTERS
Kate Pinsonneault Jumping at the 32nd Junior Masters
Photo by Johnny Hayward Photography
Water Ski Canada is proud to announce that Kate Pinsonneault, from Penticton, BC, placed 3rd at the 32nd Junior Masters Tournament, held today on Robin Lake at Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, GA. Kate was the only Canadian represented at the Nautique Jr. Masters and competed in both Jr. Girls Slalom and Jr. Girls Jump.
In Jr. Girls Slalom, Kate placed 5th with a score of 2@12m/35off in the preliminary round. In Jr. Girls Jump, Kate earned a spot in the finals with a jump distance of 38.8m/127ft in the preliminary round. In the finals, Kate surpassed her previous distance with a jump of 40.5m/133ft, which secured her 3rd place in the event.
This marks Kate’s final Nautique Jr. Masters and her first time on the podium, making it a memorable finish.
The Junior Masters Tournament is one of the most prestigious events for young water skiers and wakeboarders, showcasing the best junior athletes from around the world. Held annually, it serves as a platform for the sport’s rising stars to compete at the highest level and gain valuable experience.
Event Website: https://www.masterswaterski.com/
Results: https://www.masterswaterski.com/juniors-standings-elimination
Kate Pinsonneault to Compete at the Jr. Masters
Photo by Johnny Hayward Photography
Water Ski Canada is proud to announce that Kate Pinsonneault, the 2024 WSWC Junior Female Water Ski Athlete of the Year, will compete in the 32nd Junior Masters Tournament on May 23, 2025, at Robin Lake, Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, GA.
Kate, who is coming off a standout 2024 season, is the only Canadian athlete set to compete at the Junior Masters. She will compete in both Jr. Women’s Slalom and Jr. Women’s Jump, marking her third and final appearance at this prestigious event.
The Junior Masters is one of the most renowned competitions in the sport, attracting the best junior athletes in water skiing and wakeboarding from across the globe. Kate’s strong track record leading into this event showcases her skill and dedication to the sport.
Follow the Action:
- For event updates, athlete list, and full tournament schedule, visit the official Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament website.
- View live results: Junior Masters Results
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.
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.