Catch the Action: 2025 U21 World Waterski Championships in Calgary
The countdown is on! From July 28 – August 3, 2025, the Predator Bay Waterski Club in Calgary will host the IWWF Under-21 World Waterski Championships. With Shuswap Ski & Board as a key sponsor, this event is set to be a thrilling showcase of young waterski talent—featuring Canada's rising stars and Shuswap Ski & Board Team Athletes like Kate Pinsonneault, Megan Pelkey, Lucas Pinette and Darah LaChance.
Event Overview
At the heart of the U21 World Waterski Championships, athletes will compete across three main disciplines—Slalom, Tricks, and Jump. The best athletes will earn individual medals in each of these categories, but the ultimate prize is the Overall Title, awarded to the skiers who perform consistently across all disciplines.
The competition will be fierce, and the stakes are high as young talents look to make a name for themselves on the world stage. These young athletes are not just competing for titles; they are chasing opportunities to compete at the senior level in the coming years!
Shuswap Ski & Board: Proud Sponsor & Supporter of Canada's Best!
Shuswap Ski & Board is a cornerstone in the Canadian waterskiing community, playing a pivotal role in developing the sport and supporting young talent. As a key sponsor of the IWWF U21 World Waterski Championships, Shuswap Ski & Board is directly involved in helping out some of the most promising young skiers in the country. This year, our team athletes are ready to shine while Shuswap Ski & Board cheers loudly from the sidelines enjoying the hometown advantage here in Calgary!!!
Kate Pinsonneault: A top contender in the Slalom and Jump categories, Kate Pinsonneault has quickly risen through the ranks of Canadian waterskiing. Supported by Shuswap Ski & Board, Kate has established herself as one of the most accomplished junior athletes in the country.
Kate’s Recent Achievements:
- 2024 Canada’s Female Junior Waterski Athlete of the Year
- Gold medals at the Pan American Junior Championships
- Consistently placed among the top in national and international events, including a 4th place finish in Jump at the 2024 U17 Worlds in Calgary
Megan Pelkey: Another star athlete supported by Shuswap Ski & Board, Megan Pelkey is a powerhouse in the Tricks and Jump categories. Megan’s commitment to excellence and her incredible technique makes her one of the most feared competitors in Canada and beyond
Megan’s Recent Achievements:
- Multiple-time national champion in Jump
- Key performances at the Pan Am U21 Championships, securing two golds, one silver, and one bronze
- Consistently pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the Trick and Jump events
Darah LaChance: A rising star in Slalom, and always a strong contender on the national stage. She is a fierce competitor with the mindset to succeed. Darah’s focus and passion for sport are evident in every competition, and she is quickly becoming one of the best in the country.
Darah’s Recent Achievements:
- Top 10 finishes at multiple Canadian Nationals
- Well-known for her power on the water
- Was seeded #1 in 2024 for IWWF rankings
Lucas Pinette: He is known for his versatility in all 3 events.  This year Lucas will be competing in Jump at U21’s. Lucas is consistently performing at the highest levels in national and international competitions. His natural talent and consistent results make him one of Canada’s rising stars in competitive waterskiing.
Lucas’ Recent Achievements:
o   2024 Canadian National U21 Slalom Champion. 2nd place in Jump. 4th place overall.
o   2023 U21 Pan Am Jump Chamion
o   Top 10 finishes at multiple IWWF World Junior Waterski Championships
The U21 World Championships is a massive stage for young athletes, and Canada’s team—backed by Shuswap Ski & Board—is ready to make a mark. With Calgary’s Predator Bay Waterski Club hosting the event, there’s extra pride for Canadians to cheer on homegrown talent. Canada’s top junior waterski stars take to the water at Predator Bay, having the opportunity to compete against the world’s best, with the hopes of securing spots on future international podiums and possibly advancing to professional-level competition.
The 2025 U21 World Waterski Championships is an event waterski fans won’t want to miss! It’s sure to be an action-packed week of incredible talent, fierce competition, and Canadian pride. Whether you're a waterski enthusiast or new to the sport, the speed, skill, and spectacle of this competition are sure to captivate.
Click here to read more about the 2025 IWWF U21 WORLD WATERSKI CHAMPIONSHIPSÂ Â
Wondering how these athletes made the cut? View the Selection Criteria by clicking here.
Photo Credits - Johnny Hayward - @bearwitnesssportsphotos
