Mark your calendars watersports fans! The 2026 IWWF World Over 35 Waterski Championships are Coming to Calgary! This July, the world’s best waterskiers are descending on Alberta for a showdown of skill, experience, and raw talent. The IWWF Worlds are officially set to take over the Lakes of KastynStone, and if you love life on the water, you won’t want to miss this.
Whether you are a die-hard 3 event geek or just looking for a thrilling summer day out, here is everything you need to know about the event and the powerhouse team making it happen.
To pull off a world-class event, it takes a village - or in this case, a global federation, a national body, a premier club, and a legendary pro shop. @IWWFED (International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation) Think of the IWWF as the FIFA of watersports. They are the governing body that sanctions the event, ensuring the competition meets the highest international standards. When you see "IWWF World Title," it means these athletes are competing for the most prestigious global honor in their age division. @WSWCANADA (Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada) WSWC is the national governing body inviting the world to our doorstep. They are responsible for organizing the logistics, managing the Canadian team, and ensuring the event runs smoothly on home soil. They are the bridge between the international federation and our local community.
@PredatorBay Water Ski Club Located at the Lakes of KastynStone just outside Calgary. Predator Bay is the stage on which this prestigious event is hosted. Known as Canada’s premier waterski venue, it offers stunning infrastructure and wind-protected lakes that allow skiers to perform at their peak. The club is named after the apex predators of the region (like the grizzly and cougar), symbolizing the strength and resilience you’ll see on the water.
@Shuswapsnb You will see their presence throughout the event. Shuswap Ski & Board is a cornerstone of the Canadian waterski community and a key partner in supporting events across the country held by @WSWC. As a major sponsor and Canada's leading watersports retailer, they help fuel the excitement and support the athletes who make these events possible.
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This isn't just a competition; it's a festival of waterskiing culture. Forget any notions of a quiet retirement tour; the Over 35 Water Ski World Championships is a high-octane event where the legends of the sport return to prove that mastery has no expiration date. This isn't just a competition, it’s a rare opportunity to witness former Open World Champions and iconic athletes delivering elite-level performances, from razor-sharp slalom turns to gravity-defying jumps that rival the best in the world.
The energy in the city is amplified by the "Stampede Spirit," and we will carry that excitement into Worlds as the event launches just after the Calgary Stampede wraps up, allowing you to transition from the adrenaline of the rodeo and chuckwagon races directly to the shores of the lake.
Come enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Predator Bay. The setting blends world-class water skiing with the rustic charm of Alberta’s foothills, featuring agricultural views and stunning vistas that make it a premier destination for spectators. Are you a die-hard ski fan or a traveler looking for the ultimate Western Canadian summer experience? This is where world-class athleticism meets legendary hospitality.
Key Dates for Spectators
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Practice & Prelims: July 19 – 25, 2026
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Opening Ceremony: Evening of Wednesday, July 22, 2026
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The Finals: Sunday, July 26, 2026 – The big show where medals are won!
Location: Predator Bay Water Ski Club (Lakes of KastynStone), Calgary, Alberta.
The road to the podium ends in Calgary this summer. Whether you are cheering for Team Canada or just want to witness the mastery of the world’s best veterans, we will see you at the lake!
For more details, visit the official event page:Â https://iwwf.sport/world-title-events/o35worlds2026/
Tourist Information:Â https://iwwf.sport/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tourist-Information-2026-IWWF-World-Over-35-Waterski-Championships.pdf
Photos by Johnny Hayward @bearwitnesssportsphoto throughout articleÂ