Water Ski Canada is a non-profit organization. It is the sole national sport organization and recognized water skiing authority in Canada and is affiliated with the International Water Ski Federation (IWSF). A Board of Directors that represent the provincial partners governs it. Its national office is located in Ottawa, Ontario. A professional staff of 5 individuals provides the administrative, technical, financial, and marketing management support. It has regional offices located in most provinces. WSC is responsible for developing the elite athletes and coaches, and in partnership with its provincial affiliates and club, directing grassroots activities in all towed water sports. The annual operating budget is $1.4 million.

In less than fifty years water skiing has grown from as cottage industry to a Pan-American Games sport, and Canada is recognized as a world leader. Canadian skiers have achieved spectacular results, including no less than eight (8) world championship gold medals; Charles Blackwell (1955), George Athans (1971, 1973), Pat Messer (1979), Joel McClintock (1979), Judy McClintock (1985), Kim de Macedo (1993), Judy Messer (1995), and Jaret Llewellyn (1997). In addition, Canada won the Team event at the 1991 and 1993 World Water Ski Championships.

More recently, Jeremy Kovak won gold at the World Wakeboard Championships in 1997. At water skiing’s debut in the 1995 Pan American Games Canada took 4 medals, and earned another 4 medals at the last World Championships. Canada’s Karissa Wedd won the 1998 World Junior Championships in the jump event. Canadians Jaret Llewellyn and Susi Graham won overall World Cup Tour titles in 1998.

The current trend in most markets is that the number of women is growing. Consequently, marketing and advertising campaigns targeted at the women’s market is growing. This growth reflects both the value that corporate sponsors receive from supporting women’s sports and the increasing participation rate among women in all sports. The sport of water skiing and wakeboarding is no exception. The number of women participants has grown to approximately 38% of the total water ski market. In fact, over 70% of these women are under 30 years of age, have an average income of over $35,000, and over 50% are working in professional occupations.

The water ski industry estimates that there are more than 2.5 million water skiers in Canada. It is enjoyed at the recreational level by people of all ages, of average fitness and health, and with access to a motor boat and water. The sport is lifestyle orientated.

* WSC Membership 5,500 members

* Participants 2.5 million

* Recreational skiers/boarders 50,000

* Gender male 62% female 38.0%

* Age under 18 35% 30 - 39 20%

18 – 29 35% 40 + 10%

* Income

• 55.4% of household earnings are over $35,000 per annum

• 14.2% of household earnings are over $60,000 per annum

* Occupations

Business/Management 30% Labor 5%

Professional 25% Clerical 5%

Self Employed 20% Other 15%

* Gender male 78% female 22%

* Age under 18 45% 30 - 39 10%

18 – 29 18% 40 + 27%

* Income

• 10% of household earnings are under $40,000 per annum

• 35% of household earnings are between $40,000 - $60,000 per annum

• 55% of household earnings are over $60,000 per annum

Judge Certification Coach / CC Manuals Tournament Sanctioning Classic Nationals

Coach Certification WSC Logo Lapel Pin Nat’l Team Support Staff Level 3 Coach Clinics

Member Liability Ins Cdn Record book SC - AAP Congress/Award banquet

Sponsor/Suppliers Ski Nautique News COA - Athlete Fund Officials & Boat Driver clinics

Nat'l Team Backwash COA - PetroCan Scholar Outreach Clinics

Annual Awards Officials Supplies Cdn Rankings Training Camps

Fund of Excellence Tournament Supplies Competitor Licensing

Provincial Development The Board Mailing MembersTravel Service

STAR Coaches Directory WSC Online WSC Decal International Representation

Offcials Directory National Office

WSC Clothing Line

- WSC Mission Statement