Penticton’s Kate Pinsonneault will compete for Canada at the 2025 World U21 Waterski Championships in Calgary from July 31 to August 3.
Rising Talent from B.C. Heads to World Stage
Eighteen-year-old Kate Pinsonneault of Penticton is preparing to represent Canada at the 2025 World U21 Waterski Championships, held in Calgary, Alberta from July 31 to August 3. As part of a six-member national team, she will compete in three events: slalom, trick, and jump.
Global Event with High Stakes
Hosted by the Predator Bay Water Ski Club at the Lakes of Kastynstone, the international competition will welcome approximately 100 top athletes from over 20 countries. The event is sanctioned by the International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation and features both individual and team titles.
Homegrown Passion Turns Into Global Opportunity
Pinsonneault’s journey began six years ago on Skaha Lake, where she practiced with her father. Since then, she’s become one of the nation’s top water skiers, earning the title of Canada’s Water Ski Athlete of 2024 and securing a full-tuition scholarship to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Achievements Leading to the World Stage
This year has marked significant milestones for Pinsonneault. In May, she became the only Canadian—and one of just seven juniors worldwide—to qualify for the prestigious Masters’ Waterski and Wakeboard Tournament in Georgia. She also earned seven medals at the 2024 Pan American Water Ski Championships in Colombia.
Looking Ahead to Collegiate and Professional Careers
Following her appearance in Calgary, Pinsonneault will travel to Paraguay for the 2025 Junior Pan American Games. She then begins her collegiate athletic career this fall in the United States, with plans to compete at the National Collegiate Water Ski Association event in California from October 16 to 18.
A Legacy Rooted in Family and Dedication
Despite international recognition, Pinsonneault remains grounded in her roots. She still enjoys skiing with her father whenever she returns home. “Every time I’m back, I go out on the lake with my dad—it brings back memories of how it all started,” she said.
Final Thoughts
As she prepares to compete against the world’s best, Kate Pinsonneault represents a blend of small-town spirit and world-class talent. Her story is not just one of personal ambition but of national pride—one wave at a time.
This article is original and written specifically for SurreySpeak.com
