Ottawa Water Ski Club
Since 1973, we have been providing high-quality lessons and memberships to help people get out on the water and experience the thrill of being pulled behind a boat.
The Ottawa Water Ski Club is open to all ages and abilities, to come out and learn the basics of water skiing. We’ve built a community made up of water skiers of all ages and skill levels, where bonds are formed among family, friends, neighbours, and strangers who all share a love of being behind the boat. We invite people to come and join us on the water and leave with sore muscles, new friends, and a renewed, or newly found passion for the sport.
We offer a wide range of towed water sports activities to cater to the needs of every water sports enthusiast. From waterskiing, kneeboarding to barefoot, we have everything you need to make the most of your time on the water. For our more advanced slalom skiers we have a private slalom water ski course to try your hand at.
Our coaches provide personalized lessons that cater to your skill level, ensuring that you learn in a safe and fun environment. We also offer free equipment, so you can enjoy your favorite water sport without having to invest in your own equipment. Our lessons are tailored to each individual’s skill level and we ensure that everyone leaves the water with a sense of accomplishment.
where it all began
History
The Ottawa Water Ski Club (formerly known as the Gloucester Water Ski Associaton) was established by Joe Messner in 1973. Joe lived only a short distance down the river from where the club exists today and where it’s existed since day one! Right in Eccolands Park.
Joe was a 15 time national water ski champion and his daughter Pat, a four time world champion water skier, as well as the holder of an Olympic bronze medal in water skiiing from the 1972 Summer Olympics. Pat was made a member of the Order of Canada for her immense participation and support of the sport. Today Pat is still coaching water skiing and is considered an elite coach among athletes in the Adaptive Water Ski community.
Over the last few decades the club has continued to thrive. We have taught countless newcomers and coached many participants who’ve gone on to become not only club members but also competitive skiers, tournament boat drivers, judges, and officials.
Today the dedicated volunteers that run and support the club do all that they can do to keep the sport accessible to all at the best price they can. From waterskiing, kneeboarding to barefoot, we have everything you need to make the most of your time on the water.