The 2026 season begins this week on the Yarra River in Melbourne, Australia, as athletes from around the world gather for the 65th Nautique Moomba Masters. Held annually as part of the Moomba Festival, the event is one of the longest-running and most recognized competitions in towed water sports.
Several Canadian athletes will be competing across both water ski and wakeboard disciplines. Competition begins with the Nautique Junior Moomba Masters on March 5–6, followed by the 65th Nautique Moomba Masters from March 7–9.
Nautique Junior Moomba Masters | March 5–6
Two Canadians are set to compete in the junior division:
- Charlie Ross – U21 Men Slalom
- Samson Clunie – U21 Men Jump
Schedule and results for the Junior Moomba Masters can be found here:
https://iwwfed-ea.org/classic/26AUS132/
65th Nautique Moomba Masters | March 7–9
Five Canadians will compete in the professional water ski events:
- Neilly Ross – Open Women Slalom & Trick
- Charlie Ross – Open Men Slalom
- Dorien Llewellyn – Open Men Trick & Jump
- Samson Clunie – Open Men Jump
- Ryan Dodd – Open Men Jump
Schedule and results for the Moomba Masters water ski events can be found here:
https://iwwfed-ea.org/classic/26AUS131/
Wakeboard
Canada will also be represented in the wakeboard competition, with Hunter Smith competing in Pro Men Wakeboard. This marks his first appearance at the Moomba Masters.
Event Information
The Nautique Moomba Masters takes place on the Yarra River in downtown Melbourne and draws top athletes from around the world each year.
Event resources:
Event Schedule
https://www.moombamasters.com.au/moomba-masters-schedule/
Live Webcast
https://www.youtube.com/@MOOMBAMASTERSTV/streams
Event Website
https://www.moombamasters.com.au/
Melbourne operates significantly ahead of North American time zones, so viewers may need to adjust their viewing schedules to watch the competition live.
