Our History in Water Skiing
McClintock’s Water Ski School has deep roots, not only in our family, but in the history of Canadian water skiing itself. The story of our school is woven into the story of Puslinch Lake—a lake that’s been home to ski champions, weekend warriors, and lifelong friendships for over 70 years.
Founding members of the Puslinch Lake Water Ski Club | From left to right: Cam McArthur, Bob Johnson, Gord Armstrong, Dalton Dickie and in front Danny Kesselring (1962)
1950-1962: Where It All Began
Water skiing first arrived on Puslinch Lake in 1950, quickly becoming a favourite pastime for cottagers and locals alike. By 1952, two slalom courses and a jump were already installed, laying the foundation for a community built around summer fun and lake life.
1962-1968: Puslinch Lake Water Ski Club
In 1962, five young skiers—with support from community leaders like Steve O’Krafka, “Doc” and Joyce McClintock, Gord Klager, Ward Ray, and Tom McArthur—formed the Puslinch Lake Water Ski Club, bringing structure and energy to the growing community.
With a clubhouse on Big Island, the club quickly became one of the largest in Canada. They hosted tournaments, ski shows, and community fundraisers, helping put Puslinch Lake on the map. By 1968, the club had evolved into something new: a dedicated ski school.
Owners of the Cam-Ann Water Ski School, Ann Klager and Cam McArthur (1969)
1968-1978: Cam-Ann Water Ski School
Cam McArthur and Ann Klager, both passionate local skiers and competitors, took the reins and founded Cam-Ann Water Ski School. Cam, a founding member of the Puslinch Lake Water Ski Club and later a Canadian champion, brought decades of experience to the school.
Ann was a rising star in the sport, winning multiple Canadian national titles and representing Canada internationally. Though her career was cut short due to injury, her legacy helped shape the future of the sport. Both were later inducted into the Cambridge Sports Hall of Fame.
The McClintock siblings—Jim, Joel, Jeff, and Judy—began skiing and working at the school during this era, unknowingly preparing for the next chapter.
From left to right: Jeff McClintock, Judy McClintock (Messer), and Joel McClintock
1978-1993: McClintock’s Water Ski School
THE FIRST GENERATION
In 1978, when Cam retired, the McClintock family officially took over the school—and McClintock’s Water Ski School was born.
“Doc” and Joyce McClintock had fallen in love with the sport through their kids, and in 1972, they purchased Puslinch Beach and Marine (now McClintock’s Trailer Resort) so their family could live and ski right on the lake.
From 1978 to 1987, Jim, Joel, Jeff, and Judy McClintock ran the school as a team. From 1987 to 1993, Jeff and Judy continued as co-owners, and Joel and Jeff took on coaching roles with the Ontario and Canadian National Teams.
This was the golden era of the first generation—and a legacy was beginning to form.
From left to right: Jeff , Sherron, Whitney and Jason McClintock (2011)
1993-2013: McClintock’s Water Ski School
THE SECOND GENERATION
In 1993, Jeff and his wife Sherron McClintock (Beck) took over the school full-time. Sherron, a former competitive U.S. skier and a Pan Am-certified judge, brought new insight and professionalism to the program.
Their children, Jason and Whitney McClintock, trained here and rose to national and international success—continuing the family legacy on the world stage.
Jeff became Canada’s highest-ranked technical controller for water ski tournaments and has been a fixture in the sport across Ontario, Quebec, and beyond for over 40 years.
2013-Now: McClintock’s Water Ski School
THE THIRD GENERATION
In 2013, Jason McClintock took over the school with his wife Jaime, marking the beginning of the third generation of McClintocks at the helm.
Jason, a former Canadian National Team athlete, grew up on this lake and brings a wealth of competitive experience to the coaching program. Jaime leads the Ontario Water Ski Team, sits on the Water Ski Wakeboard Canada Board of Directors, and is an active force in growing the sport through community leadership and advocacy.
Together, Jason and Jaime have breathed new life into the school, continuing to grow its reputation as a welcoming, high-level training ground for skiers of all ages and stages—from absolute beginners to elite competitors.
Today, McClintock’s Water Ski School is more than a business—it’s a multigenerational legacy built on passion, family, and a shared love for life on the water.
