à And doing your part to support other “Lady Shredders”            

There is nothing like an experience with a role model, to pump you up beyond belief and I was fortunate enough to have one of these experiences with the previous world champion and progressive female rider, Amber Wing. She came on the scene, pushing women’s wakeboarding with her massive airs, spins and style.

               I happened to be in travel mode this past fall, after finishing up my degree at McMaster University. In need of some much deserved down time, I opted to kidnap my boyfriend and drag him over to Australia for a couple months, with a stopover in Vegas and Fiji on the way . . . .why not? Travelling to Australia has been on the top of my travel list forever and this was the perfect opportunity for me to do it. Although wakeboarding was not the focus of my travel, I hoped that I would get a chance to shred it up over there at some point. A couple of missed opportunities, bad luck and busy doing many other things, meant that as my trip was coming to an end, I realized I still had not even had a chance to ride yet.

                This past summer, I had met Amber at Wakestock in Toronto. I was super stoked getting to meet and compete against one of the best female wakeboarders out there and a huge role model of mine. I even sport her 132 Liquid Force Jett and closed toed Wing bindings. I got in touch with her in Sydney and before I knew it, 5:20am the next morning I was on the train to her house just outside of Sydney. Looking around the train we were probably the only ones not coming home from a Saturday party night and definitely the only sober ones.

                As we made our way to her house and loaded up her blue Supra with a ton of weight, my excitement was rising.  It was my first experience riding saltwater and I hadn’t been on a wakeboard in 3 months but I was pumped. Amber made me go first so I would get flat water before the weekend crowd took over the narrow river.   I must admit, it took a bit to get back into the swing of things but soon enough I was landing my tricks and working on my scarecrows. Amber helped me out a lot and offered lots of advice and encouragement. I love getting a chance to ride with girls who can help me with my tricks and push my riding!

                Then it was Amber’s turn and I almost wished I had ridden after her because she pumped me up so much. She blows me away with her style and how huge she goes for any rider not just a girl. On every trick you can see her spot the water, she is so strong on all of her landings and she was smiling the entire set.

                She couldn’t possibly realize what an unforgettable experience it was for me and this is where I would like to take the chance to discuss the supportive network of female wakeboarding. We all have to work together to help each other out and advance the sport. So if you are intimidated by some female riders in the sport try and realize they are just like everyone else and we all share the same passion for wakeboarding. Next time you see a ‘lady shredder ‘at a contest, clinic or wherever, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. Most likely they will be stoked to meet another girl interested in the sport. If you are really lucky, you might even get an invite to ride with them sometime.

As for girls already in the sport, remember what a huge impact you can have on other girls. Whether it’s getting them involved, making them feel welcome, getting them stoked or inviting them out to shred with you and help them with their riding. Even the smallest gesture goes a long way! Think of all the people that have helped you to get where you are today and the small things they did that made a huge impact. The number of female riders is growing, but still limited. As a female rider, just like any good super hero, you have to use your power for good not evil.  Whether you are a professional, just beginning or anything in between, you are a role model to someone else, so do your part to help the sport and other girls who love to wakeboard just like you!

Written By: Kayle McMillen