Samantha Bermudez

Name: Samantha Bermudez

Birthday: December 8, 1986

Seasons Competing: 1

Cable or Boat or Both? Cable

Sponsor shout out: Stoked Inc! Thank you so much!! I wanna give a shout out to JV B, C-lo, JV T, Mumph and Jemir!

Hometown: Ayala Alabang! but then I live up north now

Current residence: Quezon City, Philippines

Board set up: 132 GAtor Desire, 2008 Hyperlite Atlas, O’neil Gem Vest, Bern helmet

Where is your riding crew based out of? Batangas!

Whats something unique about wakeboarding in your country? Well, the sport is growing quickly here in the Philippines. I see new faces everytime I ride. People who are gettting hooked are learning faster today than the riders who started years back. People here are constantly trying to go bigger, bolder, more stylish adn cleaner everytime they ride.

What is your favourite thing about wakeboarding? Its the lifestlye. The way we get up so early to travel, riding all day, learning something new, eating great food (maybe its because we’re hungry cuz of riding all day so anything edible tastes great) and having a few drinks with your buddies. Its the rush and the high or landing something new. Its when time stops when you’e up in the air. Its the bruises you get when you’re learning somehting new. But the number one thing i love about wakeboarding is that its such a progressive sport. Everyone can learn something or become better each and everyday that they ride. There are no limits. 

Where is your absolute favourite place to ride? Lago de Oro and CWC.

Places you have traveled to for wakeboarding: I’ve never been out of the Philippines to compete. Within the Philippines I’ve gone to Taal Lake, Batangas and Naga to ride.

Favourite Rider: Ben Greenwood, Nicola Butler, Keith Lyman, Oliver Derome, Nick Davies…there are alot more but those are my top 5. Here in the Philippines, i love the way Carlo dela Torre rides…very clean and stlysih.  

Favourite Animal: Black pugs and Mini pinchers becuase they’re just so cute! 

Favourite Trick: Backside lipslide 360 in a slider, raleys, and inverts.

Favourite Music: I like alotta stuff. Not veyr picky. From hiphop to rock. Emo to alternative. House to musicals. Hahahah! Doesn’t matter as long as it goes with my mood.

What are some of your thoughts on female wakeboarding at the pro level? Its insane. 

What can we do to help the progression of women’s wakeboarding? Ride harder. Go bigger. Its a matter of trying it one time..and if it hurts then you did something wrong and you have to fix it…if it doesn’t then you’re on the right track, you just have to do it better (hahahaha). We have to realize that its just water. It may hurt for awhile..but it wont hurt forever. So its fine

Props to anyone? I wanna thank my Stoked Inc. for allowing me to become part of the team! C-lo and JV, my mentors! The cable guys in Lago! My sister, Bubbles, who introduced me to the sport. My boyfriend, Mon Dinglasan, who has been pushing, teaching and supporting me. You’re the best! ROTS Familia..my wakeboaridng family! My parents and siblings! and finally, God!