Influence: Emily Agate

I love seeing how much wake surfing has grown within the year and a half I have been involved. The progression of riders within the competitive circuit has increased dramatically and is mind blowing! Especially within the younger generations and all the up and coming riders. Not only is this exciting to me, but the knowledge of our sport is really evolving too. When I first began competing, I would tell people my passion and about 90% of them would stare at me blankly and say…ummmmm…what sport is that?  How does it work? Now, merely a year and a half later 90% of people know the sport and many of them have tried it.
When I travel to competitions I meet many amazing people and families that are venturing into the competitive circuit. Last weekend I was in California for the West Coast Open at Camp Far West and met a family who were there to become inspired and learn more about the sport.  Their 4 year old son had always surfed with his father, but after watching and meeting the competitors he said to his dad…”I think its time I get my own board, I want to surf alone”.  I was so excited to hear that.  I feel all the children are really going to help push the sport and it is what we need to help the sport grow even more. I am still amazed at how many women are intimidated or afraid to try though. The last three women I have talked to about surfing all had multiple opportunities to try but have never actually got into the water. Wake surfing really is a sport anyone can do; this little guy proves that even more to me!
I want all the women out there not to be afraid and get out there and try it!  Inspire and encourage others to try surfing and have fun playing around and be active on the water -EG