As wakeboarding grows in popularity as a world-renown competitive sport, it is important to acknowledge the veterans that helped make the scene as intense and entertaining as it is today. In this blog, we’ll cover the journey of several Australian veteran wakeboarders who have helped lead the sport to its glory today.
Bec Gange
Bec Gange started her career as a professional wakeboarder back in 2010 and since then, has made history as the first female to ever land the Whirlybird 540 (for which she won 2013 Wake Awards’ ‘Women’s Trick of the Year’. Bec has also won many large competitions throughout her career, including 2014’s WWA Worlds, 2017 World Championships as well as the Australian Open in 2018.
Despite competing in the scene for over a decade, Bec is still incredibly passionate about the sport – continuing to develop new tricks on the waves and making memorable appearances at international competitions. She has also started her own swimwear and wakeboarding gear line with Jetpilot, alongside her wakeboarding school, where she eagerly teaches the new generation of wakeboarders the tips and tricks that have helped her become the legend that she is today. As a veteran of the emerging watersport, Bec loves to spend her time enjoying the sun on the waters and showing off her best tricks on social media.
Harley Clifford
Having begun wakeboarding professionally in 2009, Harley is a reputable vertran when it comes to tricks on the water. Born in Redland Bay, Queensland, Australia, Harley became the first wakeboarder in history to score a perfect 100. He has numerous titles, such as the Best Wakeboarder of the Year (2015), to his name and is only continuing to ramp up his wins. First inspired by snowboarding and surfing, Harley has made a career for himself in the upcoming sport, and is known by many to be one of the OGs when it comes to the big waves.
When it comes to Harley’s veteran career, there are many stand out memories his fans look to. One that Harley himself is a big fan of is the moment he won his first King of Wake world tour. Managing to outclass his competition and send his best run to win the title, Harley quotes his championship as one of the most epic moments for him in his career.
Dean Smith
Another Australian name that is well known to most wakeboarders in the scene today is Dean Smith. Having turned pro all the way back in 2004, Dean is still living out his glory years on the waves. Dean was the WWA World Champion in 2010, and holds the title of the oldest wakeboarder to ever win a professional boat competition (at 30 years and 11 months) at the Tokyo Pro in 2015.
Now married to fellow Australian wakeboarder Amber Wing, Dean still boards on his famous Ronix Code 21 from time to time, and despite being a veteran hasn’t lost his competitive spirit quite yet.
What’s next?
As wakeboarding continues to gain popularity as a watersport, it is important to remember the veterans who helped make the sport as successful as it is today. Keep an eye on these veterans and who knows, maybe they’ll be making a comeback soon!