Sky Stevens, a pocket-rocket wakeboarder from Sydney, Australia, started wakeboarding two years ago, at the age of 13. Now 15 years old, she’s a SlingShot Wake team rider and she’s already nailing some pretty complex tricks (check out Sky’s videos here). Sky is a living example of what you can achieve if you just keep practicing regularly, no matter your age.

We were able to check in with Sky, despite the time difference between Australia and Europe, to talk about her resilience, tips for beginners, thoughts on diversity in wakeboarding and what she hopes to see in the sport in the next 5 years. So let’s get to it!

How long have you been wakeboarding, and how did you first get into it?

I have been wakeboarding for 2 years now. I decided to give the sport a go as Dad did some wakeboarding behind the boat when he was younger. After my first lesson I fell in love with the sport and never looked back.

What was your proudest moment in wakeboarding so far?

My proudest moment in wakeboarding so far would have to be helping to coach young kids and watching them progress after each session. There is no better feeling than helping someone achieve their goals.

Day-to-day, what is it that you get from the water? What does it bring you?

Wakeboarding is my passion; day-to-day I find myself with all smiles and having a good time on the water with mates. I do this sport for fun and nothing brings me more enjoyment.

What would you say to someone reading this who wants to start but isn’t sure how? Any top tips?

Wakeboarding isn’t all easy at first, you just need to make sure you keep trying and never give up. Always smiles and make fun of the moment – you will get it soon, don’t give up!

How would you make wakeboarding more accessible for people with different backgrounds, women in particular?

I would make wakeboarding more accessible to everyone by promoting the sport as a fun time to get away with friends and smiles. Wakeboarding is for everyone – all are welcome and everyone should have a go. We should create more ladies challenges down at the cable to encourage more women to give it a go, and to let them know they can do it too!

Do you do any other watersports? Are there any you’d like to try?

Wakeboarding is the only watersport I currently take part in. Although I have given wakeskating and skiing a go down at the cable. The one watersport I would love to try is surfing !

What are your favourite wakeboard spots in Australia (and the world)?

My favourite wakeboard spots in Australia would have to be my local park, Cables Wake Park and Bli Bli up in Queensland; these are two amazing parks that have many diverse obstacles. I have not ridden any parks outside the country but I would love to ride CWC and Thai wakepark.

What’s your one piece of must-have ‘equipment’ that you take to the cable?

My one must take to the cable is always a GoPro. I always love to have this handy in case I want to grab any clips or catch any moment with the crew down at the park.

What do you think the sport will be like in 5 years’ time?

In 5 years I hope to see the sport grow. I hope to see more girls and women taking part in the sport and more major competitions and awards available for girls. I hope to see wakeboarding become a wider and larger sport in the future, and hope everyone will soon know what an amazing sport it is.

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