WSM: Let’s start with our typical interview questions. What’s your name, where are you from, and how long have you been wakesurfing?
Bailey: Bailey Rush, Ponoka, Alberta Canada. Since summer 2016.
WSM: Do you recall the first time you experienced wakesurfing? What lake were you on and were you immediately drawn to it?
Bailey: We were on a friends boat on Gull Lake, Alberta and I was instantly hooked.
WSM: Prior to wakesurfing, were you doing any other towed watersports?
Bailey: I have tried almost all of them and enjoy them all.
WSM: Take us through your warm up. When you ride for the first time on any given day, what tricks do you throw first?
Bailey: I usually slash, do a couple airs, and throw a few spins. Depends if I’m riding skim or surf.
[Editor’s note: Who else would like for that to be their warm up?!]
WSM: What was the first trick you learned and how long did it take you to get it?
Bailey: A 360, it took a couple weeks to become consistent.
WSM: You recently competed in the World Wakesurf Championship from Kelowna, BC. Is an event of that magnitude more nerve-racking than a typical competition?
Bailey: Worlds was incredible. I didn’t find it any different than other competitions since I go into every event with a positive mindset of having a set I will be happy with. I am also lucky enough to have met so many awesome people throughout the season and that sure made me feel more at ease. It was such a positive atmosphere. My grandparents live in Kelowna so it was great to spend the week with them. My grandfather is one heck of a spotter as it turned out.
WSM: Going into the event, did you think you would make it to finals let alone win your division?
Bailey: I had competed against some of the girls during the season, and also had just finished well at the Canadian Wakesurf Championships, so I knew I had to perform my best. I did not advance to the finals in the Skim division, so going into the Surf division the next day I was more nervous for sure.
WSM: What was going through your mind when you heard your name called as the winner? Were you around friends or family? Did you go nuts?
Bailey: I was on the beach with my parents when I found out and couldn’t believe the news. It didn’t really sink in until my friends were texting me, calling me “World Champ.” It was exciting for sure.
WSM: Tell us about some of your off the water sports. We heard you can hold your own on a pair of ice skates, fill us in on the details!
Bailey: Yes, I have been figure skating for many years and it is a big part of my life. I have been to many competitions and will be going to the Alberta Winter Games for the second time which is held every two years.
WSM: We also heard you can rip on a snowmobile and a snowboard. How long have you been doing those?
Bailey: Being an Albertan, I have been snowmobiling since I was little. I’m looking forward to going to the mountains this year after skating wraps up. I just started snowboarding last year. I am loving it.
WSM: Going back to wakesurfing, do you have to bump up to the Outlaw Division next year? If so, are you ready for the transition?
Bailey: Yes, I am excited to push myself more to stay competitive with the amazing riders in that division.
WSM: Tell us about your sponsors. What’s your current equipment setup?
Bailey: This year I am so excited to be sponsored by Phase 5 and cannot wait to ride more of their amazing boards. Drew Danielo has been awesome in our communication. I currently ride a P5 51″ Diamond Luv and a 53″ Ahi. My friends tease me and call my diamond “precious” because it still doesn’t have a mark after a season of use. Neither does my AHI.
WSM: If you could take one celebrity wakesurfing with you who would it be and why?
Bailey: It would be a celebrity with a surf boat and valid boating license. lol
WSM: If you had your choice of music when riding, what would it be?
Bailey: I love all upbeat music when I’m surfing.
WSM: Do you have any long-term goals for your career in wakesurfing?
Bailey: I would like to make it to the Pro division, be a positive influence, volunteer at events, and definitely keep introducing people to this amazing sport.
WSM: Where would you like to see wakesurfing go in the future?
Bailey:, Of course, I would love to see more events come to Canada and it would be cool if wakesurfing could one day be an Olympic sport.
WSM: What advice would you give a newcomer to the sport that’s looking to progress and learn new tricks?
Bailey: I would say to watch surfing videos online to see which tricks you would like to try. If you are having trouble, try visualizing yourself doing it before you try it again. If you are struggling, give it a rest and come back to it. Always keep a positive mind and have fun. Also, enter competitions as you will meet amazing people and learn so much.
WSM: What tricks are you working on? Anything you feel like lettings us know about?
Bailey: I am working on body varials and finding my lost shuv. lol
WSM: What’s your favorite trick to do?
Bailey: 720’s
WSM: Do you have anyone you’d like to thank?
Bailey: I would like to thank my parents for all they do for me. Phase 5 Boards. All of the dedicated Volunteers that work so hard to make these events happen. Thank you. To all my surfing family, thank you for the encouragement and support.
WSM: Would you like to plug any social media?
Bailey: Instagram – baileyrushsurf
BONUS! This or That with Bailey Rush
WSM: Shoes or flip flops?
Bailey: shoes
WSM: Which is better, competition or freeriding?
Bailey: freeriding
WSM: Wakesurf rope with or without a handle?
Bailey: with
WSM: Are shoes allowed on the boat, yes or no?
Bailey: NO!!
[Editor’s note: There is only one correct answer to that question.]
WSM: More important, wind conditions or water/air temperature?
Bailey: Wind
WSM: YouTube or Vimeo?
Bailey: YouTube
WSM: More impactful, instaedits or full-length edits?
Bailey: instaedits
WSM: Instagram or snapchat?
Bailey: Instagram
WSM: What’s worse, getting a papercut or taking a board to the shin?
Bailey: Shin of course
WSM: Pizza or ice cream?
Bailey: Both
WSM: Get up early for glass or sleep in and take your chances?
Bailey: Get up early for glass
We want to thank Bailey for giving WSM her time and we look forward to seeing more of her as she continues to progress in her career and push wakesurfing into the future!
