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WATERSKI MagazineThey are the newest talents on the water, and among the youngest. They'll put you and your best moves to shame. We call them the women of wakeboarding. They ride more than you, better than you and they definitely look better doing it. And if you look past the pretty faces and trim bodies you'll find genuine world-class athletes.
At 16 years old, Jaime Necrason is one of the youngest female riders on tour, but that hasn't stopped her from charging hard. She's mad a strong run for the 1998 Wakeboard World Cup, and rumor has it she'll be the first female rider to nail a mobius.
A favorite on and off the water, Tina Bessinger, 21, has been pushing the outer limits of the sport. Her good looks and charming smile have placed her on the pages of several women's magazines, including Conde Nast Sports for Women, Seventeen and Jump. However, it's her dedication, enthusiasm and determination that have helped place the women's wakeboard market on the professional sporting map.
Free-rider, competitor and great all-around girl Dana Preble was the No. 1 female wakeboarder in the world early in the season. Plagued by injuries in the past, Dana's health and riding ability are at an all-time high. She's sticking tricks most guys on your lake are only thinking of – hoochie glides, Raleys and krypts to name a few.
Four-time world champion Andrea Gaytan has become an idol for up-and-coming female athletes in all sports. She was the first female wakeboarder invited to the Masters in 1993, where she competed against the guys. And she was the first female wakeboarder invited to the X Games in 1996, where she also competed against the guys. We won't mention by name those poor mortal men she actually beat on their own turf, but suffice it to say Andrea can get on any boat, anywhere and ride better than the boys.
More than just a pretty face, Farrah Dawson has an inspiring story. Three years ago she broke her back and doctors told her she would never ski again. Today, not only does she ski, but she wakeboards – an event tougher on your back (and knees) than any other discipline besides jumping. Farrah garnered several top-five finishes in 1997 and has made a name for herself as one of the best competitors in the world.
Nicola Huntridge If you've been reading WaterSki for a few years, this is a name and face you should recognize. A former cover girl (March 1995), Nicola is a trick skier turned wakeboarder. She hasn't looked back since making the switch. No need to. Her gigantic airs, smooth on-water presence and seventh-place overall finish in 1997 (her first year on tour) have earned her lucrative sponsorships from Rusty, MasterCraft and Oakley.
No one has captured the hearts and minds of the
wakeboarding community faster than 16-year-old Tara Hamilton. In her rookie season she became the first woman to stick front flips and Raleys, unseated Andrea Gaytan as the world's best female rider, captured the Pro Tour title and nailed X Games gold. All that after learning to wakeboard six months before the season started. But if you think that's it for Miss Hamilton, you're mistaken. This phenom
is still the one to beat.
Hailing from northern California, Sam Owens is the newest member of the illustrious female clan, and she has a style all her own. Owens is one of the most aggressive chargers on the scene and isn't afraid to take falls. Is she going to win on tour? Well, she probably won't compete this year, but with her solid arsenal of stylish grabs, spins, big inverts and a fearless attitude, you'll soon see Sam all over the sport in videos and magazines.
Sonja Scheffler's been around the block, and that's not a
bad thing. She's a seasoned competitor who's seen the rise and fall of kneeboarding (you may remember her WaterSki cover in August 1995) and was smart enough to jump on the wakeboarding trend back in '94. Since then she's loaded her resumi with several top-three finishes and numerous video and commercial appearances.
It doesn't hurt that fiance and 1996 world champion Dean Lavelle is coaching her to the next level.
One of the most heralded trick skiers of any generation, Britt Larsen is already a legend, not to mention the defending world tricks champ. If anyone could retire and enjoy looking back on a stellar career, it would be Britt. But she's not one to sit idly by, especially when she can be out playing (and making money) on the water. Hence, wakeboarding. You'll be seeing Britt a lot this year, most likely on the winner's stand.
Buster Lutgert
In the wakeboard world the Lutgert name is synonymous with mondo-sized, jaw-dropping airs, usually in conjunction with Gator Lutgert. But he has a sibling rival. Older sis Buster took one look at the stunts her brother was pulling and thought, “I can do that.” She was right. Liquid Force's secret weapon was sidelined with a knee injury
(another family trait) early in the season, but when she's back in peak form her fresh talent will add a new chapter to the family's success story.
Shannon Knight could be a model – blue eyes, incredible figure, legs anyone would kill for. She's that striking. But what's more striking is her ability. A second-year nursing student, Shannon spends all her free time on the water. In six months she's learned six inverts, several spins and is busting big airs off the double-up without a drop of inhibition. But then again, Shannon's motto is “No pain, no gain.” That should tell you a lot.
Sarah Cline is wakeboarding's darkhorse. A daring rider with drive and ambition that only begin to rival her talent, Sarah is the rider everyone wants to emulate. Although injuries throughout her career have kept her off the podium, everyone respects her style and grace on the water. She was the first female rider to do a tantrum, she was the first to grab her tantrum, and from there on out she's been carving a path for her own following of future wakeboarding queens.
