Wild rides on waves of success

THE extreme sport of wakeboarding is practised by very few in the cool waters of Tasmania, but one young wave-rider from the state’s south is showing the rest of the country how it’s done.

Jesse Mason, 14, has recently returned home after taking out the advanced category at the Queensland State Wakeboarding competition on Australia Day.

The Sacred Heart student, who competes against wakeboarders twice his age, said his parents were to thank for the success he’s had in his short career to date.

“I started wakeboarding when I was five, after I saw my dad do it a few times,” Jesse said.

“After taking up the sport professionally, our family actually moved, and downsized our house to live closer to the water so it would be easier for me train. I’ve really got them [mum and dad] to thank for the support.”

After topping the podium in Queensland, Mason’s luck turned for the worse the next day, when he crashed out in a heat at the Australian Open Wakeboarding event in Grafton, NSW.

Despite a heavy fall, which ruined his wakeboarding gear, the water-aerialist said he was hungry for more success.

“I want to eventually live in Queensland where I can ride as much as possible,” he said.

“It’d be great to one day invent a trick of my own.

“For now, I’m focused on an upcoming competition at the Mersey River, before the national titles get under way in March.”