‘A whole ’nother level’: Trio represent Australia
THEY’VE only been wakeboarding for a short time, but these three Cairns thrill seekers are looking to make a name for themselves on the world stage already.
Cruze and Blaze Hazel, along with Ryan Allen will be making waves in the UK for Australia at the WWA Wake Park World Championships at Windsor, UK in mid July.
“It’s a whole ’nother level to be a representative for Australia,” nine-year-old Cruze said.
“There’s going to be a whole new wave of pros coming up, it’s going to be really cool to go over there.
“I didn’t think I’d be going to worlds until I was 11, but it’s become a dream come true to be representing my country in wakeboarding at nine years old.”
Brother Blaze, 10, was not short in confidence at the prospect of becoming a world champion at such a young age.
“It’s super exciting … if I win I can say I’m the best in the world,” he said. “I told my parents I’ve always wanted to go to world titles and they somehow made it happen.”
Allen has been to the world titles before, but the 15-yearold said repeat visits were a sign of good things to come in terms of developing his career.
“This year, I’m going into the junior pro division rather than amateurs,” he said.
“Hopefully I just keep going back, keep training and hopefully get on top of a podium.”
All three wakeboarders, as well as local talent Kai McGahan, have a chance to test their mettle against the best in the country this weekend at a national wakeboarding competition at the Cairns Wake Park.
The event will run all day, and is free for spectators.
“I’m keen, but really nervous … there’s a high number of competitors and a high level of competition here this weekend,” McGahan said.