As a global crew of Land Locked Surfers, one of our goals is to build an archive of Community Leaders passionate about helping others discover the stoke of surfing outside of the ocean. This will help accomplish our vision of having an accessible point person for each surf community, location, and discipline. For example if you live the United States, specially in the Carolina’s region, and you are trying to get into Wake Surfing then Colleen Cain is our recommended resource for you. She is incredibly passionate about networking sharing with others the stoke she finds out on the water.
For questions about Wake Surfing in the Carolina’s, it’s best to contact Colleen through her Instagram: @wksurfgrl11
Let’s get to know Colleen, your Carolina wake surf connection!
Q: Give us some background, who is Colleen Cain?
Cain: I’m 35 years old from Greenville, SC. I was born in Middletown, NY, and moved to New Smyrna Beach,FL, where I grew up. Living on the beach for close to 20 years gave me a great appreciate for the ocean and all of it’s entity. I believe my love for the water comes from being a Pisces. From less than a year old you could find me in my parents pool “wall walking” the pool’s perimeter until I finally found my “fins.”
Q: How and when did you get into Wake Surfing in the Carolina’s?
Cain: Upon graduating from Daytona State College in the summer of 2007, I decided to follow my parents as they moved to Greenville, SC. Since I was so used to being around water, I felt somewhat lost when I found out I was living in a portion of the state that is landlocked. The closest beach is Myrtle, which is five hours away! I began researching lakes that were in close proximity. It wasn’t long before I purchased my 1st watercraft, a brand new 2010 Sea Doo Wake 215. While I had a means of cruising the water, something was still missing. I still remember going on YouTube one day and a video of Ashley Kidd wakesurfing popped up. This was my first encounter with wakesurfing. I knew this was my calling. I did my research and in 2012, I traded my Sea Doo in for a 2008 Centurion Enzo SV230. It was love at first surf!
Q: Through your eyes describe the surf Scene in your area, what are you doing to help it grow?
Cain: When I first started surfing on Lake Hartwell, in Clemson, SC, the sport was pretty unheard of. There was maybe a handful of us out there. It was always fun to watch boats go by and watch them stare in disbelief as they tried to figure out what I was doing. Some would even stop to ask. As you know social media is an extremely powerful tool to get the word out, so I started posting photos and videos on Facebook and Instagram and eventually my audience took shape. I started receiving word of demos in my area which helped secure my first board sponsor. I signed up for my first contest in 2014, the Ambush G Series Wakesurf contest. I won the amateur women’s division. I rode for Lakewakes Wakesurf boards for 3 years. I started competing in SC INT contests. Through our local INT League I met a Centurion boats dealer, Strickland Marine, who was beginning to offer Thursday surf nights. I would go out every Thursday after work and not only surf but helped teach new riders how to surf. It was such a great feeling to be able to share something I am so passionate about.
Q: What drives you to get better everyday and move up the ranks?
Cain: I suppose it helps that I am very self motivated and goal oriented. I was taught by my parents to always push my limits and never give up. My perfectionist qualities also help me achieve the goals I set for myself.
Q: What Are your goals as a wake surfer for 2017?
Cain: Honesty my biggest goal and always has been, is to have fun! I’d definitely like to add more tricks to my list. I’m a huge advocate in Pass the Handle, which allows us to get people out behind our boats for free to experience what we may take for granted everyday. A goal of mine is always to progress the sport of wakesurfing in anyway possible. I am fortunate enough that my sponsor, Charlotte Mastercraft Center, shares in my same goals and is always looking to get more people involved in the sport. It is because of their stoke and satisfaction
Q: In the world of wake surfing who do you look up to most and why?
Cain: That’s a tough one. There are so many amazing wakesurfers out there. Even though I’m a surf style rider, Jodi Grassman is a great example of a pro wakesurfer that embodies the same beliefs I do. Not only is she the three time World champion women’s pro skim rider. She was also rider of the year and won best trick for the 2016 season. Jodi is an aggressive rider that is very goal driven. Much like myself, she wants to see the sport of wakesurfing progress. Jodi’s attitude towards the sport and towards other riders is much like mine. We want to have fun and see others having fun too. We train hard and take competition very seriously, but at the end of the day if you’re not having fun, you’re doing something wrong. Jodi is also very caring and supportive. Unfortunately some pro riders come across to me as celebrities that cannot be bothered by the ordinary wakesurfer. Jodi is very approachable and eager to answers that amateur surfers may have.
Q: As a Land Locked Surfing Community Leader, what are your areas of expertise new riders should ask you about?
Cain: I love teaching new riders and even those who have ridden before and are looking to enter into the competitive sport. I have a keen eye for coaching wakesurfing and can give you the tips you need to land some of those frustrating tricks. I’ve also gotten pretty good at dialing in waves on different boats according to what type of wave you prefer.
Q: Outside of Wake surfing what are your other passions?
Cain: The water will always be my #1 passion. Besides wakesurfing, I love strength training, which helps tremendously with my surfing. I also have a HUGE love for animals though. I have four dogs, a Blue Heeler, a Yorkie, a Chihuahua, and a Boston Terrier. Growing up on Florida I went to Sea World a lot. For as long as I can remember, I would tell people and teachers that I wanted to be Shamu’s trainer when I grew up. My love for marine mammals has stayed with me to this day. I am also a gold level ambassador for Sheshreds.co which is a brand that focuses on females in action sports. The crew is comprised of rad ladies that are killing it everyday in their sport but are also the most fearless and supportive group of females who always have each other’s backs.
Q: What is something funny very few people may know about you?
Cain: I’ve become known more and more for my crazy wakesurf dismounts. I try to always have a new photo to post for wipeout Wednesdays. I recently compiled a video edit of some of my most epic falls.
Closing Thoughts: I am always searching for my next wave. I love meeting new people and sharing my passion for wakesurfing with them. I am not one to sit quietly on a boat. I like to offer whatever help or pointers I can to the rider in tow. I also have an affinity for teaching children as I am a dental hygienist in a pediatric office. Children tend to take to sports and progress rather quickly, so it’s always fun watching them from one season to the next land new tricks
Questions about Wake Surfing in the Carolina’s? Best to contact Colleen through her Instagram: @wksurfgrl11
