When the text came to join Connor Burns for one of his training sessions, it took less than 2 seconds to respond with “Count me in! when and where?” Just a few weeks earlier I witnessed Connor easily take first place in the am division of the 2016 Arizona Wakesurf Open, so I knew I was in for something special. Then I learned something that made my jaw drop. He has only been wakesurfing for just over a year!
What’s most impressive, even with such little ride time, his skill set already has a solid and consistent foundation. During the first moments of our Saturday morning session on Lake Pleasant, in Arizona it became clear his creativity, vision, and bag of tricks are expansive and improving by the day. He also has a deep family system supporting and encouraging him to achieve his goal of becoming a pro rider in the near future. Even if I didn’t know the back story, as the string of tricks he was stacking became bigger and more technical, there was no doubt in my mind this man will achieve any goal he sets his mind to. Long story short, get ready to see Connor Burns on a lot more podiums in the coming months!
You may have noticed in between reps there were videos and images of Connor’s progression being posted live to Instagram @land_locked_surfing and twitter @llsurfing. To see more videos from our time on the water click the links and let his style do the talking.
Eventually, our legs began to give out so @burns_surf_co made the call to park his 2015 Nautique G23 at Scorpion Bay for a post shred breakfast break. This is where Connor agreed to give you a window into his life as a Wake Surfer on the road to becoming a pro.
Q: How did you get into Wake Surfing?
Connor: I started wakesurfing when our friend bought a surf boat and invited my dad and I to the lake, we were hooked from the first pull! We went out the next week and ordered our G23!
Q: What drives you to get better everyday and move up the ranks?
Connor: I really enjoy the competition and the thrill of landing a trick for the first time.
Q: What is your next competition and what are your goals for that event?
Connor: The Wake Shredder Throw Down is my next competition. My goal is to land an air reverse in competition.
Q: Outside of Wakesurfing what are your other passions?
Connor: High school Basketball is my sport and the Suns are my team.
Q: In the world of wake surfing who do you look up to most and why?
Connor: I really look up to Mike and @Angie_Viland, they have taught me to have confidence in my abilities and try new tricks.
Q: What is something funny very few people may know about you?
Connor: I am a little afraid of spiders and usually scream when one gets close to me!
Thank you so much to Connor, Kelly and Julie Burns for allowing us to join you for this session, it was epic! For more Land Locked Surfing rider features, subscribe to our mailing list by clicking the menu button on the top right of your screen and scroll down to the “join the crew” heading. Keep the stoke alive!
