1. When did wake surfing become a part of your life, and did you ever expect it to make such an impact?
I tried wake surfing for the first time at the end of summer 2011. I instantly fell in love with the sport and couldn’t wait for the next summer so I could get out more!
When summer finally came I went every weekend I could.
While out surfing with some friends I was convinced to enter the Koocanusa Wakesurf Challenge hosted by Caroline Villeneuve on our local lake. It was a week before the competition and all I could do was carve! So I booked a lesson with Caro and learned a few tricks.
Photo: Dylan Bellingan
I ended up winning the amateur division and qualified for the World Wake Surf Championships (which I had no idea existed until I found out I had qualified). That weekend I was introduced to a whole new world and my life changed dramatically!
I never imagined my life would take this path. It has been an amazing journey and in a year I have made my dream a reality. I can’t wait to see what else wake surfing has to bring.
2. Where is your hometown and local surf spot?
I was born and raised in the South East of England but moved to Canada with my family in September of 2005. I now live in Fernie, BC and surf on either Tie Lake or Lake Koocanusa.
3. Who are your current sponsors?
I am sponsored by Soulcraft, Agenda, Hype Surf Co, Seca Surf Shop and H2O School.
4. What song gets you hyped for a day of surf, other than the awesome fact that you will be surfing for the day?
My favorite song changes a lot! Haha right now Latch by Disclosure gets me hyped!
5. What board do you ride and how would you compare it to others you have had a chance to shred?
I ride my own pro model The “Emily” by Soulcraft. It’s a 4”4 squash tail board that I ride with WCT future fins.
There is just something about a Soulcraft board that no other I have ridden makes me feel. Go out and ride one and you will know what I mean!!! My board is alive under my feet always driving me to carve hard and move around on the wave. A feeling no other board has ever giving me. It is designed to be fast, responsive and poppy. My board is definitely that and more! While looking for my perfect board I tried a variety of different companies and from the minute I got up on a Soulcraft I couldn’t stop smiling and I still get that feeling to this day.
Photo: Matt Kuhn Photography
6. The signature Emily Agate pose, how did that become what it is today?
“The Emily” pose is all thanks to Todd Gaughan while in Mexico last May for the Supreme stop within the World Series of Wakesurfing. He started it because I always make the same big smile in pictures and point my finger while surfing. I told him I would do the pose on podium and did. Since that moment it has stuck and became my signature pose!
7. What has been your favorite place to travel?
Until last summer I had hardly traveled within the states. The past season wake surfing took me to California, Baja of California, Colorado, Texas, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona and Washington. Out of all the places I went, my favorite was Texas! I had so much fun there and cant wait to go back this summer.
8. What are your plans for 2014?
Initially I was planning to spend more time at home training and go to fewer competitions than last season, but after heading to the Calgary boat show I think I will be traveling to a lot of competitions once again! My first competition this year was in Parker, AZ on March 14/15th.
I can’t wait to get back out there and compete and inspire others to make their dreams come true!
9. What advice do you have for young females hoping to compete in sports that are dominated by guys?
You can do anything you set your mind to. Dreams can and should be reached. Watch the guys for inspiration and aspire to be like them rather than let them intimidate you. Get out there and give competing a try. Even if you don’t ride your best you will learn a lot about your self and meet many amazing, inspirational people.
10. Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Many people inspire me…but my main inspiration comes from within and inspiring others to find their passions and chase their dreams. I have never found something I am this passionate about and there is a fire inside of me that pushes me to make my dreams come true. When I set my mind on something nothing will stop me!
