Competing at the IWWF Pan American Championships was an incredible experience that combined my love for wakeboarding with the excitement of representing Team USA on an international stage. This event brought together some of the best riders from across the Americas, including competitors from Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina, all vying for top honors at a private lake in Auburndale, Florida. With its rich history as part of the USA Water Ski Federation and even a museum dedicated to the sport, the venue set the perfect stage for an unforgettable competition.
The IWWF and Team USA
The IWWF, which sanctions the Pan Am Championship, is the international governing body for water skiing and wakeboarding—similar to the organization overseeing Olympic competition. Each country selects one athlete per division to score points toward the overall team standings. I was honored to be chosen as Team Captain and the point scorer for the over-30 division, leading Team USA in an event that emphasized teamwork alongside individual performance.
Wakeboarding is traditionally an individual sport, so being part of a team-focused event brought a unique and exciting challenge. It was an honor to lead our team of 15–20 athletes, with roughly 100 competitors participating in total.
Leading Team USA
Being named captain was both unexpected and incredibly rewarding. I attended team meetings, kept everyone informed about schedules and matching uniforms, and even organized bonding activities like a fun mini-golf outing. One of my favorite parts of the experience was connecting with the younger competitors and their families, sharing insights from my own journey in the sport. I have so much respect for the dedication these families put into helping their kids compete at this level, and I enjoyed passing along advice and encouragement.
Marching out with Team USA at the opening ceremony, waving our flag, and reading the athlete oath was a powerful moment that underscored the sense of unity within our team. It was an experience that made me truly appreciate the opportunity to compete for something bigger than myself.
The Competition: Battling the Elements
The first day of competition brought strong winds, adding an extra layer of difficulty to each run. Despite the conditions, I secured the number one seed heading into the finals. The pressure was on, especially after watching two competitors before me throw down impressive runs.
On my first pass, I took a cautious approach due to the headwind but unfortunately fell on my fourth trick. Sitting in the water, I knew I had to shake it off and refocus. I finished strong with a whirlybird and a crow mobe—two high-difficulty tricks that put me back in contention.
For my second pass, I went all in, landing a trick I had never attempted in a contest before—a glide that involved passing the rope behind my back before popping out with a tik-top move. The judges loved it, and I clinched first place in my division!
Celebrating Team USA’s Success
Team USA had an outstanding showing, winning nearly every division and securing the overall team victory. Standing on the podium to receive both my individual medal and our team’s gold was an unforgettable moment. The camaraderie and team spirit made this event stand out from any other competition I’ve been a part of.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Team USA
The IWWF and Team USA are working to secure funding for future competitions, with hopes of covering travel expenses and further solidifying the team’s presence on the global stage. It’s an exciting time for the sport, and I’m eager to see how Team USA continues to grow and evolve.
Embracing New Opportunities
A fun twist at the event was getting the opportunity to be on the microphone—not just as Team Captain but also reading the athlete oath. Public speaking has always been a challenge for me due to a learning disability, but stepping out of my comfort zone at both the Pan Am Championships and the Wakeboard World Championships has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I never would have imagined younger Kirby becoming the person I am today, but faith and perseverance have opened doors I never expected.
As I continue competing and embracing new roles within the sport, I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and the community that supports me. I look forward to many more adventures—both on and off the water!
