We are excited to announce the winners of the 2024 Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada Wake Awards, recognizing exceptional talent in wakeboarding, wakeskating, and wakesurfing. These athletes have had outstanding seasons, and we’re proud to celebrate their achievements.
2024 WSWC Wake Cable Rider of the Year – Riley Dillon
Riley Dillon has had a truly impressive year in wakeboarding. He kicked off 2024 with the premiere of Free Agent, which quickly became the most-watched wakeboard video of the year. Riley’s competitive spirit shone through as he claimed first place at the Toronto Boat Show contest, and even after suffering a broken heel, he made a strong recovery. He spent a month training in Florida, followed by two weeks at Elevated Training in Europe to prepare for the upcoming season. He also spent two weeks in Lithuania, filming for Labas and training for the Wake Duel, where he became a finalist. His consistent performance continued with notable finishes, including being a finalist at The Hacker Pro Invite in Lithuania, second place at Own the Stone Bluestone, and third place at O Fest Pro Invite in Denmark, where he was also voted fan favorite. Riley showcased his versatility, judging at the US Nationals and securing second place at the PWL Railyard in the Open Men’s category. He also made an impact at major international events, such as the Redbull Copenwaken, Redbull Wake the City, and the IWWF Cable Worlds. Additionally, he rode at Valdosta Yardsale. His passion and dedication have truly set him apart as this year’s Wake Cable Rider of the Year.
2024 WSWC Wake Boat Rider of the Year – Hunter Smith
Hunter Smith has had an impressive season in 2024, cementing his spot as the Wake Boat Rider of the Year. His consistent performance earned him an overall ranking of 22nd in the WWA 2024 standings and 15th in the Supra Pro Tour. Hunter’s dedication was evident with a strong showing at the Florida State Championships, where he placed second, and at the Pan American Championships, where he secured third place. His hard work and perseverance throughout the season have rightfully earned him this award.
2024 WSWC Wakeskate Rider of the Year – Jordan Sullivan
Jordan Sullivan has been nothing short of remarkable in the wakeskate scene this year. He began his season with a second place finish at the Pro Wakeskate League Stop 1 in Valdosta, followed by another second place finish at the Pan American Championships in Orlando. Jordan continued to build on his momentum, winning first place at the Ontario Provincials at Railyard, and delivering solid performances at the Pro Wakeskate League Stop 2 in Black Water Junction and Stop 3 at Railyard, where he finished in seventh place at both events. He also made his mark on the Canadian Nationals, taking first place at Bluestone, and continued his strong performances internationally with a third-place finish at the IWWF World Championships in Paris. To cap off a stellar year, Jordan claimed first place at the Valdosta Yardsale. With his skill and consistency, Jordan has truly earned his spot as the Wakeskate Rider of the Year.
2024 WSWC Wakesurf Rider of the Year – Bailey Rush
Bailey Rush has had a standout season in wakesurfing, with impressive victories and podium finishes throughout 2024. She claimed first place in both Pro Female Surf and Pro Female Skim at the 2024 CWSA World Wakesurfing Championships, and continued to dominate at the 2024 Canadian Nationals, where she took first place in both categories again. Her success carried over to the 2024 North American Championship, where she earned first place in the Pro Female Combined category. At the 2024 CWSA Drop 45 Events, Bailey continued her winning streak with first place finishes in both Pro Female Surf and Pro Female Skim in Events 3, 4, and 5. She capped off the year with a first place finish in Pro Female Combined at the Drop 45 Event 5. On the international stage, Bailey earned third place in Pro Female Surf and second place in Pro Female Skim at the 2024 IWWF World Wakesurfing Championships. Her achievements this year make her a deserving recipient of the Wakesurf Rider of the Year award.
Once again, congratulations to Riley Dillon, Hunter Smith, Jordan Sullivan, and Bailey Rush for their incredible accomplishments in the 2024 season! Their hard work and passion for their sport is inspiring.