Early morning wakeboarding

The temperature hovered around 46 degrees, but the excitement made the air tolerable. The sun peeked above the horizon and gleamed across the smooth waters of Lake Mendota. That morning, I had the privilege of photographing national and world wakeboarding champion, Kayla Ruedebusch, as she rode her newly released signature pro-model wakeboard, courtesy of Jackpine Wakesurf. Having her own custom-made board at 20-years-old is a testament to her skill and determination.

As the boat skipped across the lake, I hung off the back, white-knuckling my Canon R5, equipped with a 24-70mm f/2.8, which although water resistant, was not lake-bottom proof. . With each jump, spin and cut of the board, Kayla demonstrated her mastery of the sport. Her unwavering focus left me in awe, and I tried to capture Kayla’s intensity and precision.

The sheer joy of her performance lead me to board a second boat and unleash the power of my 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, immersing myself in a world where passion and adrenaline converged.

In that moment, I understood that this was more than a mere photoshoot. This was Kayla’s odyssey, a tale of courage and determination, where her dreams came to life, and limits are shattered. It was a reminder that in our pursuit of passion, we embrace the unfamiliar, let go of our fears, and allow ourselves to be carried by our drive for better..

To Kayla, I extend a heartfelt congratulations on the release of your new signature wakeboard. May it carry you to new heights and inspire the next generation of wakeboarders. And to all those who dare to chase their dreams, may this serve as a reminder that the greatest adventures occur when we step outside our comfort zones and embrace the challenges and the unknown.