Joseph Humphries
Malibu Boats Athlete Profile
Residence: UK
Hometown: Geddington, Northamptonshire
Age: 16
Number of Years Wakeboarding: 12 Years
How did it start?:How did it start?: I was born on 12th April 2004 and my sister arrived not long after, in 2007. We had lots of discussions about different family sports. My dad had enjoyed a life growing up on the water…firstly swimming and then waterskiing. Nana and Grampy used to water ski at Tallington Lakes Waterski Club. So, this seemed like the perfect sport to go back to. All we needed was a boat and a caravan! In 2007 my mum and dad joined Baston Fenn Waterski Club in Lincolnshire. Dad bought a rickety old boat that needed a lot of work…and back then we used to borrow my Nana and Grampy’s caravan. One very chilly April Friday evening in 2007 we arrived at my favorite place…the lake. I begged mum and dad to let me have a go. After lots of whining on my part, they did. Mum helped me get my skis on, whilst dad sorted the rope. Mum held me upright in the water and dad gently pulled me along…I was up! After a lap of the lake, I let go…but it wasn’t long before I was off again!
The following week I had my first go on a Wakeboard and I was hooked. Wakeboarding is how I express myself. It’s my passion…my life! I love it! I’m always challenging myself with new tricks and when I land them it’s the best feeling ever and makes me want to achieve more and more.
What advice would you give anyone starting out?: Never get frustrated with anything when you are on the water. At the end of the day, wakeboarding is fun and needs to stay that way.
Equipment & Set-up, make of board / bindings goofy etc... I ride goofy on the Obrien Valhalla 132 with Infuse bindings, Obrien Handle
Line Length: 60ft.
Boat Speed: 34.6 kph / 21.5 mph
Favorite Trick: Tail grab tantrum to blind
Favorite Place to Ride: LDB Wake School
Favorite Food: Mac & Cheese
Which Rider(s) Inspire(s) you: Anyone on the water. You can learn so much from watching different people
Best Career Moment: Difficult one…… Getting through to the European and African Wakeboard Finals or Winning the UK Nationals.
An ideal day in your Malibu Consists of: Slightly breezy, not mirror flat conditions and sunny with a bunch of people on board ready to shred.
Plans for 2020: Travel and ride wherever I can.
Interesting fact most people do not know about you: I played “The Hoff” in my end of year school performance!
Your Review of your current Malibu Ride, why you like it: I like the 22MXZ as it’s a gradual progressive wake and if it’s your first-time riding behind one, it’s easy to get used to. Even though the wake is progressive it still gives you the opportunity to go massive no matter how good you are at wakeboarding, and this is why I personally believe that the 22 MXZ is an amazing competition boat as well as a spacious leisure boat!
Personal Statement: Love life, live it.
Hobbies: Wakeboarding, skateboarding, trampolining, snowboarding, Tennis
Career Achievements: Malibu UK National Junior Men Wakeboard Champion 2019 / Lound WSC 1st Rider League Junior 2019 / IWWF Spanish International Boys Champion 2018 / R & T Big Air Boys champion 2018 / European and African Wakeboard Championships 6th 2018 / UK Malibu Wakeboard Nationals 2018 Boy's Champion / Quays Wake Open Boys champion 2018 / R & T Big air comp boys Champion 2017 / Boys UK Nautique Open @quays 2017 Champion /Boys National Champion Boat 2017
Sponsors: Malibu Boats Europe, Maven Marine, Ultrasport EU, Obrien Wakeboards, Xtreme Gene Spain, dryrobe, Club Wake Park, Xtreme Vans, LDB WakeSchool
