Ponoka's Bailey Rush continued with her amazing winning streak during the 2024 Wake Canada National Wakesurf Championships in B.C. held earlier this month.
Rush, described as a dominant dual rider, took the top spot in Pro Women’s Skim, and went on to take gold in Pro Women’s Surf at the event, which was held at Koocanusa Village on the shores of Lake Koocanus.
"It was a pretty amazing weekend, because there were actually two events. On Sept. 7, there was the Canadian nationals, and there were so many incredible athletes there, And then on the Sunday, the CWSA North American Wakesurf Championships took place," said Rush, who is also a teacher in Rimbey.
"That event was basically the last qualifier for the World Championships. So a lot of Canadians, by taking part on (Sept. 8), did go on to qualify for the worlds which is amazing."
At that event, Rush landed the gold in Pro Female Combined (Surf and Skim).
She also qualified for the worlds - which are just around the corner from Oct. 1 to 5 in Switzerland.
"With Switzerland, I am over the moon because so many of my wakesurf students have also qualified. So they will be travelling alongside me. I'm really excited for that," she said.
"It was my goal this season through coaching to get as many Canadians qualified for the worlds as I could. I'm really happy with how many did qualify, because you have to do a certain amount of competition through the season and get your points high enough to go. We made that happen."
Rush teaches students both locally and internationally.
"I love teaching because I love seeing people do well, and become passionate about something in life that can really propel them to meet so many incredible people. It can also enable them to travel to so many amazing places.
"Wakesurfing is also one of those sports where you need good family and friends, too. If my Dad didn't drive the boat, and if my Mom wasn't there supporting me, I couldn't do this sport," she said.
"I am truly so thankful for my parents! They’ve allowed me the opportunity to be an athlete in this sport and been with me every step of the way. I’ve had so many incredible opportunities to travel and keep pushing the level of this sport.
"It is also truly heartwarming to see how much incredible Canadian talent is growing. I love coaching and helping people get into this incredible, family-friendly sport."
Rush's introduction to it came about almost unexpectedly.
"When I was 16, my dad's friend had a boat, and that is when I first tried it. I fell in love with it."
Her parents later attended a boat show, where they learned there were competitions Rush could check out as well.
"That's what I love also about being a coach now, too. There are so many talented riders in Canada, and when I mention competing to them, they ask what I mean," she said.
"I explain there are all of these competitions and opportunities to travel, and to move up to pro some day."
For Rush, it wasn't long after first delving into the sport that the accolades started rolling in. And to top it all off, she is also an accomplished figure skater, NCCP coach, and regional figure skating coach.
"Figure skating has given me an appreciation for flow and style when it comes to sports, because a lot of people can do the same trick, but everyone looks differently when they do it. So I really appreciate the nice flow of tricks in wakesurfing, which is similar to figure skating," she explained.
Ultimately, it's fascinating to think about the path Rush has found herself on - and one which brings her such a sense of joy, fulfillment, and success.
"How do I even put it into words? It's an incredible feeling to be able to do it. Of course, I absolutely love competing and doing well in my own competitions, and that motivates me even more to coach more people, and to get them involved because I know the joy that the sport has brought to me.
"I want to introduce as many people as I can to the same path I have taken, so they can also chase their dreams. A lot of these riders who have crazy-good talent watch all of these people overseas or in the U.S. They think how cool it is, and I'm trying to tell them, 'It could be you!'
"We have a short season (in Canada), but it's possible. Let me show you how you can do this, too."
