Nautique Boats: As the 2024 Nautique Wakesurf Series Overall Champion in Pro Women Skim and the second-place Overall Champion in Pro Women Surf, you’ve had an incredible season! What made your season such a success?
Bailey Dunn: Thank you! The 2024 season is one I will never forget. Being able to travel to all four tour stops was something I really wanted to do this year. At the beginning of the off-season, I wrote down my goals and ambitions, and thanks to the G23 Paragon wave, I was able to incorporate surf style into my training and advance my skills beyond skim riding. Sharing my passion across the country with Nautique, my friends, and my family, will be an experience I cherish forever.
NB: What is your favorite memory from this year’s Nautique Wakesurf Series?
BD: It’s hard to pick just one memory from this season because I had an absolute blast at every tour stop. One specific memory that stands out to me would have to be at the Nautique European Wakesurf Championship at Liquid Leisure, just outside of London, England. The atmosphere and energy at the venue was amazing. I remember showing up on the first day of the competition - everyone was so stoked to be there and even more amped to ride behind the G23 Paragon. The wave was so juiced and some of the best riding went down that weekend.
NB: What does the Nautique Wakesurf Series mean to you?
BD: The Nautique Wakesurf Series allows me to do what I love and share my passion for the water with people around the world. I get so stoked to compete at these events with some of the best athletes in the industry; the level of riding is mind-blowing. Aside from competing, it’s really neat to see how these incredible events bring people together. I am extremely grateful for the lifelong friendships I have developed through these competitions.
NB: What goes through your head on contest days? Do you have any contest rituals?
BD: On contest days, I try to stay as calm and balanced as possible. I hit the spin bike for 15-20 minutes to warm up my legs and listen to music to get myself in the zone. Before I ride, I say a prayer to remind myself how fortunate I am to be doing what I love and to be riding the best wave in the industry. Then, I focus on having fun out there because that’s what it’s all about!
NB: When did you begin wakesurfing and what led you to the sport?
BD: It all started in the small town of Huntsville, Utah. Surrounded by mountains, the little valley I grew up in had a lake just minutes away, and it’s there that my passion for watersports, particularly wakesurfing, first began. Thinking back on my wakesurfing career, I realized my journey started when I was 4 years old. As a young girl, all I ever wanted was to make a name for myself. Fast-forward 16 years, I currently live in Orlando, Florida, pursuing my childhood dream of being a female athlete competing in the Women's Pro Division for Wakesurfing. I’ve always loved that wakesurfing is an individual sport. It’s my responsibility to put in the hours on the lake to be successful, and that is what I do almost every day. Nautique has been a huge part of my life. My dad brought home our first Nautique years ago and that's when I found my true passion for the water. Lake days with my family and friends are some of my most memorable times as a child.
NB: What are your favorite tricks?
BD: Any air tricks! I love the way it feels to generate speed from the back of the wave, whether I'm on my skimboard or surfboard, and pop off the lip of the wave.
NB: What are your biggest career accomplishments so far?
BD: Winning the Overall Tour this year is definitely a highlight. Aside from that, I am very stoked to be able to ride and represent the awesome companies I work with, like Nautique. It’s always been a dream of mine to be a team athlete, but more importantly, to be a role model for young groms to look up to.
NB: Who are some role models that have inspired you, and how have they impacted your journey?
BD: This industry is filled with some awesome competitors. However, one person that has inspired me is Jodi Grassman. She always had the best style and the most amplitude. As a little girl, I would watch her YouTube videos and try to emulate her riding style. Not to mention, how she carries herself off the water is something to be admired. Fast forward a couple years, and we are now good friends!
NB: What unique qualities or perspectives do you think women bring to wakesurfing that contribute to the sports development?
BD: I believe women bring a unique set of qualities to wakesurfing that really help push the sport forward. Female athletes, in particular, make the sport more inclusive by encouraging others to learn to ride and serving as role models for future generations. They consistently introduce new riding styles and inspire innovation. It’s always cool to see a female go out there and crush it!
NB: What do you see as the future for women in wakesurfing?
BD: The future for women in wakesurfing is incredibly exciting. Right now, we have an amazing group of talented female riders, and as the sport continues to grow, I know women will keep pushing boundaries - bringing new tricks, fresh energy, and unique perspectives. It’s truly an honor to be part of such an awesome group of female wakesurfers.
NB: What are your favorite features on the Super Air Nautique Paragon Series?
BD: A couple of my favorite features on the Super Air Nautique Paragon Series are:
- The Nautique Surf System (NSS): It allows you to completely customize your wave settings so you can make the perfect wave for you and your friends.
- The LINC Panoray Display: The LINC Panoray touch screen is an intuitive display that provides control over the boats systems, including settings for the wave, speed, music and much more.
- Telescoping Flight Control Tower: The tower can be easily lowered and raised to your crew’s preference with the click of a button; a standout feature on the Paragon Series.
NB: What are the top 3 songs on your wakesurf playlist?
BD: Anything Post Malone!! My top 3 are:
- Dead at the Honky Tonk
- Overdrive
- Chemical
NB: You were recently out at our Nautique Southwest Regatta! Tell us about your experience and favorite moments at this event.
BD: The Southwest Regatta was an absolute blast! I have to say the Tie-Up was one of my favorite parts of the weekend. It’s always so cool to see all the different Nautiques together, but this Tie-Up, in particular, was MASSIVE! I love getting out on a customer's boat or a demo boat and seeing the excitement on their faces when they ride. It’s an awesome experience and I look forward to all the Nautique Regattas!
NB: What does Nautique mean to you?
BD: Riding and representing Nautique is truly a privilege. As a young girl, some of my best memories were made on the water with my family on our Nautique boats. A large part of my success today comes from having access to the top boat in the industry. My values and goals align perfectly with Nautiques commitment to family, making this partnership even stronger. Nautique will always hold a special place in my heart, and I couldn't be more thrilled and honored to be part of Team Nautique.
NB: Do you have any advice for new wakesurfers?
BD: Take it one day at a time. Just like anything in life, success comes in waves, but as long as you stay positive and consistent, results will follow! Have fun no matter what!
NB: What’s next for you?
BD: I am excited to keep pushing myself on and off the water. Most importantly, representing Nautique the best I can and soaking in every opportunity that comes my way!
