Nautique Boats: Welcome to Team Nautique! You just had an incredible season with wins at the Nautique Wakesurf Masters and the Nautique European Wakesurf Championships, and you were crowned the 2024 Nautique Wakesurf Series Overall Champion in Pro Men’s Surf. Can you describe your most memorable moments from the 2024 Nautique Wakesurf Series?
Joey Harris: What’s up! Thank you so much! My most memorable moments from the Nautique Wakesurf Series would have to be traveling with my family and hanging with everyone at the different events. Another thing that comes to mind is when I ended up surfing my 2nd pass in the semi-finals at the 2024 Masters with only one fin! On the last trick of my first pass, I fell and hit my leg on my left fin, which must’ve popped it out of the fin box! It hurt pretty good, but I didn’t think to check to see if my fin was still there as 99% of the time it is, lol. So, that sweet Paragon pulled me up for my second pass and immediately I felt something wasn’t right with my board. I just figured my fin was loose or something, so I tried to block it out and just focus on surfing. I ended up getting through most of my run and when I checked my board after falling, my fin was gone! I couldn’t believe it and I started laughing to myself. So, I hopped on the jet ski and as I passed by the boat, held up my board and yelled ONE FIN!! The look on some of the judges’ faces was priceless haha. I ended up advancing to finals which was the cherry on top!
NB: What are you most looking forward to as the newest member of Team Nautique?
JH: Being able to meet everyone behind this awesome company and having the opportunity to represent the best wakesurf boats in the world!
NB: What motivated you to pursue a career in wakesurfing?
JH: Honestly, I didn’t know it was possible to have a career in wakesurfing up until a few years ago haha. I really was just wakesurfing for fun and trying different tricks that I thought were cool. The fact that I can make this my career is pretty awesome, and I’m very grateful to have this opportunity.
NB: Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped you as the athlete you are today?
JH: Yeah, for sure. It was actually just last year at Nationals after I had the worst comp run during the finals. I was walking back from the dock with tears in my eyes and feeling pretty defeated when a girl with special needs that was sitting on a bench with her mom asked me how I did. I really didn’t feel like talking about it, but I just said I really didn’t do too well. She was so positive and had a smile on her face when she said, “That’s okay, you’ll do better next time.” I couldn’t help but think - wow, here I am feeling down and negative, complaining about how I rode, and here is this girl who has special needs that has probably never been on a boat, let alone been wakesurfing. Her huge smile and contagious positive attitude towards life got to me. It was like God showed me how much I have to be thankful for in this life, and to not focus so much on the negative. Gods always got a plan.
I’ll never forget that day as it put things into perspective for me. So, thank you to the girl on the bench who reminded me to keep my head up, know there’s good in every situation, and be grateful in every moment.
NB: Wakesurfing has taken you all over the world. Can you share some of your favorite destinations?
JH: Japan for sure! I love the culture out there and everyone is so nice and respectful. Also, I love SUSHI!
I also liked Switzerland. The architecture was impressive, and the people I stayed with were extremely hospitable. London was alright, but I’m not much of a city boy haha. I am also really looking forward to going to Spain with my family this year!
NB: What does a day in your life consist of when training for events?
JH: I do my best to surf as much as I can between teaching lessons, but my goal is to surf at least once a day during the season. I also include a yoga/stretching session in the morning and maybe a skate sesh or Jiu Jitsu in the evening. Eating clean is really important to me too.
NB: What was the hardest trick for you to learn? What tricks are your favorite?
JH: The hardest trick I’ve landed would have to be the Backside 540 Big-Spin. I don’t have it consistent YET, but it’s a pretty rad feeling to stomp that trick.
My favorite tricks on the daily are constantly changing, but I always love a solid Backside Full Rotation, classic Madonna, and lofty Back Big.
NB: What are your favorite activities off the water?
JH: My favorite activities off the water are Jiu Jitsu, skateboarding, yoga, riding my Harley, dirt bikes, mountain bikes, and going to church with my family on Sundays. Recently I’ve gotten into learning about Crypto and how to day trade, which has been fun.
NB: What do you consider your greatest achievements outside of wakesurfing?
JH: Getting baptized is one of my greatest achievements that I will never forget. Also, not letting fear dictate which path to follow and trusting in Him in all the ups and downs of life.
NB: How would you define success in wakesurfing?
JH: I feel success could be defined and perceived in many ways. In my opinion, success in wakesurfing involves spreading the joy of it to others and cheering everyone on.
NB: What career would you pursue if you weren’t a professional wakesurfer?
JH: Gosh, that’s a tough one. My parents used to say if you can help it, try to be your own boss, so I’d probably be an entrepreneur of some sort. I would probably dabble in some real estate too.
NB: Who inspires you and what advice would you give to aspiring wakesurfers?
JH: I took some time to really think about this question as I didn’t have an answer right away. There are actually multiple people who inspire me for different reasons. For instance, my parents inspire me to work hard and always be kind to others, my sister inspires me to be a better brother and friend, my grandparents inspire me to believe in myself and always stay true to who I am, the Bible inspires me to share the Good News to everyone and always give glory to God, I could keep going as there are many people who inspire me and I’m grateful for every single one of them.
As for the aspiring wakesurfers, my advice would be to focus less on the end results and instead just enjoy the journey. You’re going to win some and you’re going to lose some but having a positive attitude and knowing that it’s all part of the process will make the journey much more fun. It’s a constant mindset that I still struggle with but do my best to remember every day. Oh, and most importantly HAVE FUN!!
NB: What does Nautique mean to you?
JH: Being a part of Nautique means being on the Dream Team! Even though I haven’t been in this industry long, it’s no secret that they are the best, and I’m extremely grateful to have this opportunity!
NB: What are your favorite features on the Super Air Nautique G23?
JH: First and foremost, that dreamy, never-ending (as long as you have gas lol) wave! The Nautique wave has a unique shape that allows me to get more pop, which equals bigger tricks and the ability to create new ones. Plus, what I’ve really come to appreciate with my G23 is the fit and finish. It truly is a beautiful boat, and you can tell Nautique takes pride in their work.
NB: What’s on your playlist when you ride behind your Super Air Nautique G23?
JH: That all depends on the day. If I’m going out for a morning session, I love to listen to Gospel music as it helps to keep me in a joyful and grateful mood. Here are some of my favorite Gospel songs: Holy Forever by Chris Tomlin, Living Hope by Bethel Music, and Miracle Child by Brandon Lake.
Other times, I’m mostly listening to reggae, which I think is one of the best boat music genres. Reggae Songs: Way of Life by Stick Figure, Smooth Sailin by Stylie, Hold Firm by Collie Buddz.
NB: What are your goals for 2025?
JH: My goals for 2025 include growing my Wakesurf School here on Table Rock Lake (if you’re interested, here’s my website: jh3surf.com), creating more unique and fun content, doing at least one NBD, staying positive no matter the circumstances, and most importantly growing in my Faith.
NB: Where do you see yourself in five years?
JH: Honestly, I don’t know, and I don’t want to know - and I mean that in a good way! A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines His steps. Proverbs 16:9
Whatever the Lord has in store for me, I’m here for it. I pray that in those 5 years, I have gained wisdom and understanding, I have grown closer in my relationship with God, and have hopefully turned others to Him as well.
