The Nautique Network

Dockside Chats: Bailey Dunn

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:

1. Dead at the Honky Tonk
2. Overdrive
3. 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!

Dockside Chats: Wake for Warriors Founder, David Deep

Nautique Boats: We are so proud to express our heartfelt appreciation for our partnership with Wake for Warriors. Our collaboration highlights the transformative experience of watersports while fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among those who have bravely served our country. We are so grateful for the opportunity to support such a meaningful initiative and would love to dive deeper into the story that has made Wake for Warriors what it is today! 

First and foremost, thank you for serving our country! 

David Deep: Thank you. As my friend and Medal of Honor recipient Kyle Carpenter says: “You are worth it.”

NB: We’d love to know more about how you got into towed watersports and how that led you to create Wake for Warriors.

DD: I learned to ski at 8, but really got into wakeboarding in the mid 1990s when I was a helicopter flight instructor stationed at Whiting Field, FL. My buddy had a 1987 Nautique 2001 with Rubbermaid storage bins filled with water for extra weight. We would hit the Blackwater River with friends and family several times a week and ride till the sun went down. 

When my flight instructor tour finished, I left active duty to pursue an airline career and joined the Marine Corps reserve. A few years later, I was activated to serve in Afghanistan flying AH-1W attack helicopters in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Coming back home was a challenge as I felt an “unease” trying to integrate back into a normal life. 

As I recalled the sunny days with my friends on the Blackwater River, I decided to get a 97 Super Sport Nautique. I found that a few minutes behind the boat was the therapy that I needed. Experiencing the healing power of being on the water was the catalyst to start Wake for Warriors. It started with one injured veteran spending the weekend at my house and has grown into 50 events in 22 states each year.

NB: We have been partners for 8 years! What does the Wake for Warriors and Nautique Boats partnership mean to you?

DD: The people at Nautique have become family to me. Teaming up with Nautique dealerships and owners across the nation has been instrumental to the success of our events. I have had the opportunity to meet some amazing Nautique owners who generously donate their time and talent to support our mission and together we’ve been able to change the lives of some deserving veterans.

NB: We love having you, your team, and the Wake for Warriors athletes out at the Nautique events, whether it’s at the Nautique Wake Series, Nautique Wakesurf Series, the Masters, or at our Nautique Regattas! What’s the impact for both the athletes and your organization while attending our events?

DD: These events provide us an opportunity to tell the story of our organization, but more importantly, it gives everyone at these events a chance to meet these incredible individuals. Watching our Wake for Warriors team athletes ride is awe inspiring and I love watching the crowds cheer them on as they show their skills on the water. Each one of our riders has a story of overcoming challenges and thriving after a catastrophic injury.

NB: We know you have a busy calendar! What are some other Wake for Warriors events you feel are more unique and/or you really get excited about? 

DD: Every event is unique in its own way, and I really appreciate how our teams make our veterans feel welcome with their hospitality. I particularly enjoy the events at our home on Lake Harding, AL/GA where we host veterans from Team Semper Fi and the EOD Warrior Foundation. I also like teaming up with other organizations like the National Ability Center where we combine time on the water with mountain biking in Park City, Utah. It’s always a treat to have Nautique team athletes like Jodi Grassman come and coach our participants. It really makes our veterans feel special that they take time from their busy schedules to share their skills with them. 

NB: You’ve had several different model Nautiques over the years, and currently you have a G23 Paragon. Can you tell us what some of your favorite features are? 

DD: My favorite feature of the Paragon is the back transom area. This ease of entry in the water is particularly significant when we have riders with spinal cord injuries or other mobility issues. It’s not uncommon for important conversations to take place while sitting in those back seats. I also appreciate the consistency of the wakes and waves of the Nautique. The set up and controls are well thought out and the layout of the boat makes the days on the water easier and very comfortable.

NB: Wake for Warriors has continued to grow throughout the US, getting more and more Veterans out on the water. How can people get involved in the organization or in their local communities?

DD: We have information on our website at www.wakeforwarriors.org where veterans can see our schedule of events, apply and learn more about our program. Volunteers can fill out our form to offer their assistance in providing food, lodging and boats for our multi-day events. There’s also a link to donate to support our mission. We’re an all-volunteer organization, so your donations go to support travel, food, lodging, adaptive equipment and event needs such as fuel. 

NB: Can you share some of the most impactful stories or moments you’ve witnessed through this program?

DD: There are so many moments over the last 12 years that have made an impact on me and the teams that support our mission. The connections made and the lifelong friendships built have had a tremendous effect on everyone involved. I love witnessing the transition happen at each event as we start with handshakes on the first day to hugging and high fiving on the last day.

We recently had a veteran who now works as a first responder attend an event in the Midwest. As the event was wrapping up on the last day, she shared how she had written a suicide note before the event but decided to come to the Wake for Warriors weekend as a final act. As she conveyed her story, she talked about how she felt loved and appreciated by the staff and her fellow veterans that weekend. Needless to say, the note was torn up and she’s still with us. We’re celebrating that connection and we’re looking forward to having her at another event soon.

NB: Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of Wake for Warriors?

DD: Our vision is to build a relationship with our veterans that lasts beyond the few days of our events. We’ve partnered with some organizations that can provide assistance in areas such as counseling, job placement and other things that help our veterans thrive on and off the water. We have a few things in the works to build upon these partnerships and I’m excited to watch it evolve. We are also expanding our initiative to bring back our veterans as coaches to give them an opportunity to share in the joy that they experienced and to help put smiles on faces.

It takes a lot of time and effort, but as Theodore Roosevelt said, “Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”

To learn more about participating in Wake for Warriors programs or to support Wake for Warriors as a donor, sponsor, or volunteer, please follow the links below! 

Upcoming Events

Apply to Participate

Apply to Volunteer 

Become a Sponsor 

Donate 

2024 Nautique European Wakesurf Championships Recap

Watch the recap of all the action at the 2024 Nautique European Wakesurf Championships! The award-winning Super Air Nautique G23 Paragon set the stage with perfect waves all weekend long at Liquid Leisure in Windsor, England for stop #2 of the Nautique Wakesurf Series. With numerous competitors of all ages and abilities from 10 different countries, Nautique was proud to host the highest number of both participants and spectators in the event's four-year history!