Jules Haley

May 1st, 2009 | Profiles

Name: Jules Haley

Birthday: 12th July 1988

Seasons Competing: I’ve been competing since 2005, working my way up through the rookie divisions!

Cable or Boat or Both? I’m a boat rider at heart, though I have a growing love and respect for cable!

Sponsor shout out: Props to the guys back in the UK at Hyperlite Wakeboards, you rock!

Hometown: I come from a quaint little village called ‘Seer Green’ in Buckinghamshire, England.

Current residence: I’m currently living in a sick house full of female shredders on Lake Conway, Orlando.

Board set up: Hyperlite Syn 137 with Hyperlite Syn Boots

Where is your riding crew based out of? My riding crew varies wherever I go; right now in Orlando I’m shredding with my roommates the ‘Conway Punks’, a group of female shredders who all kill it. Back in England we have a really tight-knit wakeboard community, and we pretty much all ride together. My best friend just opened a wakeboard school (www.ldbwakeschool.co.uk) so I’m really looking forward to riding there this year.

What is your favourite thing about wakeboarding? My favourite thing about wakeboarding is the lifestyle that comes with it. I love being able to travel and meet people, spending lots of time outside, and seeing beautiful places.

Whats something unique about wakeboarding in your country? There are so many great unique things about wakeboarding in the UK, although mainly I would say that all our riders have a great ability to make the most of any situation. We are not always blessed with great weather or conditions, but regardless, everyone is always pumped and stoked to shred.

Where is your absolute favourite place to ride? I would have to say Lake Conway, Orlando; the lake in my backyard! It’s a chain of lakes and you can always find a sweet spot regardless of the wind direction. I always seem to have really great rides out on Conway; it’s become like a home from home for me!

Places you have travelled to for wakeboarding: I’ve been to Australia, New Zealand, America, Spain, Italy, Ireland, and pretty much all over England. I’ve loved every moment of every trip and hopefully there will be many more to come!

Favourite Rider: I’d have to say my homeboy Nick Davies; he’s crazy fun to be around and is probably the best thing that ever happened to wakeboarding in the UK!

Favourite Animal: Lucy, my roommates dog. I love her!

Favourite Trick: Toeside 5!!

Favourite Music: Kings of Leon!

What are some of your best results?

2008 UK Wakestock Champion

2007 UK Junior Ladies National Champion

What are some of your thoughts on female wakeboarding at the pro level? Female wakeboarding is getting bigger and bigger, as girls push their riding and gradually gain more respect. Its taken a while but I think that chicks are definitely starting to hold their ground against the guys; we are no longer afraid to hit gnarly rails or pool gaps, are throwing down hard tricks on the cable and since I heard that an 12 year old landed a whirlybird already, its clear that the future is definitely looking bright.

What needs to be done to help female athletes in wakeboarding? Whilst women’s wakeboarding seems to be evolving rapidly as things are, I believe that every girl can help to build our future. Whether it’s helping another girl get off the cable dock, lending someone your life jacket, or simply being friendly to the newcomer on the dock at a contest, some times a good gesture is all it takes. Guys can be intimidating and discouraging and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for those girls who encouraged me at the start.

Props to anyone? Thanks to Hyperlite for all the support, and my friends and family for putting up with me!

Author: Ally

Ally Boothroyd created TID back in 2007 to help girls get some much deserved media presence on the web. She coaches several TID All Girls Clinics across Ontario, Canada. If you'd like to contribute content, photos, video or rider profiles please get in touch with her!