Tarah Benzel Mikacich

July 20th, 2009 | Profiles

Name: Tarah Benzel Mikacich

Birthday: January 9, 1984

Seasons Competing: 2

Cable or Boat or Both? both

Sponsor shout out: O’Brien, OWC, Body Glove, Straight Line, SayiWon’t, Point Conception, Cobian

Hometown: Groveland, FL

Current residence: Orlando, FL

Board set up: O’Brien Vixen 137, Vice boots

Where is your riding crew based out of? Orlando Watersports Complex

What is your favourite thing about wakeboarding? The attitude that wants everyone to do well & get better. It’s not a selfish sport.

Whats something unique about wakeboarding in your country? I think the love of water & freedom in the air is worldwide.

Where is your absolute favourite place to ride? at home on Lake Holden

Places you have traveled to for wakeboarding: Lake Shasta, Donner Lake, Folsom Lake, American River, Colorado River, Willamette River, Dallas, St. Paul, Kenosha, Reno

Favourite Rider: Most of the top riders are my friends so I like them all. I never really think of having a favorite. I like individual things from a lot of riders.

Favourite Animal: white stripy tiger

Favourite Trick: TS roll to blind

Favourite Music: Our Lady Peace

What are some of your best results? 2007 3rd Pro Women at Board Up Miami, 2007 3rd Pro Women at Pan Am Championships, 2006 1st at Nationals & Worlds – Amateur Women

What are some of your thoughts on female wakeboarding at the pro level? The girls are really starting to push it more than ever. I don’t see girls slacking anymore, like they were accused of in years past. We are having fun hitting more rails & doing tricks beyond the standards

What do we need to do to help the progression of women’s wakeboarding? Show women wakeboarding in more places & more often. The girls coming up in the sport need to know that it’s not uncommon to see other girls shred. Having it out there makes every girl want to push for more! To do this, we really need to find a sponsor that wants to get behind the women’s side of the sport.

Props to anyone? My husband Cobe Mikacich & my parents, who have supported my love of water sports & pursuing my dream, also props to all the girls that paved the way from the start

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!