Growing up on the lake, my brother Ben and I shared an unbreakable bond over water sports. The lake was our playground, a place where time seemed to slow and worries faded, when we were on the water. For Ben, who had struggled with a heart condition his entire life, the water became more than just a source of fun—it was a refuge. Unlike many other activities that left him drained, time on the lake gave him a sense of freedom and energy he couldn’t find anywhere else. But even on the water, his condition often held him back. Knowing this, he turned to me.
Ben always encouraged me, pushed me, and supported me. He believed in me more than I believed in myself. He would show me videos of wakeboarders and the then-emerging sport of wake surfing, his excitement was infectious. He would dream aloud about the tricks I could learn, the places I could go, and the potential I had. Every small victory on the water, he celebrated like it was his own. In a way, I think he was living his dream through me, and I was more than happy to share that dream with him.
Ben never got to see me land my first air. He never got to watch me compete, earn sponsorships, or innovate new tricks. But I know that he would be incredibly proud. Everything I do on the water, I do for both of us. I won’t ever stop chasing this dream, because in chasing it, I carry him with me.
Beyond my personal journey, wake surfing has given me a second family—a community filled with passionate, supportive, and incredible people. From my own family to the pro riders I once idolized, and the countless friends I’ve met along the way, wake surfing has been more than just a sport; it has been a source of love, encouragement, and connection. Every cheer, every high-five, and every piece of advice I’ve received has shaped me, not just as a rider, but as a person.
Because of Ben, because of this community, I’ve learned that the greatest thing we can do is lift others up. I strive to pass that same encouragement and passion along to the next generation. Whether it’s a beginner standing up for the first time or a fellow competitor taking first place at an event, I want to be the person who believes in them, the way my brother believed in me.
Wake surfing isn’t just a sport to me—it’s a way of life, a connection to my brother, and a reminder of the power of encouragement and perseverance. The waves will keep rolling, and I will keep riding, always pushing forward, always sharing the stoke, and always honoring the dream that started with Ben.
Jake Breedlove
Team Centurion Athlete
