10-year-old Rules Wake Surfing World A conversation with Raleigh Hager, 2012 Pro Female Wake Surfing World Champion

When she sits down for her interview, Raleigh Hager doesn’t respond to most of the questions directly. Rather, she turns back to her mom first, as if she’s looking for some sort of approval for what she’s about to say. Or, as likely, she’s double checking what she’s actually supposed to be doing here. Because she’s only ten it’s hard to fault her for not fully embracing the situation. Since when are pint-sized fifth graders, fresh off the playground, ever expected to fully ponder the depth of their actions and consider the extent of their potential anyway? Mom, a little help please?