Meet Charlotte Millward – living for the wake, always chasing the next trick

My journey into wakeboarding began when I was 10 years old, on a tiny little boat with an outboard engine on the Greek island of Poros. I put on a mini pair of waterskis and had my mum, who was a keen waterskier, there to hold my hand. I was lucky that the water there was a lot warmer than back home in England, near Birmingham in the West Midlands. I was an adventurous little girl, so after that I’d either spend my weekends out in the forest climbing trees or down at Chasewater, waterskiing in the Saturday kids’ club.

Three years later, at 13 years old, I saw somebody put on a wakeboard and throw down the coolest-looking backflip. I think from that moment on, it was clear that my waterskiing days were numbered. After that I’d spend all of my time at Chasewater on my wakeboard, trying to tick off the next trick on my list.

I didn’t realise that wakeboarding could become something more serious for me, until people at my club began encouraging me to enter competitions. I was pretty much in my own lane and happy practicing my tricks, so when I entered the National Championships for the first time and came away with second place I was really surprised. I didn’t really have any female role models in wakeboarding at that time, so I was often comparing myself to the men and was pretty unaware of my own ability. When I started doing OK in the competitions I realised: wow, maybe I’m actually doing better than I thought!

That placing meant automatic selection for the Great British Wakeboard Team. From that point on, I started competing seriously and training with the friends I’d made through competitions – some of whom were also members at my club, and I’ve trained with them ever since. For the past 15 years, we’ve had the most amazing time travelling and riding together.

A particular career highlight for me was after that first selection when I got sent to the Europe and Africa Championships in South Africa. It was my first ever international competition and I remember all of my friends at home being quite taken aback, wondering why I was going to Africa in the school holidays. It was a daunting thing to do at 15, but I managed to win a gold medal, becoming European Champion in the Junior Women’s category at that competition. I remember when I found out the news my teammates threw me into the pool fully clothed. It’s something that will stay with me forever, and doing that with my other teammates who won medals too was incredible.

If I had a message for people who are new to watersports and to wakeboarding, it would be to keep it fun. The water is cold here in England, so wrap up warm in your Red Equipment robe, reward yourself with a hot bath and a mug of hot chocolate. Use the sport as an opportunity to connect with others, and get involved in events too – because there’s some really lovely, interesting and adventurous people around and being part of a community like that can really enrich your life. My perfect day on the water is one where the sun comes out, the conditions are nice and there are good people around.

Follow Charlotte’s wakeboarding journey @charlottemillward on Instagram.