Catching Waves: A Pig, a Wave, and How a Little Girl Became a Wakesurf Champion

This is the true story of how little Raleigh Hager became the youngest professional wakesurf world champion.

From the moment little Raleigh popped up on a surfboard at five years old, the waves held her heart. She couldn’t imagine anything as exciting as becoming a surfer girl (except maybe getting her own pet micro mini pig). Soon Raleigh realized that she lived too far from the ocean to surf those waves often. So, her dad took her to a nearby lake, where she learned to surf a different type of wave, the wake behind a boat. Raleigh discovered the thrill of wakesurfing and began competing, catching waves after every crash and disappointment, and proving that even a little girl can achieve her dreams.

Raleigh’s story will inspire little kids to dream big, face challenges, and keep riding the waves of life.

An empowering book, written and illustrated by masters division World Wakesurf Champion, Dawn Marie Hooks, about finding the strength to follow your dreams. Author notes include more about Raleigh and writing her story, a glossary of wakesurf terms, and highlights of Raleigh’s early competition years.

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