How did you get started in wakesurfing?
I started wakesurfing in 2019, and at first, I had no intention of taking it seriously. It all began because of stress—specifically, a visa delay for a group tour I had organized. With only three weeks until our flight, I was the only one without my passport. I needed an outlet, and nothing quite did the trick—swimming was too calm, fitness wasn’t enough, and boxing… well, my coach was too gentle.

Then I remembered my friends showing me wakesurfing a year prior. Smashing my face into the water repeatedly? Sounded like a solid stress relief plan!

After my first session, I was hooked. I bought a membership and surfed almost every day for an hour. That visa situation ended well, but the moment I returned home, I realized I missed wakesurfing—a LOT. From then on, it became a true passion. I spent my first season riding “for fun,” but my curiosity pushed me to try tricks. No coaching, no guidance—just a huge will and thousands of falls. But by the end of 2019, I landed my first 360!
 

What is your favorite thing about wakesurfing?
The community. I’ve always been surrounded by international crowds, but nothing else has brought so many incredible, passionate, and unique people into my life like wakesurfing. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from, or how old you are—if you wakesurf, we already share something important.

What board are you surfing and why?

I ride the Pure Tripp Model 4’4, and I knew it was the right board the moment I stood up on it. Before I even tried a trick or dropped the rope, I just felt it—this was the board I wanted under my feet. It responds to every little movement, almost like it reads my thoughts. I don’t feel like I’m riding a board; I feel like it’s part of me.

Who are your biggest influences in the sport?

There are too many to name! My influences continuously evolve as my relationship with wakesurfing grows. But right now, I have to say the Pure Wakesurf family.

They came into my life at a time when I was obsessively focused on progress and competition—so much that I was forgetting to actually enjoy the sport. They reminded me that wakesurfing isn’t just about landing tricks or winning events. It’s about having fun, feeling the water beneath you, and sharing those moments with others.

What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses as a wakesurfer?

Emotions. They’re both my strength and my weakness.

I put emotions into every single session, making each one feel unique and special. But sometimes, I’m too emotional, especially when reacting to my own performance. It can be a double-edged sword—fueling passion, but also making failures feel heavier than they should.

What is your favorite trick?

Big spin!

What is your training regimen like? Do you surf all year or seasonally?

From March 2021 to November 2024, I surfed 8-9 months out of the year. But now, I’m taking a true winter break. As for winter 2025-26… I have no idea what my plan is yet!

If you could wakesurf anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
            Italy – The scenery is breathtaking.
.          USA – The people and the energy they bring.

           Russia – It’s my home.

Who do you usually surf with?

Either friends-wakesurfers—because sharing the stoke is the best—or alone, when I want to focus.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out?

Never stop challenging yourself, and compete! It’s not just about podiums and titles. Competitions introduce you to the wakesurf community, help you make friends, and deepen your passion for the sport.

What is your favorite wakesurfing memory?

I have two!

The “boring” version: Landing my first big spin during the WWA competition in Madrid. It was my first event of the season, and I had never tried a big spin in competition before. It worked! The support I got from other athletes—even ones I had never met—was incredible.

The “beautiful” story:
Spring 2022. I was in Bali, learning to surf in the ocean. While struggling with the waves, a random man swam over to me and said:

“I know you! You’re a wakesurf coach.”

At that moment, I had just finished my first competitive season. I had just started coaching. I was full of self-doubt. And yet, in the middle of the ocean, in another part of the world, someone recognized me as a wakesurf coach.

That was the moment I knew—I was in the right place, doing the right thing.

What would your wakesurfing superhero name be?

Lady Slowdown 😆

If you could have any celebrity join you for a wakesurf session, who would it be and why?

Johnny Depp. I mean, he’s a pirate. He should already know how to enjoy life on a boat!

What does being part of the Pure Wakesurf team mean to you?

It means being part of a family.

The way this team communicates, supports, and welcomes you—it’s something real and rare. It’s not just about wakesurfing; it’s about values and relationships. Being part of Pure Wakesurf has even changed me as a person—making me kinder, more open, and more passionate.

And that’s what wakesurfing should be about.

You can follow Liza on Instagram here