Wake Magazine Profile: Josh Sanders

Date: Wake Magazine, Volume 5, Issue 4
Author: Bruce Robson
Photos: Adam Dodd

NSW rider Josh Sanders has built a huge reputation as one of the best young riders in the world.

Last year he finished in the world's top 10 and also took his first major title - the US Open. After a taste of this sort of success he's not letting go.

Josh has been at the forefront of wakeboarding in Australia since the beginning. He was our first Junior National Champion back in 1996, has been to five World Titles and three US X Games.

As well as the US Open he has won Melbourne (Moomba) Masters, the Asian X Games and the Planet X Xtreme Games. He also operates a successful wakeboard school, is planning his own contest - the Australian Wakeboard Open (November 18, Nowra, NSW) - and when Wake Magazine held a survey to find Australia's favorite rider he came in number one. And he's just turned 19!

Bruce Robson, who has been alongside Josh for most of his wakeboarding career, has a look at how it all happened, and what's coming up.

The thing that really took me by surprise during the time I spent with Josh putting this story together for Wake Magazine was his sheer determination to be the best. His commitment now is stronger than ever, and this is very evident in his preparation and dedication to his pro tour planning.

Josh's first tournament was the first Australian Nationals. Armed with a back roll, 360 and a new Flight 69 board, his main competition was Joel Wing, a guy with years of 3-event experience including some extensive trick ski skills. Josh says of that tournament, "It's just as well I won, I'd have quit this sport if I didn't! I don't like losing!"

By 1997, with O'Brien onboard as a sponsor, Josh had finished high school, moved down to the van at Nowra and set about making wakeboarding a career.

He signed his first US pro contract at Surf Expo, the yearly trade show in Orlando where all the big deals go down and riders spend the week shopping for new contracts.

US wakeboard legend Darin Shapiro later proclaimed Josh "the best 16-year-old rider in the world." The two later lived and trained together.

Josh's first year as a full time pro was difficult. Imagine being 16, living in the US and travelling the world with a bunch of rock stars who are also your wakeboarding heroes? He wasn't old enough to drive, rent a house, or go to the bar with all his friends…..legally. But he was one of the boys, and in reality he wasn't left out too often. Creative smuggling, fake ID procurement and living arrangements were necessary, and yes, Josh got into a little trouble from time to time.

A few years later Josh admits it's still not easy.

"It's been getting better, but even this last year was tough. Knowing I was going to be away from everyone for seven months made me a little anxious. I didn't sleep for the first week!"

With an introduction to adult life like that, Josh has to be one of the luckiest guys around, but he probably missed out on a little of the normal 16 and 17-year-old lifestyle. You grow up quickly when you're the only one under age and you learn to deal with people in a whole new way.

"I don't have a clue how people live a "normal" life, but when I get home and hang out with everyone I went to school with, I'm just another punter from school. They don't give a shit about what I do for a living and I don't give a shit about what they do."

Things haven't come easy on Josh's ride to the top of this sport. He trains hard, away from the limelight at Nowra, just him and his brother, hours a day, up and down the river. He keeps going until he learns whatever new trick he's focusing on, or until the consistency he craves finally starts to show.

His list of sponsors is impressive. O'Brien, Red Bull and Supra may sound like a short list for someone with so many achievements, but his work ethic is such that he likes to ensure he delivers the best possible exposure for those companies that support him.

2001 will be a big year for Josh. He's going to spend more time on planes than you could ever imagine. In the six months he'll be away from Australia, there are around 21 events all over the world he'll be at. His goal this year is to do as many events outside of the US that he can.

"I want to ride in Europe and wherever else I can this year. Thailand has always been my favorite event so the chance to see the world, get paid to do it and have so much fun is cool. This is the best job I could ever have!"

It sure isn't all business for Josh though. He has partied his way around the world for about four years now, and he is one of the funniest buggers you'll ever meet.

Some people have doubted the wisdom of playing so hard, but Josh has always been well aware of the consequences and responsibilities.

It's all been part of a master plan. He's been there, done that already. Now he's ready to make his mark.

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