Professional wakeboarder Brad Smeele dedicated more than half of his life to perfecting his craft, and as a result he quickly became known as an innovator due to the level in which he pushed the limits of the sport.
Background
After claiming two Junior World titles, Brad became one of the first in the world to land a 1080. As his career progressed, he continued to push the sport with world firsts; such as the 22ft spillway step up and the multiple double flip combinations featured in the award-winning film ‘Prime’.
Brad won the 2014 Trick of the Year Award with the world’s first double tantrum (back flip) to blind over a mega ramp. Unfortunately, just weeks later, Brad took a heavy crash attempting to land that same trick again, resulting in him breaking his neck and leaving him a quadriplegic.
Current work
Brad now inspires people worldwide with his tenacity to not only regain movement, but also to live a full and action packed life, regardless of his debilitating injury. He has remained involved in his sport as a commentator at international wakeboarding events.
A greater purpose has also been found in Brad’s life - he is now a motivational speaker at schools, as well as charity and corporate events, inspiring people of all ages through his story of resilience and how he found happiness after his life changing injury.
He’s also passionate about raising awareness and funding for spinal cord injury research, and helping others facing similar life changing circumstances.
Awards
Pre-injury
• 2004 and 2005 Junior World Wakeboarding Champion
• Recipient of the 2013 international wakeboard announcer of the year award
• 2014 Wakeboarding Magazines Trick of the year award winner
• #1 in Wakeboarding Magazines 2014 Readers Poll
Post-injury
• 6 months of Toastmasters training
• Co-host of the 2016 Wakeboarding Magazines Wake Awards
• MC of the 2017 WWA Wake Open
• Co-host of the 2017 WWA World Series Rundown
