Champion to Challenger: Charlotte Millward’s Wakeboarding Journey to the World Games

How did it feel having that target on your back as reigning champion?

Defending my title meant so much to me, but to be able to compete to my best ability sometimes I have to try and wipe that from my mind and concentrate on how much I just enjoy being out there!

Is there a difference in feeling between chasing a title and defending one?

Yes, definitely. When you’re chasing a title for the first time you can really harness the determination more and go after it. The proud feeling of that first win never really fully sinks in, nor goes away, so I love looking back at that. Defending your title is a lot more difficult because it’s hard to sustain that level of riding for a long time with a less clearly defined end goal.

You’ve now got the World Games coming up – how do you handle the pressure of such a big year of competition?

Honestly, I’m really just looking forward to the event, seeing everyone and getting to go to China again. Looking at every trip as a holiday and exploring the local area helps a lot! Trying to balance training with avoiding injury has been my biggest worry this year because I want to make it to the World Games more than anything, so I’ve added a bit more strength and conditioning into my daily routine too.

Walk us through a typical training session…

Recently I’ve been rocking up to the lake about 30 to 40 minutes early, which is a change for me. I use my EVO Pro Changing Robe to get changed out the back of my little converted Caddy van, it’s great because it helps with privacy and keeps me warm too, so I’m not going into the water already cold before my ride. I do some gentle warm-ups and stretches wearing it, often followed by spending a good 20 minutes having to untangle my tow rope! I usually go out for a 30-minute wakeboard set, start with some basic tricks to warm up and then go into my competition run. At the end of that I’ll work on the hardest trick, which is usually at the end of that run – or if I’ve got enough time I’ll try something new.

What Red kit won’t you be without?

My Waterproof Tote Bag is really essential for competition day, I use it to carry everything I need onto the dock. It’s a lifesaver because I zip my phone and keys into the inside waterproof pocket, and when the boat washes waves over the dock, I can compete not having to worry about keeping any of my stuff safe and dry. It’s a game changer!

How did Nationals go for you?

Nationals didn’t go as planned for me this year, to say the least! Going in knowing I was defending a title, in challenging conditions – then I suffered a hit to my knee in qualifiers, which made it very difficult. I got through qualifiers, but was then advised to not hit my final run in order to save my body and prepare for the World Games. I really wanted to do my best because it was at my home club too. But I’ll take away some memories of my club hosting such a great event and a big sense of support from my teammates and managers at Wakeboard UK, who’ve really helped out so much. 

After making it through qualifiers, was it a hard decision to retire?

Sitting out on finals and giving up the title without a fight was the hardest decision, yes. But I’ve worked so hard to qualify for the World Games – it required a Nationals win last year and a world ranking. The World Games only happens once every four years, it really is a rare opportunity, so however hard the decision was, my fitness and long-term goals were more important this time. My team manager really backed me on this and explained the situation with my knee to others, which I’m so thankful for. I hope to be back fighting for the national title again next year though…

Moving onto your competition focus – any new tricks you’ve been working on for the World Games?

I’ve been working on getting my toeside 540s as consistent as possible. I’ve also been trying a few crowmobes and wrapped KGBs.

What’s your gameplan going into the rest of the year?

My plan is to work on getting into the best shape I can for the World Games, boarding that flight injury free and really making the most of my time there. After that I can’t wait to chill out a bit, get more creative and work on some new tricks again. After the World Games I’m looking forward to the European Championships with my teammates – I’m definitely going to try and relax into it a bit more and strive for a good finish to the season.

Any advice for young wakeboarders trying to reach your level?

It doesn’t matter if you fall, as long as you just keep getting back up again. It’s not just about talent, it’s about having grit and always finding a way to be positive and enjoy yourself.

Follow Charlotte’s progress at the World Games and beyond on Insta @charlottemillward