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

This is the true story of how Raleigh Hager became the world's youngest professional wakesurf 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 having her own pet micro mini pig). Soon Raleigh realized that she lived too far from the ocean to surf those waves often enough. So, her dad took her to a nearby lake, where she learned to surf a different type of wave, the wake behind a boat. Before long, Raleigh discovered the thrill of wakesurfing and began competing, catching waves after every crash and disappointment, and proving that even a little girl can reach her dreams.

An empowering biography, Raleigh's story will inspire little readers to dream big, face challenges, and keep riding.

Lively text and vibrant watercolor illustrations by Dawn Marie Hooks (a mom, teacher, and masters division World Wakesurf Champion) capture the thrill of wakesurfing and tell the story of one child who found the strength to follow her dreams. Author notes include more information about Raleigh and writing her story, a glossary of wakesurf terms, and highlights of Raleigh's early wakesurf competitions.