Chad Carlson: Pro Wake & Foil Surfer

August 11, 2026

Columns, Get Out There

From Liberty Lake to the Global Wakesurf Stage

By T. Ghezzi

Cover photo courtesy of Chad Carlson

Since the early 2000s, there has been a massive shift in popularity from waterski-specific boats to wakeboard and then wake-surf-specific boats. The transition from wakeboarding to wakesurfing was driven in large part by improvements in boat technology from companies like Malibu Boats, MasterCraft, and Nautique, which made it possible to generate bigger, cleaner, and more rideable wakes while enhancing overall safety. I believe wakesurfing gained popularity because it’s fun, intimate with the people in the boat, challenging, yet reasonably easy to learn. It doesn’t need perfect conditions and it’s low-impact.

This leads me to Chad Carlson, a professional wake and foil surfer originally from Spokane. Carlson spent his winters snowboarding and summers on the family boat and skateboarding. At a young age, he got his first taste of surfing on family trips to San Diego. He began wake surfing in middle school and quickly became dedicated, spending much of his time riding at Liberty Lake. By high school, he was competing locally with strong results, earning sponsorships and progressing to the semi-pro level. By his senior year, he had advanced to professional competitions. A year after graduation, he competed in the World Wakesurf Championship and took third! Since then, his podium success in global competition has been the standard.

In 2022, Carlson shifted more of his focus to foil surfing, competing in multiple events. Unlike a traditional wakesurf board, a foil board features an aluminum or carbon fiber mast with a hydrofoil wing mounted underneath that lifts the board, allowing riders to glide 2 to 4 feet above the water. This setup enables smooth riding, carving, and pumping (generating speed) within the boat’s wake. It’s similar to wakesurfing, but with greater efficiency, longer ride potential, and a more fluid, weightless feel.

Carlson says he enjoys foiling more than wakesurfing because the ride is smoother in rough water, faster, and carves and turns better, opening up the door for more tricks. He is at the forefront of the sport and is pushing progression. Carlson is one of the first to land a backflip 360 on a wakefoil.

When not training and competing, Carlson is a wake surfing instructor. What I found fascinating is a lot of his coaching is done internationally. He explained wakesurfing and foiling are more competitive in other cultures. For example, when he travels to countries like Spain, Greece, South Korea and Japan, he will spend time before and after his competition coaching locals eager to boost their skills. He also explained that these countries often have wakesurf clubs that provide full packages with all necessary equipment, so beginners and riders of any skill level can get started with ease.

When he’s not traveling the world competing, Carlson is based in Arizona, where he has spent the past four years training and working as a wakesurf coach. In a short span, he has put his stamp on the global sport that most of us view as a summer pastime. I for one don’t think he’s gotten the kudos he deserves as a home-grown wakesurf and wakefoiling competitor and innovator.

T. Ghezzi wrote about women snowboarders at Mt. Spokane in Out There’s spring issue. He looks forward to enjoying Mexican lagers on the Uprise Brewing patio this summer. Keep up with his adventures on Instagram @northwest_raised and @wildcannons.