Jeremy "Wally" Wahlberg
Jeremy Wahlberg, a retired military veteran with 28 years of dedicated service as a First Sergeant, has lived a life defined by adventure, service, and a deep love for water sports. His deployment in 2007-2008 during Operation Iraqi Freedom reflects his unwavering commitment to duty and his country.
Jeremy's journey extends far beyond the military. He shares his remarkable life with his incredible wife, Kaelyn Wahlberg, a retired Sergeant First Class with 20 years of service. Together, they've built a family filled with love, raising two sons Devin, London and, in October 2023, welcoming a 12-year-old girl Bella, into their hearts through adoption.
The Wahlberg Family is united by their passion for water sports, particularly wakesurfing and wakeboarding. Their shared enthusiasm for these activities has not only brought them closer but has also become a central part of their lives.
In 2019, Jeremy and his family embarked on a mission close to their hearts. They started the Heroes Tour with a vision of giving back to families who, like theirs, are deeply committed to serving their community and country. Their goal was simple yet profound: to provide opportunities for others to heal mentally and discover a lifelong passion for water sports.
In 2022, the Heroes Tour officially became "Our Heroes Tour," a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This transformation marked a deeper commitment to community service and support for those who have served.
Our Heroes Tour's mission is nothing short of inspiring: to provide unique and unforgettable experiences for past and present First Responders, Military personnel, and their families. These experiences not only allow them to engage in thrilling water sports but also provide precious moments to live, laugh, and love together as a community of heroes.
Beyond their charitable work, the Wahlberg Family owns and operates the Minnesota Wakesurf Championship (MNWSC). This championship event has become a highlight on every wakesurfer's calendar during the summer months.
The MNWSC offers a diverse range of activities, from thrilling on-water action to sponsor booth markets, fireworks displays, beer gardens, live music, parades, and even stunt bike shows. With an annual attendance of 8,000 to 10,000 people, this event has ascended to become one of the top spots on the World Series of Wakesurfing (WSWS) circuit.
Jeremy Wahlberg's life story is a testament to the values of adventure, service, family, and the pursuit of shared passions. From his distinguished military career to his commitment to giving back through Our Heroes Tour and the promotion of the Minnesota Wakesurf Championship, Jeremy embodies the spirit of dedication, community, and the pursuit of meaningful experiences. His journey serves as an inspiring reminder that through service, family, and shared passions, we can make a positive impact on the lives of others while creating lasting memories for ourselves.
Caro Villeneuve
Caro is literally a legend. Having competed in Pro Women Skim, earning 72 podium appearances out of 89 competitions, including 40 first places, 23 second places, and various titles. She has also made a mark at the World Wake Surfing Championship, achieving podium finishes 8 out of 11 times and securing a World Title in 2015. In 2020, she became the first female recipient of the prestigious Legend Award. Her influence extends beyond competition, as she has contributed to the development of wakesurfing by creating the world ranking system, participating in wakesurfing committees, and has taught over 1000 people to wakesurf. While she still enjoys wakesurfing, her focus now lies in coaching and supporting her students, inspiring young athletes, and promoting the sport.
Since 2011, she has owned and operated a wakesurf school on Lake Koocanusa, BC, Canada. She also travels worldwide to provide coaching services. For lessons, visit www.h2oschoolbc.com.
Grant Korgan
Grant Korgan is a multi-sport athlete who has left an indelible mark on the world of water sports, as a Pro Team member of the Centurion Boats family. With his unwavering determination and inspiring story of resilience, Grant has become a heartfelt part of the industry we all love so much.
Grant's on-water style is characterized by a blend of adventure-athleticism, creativity, and flow. However, his journey took an unexpected turn when he faced a life-altering accident. In 2010, while snowmobiling in the Sierra Nevada mountains, he suffered a severe Spinal Cord Injury which left him paralyzed from the waist down. This devastating incident could have easily shattered Grant's dreams, but instead, ignited an even stronger flame within him.
Undeterred by the perception of physical limitation, Grant embarked on a remarkable journey of rehabilitation and recovery. With unwavering determination and the support of his circle, he defied all odds to reclaim his athletic life. Through intensive physical therapy and becoming the first person with a spinal cord injury to push himself to Antarctica’s geographic South Pole, he pioneered ways to once again participate in the sports he loved.
In 2015, Grant began development with Centurion Boats founder Rick Lee, on the sport of adaptive surfing. The duo developed gear, safety measures and techniques which opened the door for countless others to experience the magic of surfing, regardless of physical ability. Later that year, Grant signed with Centurion Boats as a pro team athlete!!
Grant's incredible resilience and refusal to be defined by his injury have made him an example of forward-movement to people worldwide. He has become an advocate for adaptive sports and an ambassador for the limitless potential of the human spirit. By sharing his story and pushing the boundaries of what is possible, Grant has touched the lives of countless individuals facing their own challenges.
As a Centurion athlete, Grant continues to push the boundaries of his sport with infectious enthusiasm, both on and off the water. Whether he is mentoring aspiring athletes, or participating in adaptive sports programs, Grant remains a beacon of hope and a true ambassador for the power of perseverance. Grant's story serves as a testament to the power of human will and a reminder that with determination, everything is possible.
Matt Manzari
Husband. Father of three. Pro wakeskater. Twice nearly died. On the water Matt was an innovator landing many firsts in the sport, including the first underflip (changing the board flip direction midair). He has titles like “trick of the year”, “wakestock champion” and many more. In 2015 Matt was electrocuted while trimming trees at a church project. Over 12,000 volts melted the skin off his chest and arms causing 4th and 5th degree burns all over his upper body. Since, Matt’s had 78 surgeries to get back on the water and back to being the dad and husband his family needs! Matt and Bobbye Jean have three little boys, and they love to adventure, camp,travel, and play on the lake! Matt loves to Foil, wakesurf, snowboard, and pretty much anything with a board!
Sean Cummings
Sean has been wakesurfing for over 17 years and competed professionally for 14 years. He has organized events, emceed major competitions (including the World Championships), and appeared in an iPhone commercial and on the Oh Sit game show to promote wakesurfing globally. Sean also coaches new riders and shares his passion for the sport worldwide.
Robby Maschhaupt
For 18 years, Robby was a gasman in NASCAR. However, his passion extends far beyond the racetrack. Throughout his entire life, he has been an avid watersports enthusiast, which has earned him recognition and accolades in the industry. In both 2017 and 2021, Robby was honored by Wakeboarding Magazine as the recipient of the prestigious Pass the Handle award and the Troy Gentry award in 2018. He was also the receipt of the WSIA Larry Meddock award in 2021. This esteemed recognition serves as a testament to his outstanding dedication and contributions to the watersports community.
Moreover, Robby is the founder of Operation Wake Surf, a remarkable non-profit organization. Through this initiative, he shares his deep passion for watersports with the brave men and women who protect our communities and our country. This initiative embodies his commitment to giving back and making a positive impact on the lives of others. Robby exemplifies the values of #Salute2Service, #PayingItForward, and #MakingLivesBetter.
Chad Lowe
Chad is the owner and operator of CAL Wake, Northern California's premier wake school. With over 20 years of coaching experience and a lifetime on the water, Chad Lowe has become the choice wakeboard coach for riders of every level- from beginner to professional.
A Wakeboard World Champion and USA National Wakeboard Champion, Chad is also accredited by the National Association of Sports Medicine as a Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT.) He credits his long career in the sport to his holistic approach to training and wellness, and trains his riders with the same approach in mind.
Chad has earned the distinction of an Elite Coach through USA Wakeboarding, which is the group campaigning for the inclusion of wakeboarding at 2020 summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. He is also a board member of USA Wakeboarding, was the 2018 team captain for USA Wakeboarding (boat,) is a qualified judge for World Wakeboard Association and is an IWWF judge. Having started his coaching career at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center while attending San Diego State University, Chad now goes back to San Diego to train the coaches at MBAC each season.
As a professional wakeboard coach, Chad has had the opportunity to share his expertise worldwide, having hosted wakeboard clinics in Ireland, Greece, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Germany, Holland, Japan and all over the US.
Ken Scribner
Ken is a devoted family man whose deep love for water sports shines through. Alongside his beautiful wife, Tanya, and their remarkable children, Jarrett and Paige, along with her husband Gunner, they have embraced a vibrant life revolving around water skiing and wake surfing. As a competition driver for the World Series of Wake Surfing (including the last 5 years at Worlds), Ken has watched many of these pro surfers grow up and considers them his family as well. With 12 years on the school board, including 9 as president, Ken takes pride in the positive changes made in his district. He also volunteers with Salute 2 Service programs, driving for Operation Wake Surf and Operation Get Out and Get out Girl, bringing joy to our nation's heroes as they learn to surf. When not on the water, he indulges his passion for motorcycles.