Wake Magazine Profile: Amber Cree

Date: Wake Magazine, Summer 2000
Interviewer: Kylie Froggatt
Photos: Adam Dodd

Wake: How does it feel to be the first chick on the cover of Aussie Wake?

AC: It doesn't feel real right now. It's really weird to think that I'm on the cover of a mag that you can just pick up at any newsagents! I guess I'm flattered, but I never thought this would happen.

Wake: What do your family think?

AC: My Mum and Dad were pretty stoked when I mentioned it might happen. When they actually see it and read this they'll be proud.

Wake: What are you up to right now, Amber?

AC: At the moment everything is happening for me and starting to work out as I want. Work, friends, boyfriend (Keenan Badger), living in Cronulla with Nat (Taylor). I've hit a different level with wakeboarding too. To sum it up, it doesn't get any better than this.

Wake: Nice. What do you mean about a different level with wakeboarding?

AC: For ages wakeboarding was consuming my life. It was all I thought about, everything else was second best. I went to the US for their summer and went in the Worlds in '98 and got second. I came back for our summer and rode as much as I could, and finished by winning the Nationals last April. I was right into comps and riding all the time, but I had a nagging knee injury so straight after Nationals I had an arthroscope which stopped me from riding and gave me time to contemplate the whole deal and where I wanted to go with it.

Wake: So the injury changed things for you - sounds familiar!

AC: Initially it made me think I was over wakeboarding, and at the time some of my close friends - Keenan and Nat Taylor - were going through rehab from reconstructions. I guess it scared me off a little 'cause I didn't want to go through all that. It wasn't like I blew my knee or anything major, but it was enough to make me start thinking and see I was getting a bit burnt out. Having the time off has made me appreciate riding for different reasons; it's not just comps and busting yourself up to prove something. For me, riding now is something which should feel good. I can remember getting out on the water and feeling like I had to ride because I got this far and had to keep going with it. That's not what it's about.

Wake: Let's talk about your riding now. When I think of you I think of style and big smooth tricks. Like your killer slob 360. Reece Jordan says you do them better than anyone he knows.

AC: That makes me feel good. Coming from Reece it's a real compliment. I came to wakeboarding without ever having surfed, skated or snowboarded, so my style wasn't influenced by any other sports or experience. I've never put the emphasis on learning more tricks as opposed to perfecting what I can already do. I'd rather do one trick big and styley than five sketchy tricks just for the sake of having five tricks under my belt. I suppose I'm a bit of a perfectionist.

Wake: So you don't feel the pressure to learn all the big tricks to prove yourself?

AC: Sometimes. I started to feel the pressure for a while because I don't do many inverts, but I got over that. I realise it's not about how many upside downers you can do. It's not what you do but how you do it. As long as it feels good.

Wake: It's more about putting your own stamp on the sport?

AC: Yeah.

Wake: Speaking of which, you have picked up an exciting sponsor recently?

AC: Yes Starlet - a chicks' surf/alternative clothing label has taken me on. It's been really good because it has helped me feel the stoke for riding again. Starlet are young and have direction and are really supportive of what I do. They have killer clothes too. It's exciting for me to grow with them and help create their image.

Wake: So with this new enthusiasm to ride, what's your direction for the rest of summer and beyond?

AC: For me now it's all about hanging out with my wakeboarding buddies. I'm still doing comps and working on the committee in NSW. We're working hard to give the comps a different angle and get rid of the negativity that was building up around comps. This year is about putting fun back into them.

Wake: So I hear you're a lagger when it comes to learning new tricks?

AC: Yes, well I am known as Queen Lagger; I haven't tried anything new for about a year now.

Wake: Really, that's so bad!

AC: Well, two weeks ago I did my first toeside 180! I was stoked - never done them before.

Wake: Ha ha. Seriously, what could we expect to see from you soon?

AC: I wanna learn and try more stuff. I'm close to a toeside roll to revert. But I want to do it with a slob grab, otherwise Keenan is going to kick my ass. He does them better than anyone I know. I definitely want to learn a five - that's number one on my list.

Wake: You were close to them last year?

AC: Yep. I guess the injury held me back there. But I'm ready now. I'm feeling a new sense of motivation. Bottom line is I'll do what feels good.

Wake: I'm sure you have some special mentions and thank yous?

AC: Hell yeah. Firstly, without wakeboarding, I wouldn't know the people I'm close to now, and without you guys and chicks I wouldn't be having the fun I'm having now. You're the best. Hyperlite have been there from day one and I've always been stoked to be riding their boards. Thanks again to Starlet, and to Dragon for the shades.

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