Phase 5 is always on the lookout for riders who are stoked to be on the water, ride well, and love to share the sport of wakesurfing with anyone and everyone. We’ve made a few additions to the team for 2026 with that criteria in mind. Over the month of January, we’ll be announcing our new team riders and first on the list is Sam Wahnish from Clermont, FL. Sam has been around the water all his life and has really progressed his technical skimming over the last few seasons. RIding and getting coached by Sean Silveira has definitely helped! Join us in welcoming Sam and learn a bit more about him below!
Make sure to drop him a follow on Instagram HERE!
- Name: Sam Wahnish
- Nickname: The Wake Daddy
- Location: Clermont, FL
- P5 Board of Choice: 50" Phase Five Key V2
- Years Riding: 3
- Favorite Trick: Shuv Grab, Air 360
- Riding Crew: Christian Del Pino, Dustin Todd, Sean Silvera, Sam Langley
- Biggest Accomplishment in Wakesurfing: Winning the World Series of Wakesurfing stop in Tennessee.
PHASE 5: Hey Sam! Welcome to team P5. Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you get into wakesurfing?
Sam: I grew up participating and competing in watersports. My father was a professional barefoot water skier and I was introduced to all of the watersports at a young age. At the age of 5 years old, I had the opportunity to barefoot water ski in the Cypress Gardens Ski Show. As I grew older, I got hooked on wakeboarding. I had the opportunity to compete in grassroots events as well as some larger events in wakeboarding. Throughout the years of wakeboarding, I had a series of injuries on and off the water that kept me from being behind the boat. About three years ago, I began wake surfing in an effort to stay doing what I truly love, being on the water. I quickly became addicted and have been loving it ever since. Being on the water is truly therapeutic for me and I love to share my passion for watersports with others.
PHASE 5: What are you most excited about being with Phase 5?
Sam: I am very excited to be a part of such an amazing team and to have the opportunity to represent the best board manufacturer in the industry is an honor. I look forward to getting to know and ride with everyone on the team.
PHASE 5: Where's the coolest place wakesurfing has taken you?
Sam: Last year, I had the opportunity to do Centurion boat demos in New Mexico and bring a bunch of new riders out on the boats . The lake we were on is called Navajo Lake which is located in the center of a massive canyon and we stayed on a houseboat on the lake in the marina for several days. It was an awesome experience and being from Florida, I had never seen a lake like that before. It was truly one of those experiences that while I was riding through the canyon, I had to stop mid run and take in the scenery.
PHASE 5: Which rider on the P5 team are you most stoked to shred with?
Sam: I am looking forward to building new relationships and riding with everyone on the team. I have ridden with Sean Silveira quite a bit, being that we are both from Clermont. I look forward to riding with him more to pick his brain and continue to progress my riding.
PHASE 5: What are your plans for 2026?
Sam: My plans for 2026 are to have a great time with family and friends on the water and bring new people into the sport. I will also be competing throughout the season in the WSWS and hope to get an invitation to Worlds and compete for a World Title.
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