The Mindset by Ashley Inloes took the wakesurfing world by storm with its introduction into the Phase 5 line last year. But what makes it so special? Well, we caught up with designer and pro team rider Ashley Inloes to pick her brain and get more of an idea of her “Mindset” when she’s off and on the water. Check it out below and pick up your very own Phase 5 Mindset HERE!
PHASE 5: Hey Ashley, how has this season been treating you?
Ashley: It’s been awesome! Been traveling a lot for lessons so definitely busy!
PHASE 5: That’s great! What we really wanted to talk to you about is your “mindset” and how the board – the Mindset – came to be! What was really on your mind when designing this board?
Ashley: I wanted to design a board that was specifically made for smaller riders, not just a board with a pink graphic! When watching riders such as Jett Lambert, I noticed that their feet were way closer to the edges than mine were. That’s when I figured out my design for the Mindset! The Mindset is narrower than most skim boards to make it so your toes and heels are closer to the edges, giving you more control!
PHASE 5: More on your “mindset”...how do you view surfing now and where do you see it going in the coming years?
Ashley: The biggest change for me is seeing all the groms come in! I can’t imagine what these kids will be doing by the time they’re my age! I didn’t really start surfing till I was 16 so they definitely have an advantage!
PHASE 5: How do you plan to navigate that change as a professional rider?
Ashley: Honestly just moving to the coaching side of things! I’ve been coaching a lot of the little girls coming up and my main goal for them is to be better than me! Passing what I’ve learned to the next generation seems like the most amazing way to leave your mark in the sport!
PHASE 5: Back to your board…when designing it, we know you wanted it to be smaller to help out the groms and young riders. Why was that so important to you?
Ashley: I watched the groms ride the exact same size boards as me for years and there were certain tricks they just couldn’t do with a bigger board! That’s when I decided to make a kids version of my board.
PHASE 5: Did you make any major design changes to it from 2024 to 2025?
Ashley: Nope! I LOVE the shape of my board and don’t see a reason to change anything until I can find a way to make it better!
PHASE 5: Thanks for your time, Ashley! We’re always stoked to see what you’re doing on the water. Is there anything you want to tell people about the new model coming out for the 2026 season?
Ashley: Hmmm…maybe just that it’s my favorite graphic yet! I can’t wait for everyone to see it!
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