A legend in every sense of the word, Caro Villeneuve has logged more hours on a board and in the boat than most. Originally from Canada, she has been with Phase 5 for years and she truly embodies what Phase 5 is all about! She may have taken a step back from competition over the last few years but she is still very involved with the sport. She runs a wakesurfing school – H20 School LTD – on Lake Koocanusa BC Canada every season and gives back as much to the wakesurf community as she can! Congrats again, Caro! You’re a legend!
PHASE 5: Caro, you’ve been in the sport for quite some time. Congrats on winning the Legend Award! What does it mean to you?
Caro:Thanks! I’m very flattered and honored to receive this award, and hearing the kind words from Max Smetts and Drew Danielo made it even more special Even though I have been “out of the game” for quite some time now, it really means a lot to still be acknowledged for everything I have contributed over the years. Being part of the early days of the sport, when we were all helping shape it into what it is today, and seeing this sport evolve from those earlier days into what it is now feels quite special for me to have been part of that journey.
And as you know, I wasn’t able to attend the Regatta in previous years, mostly because of timing. During the ceremony Max actually mentioned that he had wanted to give me this award years before, but was just waiting for me to make the trip so we could do it in person, which makes receiving this award this year even more special.
PHASE 5: How long have you been in the sport and what are some of your highest accomplishments?
Caro:I have been wakesurfing since 2007, started competing internationally in 2009, and attended my first World Wakesurfing Championship in 2011, the same year that I launched my wakesurf school on Lake Koocanusa, BC, Canada: H2O School Ltd.
As far as accomplishments, it would be hard to only pinpoint a few because I have worn so many hats over the years: athlete, coach, ambassador, board member on several committees, owner of H2O School, event organizer, judge and head judge all around the world. But if I had to group some of the biggest recognitions together, receiving the Legend Award, now twice, would definitely be at the top. The first time was at the World Wakesurfing Championship in 2020, where I became the first female to receive that award, and now receiving the Legend Award from the Phase 5 family means just as much.
Prior to those, I was also honoured with “Event Organizer of the Year” for bringing the first event part of the World Series of Wakesurfing to Canada, and “Wakesurfing Person of the Year” for my involvement in the creation of the world ranking system. All of these awards mean a lot because they recognize the work happening behind the scenes, not just what happens on the water.
Now, if we talk about accomplishments as an athlete, I think my results speak for themselves: out of the 94 events I competed in Pro Women Skim, I made the podium 77 times, including 42 first-place finishes and 24 second-place finishes. I also podiumed eight years in a row in the Pro Women Skim division at the World Wakesurfing Championships, including one World Champion title.
PHASE 5: How do you give back to the surfing community these days?
Caro:I have been extremely involved in giving back to the wakesurfing community for almost 20 years, but I am now stepping back a little and focusing more on H2O School and grassroots events: building athletes from the bottom up. There is nothing better than seeing someone drop the rope for the first time or land their first shuv-it. Those moments are incredibly special, and honestly, it is hard to find another feeling quite like it.
I also love introducing kids and adults to grassroots events so they can meet others who share the same passion. No matter where you are in the world, wakesurfing has such strong communities that bring people together, create friendships, and share the love for the sport in a really natural way.
PHASE 5: What sort of advice could you give to the youth in the sport?
Caro: I feel like I have a few pieces of advice I would like to share.
First, I like to think that we compete with people, not against them.
When you’re out there, you’re sharing the water, the energy, and the experience. So if you see someone you’re competing with having a bad run or is having a hard time, whether in your division or not, take a minute to go talk with them. It might mean more to them than you may think, and sometimes a simple tap on the shoulder might just be what they need in that moment.
And if someone you’re competing with just had the run of their life, don’t think, “Oh no, there’s no way I can beat that.” Instead think: “Wow, that was amazing! This is the kind of run that really pushes the sport forward,” and go find them when they come out of the water to give them a Hi-5. Sportsmanship is everything out there, and it’s what builds friendships that mean way more than trophies.
Second, be a good example in and out of the water, and that starts at home.
If you get frustrated in practice and start hitting the water, chances are when competition day comes and things don’t go your way, you might react the same way without even thinking about it. The habits you build at home are the ones that show up when it matters most.
And lastly, always finish on a good note when you’re training at home.
If you’re struggling with a trick and getting frustrated, don’t just end your session and go back on the boat upset. Take at least one more run, enjoy your surf, be grateful for the moment, and come back onto the boat with a smile. If you’re not getting back in the boat smiling, you’re doing it wrong *laughs*.
PHASE 5: Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
Caro: There are so many people I would like to thank, honestly too many to name, but if you’ve been part of my journey, I hope you know who you are and how grateful I am.
That being said, I must take a second to thank my wonderful parents. They may not have been physically there for all my travels and accomplishments during my adult years, but they raised me with strong values and gave me the foundation that made all of this possible. I am extremely grateful for everything they have done for me my whole life, and for shaping me into what I am today… because without them, I wouldn’t be me.
Special thanks to all my amazing sponsors for all the love and support over the years: Phase 5 Wakesurfers, Shuswap Ski & Board, Jeff Bezzeg and everyone at Centurion Boats who supported me for well over 15 years, Surfinity, BB Talking USA, and many others who believed in me throughout my career.
And a final huge thank you to the whole Phase 5 family for taking the time to connect and for continuing to support not just me, but the entire wakesurf community. Truly feeling blessed to be part of such an amazing family!
And if I can leave with a final thought, it would be that at the end of the day, trophies collect dust, but the memories and friendships built along the way are what truly matter. So go out there, have fun and enjoy the moment!
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