Whitley Roberts has been at the top of women’s wakesurfing for quite some time and she just came off of possibly her best year to date! Winning multiple high-profile competitions – World Championship, National Championship, Masters Championship, and the IWWF World Championship – she missed out on a perfect contest season by only one contest! But if we know her, that will just give her ammunition to do even better in 2027. We connected with her to see how she felt about the year all together. Check it out below.
PHASE 5: Whitley! What a year 2026 has been for you. How do you feel about it?!
Whitley: Honestly, it's hard to put into words what a year 2026 has been! It's been one of those years that I'll look back on for a long time, both personally and professionally. Winning the World Championship, National Championship, Masters Championship, and the IWWF World Championship in China made it an incredibly special season. On top of all of that, I got married this year, so it's been a pretty unforgettable year outside of competition, too! I'm just feeling extremely grateful for all the opportunities, experiences, and memories that came with it.
PHASE 5: What was your favorite moment from this last season?
Whitley: Going to China for the IWWF World Championship with Team USA was definitely one of the highlights. Getting to travel internationally, compete against some of the best in the world, and be a part of such an amazing team was such an incredible experience. It's not every day you get an opportunity like that, and it's something I'll always remember. Winning is always special, but getting to experience something like that makes all the hard work leading up to it worth it.
PHASE 5: Is there anything you’d go back and change, given the chance?
Whitley: Hmmm… that’s a hard question. I would probably say just to put less stress on all of the competitions and to just have fun and not get as nervous (which is something I am always trying to work on). I also would’ve loved to go back to the first comp of the season in AZ and redo that comp because that was the only comp this season I didn’t win and I would’ve loved to have an undefeated season.
PHASE 5: You had some big wins this season. Did any in particular mean more than the others?
Whitley: Thank you! The biggest win to me this season was by far winning the World Championship. I put a lot of pressure on myself to win that competition because I knew that if I won, I would hold the title for most consecutive world championships won by a female. I was so happy to be able to accomplish that goal and now hold that record.
PHASE 5: What are your plans for the offseason?
Whitley: My plans are to enjoy this offseason by spending a lot of time with my husband and new friends. We have some fun trips planned which I am very excited about. I will continue to go down to FL a few times to keep up my tricks, but I ultimately want to enjoy this new season of life that I am in.
PHASE 5: What about 2027? Any cool trips scheduled yet?
Whitley: I have a few fun trips planned with Bo and our friends and will be traveling for some competitions.
PHASE 5: Thanks for chatting with us, Whitley! Is there anything else you’d like to share before we go?
Whitley: Just a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. None of these accomplishments happen without the people behind the scenes who encourage you, push you, and believe in you. I'm so thankful for the opportunities I've had this year, and I don't take any of it for granted. It's been an incredible year, and I'm excited to carry that momentum into 2027!
Pick up Whitley's Pro Model board -- the KEY WHITLEY PRO -- HERE!
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