Here at Memphis Boat Center we have had very little time to stop and catch our breath with Memorial Day around the corner. We are so happy to see that everyone is excited about the holiday and coming in to the store and stocking up with the best products from our pro shop. Being an exclusive Hyperlite/Byerly dealer we are proud to carry the best boards in the industry designed by the best athletes in the world.

One of these such athletes, Raimi Merritt, is hard at work getting ready for a summer full of competitions and events. Raimi has established herself as one of the best women wakeboarders in the world, but no matter her celebrity status and fame, she remains grounded and is one of the nicest people you could ever have a conversation with. She keeps her friends close and family closer. Enjoy our exclusive interview with Raimi as we find out a little about her and her plans for Memorial Day.


Q: What is your favorite part about spending a warm summer holiday out on the lake with friends and family? Do you have any plans for Memorial Day this year?

A: My favorite part is being able to make memories with the people you love and enjoy spending time with. I grew up on the lake and spending time with my family skiing and wake boarding, so I love being able to continue to do that throughout my life. I will be competing in the Nautique Masters this Memorial Day weekend!

Q: When did you start wakeboarding? Who was your biggest influence while learning how to ride?

A: I started wake boarding at the age of 9. My dad was definitely my biggest influence because he introduced me into wake boarding and was my drive and encouragement throughout my learning process. He also was a professional barefoot waterskier, so I wanted to follow his footsteps.

Q: With the Maiden being one of the best all around boards that we have seen, what would you tell a girl who is thinking about a new board but is not quite sure what to get? In your words why is your board a cut above the rest, but yet friendly for anyone to use?

A: All of the womens boards on the hyperlite line are made specially for women riders, which is one of the main reasons the maiden is such a great board to ride. My favorite part of the maiden board is the continuous rocker, which allows me to have a consistent edge up and through the wake and it also gives me the ability to have a big pop! The Brighton system boots that are a part of the maiden series and the only womens system boots out are also awesome because they have great ankle support and include the BOA system that helps fit to any ankle. On top of all the great technical stuff the maiden series LOOKS AWESOME & FUN!

Q: Everyone we talk to has their favorite location to take their friends and family out on the lake, where would you say your favorite place to ride is?

A: I would have to say my backyard here in Orlando, fl on Lake Conway!

Q:What do you see in your future in wakeboarding? How do you want to be remembered?

A: I see my riding to continue progressing and competing. I want to be remembered all around from my personality to my riding. The more I ride the more I learn and make my own style and that is a huge reason why I love wake boarding because I can do stuff in my own way.

Learn a Trick with Raimi.

Imagine being on the boat with Raimi Merritt. You have your boots strapped on and ready to hit the water. As a beginner, you are a little nervous, but you are excited to to get out there. You look up, and there you see Raimi, who tells you the secret of how to get better and more comfortable on your new Maiden. and the best trick to learn first on the water.

Raimi Merritt: First of all always have fun! Dont beat yourself up if you dont get something the first try because once you do get it, everything else becomes super easy. One of the best tricks to learn first is wake to wake jumps. The first invert I learned was a heel side backroll.

Memphis Boat Center would like to say thank you to Raimi for taking the time with us and we wish her the best of luck this season. For a chance to meet Raimi or watch her ride make sure to go cheer her on at the following competitions.

 The masters. Memorial Day Weekend.
July 18-20 the Pan Am Olympic Sports Festival in Mexico.
July 24-27  Nautique nationals. August 21-24 Nautique wake open in Orlando.
September 11-14 Worlds in South Florida..

If you are looking for a new set up, make sure to contact your local Hyperlite/Byerly dealer or come on in to Memphis Boat Center and ask for Enrique.